3 Best Rafting Trips on the Colorado River
With rocky walls towering above and the sound of roaring water rising, Captain Matt Thorne readies to row through Westwater Canyon’s infamous Skull Rapids. It’s one of the canyon’s least-forgiving rapids, with the reputation for sucking your boat into the Room of Doom — a rock alcove with a current powerful enough to flip and destroy rafts.
Fortunately, Thorne is a veteran guide, and he paddles hard and fast, maneuvering around the boat-eating hole and through the Skull’s circling pools and relentless waves. Icy water slams our faces as our six-person crew emerges from the eddy laughing, smiling and soaked — glad to have taken the advice to wear wetsuits on this 90-degree day. Skull is the trip’s last big rapid, and after making it through unscathed, we dry off under sunny skies and float through calmer waters toward Cisco, Utah. This ghost town takeout is the last port of call on our two-day journey through this wildly remote place.
Westwater Canyon is just one of many epic river rafting trips on the grand Colorado River as it flows through Utah, and its combination of raging waves, historical sites and isolated camping make it my favorite. But for those looking to chart these untamed waters by raft, the three trips below offer incredible experiences like those had by explorers of yesteryear — with much better equipment, of course.
1. Westwater Canyon
Time Commitment: Day trip or overnighter
Difficulty: Class III-IV rapids
Permit required? Yes, reserve online at recreation.gov.
With its combination of colorful stone walls and serious whitewater, Westwater Canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon, and it should be at the top of every rafter’s bucket list. Access to this 17-mile section through narrow Black Granite Gorge is limited to protect the river and maintain solitude for rafters amid its ancient sandstone spires. But it gets loud and rowdy when you reach the 11 named rapids, featuring Class III-IV doozies like Funnel Falls, Sock-It-To-Me and Last Chance.
Between the rapids you can enjoy floating through calm water and resting as you watch for the bald eagles and blue herons that call Westwater home. But the powerful rapids and soaring birds aren’t the only sights on this isolated, wild river. You can tie up the boat and hike to an old gold miner’s cabin or outlaw cave. As you’re exploring, be sure to look for ancient petroglyphs left behind on the canyon walls.
Go Guided: Due to this river’s difficulty, it’s best to go with an outfitter such as Adrift Adventures, Moab Adventure Center or NAVTEC Expeditions, unless your crew includes expert oarsmen. When you book, you’ll have the option of one- or two-day trips. And while you can paddle Westwater in a day, why would you want to? Overnighting gives you more time to explore the canyon’s many mysteries. Camp at private sites on the water’s edge and hike to overlooks before enjoying a Dutch oven dinner made by your guides. This is what river time is all about.
Fly Solo: Westwater is a coveted canyon to paddle. As a result, permits are required year-round for both private and commercial use and can be reserved online recreation.gov. Request one by phone two months in advance of your planned launch date and the odds are in your favor. If overnighting, a campsite will be assigned to your group. Spring runoff permits can be harder to nab as only five privates are given out per day. At any water level, Westwater is challenging and should be undertaken only by experts.
"For those looking to chart these untamed waters by raft, all three trips offer incredible experiences like those had by explorers of yesteryear — but with much better equipment."
If you’re comfortable paddling and navigating smaller rapids, the Moab Daily is ideal for honing your skills.
One of the Colorado River's most popular rafting stretches — the Moab Daily — begins just upriver from downtown of Moab.
2. Moab Daily
Time Commitment: Half or full day
Difficulty: Class I and II rapids
Permit required? No
Not everyone is stoked to spend multiple nights camped on a riverbank far from civilization and Wi-Fi. But that doesn’t mean you can’t adventure on the Colorado River. One of its most popular stretches is done in a day and begins just upriver from the town of Moab near the majestic Fisher Towers. (Read: A Madman’s Dream: The First Ascent of Fisher Towers) Expect splish-splashy Class I and II rapids like Onion Creek, Cloudburst and Rocky on a trip suitable for children and newbies alike — as long as they don’t mind getting wet.
Go Guided: Choose a guide service such as Adrift Adventures, Moab Adventure Center or Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours to lead you past 14 miles of red Martian landscapes on a river-carved canyon filled with fun but easily navigable whitewater rapids. Choose a morning, afternoon, or full-day float on an inflatable raft or kayak. This relaxing, daylong journey offers time for swimming and a mid-day break at a riverside lunch buffet. River running season is typically May to October. (Read: The Best Time to Visit Moab)
Fly Solo: If you’re comfortable paddling and navigating smaller rapids, this section of the Colorado is ideal for honing your skills. Rent the equipment and enjoy a day of rafting or kayaking at your own pace. Just be sure to follow all safety rules, and bring snacks and sunscreen.
3. Cataract Canyon
Time Commitment: Three days (guided) to five days (unguided)
Difficulty: Class III-V rapids
Permit required? Yes. Reserve online at recreation.gov.
Boasting North America’s biggest whitewater in spring runoff season, Cataract Canyon is a veritable whitewater rollercoaster with 14 miles of intense rapids with scary names like Big Drop, Little Niagara and Satan’s Gut awaiting on this wet and wild journey.
Cataract’s the granddaddy of Colorado River trips, and the fun begins at "The Confluence," a place where the Green and Colorado rivers meet just south of Moab. These powerful waters combine to create thrilling Class III-V whitewater rapids through a 100-mile chasm in Canyonlands National Park. The majestic stretch showcases stunning red rock formations and remote sandy beach campsites. Stops along the way provide access to hiking trails and long-lost sacred sites of the Ancestral Puebloans who once inhabited this land. And Canyonland’s dark skies mean you’ll see incredible views of the stars and Milky Way on clear nights.
Go Guided: This is typically a five- to six-day paddle, and if you go with a guide service such as Adrift Adventures, Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours or Sheri Griffith Expeditions, you can shorten the journey and skip right to the thrills. Tours begin with jet boat rides down the upper Colorado before transferring to boats at the Confluence for the rapids — no endless rowing on flatwater is required. For multi-day trips, guides take the guesswork of packing and meal prep by including gear, all your food and access to a clean groover (river guide speak for a toilet).
Fly Solo: Know your way around the river and planning a DIY trip down Cataract? River permits can be reserved online at recreation.gov or in person from the Backcountry Permit Office in Moab. This challenging canyon is unforgiving for rookie paddlers and should not be attempted unless you and your crew are very experienced. Still in? Pick up your permit no more than four months in advance and no less than two days prior to launch.
Whether you paddle the Colorado River’s mild Moab section or battle the wild rapids of Westwater and Cataract canyons, these three can’t-miss trips should top your Utah whitewater rafting bucket list.
To start planning, follow the author’s suggested outfitters above or browse additional guides and outfitters.
What to Wear on a River Rafting Trip
There are a variety of Utah river trips to be had, from rafting the Green River’s whitewater, to leisurely floating the Colorado. Here's your packing list.
Discover More
-
5 Reasons to Hire a Guide to Run Utah’s Rivers
While we eat and splash in the river to escape the early morning heat, the four guides will wash the dishes, break down camp, load our bags on the rafts and discretely stow the toilet.
-
6 Surprising Activities That Take Place at The Homestead Crater
From soaking to scuba diving, this hot spring has a lot to offer.
-
An Old Favorite Fishing Hole at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Visit Utah columnist Dan Potts takes us to his "secret" fishing hole on Utah's Flaming Gorge Reservoir, one of the world's most diverse fisheries set among the brilliant red rock walls of Red Canyon in the easternmost corner of the state. Along the way, Dan takes us through some of his favorite landscapes on the drive to and from Salt Lake City.
-
Angling Secrets: How and Where to Catch Fish on Lake Powell
Read expect advice on when and where in Lake Powell to get the prized fish you're chasing.
-
Bear Lake Monster Winterfest
It all started decades ago with the “Cisco Disco” and has grown to include a polar plunge, chili cookoff and winter festival known as the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest.
-
Bridesmaids Gone Boating
If you and your bride tribe are more outdoorsy than indoorsy, consider booking a whitewater rafting trip in southern Utah instead of club night at a casino. Half-day, full-day, and multi-day river trips are easy to plan and are great for groups of all sizes and abilities.
-
Chasing John Wesley Powell: Six Places to Explore Utah's Green and Colorado Rivers
One hundred and fifty years ago a one-armed Civil War veteran set off with nine mountain men on a scientific expedition to map one of the last blank spaces left on the U.S. map: The Green and Colorado rivers. Much of the river remains wild today. Follow Powell's journey here.
-
Enjoying the Simple Pleasures of Lake Life on Palisade Reservoir
Utah’s beautiful Palisade Reservoir is an oasis of serene water in the central part of the state, a perfect getaway for paddling, fishing, swimming and camping.
-
Fisher Towers River Rafting
Join Bob Wassom, and a few others, as they raft down the Fisher Towers stretch of water disproving any idea or stereotype suggesting disabilities hinder outdoor recreation.
-
Flaming Gorge: Boating and Paddling Paradise
Do you know that Flaming Gorge is one of the best boating lakes in Utah? Read all about this stunning body of water and plan a trip!
-
Get to Know Echo State Park
Situated at 5,560 feet above sea level, just north of Park City, lies Echo State Park. Watersports are king here, and whether you kayak, paddleboard, or boat, it’s a perfect place to get out on the water.
-
How to Find a Guided Outdoors Experience
You might not be a pro climber, camper or explorer, but Utah’s diverse collection of outdoor guides has all of the expertise you need to have an adventure worth getting stoked about.
-
How to Slow Travel in Utah
Avoid the mad scramble and consider slow travel as a better approach to your Utah trip.
-
How to Take a Kayak & Camping Trip at Yuba State Park
Pristine sandy beaches, warm water temperatures all summer long and serene mountain views make Yuba State Park an appealing destination for campers and kayakers in sunny Central Utah.
-
Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard Lake Powell
Slip into the mighty Lake Powell with a personal, self-propelled watercraft and have a whole different experience than the boats flying down the lake.
-
Lake Powell Trash Boat
Attention good samaritans: Sign up for the Trash Tracker, a houseboat on Lake Powell, and help clean up the debris that has collected on the lake’s shores.
-
Lakeside Near Torrey: Three Ways
Take a trip to this trio of Capitol Reef-area reservoirs where you can swim, fish, kayak and cool-off.
-
Paddle Among Red Rocks and Waterfalls at Gunlock Reservoir State Park
Pack up your gear and head out to Gunlock Reservoir near St. George. Bring your SUP, kayaks, jet skis and power boats for a day full of watersport excitement.
-
Paddling the Caribbean-Blue Waters of Bear Lake
At nearly 6,000 feet of elevation, temperatures at Bear Lake stay cool in the summer, making the basin a welcome respite from the heat and a great destination to enjoy water sports in a serene mountain setting.
-
Panguitch Lake's Literal "Big Fish"
People have been traveling to fish at Panguitch Lake for a long time. Legend has it this popular high mountain fishery in Southern Utah was named by the Paiute people who once frequented the area and it translates to mean “big fish.”
-
The Most Scenic Trophy Trout Destination
Flaming Gorge, Utah is one of the world’s best places to fish for trout. Awe-inspiring scenery and abundant fish attract anglers from all over. Check it out!
-
The Story of Starvation Reservoir
Sprawling waters and local legends at Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation.
-
Two Trips, Two Worlds, Two Years Apart: Returning to Raft in Dinosaur National Monument
Nushin and her family of four returned to Utah's Dinosaurland for the "best four days ever!" of guided rafting on the Green River. Explore their journey today!
-
What to Wear on a River Rafting Trip
There are a variety of Utah river trips to be had, from rafting the Green River’s whitewater, to leisurely floating the Colorado. Here's your packing list.
-
Wild Heber: Close-to-Home Adventure
Just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, Heber Valley’s state parks and national forest lands offer a world of adventure. Hike, bike, camp, kayak, watch wildlife and reel in blue-ribbon trout while learning about nature and how to protect it.
