The sign on the left of the river warned of the rapids to come. We were as prepared as we could be, having heard about the Class 4+ whitewater that we would encounter after reaching the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers in Utah’s Cataract Canyon.
It was time to “buckle up” for the mile-long siege, where the rapids come in quick succession, with frothing rocks, eddies, holes and other boat-chomping features to avoid. This wild rollercoaster includes the infamous trio of Big Drop rapids.
After successfully accomplishing Big Drop 1, all the boats pulled over so the guides could scout the next two behemoths. We gaped at the massive rock in the center of Big Drop 2, known as Little Niagara, and then our eyes widened upon seeing Big Drop 3, aka Satan’s Gut.
Soon, it was “go” time. Sitting at the front of the raft, I had an up-close and personal view of the churning waves and monstrous wall of water barreling at us. It proceeded to wallop and drench us, as if this beast wanted to swallow us whole.
When we safely made it through, the sighs of relief were audible, but the gleeful shouts that followed were riotous, as everyone was stoked!
Debbie Stone
Canyonlands NP view from the plane
Cataract Canyon is a section of the Colorado River between Moab, above Lake Powell, and the Grand Canyon. The river flows through the heart of Canyonlands National Park, the largest national park in the state, boasting a wilderness of canyons, mesas, arches and buttes.
Rafting Cataract Canyon is often on the must-run list for many boaters because of its section of thrilling rapids that can rival the big ones found within the Grand Canyon. Adrenaline-hungry river runners are attracted to this passage, which is viewed as one of the most challenging sections of whitewater in the country.
Those who run “Cat” are also rewarded with a sublime landscape and fascinating geology. The canyon contains an assortment of strange formations that appear as the work of a giant chisel. And its sheer cliffs stretch upward 2,000 feet, rising to pierce the sky.
In 1869, the Powell Expedition was the first organized exploration to travel the length of the canyon. It was helmed by John Wesley Powell, a one-armed Civil War vet. Reportedly, the mighty rapids of Cat terrified the group, and they portaged their boats around each one. Powell is said to have looked at the canyon and named it Cataract, meaning “a type of waterfall with a large, single vertical drop.”
Eager to explore this legendary place, I opted to do a four-day Cataract Canyon trip with OARS. This company has a lengthy history of operating raft and multisport trips throughout the American West and Southwest. Its stellar reputation is well known in the industry, and it takes pride in its highly experienced guides.
Our group of 21 represented varying ages from young adults to seniors. We quickly developed a camaraderie, which is often a delightful byproduct of such an experience.
There were six OARS guides accompanying us. They wore many hats on the trip. In addition to being skilled boatmen and women, along with knowing their way around a kitchen, they also served as knowledgeable resources regarding the area.
We had five boats: two large Snouts (pontoon-style and motor-operated), two oared, wooden dories and one inflatable oared raft. Throughout the trip, people could choose the boat they wanted to ride in and could try the different crafts to experience the various types of rides.
The Snouts offer the smoothest ride, while the dories are known for their speed and elegance. The raft, on the other hand, plows through the waves, allowing you to feel their full force.
OARS four-day trip spans roughly a hundred miles. It involves using motorized crafts for the first two days until you reach the confluence, as the water approaching this point is flat. The dories and raft attach themselves to the Snouts to move together. At the confluence, they separate to take on the whitewater individually.
Debbie Stone
Hiking Cataract Canyon
Though you’re on the river from morning to late afternoon, there are opportunities to explore the landscape on several hikes.
With all the activity and fresh air, you’ll need sustenance. Just know you won’t go hungry! Each meal is delicious and plentiful, and you’ll wonder how the guides manage to concoct the array of tasty dishes in their small outdoor kitchen.
On the final day of the trip, we reached the take-out spot, where we were then shuttled to an airstrip for our scenic flight back to Moab. This was the icing on the cake, as we got a birds-eye perspective of the mesmerizing landscape of Canyonlands.
When you go
OARS
Canyonlands National Park
Discover Moab