Winding through Canyonlands National Park, Cataract Canyon features spectacular red rock walls and intense rapids. Though not as well-known as the Grand Canyon, Cataract Canyon offers sights that can be just as dramatic and whitewater at least as intense (Class III-IV, reaching Class V during late spring and early summer). We spent six incredible days floating the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon.
We highly recommend OARS’s six-day rafting trip. While the rapids in the Grand Canyon are spread out across the trip, Cataract’s rapids are more concentrated. The first three days of your trip will be on flat water, and frankly they can get a little monotonous. However, your guides will bring inflatable kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to give you more options on the river. You’ll also break up the long days on the river with hikes and walks. Once you hit the fourth day of the trip, you’ll be in for three amazing days of almost nonstop whitewater, culminating in the aptly named Big Drops. If you don’t have six days, or if floating the flat water doesn’t appeal to you, OARS also offers a four-day trip with motor rigs to power you through the flats and get you straight to the rapids.
We recommend OARS because they have a fantastic reputation, and we had a great experience with them. They prioritize safety and will do a great job getting you ready for the river. They cook great meals; if you drink, you’ll have to bring your own alcohol. You can bring canned beer and boxed wine–it’s great to get off the river for the day and wind down with a drink. OARS’s knowledgeable guides are a wealth of information about the human and natural history of the region. We think the quality is worth the price premium over some of the alternative options.
Additionally, OARS will offer you the option of riding in an inflatable raft or a dorry (a metal rowboat). The dorries are faster and less flexible, so your experience in the rapids will be more intense. One of our guides said the difference between a dorry and raft is like a Ferrari versus a school bus. If you’re up for some adventure, we recommend the dorries.