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Cataract Canyon-Luxury

The Cataract Canyon Experience

4 Day: Expeditions in Luxury – Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River

Dates & Rates

2025 Dates
  • May 14
  • June 18
  • July 9
  • August 20
  • September 3
2024 Trip Rates

Adult………………..$3,550

 

Youth………………..$3,450

 

Includes scenic Canyonlands flight!

What This Rate Includes
More Information
    • Trip Deposit: $300 per person deposit required upon reservation. Full balance due 45 days prior to departure.
    • Trip Cancellation Insurance
    • Minimum Age: 10 years old
What Is Not Included in Trip Fares
    • Guide Gratuities by no means required but always appreciated by our guides. We recommend 10-20% of the cost of the river portion of the trip.
    • Transportation to Moab Utah.
    • Lodging and meals prior to or following your expedition (except where noted.) Click to see a list of quality places to stay in Moab Utah.
    • Government user fees and taxes (about 9% of trip cost.)

Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting The Adventure

This morning you will be transported from the Sheri Griffith Expeditions office to the Potash Boat Ramp on the Colorado River. You may catch a glimpse of petroglyphs on the cliff walls, dinosaur tracks on some of the roadside boulders or fossils in the rocks surrounding the boat ramp.

 

Once on the river, we settle into the boats and begin our journey downriver through the heart of Canyonlands National Park. This morning, guests may visit a petrified wood bed and will pass the Pyramid Butte.

 

The canyon walls are a beautiful, deep red which contrasts beautifully with the pristine blue sky that will be our ceiling for the next 5 days. After lunch, we settle back onto the boats and continue down stream, where we will pass Tex’s Grotto, where a Grand Piano is set up for concerts during the Moab Music Festival, and Dead Horse Point, where the movies Mission Impossible 2 and Thelma and Louise were filmed.

 

Hiking Opportunity: Tex’s Grotto, Little Bridges, Petrified Wood.

 

River Camps are on set-up along sandy beaches. The supply raft arrives at the campsite and creates a river lounge, restaurant and tent bungalows. Relax and enjoy a cool beverage on the riverbank in comfy camp chairs as your professional river chef begins the evening’s dining presentation which will be served at sunset at linen clad tables.

 

After dinner a guide will bring the day full circle with a discussion about the wonders of Canyonlands National Park, Native American history or one of the many other topics that they are versed in.

 

Note: Meals are served from a set daily menu, but you are welcome to request, in advance, special dishes or tell us if there are particular things you would prefer not to have.

Day 2 - Confluence Day

Breakfast is served in your canyon dining room. Breakfast offerings will vary throughout your rafting expedition. Hot coffee, tea and chocolate are always available, as are juices, and fresh fruit.

 

These first couple of days will provide opportunities for extraordinary exploration as we travel deeper into Canyonlands National Park, where the spectacular scenery rivals the lower Grand Canyon.

 

As your journey progresses, you will sense the anticipation of the group rising as the rapids near. On the afternoon of day two, you will pass the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. We now enter the true heart of Canyonlands National Park as we near the Confluence. If it has rained recently, the mixing of the rivers will be defined in brilliant swirls of red and green. Here the Colorado doubles in size and force and you will experience your first run of smaller rapids. You run just enough whitewater to get everyone good and wet before reaching tonight’s camp, set on a beach overlooking the rushing rapids.

 

Our private river chef begins the evening’s dining presentation. Enjoy a cool beverage on the riverbank in comfortable chairs. Dine at sunset at linen clad, candle lit tables. We depart every morning after a healthy and hearty breakfast. Camp assistants will take down the camp and off we’ll go on the day’s adventure.

 

Tonight we will experience a night of peaceful camping and quiet anticipation. Fall asleep to the quiet sounds of river music: quiet splashing accompanied by the high tones of crickets and the low tones of nearby owls. The old west’s pioneers and explorers are among the many topics that may be discussed before the evening ends.

 

Potential Hiking Opportunities: The Loop Hike or The Dolls House

Day 3 - Whitewater Day

This morning’s fare is complimented by the sound of rushing water and the anticipation of a great day of running the famous rapids of Cataract Canyon. There will be a river safety review so that everyone is comfortable with the exciting run ahead. We will load everything back onto the boats and prepare ourselves for the exciting day at hand.

 

This morning we will run some of the biggest whitewater in the Western United States (on trips during May and June, later season trips ~July and August~ have smaller rapids). Rapids whose names are almost as intimidating as the whitewater itself: Big Drop 2, North Seas and Capsize. Everyone will be thoroughly soaked as we take a break at midday for lunch and to catch our breath.

 

Stop for Lunch and for some “Land Time”. While the Chef prepares lunch, guests are welcome to explore the canyon a bit or watch as others run the big rapids they have just been through.

 

Once we have finished with lunch, we get back on the boats and head into the big whitewater. This afternoon we will navigate through more intimidating rapids, including Big Drop 3, Satan’s Gut and Little Niagara. There may be stops along the way as the guide scouts the rapids to find the best route through the churning whitewater.

 

You don’t have to be an experienced whitewater rafter to enjoy the thrill of the exciting rapids in Cataract Canyon. If you have never rafted or camped before, rest assured that we are professionals at making your trip comfortable, fascinating and safe. Our multi-talented guides are extremely good at helping you enjoy your river vacation.

 

We will pull off the river. After we recreate our riverside oasis, guests are welcome to kick back, relax and relive the day’s adventures over and over again as the evening deepens and a bright canopy of stars replaces the blue sky. The guides, the chef and camp attendants will do all the work, leaving you time to hike, explore and relax.

 

Traditionally, this last night is a “Dress Up” night. Anything goes, from formal wear to clown outfits with floppy hats. Guests are not required to participate, but are welcome to use their imagination and help celebrate an amazing trip.

Day 4 - Lake Powell and Scenic Flight to Moab

This morning we will pass through the final rapids. You’ve met new people, gained outdoor experience and some personal alone-time exploring some of the most unusual canyons in the country, but this is your last day on the Colorado River.

 

We may have some opportunities for hiking in some of the canyons previously lost to Lake Powell’s waters, but accessible now that the waters in the lake have dropped. Clearwater Canyon and Dark Canyon are guide favorites.

 

We’ll climb back aboard the boats and follow the Colorado River as it pushes its way into the calm waters of Lake Powell. Here we’ll be in the deepest part of the canyon, surrounded by nearly 2,000 foot cliffs. We’ll see the Dirty Devil River and Piano Leg Arch.

 

We’ll motor off of the lake and pull off near what used to be the Hite Marina on Lake Powell. You will be escorted to the landing strip for your return flight to Moab. As you take this scenic flight, watch for the Henry Mountains, the White Rim, the Abajo Mountains, the La Sal Mountains and nearly the entire Colorado Plateau.

 

You will bet met at the Moab airport and transferred back to Moab and the Sheri Griffith Expeditions office where your journey ends.

 

Potential Hiking Opportunities: Clearwater Canyon, Bowdie Canyon, Dark Canyon

Maps

Maps of Cataract Canyon Rafting

The Cataract Canyon trip starts outside of Moab in Southeastern Utah. The rapids in Cataract Canyon are formed from the meeting of the Green River and the Colorado River in the heart of Canyonlands National Park.The end location is 4 hours from Moab at Hite Marina on Lake Powell.

Cataract Canyon Information
    • River: The Colorado River
    • Rapid Rating: Class III-V (depending on Water Levels)
    • Put in: Potash Boat Ramp
    • Take-out location: Hite Boat Ramp on Lake Powell
    • River Miles: 96
    • Number of rapids: 31
    • First to run Cataract Canyon: John Wesley Powell

Resources

Required Forms

Please print, sign and return the required forms (for each person in your party) to our office by email, fax or mail at least 45 days prior to your trip.

 

Trip Document in PDF's
Helpful Links

Canyonlands National Park: Canyonlands National Park preserves a colorful landscape of sedimentary sandstones eroded into countless canyons, mesas and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries.

Sheri Griffith Expeditions is an Authorized Concessioner of Canyonlands National Park.

 

Arches National Park: Arches National Park preserves over two thousand natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch, in addition to a variety of unique geological resources and formations.

 

Moab Travel Council: A great resource on Moab area trails, hotels, and other great things to do in Moab.

 

River rafting is a lot of fun, but like most outdoor adventure activities, there are also potential hazards. Click here for more information about possible hazards you might experience while whitewater rafting in our beautiful canyons.

Links to Area Information

Moab Weather

Water Levels

How to get to Moab

Where to stay in Moab

What to do other than rafting

Questions About the Trip
Cancellation Policy and Trip Insurance:

Sheri Griffith Expeditions has a NO REFUND policy. Since you have reserved space for which we have a limited number of seats, our non-refundable policy applies in every instance. There are no exceptions for any reason, so we highly recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance to protect your vacation investment. For more information about Travel Insurance, click here.

How to book a trip

There are several easy ways to make a reservation. Easiest is to click on the book online button on your trip or at the top of the screen. You can always give us a call at 800-332-2439.

Deposits and Reservations

For 1 day trips full payment is required at time of booking. For multiday trips a non-refundable $300/person deposit is required at the time of reservation. The balance is due 45 days prior to departure. After making your reservation you will receive a reservation packet that will include a packing list, helpful travel hints, travel insurance information, a beverage request form, and a guest registration form. Please fill out the guest registration form and send or fax back quickly. If you find you are unable to participate in the trip that you booked, but would like to transfer your trip to the following year, there will be a charge of $300 per participant if the change is made at least 3 weeks prior to your departure date.

Non-Performance

We make every effort to follow through on our plans. However, we reserve the right to make changes in the itinerary or possibly cancel a trip if necessary including but not limited to weather conditions, water fluctuations, insufficient reservations, changes in international relations, or other factors beyond our control. If cancellation is necessary, your money will be refunded. Our financial liability shall be limited to the amount actually paid and shall not be extended to cover any other costs incurred by the trip member.

Orientation:

The evening before the trip we meet at our office (2231 South Highway 191) at 5 pm (MDT) in Moab for a trip orientation. Here you will learn what to expect and prepare for, receive your dry bags, sign the Assumption of Risk forms, and get a chance to ask any last questions. If you are not going to be able to make this please let us know ahead of time.

Beverages:

If you would like any personal beverages while on the river, i.e., sodas, beer, wine, etc., you can bring them with you the morning of departure and we will place them in iced coolers. We provide some sodas, water, lemonade and Gatorade mixes and tea, juice and coffee in the mornings.

Tipping:

Guests often ask whether gratuities are appropriate, and in what amount. If you feel your guides have provided a very special trip for you, a gratuity may be left with the trip leader and will be shared among the crew. Entirely discretionary, anything between 15% and 20% of the trip cost is a general tipping guideline. If you plan to tip, remember to bring a personal check or cash—ATM’s are hard to find in the backcountry! PLEASE, do not make out checks to Sheri Griffith Expeditions. If you are writing check please make it out to the Trip Leader.  NOTE: we cannot take credit card gratuities.

Hiking and Physical Requirements:

If you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying any of our trips. It’s not necessary to be an athlete to participate in a river expedition. However, It is several hours to the nearest medical center. If you take medication you should bring a good supply and inform your guide of all medication that you are taking. When you meet your guide, you should discretely explain any medical conditions you may have or be concerned about including allergies to bee stings, etc. Each guide carries a first aid kit and will need to know if specific medicines should be stored. It’s also helpful to know about other health issues when planning activities for the day. Pregnant women and anyone with heart trouble should have their physician’s approval before taking a river trip.

Safety, and Assumption of Risk

We maintain an excellent safety record, since 1971. However, all outdoor experiences involve risk and we all must recognize that accidents or illnesses may occur. We cannot guarantee your safety. We place final responsibility for your safety firmly on your shoulders where it belongs. You have to pay attention to what you are doing. Mother Nature controls the water level, the weather and the elements, so there is a risk involved in rafting and camping. Before your trip departs, you will be asked to sign an Assumption of Risk and Release Form. We assume no responsibility for injury to trip members, their personal belongings or, for time and expense incurred. We strongly recommend Travel Insurance, which covers vacation losses and accidents and provides a refund if you have to cancel your trip.

Parking, luggage and valuables:

We have a gated parking lot at our office for your vehicles while you are on the river. We also have a safe room for luggage and valuables while you are on the river.

 

More FAQs

"We were in Eric's boat and found him to be courteous and knowledgeable, always on the lookout for points of interest, and he got us through the rapids in a way that was fun and exciting but safe too. We really enjoyed our time with him; he's an asset to your company. The meals were outstanding, all the guides very polite and accommodating to all, knowledge of area history, geology and water use issues was very interesting, great job on keeping everyone safe."

David and Kathy Fine, El Cahone CA

Location: Colorado River, UT
Highlights: Amazing Scenery; Pampered Camping; Colorado River Rafting; Linen Covered Tables; Oversized Tents, Cots, and Pads; Setup Crews for Camp; Professional River Chef; Fine Dining
Adults: $3,550 (Includes scenic flight. Does not include taxes & government user fees)
Youth: $3,450 (Includes scenic flight. Does not include taxes & government user fees)
Trip Length: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Host City: Moab, Utah
Min. Age: 10 Years Old
Rapids: III–V (Depending on Water Levels)
2025 Dates: May 14 | Jun 18 | Jul 9 | Aug 20 | Sep 3 | Charter Dates Available
Boats: Oarboats, Jrigs for Gear