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There are three main rivers in Utah
that provide opportunities for whitewater rafting and kayaking
-- the Colorado River, Green River and San Juan River. Of these
the Colorado River is the most popular and offers the best whitewater
sections in the state. Descriptions are presented below.
Select any destination link for detailed
information about the opportunities there, including information
on outfitters, guides, etc.
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information on how to book your whitewater rafting adventure,
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Green River
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The Green River runs from Flaming
Gorge National Recreation Area to Dinosaur National Monument and
then through extremely remote and rugged areas of central Utah
before entering Canyonlands National Park and joining the Colorado
River.
Flaming
Gorge National Recreation Area
-- Beneath the dam holding Flaming Gorge Lake, the Green River
tumbles pleasantly though mild Class I - II whitewater for about
10 miles. The trip is very popular and no guides are needed.
 Dinosaur
National Monument -- The
river runs for 49 miles through the park through several different
sections of good whitewater, ranging from Class I to Class IV.
Desolation and Gray Canyons are extraordinarily
remote and isolated sections of the Green River through central
Utah. The canyons feature 60 rapids, mostly Class
I and II with some Class
III. Both canyons are
pristine and ruggedly beautiful. Outfitters for these sections
operate out of Price
and Green
River.
Just north of the town of Green
River is a nice several
mile stretch of mild , Class I-II whitewater -- the "Green
River Daily" -- that can be handled unguided.
Colorado River
The Colorado River enters Utah from
Colorado at Westwater Canyon, flows past Moab and into Canyonlands
National Park. Within Canyonlands it joins the Green River and
then races through wild Cateract Canyon. It has several sections
of whitewater and its entire length is wonderfully situated beneath
towering red rock canyon walls.
Westwater Canyon runs
for 17 miles through a unique black rock inner canyon, above which
tower the more common red sandstone canyon walls. Westwater contains
10 Class 3-4 rapids and numerous smaller rapids.
Cateract Canyon
(18 miles) offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the country.
It has 26 significant rapids, Class 3 to 4+. Its isolation deep
within the wilds of Canyonlands National Park adds immeasurably
to the experience.
The rest of the river is mostly calm
water, but there are a few segments with some moderate whitewater.
Moab serves as the base for exploring the Colorado River. It has
lots of outfitters who rent equipment and lead guided trips. Select
Moab-River
Activities for details
about running the Colorado River.
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