Colorado River Rafting

Colorado River rafting provides the most exhilarating white water rafting in America. It is Utah's most popular river, and for a good reason! The thrill of whitewater and the rare beauty of southeastern Utah's red rock canyons make a Colorado River rafting trip breathtaking for both its excitement and beauty! There are four main white water rafting sections on the Colorado River.

Colorado River rafting sections include:

   •  Westwater Canyon - located NE of Moab
   •  Fisher Towers - located NE of Moab
   •  Cataract Canyon - located SW of Moab
   •  The Grand Canyon

Each section of the river is unique, and may be appropriate for differing skill levels and ages.

Westwater Canyon
National Geographic labeled Westwater Canyon as "the West's Best Short White Water Rafting Trip." The 17-mile river stretch contains 11 class 3-4 rapids, plus numerous less-challenging rapids. This section of the Colorado River has been nicknamed the "Little Grand," in comparison to the famous rapids of the Grand Canyon. Westwater visitors will raft through deep canyons surrounded by towering walls of black, gold, and red. From intense whitewater, to breathtaking geological formations, this trip is incredible! Westwater Canyon is best run from April through October. Peak time is in June. Westwater Canyon begins near the Utah/Colorado border, approximately 50 miles northeast of Moab, Utah. more info | westwater canyon guides

Fisher Towers
The Fisher Towers section of the Colorado River is also known as the "Colorado Daily." It is an excellent white water rafting trip for first-timers, families, or anyone hesitant about stepping into a raft! While the water is relatively calm (6 class 2 rapids; the rest of the water is smooth), the scenery is spectacular, and wildlife is frequently spotted. The area has been the setting for numerous western movies, and many television commercials. Fisher Towers is best run from April through October. Peak time lasts from mid-May through mid-June. Fisher Towers rafting trips launch just north of Moab, Utah. more info | fisher towers guides

Cataract Canyon
Experienced white water rafters consider it to be among the best white water rafting in the country. The entire trip covers approximately 112 miles. However, the most intense whitewater is found together, along an 18-mile stretch containing 26 substantial rapids, which range in class from 3 to 4+. The rest of the rafting trip is generally much calmer, noted for the spectacular scenery of Canyonlands National Park. Hikes to rock art and cliff dwellings sites are often visited as a part of guided trips. Cataract Canyon is run from April through October; peak times are from late-May through June. Cataract Canyon begins in Moab, Utah, and concludes at Hite Marina of Lake Powell. more info | cataract canyon guides

The Grand Canyon
This is the ultimate Colorado River rafting adventure! Indeed, Grand Canyon whitewater ranks with the best in the world. Trips can cover the entire Grand Canyon (from Lees Ferry to Lake Mead), or various sections, providing the opportunity for extended excursions or quick 3-4 day adventures. The intensity of the rapids depends on the section floated and the water flows, and can range from moderate Class IIIs to exhilarating Class Vs. (Class V rapids are considered the most intense that are navigable for commercial rafting.)

Trips here also provide the opportunity to explore beautiful side canyons, with short hikes to waterfalls, lookout points and ancient Anasazi ruins. The Grand Canyon is an excellent choice for individuals ready to experience the adventures of major whitewater rapids in one of America's most famous destinations. more | grand canyon guides

Colorado River Rafting [ Planning & Packing ]

Colorado River History

The stuff of legends, the Colorado River runs from its headwaters in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, continuing through the Grand Canyon into Arizona. Some of the best parts of this river cut deeply through Utah - beginning at Westwater Canyon and flowing on to the confluence of the Green River just above Cataract Canyon, and continuing on through Canyonlands National Park emerging next through Lake Powell and continuing through the Grand Canyon. This river offers the walloping white water rafting experience you crave! Westwater Canyon offers Skull, Funnel Falls and Sock-It-To-Me Rapids for the most whitewater fun you can have in a short amount of time. Hell-To-Pay, Little Niagra and Satan's Gut are rapids on the Cataract Canyon Trip.

Wonderful side hikes on these rafting trips treat visitors to spectacular rock formations, hidden pools, waterfalls, Indian Ruins and pictographs. You may even see caves used as outlaw hideouts in the Wild West!

Rafting trips on the Colorado River are available for everything from one-day to week long in length and a variety of excitement levels to accommodate families with young children to those looking for bigger thrills. Utah's professional guides and outfitters will make sure you are treated to comfy sleeping quarters and terrific outdoor meals while you experience a safe, memorable Colorado River rafting adventure.

Information courtesy of Utah Guides & Outfitters Association.

For more information on the Utah sections of the Colorado River, contact the Moab Area Travel Council at 435-259-1370.