Cataract Canyon, Colorado River

Foaming Torrent

Rafting Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park is one of the West’s most intense multi-day whitewater trips, a 96-mile run from Moab ( or Potash) to Lake Powell, featuring over 50 named rapids that include the legendary Class IV-V drops in the Big Drops section.

River Class / Skill Level

• Class: III–V big water rapids with enormous wave trains during high flows.

• Skill Level: Experienced boaters recommended, especially during spring runoff.

Season / Permits / Weather

• Boating Season: April through October

. • Permit Required: Yes — permits issued by the National Park Service

. • Best Time to Run: May and June during peak snowmelt.

• Weather: Hot desert conditions with intense sun and occasional summer storms.

Water Levels / River Character

• Typical Flow Range: ~10,000–70,000+ cfs depending on Colorado River runoff.

• Low Water: Rapids remain technical but less explosive.

• Optimal Flows: 20,000–40,000 cfs creates massive standing waves and powerful hydraulics.

• High Water: Some of the largest whitewater in North America.

• Special Considerations: Rapid difficulty changes dramatically with water level.

Put-In / Take-Out

• Standard Put-In: Potash Boat Ramp near Moab.

• Standard Take-Out: North Wash

• Trip Length: Approximately 100 miles, typically run in 4–7 days.

River Trip Launch Pad

Essential links for permits, conditions, maps, shuttles and gear before you hit the road.

Rec.gov

River Permits/Regs

Aquatic Species

Boat Inspections Map

Camping

Local Camping

Put In Directions

Potash Boat Ramp

Weather

Local Forecast

River Map

Rivermaps

Shuttle

Local Shuttle Company

Gear

Local Gear Shop

Returning Rapids Project

Changing River Conditions

Solid Block Ice

List of solid Block Ice

Groover

Map of Dump Stations

Snow to Flow

Snowpack and Water Forecasting

Take Out Directions

North Wash Boat Ramp

Your Cataract Trip

Google Docs PDF