• Spires of Cedar Mesa sandstone in Chesler Park (Needles District)

    Canyonlands

    National Park Utah

Cataract Canyon

photo: A raft hits the top of Big Drop Two during high water
A raft hits the top of Big Drop Two during high water
NPS Photo by Travis Poulson
 

Cataract Canyon contains fourteen miles of rapids ranging in difficulty up to Class V. It is a particularly hazardous and isolated section of the Colorado River and is subject to extreme water level fluctuations.

A permit is required for all trips through Cataract Canyon. People interested in boating through Cataract Canyon should also read about the flat water as these sections cannot be bypassed.

Most Cataract Canyon trips put in at Potash, Moab, Green River, or Mineral Bottom. The usual take-out for Cataract trips is Hite Marina on Lake Powell. Boaters should be aware of lake conditions as they will affect the final day(s) of your trip.

While hiking trails lead to the rivers from each of the districts, these trails are too long and rugged to be seriously considered for shuttles, even for inflatables and other lightweight boats.

Zebra Mussel Advisory

All boaters on Lake Powell must comply with Glen Canyon's zebra mussel regulations.

  • River Permits River Permits

    Use this form to apply for river permits. Read More

  • Going on the River? Going on the River?

    Additional regulations apply to all river trips. Read More

  • Lake Levels Lake Levels

    The level of Lake Powell affects all Cataract Canyon trips. Read More

  • High Water Videos High Water Videos

    Experience high water in Cataract Canyon from the safety of your desktop or mobile device. Read More

Did You Know?

Spanish Bottom on the Colorado River

At Spanish Bottom on the Colorado River, scientists discovered 260 feet of sediment below the water's surface. This could make Cataract Canyon one of the most actively filling canyons in the world. More...