Cataract Canyon
- Starts at
- $1,630
- Duration
- 5/6 Days
- Whitewater
- Class IV
- Season
- May – September
- Min Age
- 8
- Meet at
- Green River, UT
- Deposit
- $400
- River
- Colorado River
- River Flow Now
- 4,700 CFS(opens in new tab)past 7 daysPast 7 days: 4,530–5,330 CFS, falling
Legendary whitewater through the heart of Canyonlands National Park.
On these trips, the river moves quietly at first, inviting you to embrace “river time.” Once beyond the confluence of the Green and Colorado, the river does not rest. Nowhere on its entire course does the Colorado River descend more precipitously than through Cataract Canyon.
A Day on the River
A sample itinerary: every trip flexes with the water, the weather, and the group. Going with the flow is the point.
Night BeforeMeet the Crew
We gather at the Green River warehouse at 7 p.m. for orientation: meet your guides, get your dry bags, and pack for the river.
Day 1Launch & First Camp
A short drive to the put-in and we push off. Paddle a kayak or SUP through calm water, lunch on a sandbar, and hike to a petrified wood site before the first riverside camp and dinner.
Day 2Canyon Time
The Colorado meanders between deepening red walls. Swim, hike to ancient Fremont Culture sites, and watch for river otters and blue herons.
Day 3The Confluence
The Green River joins the Colorado in the heart of Canyonlands. Swim at the confluence, spot the Doll House formations, and rig for whitewater.
Day 4The Big Drops
The main event: 35+ Class III–IV rapids, including Little Niagara and Satan’s Gut. Scout the big ones, explore side canyons, and celebrate at camp.
Day 5Last Rapids & Takeout
A final taste of whitewater, then a scenic float into Glen Canyon Recreation Area. Takeout near Hite and back to Green River by early evening.
Good to Know
Do I need to know how to swim?
Many of our trips are appropriate for people who cannot swim, but every guest must be able to perform basic self-rescue: kicking to a boat and reaching for rescue ropes.
What gear does Holiday provide?
We provide a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket (PFD), waterproof bags, kitchen and dining gear, and a camp chair for each guest. Early-season trips that warrant them include Farmer John wetsuits.
What deposit is required to book?
Utah and Colorado river and bike trips require a $400 per-person deposit to reserve your seat. Final payment is due 90 days before your trip.
Dates & Availability
Next available: May 3 – May 7May
- May 3 – May 75 daysCataract Canyon 5 day20 seats left
- May 10 – May 145 daysCataract Canyon 5 day20 seats left
- May 17 – May 215 daysCataract Canyon 5 day20 seats left
- May 24 – May 285 daysCataract Canyon 5 day18 seats left
- May 31 – Jun 45 daysCataract Canyon 5 day20 seats left
June
- Jun 7 – Jun 115 daysCataract Canyon 5 day20 seats left
- Jun 14 – Jun 185 daysCataract Canyon 5 day19 seats left
- Jun 21 – Jun 255 daysCataract Canyon 5 day20 seats left
- Jun 28 – Jul 25 daysCataract Canyon 5 day18 seats left
Show all 20 departures
July
- Jul 11 – Jul 166 daysCataract Canyon Chamberlain CharterFullCall to Book
- Jul 18 – Jul 236 daysCataract Canyon 6 day20 seats left
- Jul 25 – Jul 306 daysCataract Canyon 6 day20 seats left
August
- Aug 1 – Aug 66 daysCataract Canyon Stargazing Special6 seats left
- Aug 8 – Aug 136 daysCataract Canyon 6 day20 seats left
- Aug 15 – Aug 206 daysCataract Canyon 6 day20 seats left
- Aug 22 – Aug 276 daysCataract Canyon 6 day20 seats left
September
- Sep 5 – Sep 106 daysCataract Canyon 6 day20 seats left
- Sep 12 – Sep 176 daysCataract Canyon 6 day20 seats left
- Sep 19 – Sep 246 daysCataract Canyon 6 day20 seats left
- Sep 26 – Oct 16 daysCataract Canyon 6 day20 seats left
What Guests Say
The guides were truly top-notch. Their first priority was clearly guest safety followed very quickly by service.
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