Cataract Canyon Whitewater Rafting from Moab: Full-Day Colorado River Adventure
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
11 hours
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and the ability to move on a rocking boat and step on/off riverbanks; moderate overall strength required.
Overview
Launch from Moab for an 11-hour, full-day motorized rafting trip through Cataract Canyon. Expect 30 big rapids, dramatic sandstone walls, and a mix of high-adrenaline runs and quiet river stretches.
Cataract Canyon Whitewater Rafting from Moab: Full-Day Colorado River Adventure
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The motorized raft bucks and bites at the throat of the first rapid, a wall of white teeth that the Colorado River dares you to take on. Early light slashes across the canyon walls as your guide radios instructions; the boat surges, the river pushes, and for a long, loud hour you are in a different element entirely. By midday the pace softens—slick green eddies, slow pools that allow you to stand in the current and let the canyon breathe around you—before the next sequence of class IV and V drops demands every ounce of focus.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early and light
Be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the 7:00 AM departure; bring only essentials in a small dry bag or leave items in your vehicle.
Secure footwear matters
Wear sturdy shoes with toe protection—no flip-flops—to protect feet when boarding and on rocky take-out beaches.
Hydrate and sun-protect
The desert sun and river reflectivity increase dehydration risk—drink before you feel thirsty and reapply sunscreen often.
Listen to your guide
Rapids are rated Class IV–V; obey crew instructions immediately to reduce risk and improve the run experience for everyone.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mule deer
- Golden eagle
History
Cataract Canyon was carved over millions of years by the Colorado River and was later traversed and documented by explorers including John Wesley Powell; the corridor holds sites used by Native American groups for generations.
Conservation
River flows and canyon ecology are affected by upstream dams and water management; practice Leave No Trace, avoid disturbing archaeological sites, and pack out all waste.
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Adventure Hotspots in Moab
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy river shoes or sport sandals
Protects toes and provides traction on wet rocks and raft floors.
Quick-dry clothing and swimsuit
Dries fast after getting splashed in rapids and keeps you comfortable all day.
summer specific
Light rain shell or river jacket
Useful for spring run-off or unexpected storms when temperatures can be cool on the river.
spring specific
Sun protection (broad-brim hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen, lip balm)
Essential to prevent sunburn on exposed canyon stretches and reflective water surfaces.