Summary

The Highlights of Cataract Canyon - 3 Days

Prices From	USD$ $850.00
1st Departure	05.17.2012
Provider	Sheri Griffith Expeditions
Destination	Colorado River
Duration	3 days/2 nights
Challenge	Beginner
Avg Rating	Not Rated

The 3 day Highlights of Cataract Canyon Trips is all about getting to the WHITEWATER! The first day is a mellow day on the river as we enter the spectacular landscape of Canyonlands National Park. We will cover the first 50 miles the first day to get to the Confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. Then the fun really begins, because this is where the rapids start. In high water, late May through early June, the waves can be gigantic and in quick succession. They are more moderate but still fun and exciting July through September. You will encounter rapids with names like Capsize, North Sea's, Little Niagara, Satan's Gut and Ben Hurt. As you continue downstream the rapids become more intense until you enter the Big Drops the steepest descent on the entire Colorado River. Our professional guides lead you through the outstanding rapids with precision and ease. The larger J-rig, which is maneuvered by an outboard motor, allows us to get through the 96 miles of Cataract Canyon in less time. It is the best balance for time sensitive people who want to enjoy the remote canyon wilderness. You complete the day's run and relax on a sandy beach to recount the excitement. After the whitewater, the Colorado River forces its way into Lake Powell.Return to Moab by scenic airflight offering a bird's eye view of Canyonlands National Park and Cataract Canyon.

Itinerary

Day 1

The expedition begins at 7:30 AM at the Sheri Griffith Expeditions office. We then drive a few miles north of Moab to the Potash boat ramp on the Colorado River, load the boats and head down stream. Once on the Colorado River, you will receive a river orientation and meet your other guides and fellows guests. Within a short time we enter the spectacular landscape of Canyonlands National Park. Today is a lazy day on the river as you adjust to the relaxed pace. You’ll stop to hike as well as for lunch where you’ll create your own deli masterpiece. Later in the day you will pass Dead Horse Point State Park where “Mission: Impossible 2” and “Thelma and Louise” were filmed. Today you will reach camp by early evening and enjoy a generous, delicious dinner prepared fresh by your guides. 

Day 2

After a healthy breakfast the guides take time to teach you how to enjoy the big rapids safely. Then the fun really begins. In high water, late May through early June, the waves can be gigantic and in quick succession. They are more moderate but still fun and exciting July through September. You will encounter rapids with names like Capsize, North Sea’s, Little Niagara, Satan’s Gut and Ben Hurt. As you continue downstream the rapids become more intense until you enter the Big Drops the steepest descent on the Colorado River. You complete the day’s run and relax on a sandy beach to recount the excitement. Traditionally, the last night of the river trip is “dress-up” night. Anything goes if you would like to participate. It is up to your imagination! This is a great way to celebrate the trip and near completion of your Mighty Colorado River adventure.

Day 3

After the whitewater, the Colorado River forces its way into Lake Powell and we begin the outboard motor to cruise off the lake. On the last day we will view 2,000-foot cliffs and explore some lost side canyons no longer under Lake Powell. After pulling the rafts and gear from the lake, the guides escort guests up to a landing strip for the return flight to Moab. This is no ordinary flight back; this is a scenic flight over Canyonlands National Park and the river you just rafted ~ the perfect end to the perfect vacation. We’ll meet you at the airport and drive back to Moab where you will arrive at the SGE office by 6:30-7:00 PM (MDT).

Gear List

<BODY><H3>Packing List</H3> Sheri Griffith Expeditions provides all rafts and related equipment, life jackets, safety equipment, personal dry bags and boxes for your gear, kitchen, dining and toilet equipment, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and tents. Please pack clothing that you will not mind getting wet and dirty. Fast drying, durable, comfortable clothing is best for rafting. Cotton is recommended for hot weather and synthetic polypropylene or wool clothes for cool weather. All personal items must fit into a 20" x 20" x 27" dry bag. You may pack in an athletic bag for easier access. Please note trips including a scenic flight have a FAA 25 lbs. luggage limit per person. *Available in our Canyon Travelers Store or by phone (800) 332-2439 **Available to rent with advanced notice. <H3>ESSENTIAL ITEMS: </H3> <UL> <LI>Water bottle w/ strap or carabiner* </LI><LI>Sunglasses with a retainer* </LI><LI>Sunscreen ~ SPF 15 or greater~ a must!* </LI><LI>Lip moisturizer ~ SPF 15 or greater* </LI><LI>Flashlight or headlamp Hat or visor with hat clip to attach to life jacket or shirt * </LI><LI>Rain jacket & pants ~ thunderstorms in the desert are very unpredictable!* </LI><LI>Fleece or sweatshirt ~ nights & mornings are cool; also great under raingear. </LI><LI>T-shirts * (one per day) </LI><LI>2 Swimsuits/sports bras ~ ladies-a sports top & swim shorts are very convenient! </LI><LI>1 pair Lightweight pants ~ zip-off, convertible pants are great-they're 2 in 1 and save space when packing your dry bag. </LI><LI>2 pairs Quick dry shorts ~ swimsuit and shorts all in one! </LI><LI>Long sleeve cotton shirt ~ provides sun and insect protection. </LI><LI>Underwear </LI><LI>River sandals or shoes that can get wet, will dry quickly, and will not slip off of your feet. </LI></UL> <H3>HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ITEMS</H3> <UL> <LI>Hiking shoes & socks ~ for hiking and wearing around camp </LI><LI>Moisturizing lotion ~ Aloe Vera Waterproof camera * </LI><LI>Sun umbrella ~ if sensitive to sun </LI><LI>Binoculars ~ for viewing wildlife </LI><LI>Books ~ for relaxing in the evening </LI><LI>Toiletry Kit: Tooth brush & tooth paste </LI><LI>Biodegradable soap & shampoo. </LI><LI>Feminine hygiene products Small pack of tissue </LI><LI>Medications ~ prescription and non-prescription </LI><LI>Comb and/or brush </LI><LI>Small towel and washcloth </LI></UL> <H3>TIPS FROM THE PROS (Our Guides)</H3> <UL> <LI>Disposable moist towelettes Small day or fanny pack </LI><LI>Ziploc bags ~ for extra water protection </LI><LI>Skirt/sarong * ~ 101 uses! </LI><LI>Travel pillow </LI><LI>Garbage bag or stuff sack ~ keeps wet & dry clothes/items separate </LI><LI>Area guide or River Map * </LI><LI>Extra snacks ~ for individuals with particular tastes or who may be diabetic-great for kids too! </LI><LI>Personal sodas / juices / alcohol (no glass) </LI><LI>Journal or notebook with pen / pencil </LI><LI>Duct tape ~ great for quick repairs of almost anything-sandals, sunglasses, luggage, you name it! A few clothespins and small piece of rope for drying clothes. </LI><LI>Goggles ~ for individuals who wear contact lenses </LI></UL> <H3>Packing Tips </H3> <UL> <LI> Handy Items: Ziploc and trash bags are very useful for separating personal items in your dry bag such as medications, shampoo, soap, wet items, and dirty laundry. Wet wipes are great for washing your face, wiping your hands, and cleaning sand or dirt off of personal belongings. Pack a few clothespins and rope to dry clothes while on the river. Remember, on the river it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it! All of these items can be invaluable and do not take up much space or add much weight to your luggage. </LI><LI> Carabiner: Carabiners are very handy in the outdoors as well as back home. Their oval shape and simple gate mechanism allow you to easily clip your water bottle, camera, hat ~ just about anything ~ nearby. </LI><LI> Extra Snacks: We provide snacks throughout the day, but is a good idea to bring extra snacks for children, for individuals who have snack preferences, or for those who may be diabetic. </LI><LI> Beverages: Each boat has an ice cooler for "personal" drinks such as soda, juice, beer, wine, etc. Since there are no stores along the river, we recommend bringing more than you anticipate needing. Please do not bring glass. SGE provides water, available to you all day long, with lemonade, Gatorade, and iced tea mixes.</LI></UL> </BODY>

Travel Information

Activity Location

Sheri Griffith Expeditions
2231 South Highway 191
Moab, UT 84532 USA

Food

We provide and prepare all the meals fresh. Our guides are great cooks. They do all of the work of preparing high quality, healthy meals made with fresh and local ingredients. There is a variety of fruits and vegetables, and meat and non-meat choices. The evening meals are grilled and baked to perfection. We accommodate a variety of diets and will assist with dietary restrictions as well.

Destination Location

<A href="http://www.griffithexp.com/cataractcanyon-motor.htm">Cataract Canyon through Canyonlands National Park</A></A></A> is a journey into a spectacular, remote wilderness. This quality multi-faceted adventure is the ideal balance of serenity, fascination, and exhilaration. Between mid-May and mid-June, Cataract Canyon has some of the biggest and most challenging whitewater in the United States. This is a thrill seeker's dream, with stunningly powerful rapids. For those seeking "moderate" excitement, trips in late summer feature rapids that are big fun rolling waves.

Guide(s)

Many people no longer speak the language of the land. It takes someone special to be able to do that. Our guides are professional, exceptional people with outstanding talents, eager to share their knowledge, experiences, and enjoyment of life in the outdoors. They continually strive to perfect their understanding of our wilderness and its secrets. It is their way of life, and their passion is to share this adventurous way of life with you. All our guides are licensed River Guides. We require extensive training: Emergency Medical Response, CPR certification and River Rescue training. Some have degrees in Geology or Natural History, and all take continuing education courses in natural and human history and science. Be assured that they all have original personalities, strong commitments to the earth, impressive leadership skills and a sharp sense of responsibility.