Tiffany Haney
The Colorado River is famous for its whitewater rapids and the legendary canyons carved by its erosive flow, including Westwater Canyon, Castle Valley, Cataract Canyon, and Glen Canyon, all found within Utah. Rafting trips on the Colorado River range from one-day to week-long excursions, accommodating families with young children and those seeking greater thrills. While gold deposits have been historically found in the Colorado River, much of the river today is within designated areas such as the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Canyonlands National Park, where gold prospecting is not permitted. For those interested in panning, extending a trip to Moab and upstream to the Colorado border will provide access outside of these parks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| River | Colorado River |
| Location | Glen Canyon, Westwater Canyon, Castle Valley, Cataract Canyon, Canyonlands National Park, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon |
| Rapids | Skull, Funnel Falls, Sock-It-To-Me Rapids, Hell-To-Pay, Little Niagra, Satan's Gut |
| Trip Duration | 1 day to 1 week |
| Trip Type | Rafting, Canoeing, Kayaking |
| Difficulty | Beginner-friendly to advanced |
| Age Limit | 3+ |
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$23.99 $29.95
What You'll Learn
Gold panning on the Colorado River in Utah
Utah may not be the first place that comes to mind for gold panning, as it is known to be one of the poorer states in the West for gold prospecting. However, there is still gold to be found in its rivers, including the Colorado River.
Gold deposits have been known to exist in the Colorado River since the earliest explorers came to the area. Official records account for about 2,000 ounces of gold recovered from the river. Today, gold prospectors can still likely get small amounts of gold with a gold pan and some hard work.
Most of the Colorado River in Utah is now within specially designated areas such as the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Canyonlands National Park, which are not open to gold prospecting. To access parts of the river that are open to gold panning, you'll have to go to Moab and upstream to the Colorado border to get out of the parks.
In addition to gold panning, the Colorado River in Utah offers exhilarating white water rafting experiences. The river's legendary canyons, such as Westwater Canyon, Castle Valley, Cataract Canyon, and Glen Canyon, provide thrilling rapids and astoundingly scenic views. Rafting trips on the Colorado River range from one-day to week-long excursions, accommodating various skill levels and ages.
Utah's professional guides and outfitters provide safe and memorable rafting adventures, ensuring comfortable accommodations and delicious outdoor meals. Whether you're seeking gold panning opportunities or thrilling white water rafting experiences, the Colorado River in Utah offers a unique and engaging outdoor experience.
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Rafting trips on the Colorado River
Grand Canyon Rafting Trips
The Grand Canyon is a popular destination for rafting trips on the Colorado River, with trips ranging from 3 to 12 days. These trips offer a combination of thrilling rapids and serene moments, allowing rafters to experience the untouched beauty of the Grand Canyon and discover its history and nature. Some trips include hiking, with the opportunity to explore ancient Indian ruins and cascading waterfalls.
Moab, Utah Rafting Trips
Moab, Utah is a convenient starting location for rafting trips on the Colorado River, offering access to several famous canyons, including Westwater Canyon, Castle Valley, and Cataract Canyon. The Southwest Sampler vacation package is a family-friendly option, offering a mix of comfort and adventure, including an off-road Hummer Safari.
Cataract Canyon Rafting Trips
Cataract Canyon, located in Canyonlands National Park, is known for its whitewater rapids and astoundingly beautiful scenery. This 4-day expedition covers 100 miles of the Colorado River, ending in Lake Powell, and includes a scenic flight back to Moab.
Upper Colorado River Rafting Trips
The Upper Colorado River offers a milder and more scenic rafting experience, showcasing the river's pristine beauty. This trip is ideal for families, with gentle Class I-II rapids and some exciting Class III sections. It takes rafters through ever-changing landscapes, including meadows, valleys, rolling ranchlands, and towering canyon walls.
Gold Panning on the Colorado River
While gold deposits have been found in the Colorado River, much of the river is now within specially designated areas such as the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Canyonlands National Park, where gold prospecting is not allowed. However, there may still be opportunities for gold panning upstream near the Colorado border.
The Colorado River offers a diverse range of rafting trips, from gentle family-friendly floats to thrilling whitewater adventures, all set against a backdrop of stunning natural scenery and historical landmarks.
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Whitewater rapids
Sections of the River:
The Colorado River in Utah boasts several sections renowned for their whitewater rapids, each offering unique experiences and catering to different skill levels. These sections include:
- Westwater Canyon: Known for its raging waves and colourful stone walls, Westwater Canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon. It offers a wild ride with rapids like Skull, Funnel Falls, and Sock-It-To-Me.
- Cataract Canyon: Located deep within Canyonlands National Park, Cataract Canyon features some of the largest white water rapids on the Colorado River. Rapids with names like Hell-To-Pay, Little Niagra, and Satan's Gut hint at the thrilling experience awaiting rafters.
- Moab: The mild section of the river near Moab offers a beginner-friendly experience with Class I and II rapids such as Onion Creek, Cloudburst, and Rocky. This section is ideal for families and those new to rafting.
- Green River: For a different experience, the Green River through Desolation Canyon offers impressive scenery and whitewater rapids. This trip is recommended for those seeking a more relaxed adventure.
Trip Options:
When planning your trip, consider the following options:
- Trip Duration: Rafting trips on the Colorado River can vary from a single day to a week or more, depending on your preference. Multi-day trips often include camping and exploration of the surrounding areas.
- Skill Level: Choose a trip that matches your skill level and comfort. Some sections, like Moab, are ideal for beginners, while others, like Westwater and Cataract canyons, offer more challenging rapids for experienced rafters.
- Guides and Outfitters: Professional guides and outfitters in Utah can enhance your experience. They provide expertise, ensure safety, and often include comfortable accommodations and delicious meals. Moab Adventure Centre, Adrift Adventures, and Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours are a few recommended options.
- Packing List: Proper packing is essential for a safe and enjoyable trip. Quick-dry clothing, secure footwear, hats, and sunglasses are recommended. Remember that your belongings may get wet, so leave valuables behind or store them safely.
Rapids Intensity:
The intensity of the rapids on the Colorado River can vary depending on the season and water levels. During the early season, higher water levels due to snowmelt can create more challenging conditions, with the possibility of encountering Class III rapids. Throughout the rest of the season, you can expect a mix of Class I and II rapids, which are more suitable for beginners and families.
In conclusion, the Colorado River in Utah offers a range of whitewater rapids experiences, from mild to wild. With its breathtaking scenery, thrilling rides, and professional guides, a rafting trip on the Colorado River promises an unforgettable adventure tailored to your preferences and skill level.
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Canyonlands National Park
The Colorado River and Green River combine within the park, flowing through layered sandstone to form two deep canyons. Both rivers are calm upstream of the Confluence, making them ideal for canoes, kayaks, and other shallow-water craft. Below the Confluence, the combined flow of both rivers spills down Cataract Canyon with remarkable speed and power, creating a world-class stretch of white water.
The Island in the Sky district, located in the northern section of the park between the Colorado and Green rivers, is the most popular area, attracting 76.7% of total park visitors. The district offers breathtaking vistas, with viewpoints overlooking the White Rim and the rivers 1,200 and 2,200 feet below, respectively. The nearby Green River Overlook provides a paved walkway and stunning views of the river meandering beneath the Island in the Sky. The Mesa Arch trail, a 0.5-mile round trip, rewards visitors with a naturally framed view of the canyon country.
The Needles district is the second most visited area, attracting 20.7% of visitors. This district features towering mesas and buttes, as well as hiking trails that offer panoramic scenes of the surrounding canyon country. The Maze district, a remote and less-visited area, offers multi-day trip possibilities for adventurers, although the logistics and roads can be more challenging.
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Moab, Utah
When it comes to panning on the Colorado River near Moab, it's important to note that most of the river now falls within designated areas such as the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Canyonlands National Park. These areas are typically not open for gold prospecting. However, you can still enjoy panning on the river upstream towards the Colorado border, outside of the national parks.
Moab serves as a convenient gateway to various adventures on the Colorado River and its tributaries. One popular option is the Green River, which joins the Colorado River in Cataract Canyon. The Green River offers a more beginner-friendly experience for those new to rafting or looking for a milder journey. It flows through Desolation Canyon, known for its high desert beauty, and you can book guided canoe trips that include camping and exploring the surrounding areas.
In addition to rafting and canoeing, Moab offers a range of outdoor activities. Mountain biking, hiking, off-roading, and rock climbing are all popular pursuits in the area. Moab is also known for its scenic drives, such as the 17-mile Potash Road or the Lower Colorado Scenic Byway, which runs along the Colorado River just north of Moab. This route treats visitors to stunning views, rock climbing opportunities, dinosaur tracks, arches, and more.
For those planning a trip to Moab, there are various itinerary options available, including half-day, full-day, and multi-day excursions. The Southwest Sampler vacation package, for instance, offers a family-friendly 4-day 3-night retreat that includes accommodations, exploring Arches National Park, and an off-road Hummer Safari. Moab is a central hub for exploration, providing easy access to nearby national parks such as Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point, as well as the renowned whitewater rapids of Cataract Canyon.
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Frequently asked questions
Gold panning is not permitted on much of the Colorado River anymore due to its designation as protected land. However, you can go panning upstream near the Colorado border.
The Colorado River in Utah flows primarily through the "slickrock" country, which is characterised by narrow canyons and unique "folds" created by the tilting of sedimentary rock layers along faults.
The Colorado River in Utah is famous for its whitewater rapids. Rafting trips are available for all skill levels and ages, ranging from one-day to week-long trips.
Gold panning is more common in other Western states like Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada. However, there are still some gold deposits in Utah. The Raft River in Box Elder County and the San Juan River are two rivers in Utah where you can try your luck.
