Deep within the boundaries of Canyonlands National Park, Cataract Canyon is a perfect balance between serene floating, incredible hiking, and fast-moving rapids. 300 million years of rock history, abstract sculpted sandstone spires, and ancient Anasazi petroglyphs and granaries. Rapids are run days 3 & 4, and during high water (May through June) provide the biggest and most challenging whitewater in the U.S. In July the river drops and the rapids become more moderate, yet still exciting.

There are beautiful beach camps and plenty of time to do all the great hikes and numerous camp activities. We stop daily for hikes up secret canyons only assessable by river. We’ll visit Native American Anasazi ruins, incredible rock formations and enjoy the solitude.

The oarboat is the traditional raft on the Colorado River. This type of craft places you ‘up close and personal’ with the river and nature. It’s a pure wilderness river trip combining all the comforts needed to enjoy the outdoors. Carrying four to five people, the small 18-foot rafts put you right in the heart of the whitewater action. Only the quiet dipping of the oars in the water breaks the impressive natural quiet of the smooth water sections. (We motor across Lake Powell the last day.)

Return to Moab by scenic air flight (suggested option) offering a bird’s eye view of the canyon you just experienced from its depths.