Cataract Canyon Colorado River Expedition — 5-Day Rafting from Moab

Moab•difficult

Difficulty

difficult

Duration

3–5 days

Fitness Level

Moderate to high cardiovascular fitness and stamina; comfortable with long days of paddling/holding in rapids and short hikes.

Overview

Run Cataract Canyon’s 120‑mile stretch of the Colorado River on a 3–5 day guided expedition from Moab. Expect big rapids, ancient rock art, riverside camps, and a mix of motorized J‑Rigs and oar raft options.

Cataract Canyon Colorado River Expedition — 5-Day Rafting from Moab

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Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

You step off the shuttle and the canyon swallows sound—the river’s voice grows louder, a steady percussion beneath the cliffs. The Colorado here is not polite: it rakes the canyon with braided currents and sudden drops, daring you forward. Over five days you’ll float roughly 120 miles through sandstone walls carved by time and flood, camp on wide sandbars and run rapids named with blunt honesty—Mile Long, Big Drops, and the Doll House—each one a short, sharp conversation with the river.

Adventure Photos

Cataract Canyon Colorado River Expedition — 5-Day Rafting from Moab photo 1

Adventure Tips

Hydrate early and often

Desert sun and river work dehydrate quickly—carry a 1–2L reusable water bottle and refill at camp; electrolyte tablets help on hot days.

Wear secure water shoes

Closed‑toe, drainable shoes protect feet in rapids and on rocky hikes; flip‑flops are not suitable.

Bring motion‑sickness meds

Long days on choppy water make seasickness common—take preventative medication if you’re prone to nausea.

Protect electronics

Use a stern‑mounted dry box or zippered waterproof case for cameras and phones; hand fragile items to guides before big rapids.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Bighorn sheep
Golden eagle

History

The canyon walls hold Ancestral Puebloan pictographs and the river corridor was historically a travel and resource route for Indigenous peoples prior to Euro‑American exploration.

Conservation

Trips operate inside Canyonlands National Park; follow Leave No Trace, pack out waste, and respect cultural sites—river camps limit impacts through established protocols.