Many members of the Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association also offer great river trips outside of the Grand Canyon. Often these trips are shorter, are very reasonably priced, and are sometimes more suitable for families with younger children because the rapids are more mild than those found in the Grand Canyon. Keep in mind, however, that the flow and therefore the difficulty level of many of these rivers varies according to season. Always consult with your outfitter about the expected conditions and the recommended minimum age for young children.
Try the rivers of Utah to visit some of our many other stunningly beautiful southwestern desert canyons. Raft the Colorado River through Canyonlands National Park or one of its tributaries like the Green or San Juan. These trips provide opportunities to enjoy beautiful desert vistas, soaring canyon walls, prehistoric ruins, abandoned mining camps, and many other interesting and unique sites and sounds. As always, knowledgeable and entertaining guides will provide a running interpretation of the area’s natural and cultural history.
Many of Utah’s rivers can be experienced on shorter, one or two-day trips. You can also get a small taste of the Grand Canyon terrain on a smooth water one-day float trip from Glen Canyon Dam to Lee’s Ferry, which is where the regular Grand Canyon river trips launch.
If you’d like to experience something other than the arid desert of the Southwest, consider Idaho or even Alaska. The Salmon and Snake rivers in Idaho and the Tatshenshini River in Alaska will take you through much different terrain than the Grand Canyon and offer world renowned backcountry river experiences in alpine environments.
UTAH RIVERS & LAKE POWELL
Cataract Canyon — Colorado River:
This stretch of the Colorado River runs through the heart of Canyonlands National Park, in the State of Utah. The Green and Colorado Rivers join at "the Confluence" deep within the park and the exciting rapids of Cataract Canyon begin shortly thereafter. The Class III to V rapids compare to those in Grand Canyon, particularly during the spring runoff. You can start your trip either on the Green or Colorado. You will find challenging hikes, archaeological sites, cowboy history, and spectacular desert canyon scenery waiting for you on all of the trips. You can choose between oar and motor-powered trips for your journey through Cataract Canyon.
Colorado River and Trail Expeditions (3, 4, 5 & 7 day trips)
Moki Mac River Expeditions (3 & 6 day trips; and 6 day combination Green River flat-water canoe trip/Cataract Canyon whitewater trip)
O.A.R.S. (4, 5, & 6 day trips)
Tour West (4 & 6 day trips)
Western River Expeditions (4 & 6 day trips)
Westwater Canyon — Colorado River:
Located between Grand Junction, Colorado, and Moab, Utah, this section of the Colorado River offers a narrow, exciting whitewater ride that shares some of the mysterious geology found in the bottom of Grand Canyon. Come and enjoy some Class III whitewater, spectacular scenery and the opportunity to explore areas of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Colorado River and Trail Expeditions (1, 2, 3 day trips)
Moki Mac River Expeditions (1 & 2 day trips)
Western River Expeditions (3 day trip)
Castle
Valley and Fisher Towers — Colorado River:
This
portion of the Colorado River is located near Moab, Utah, downstream
of Westwater Canyon and upstream from Canyonlands National Park.
It's a
fun Class I-II stretch that runs through some spectacular scenery
that has served as the backdrop for countless movies, from John
Wayne classics to modern pictures such as City Slickers II. This
stretch of river is perfect for all ages and offers paddle and
inflatable kayak options.
Colorado River and Trail Expeditions (1 & 2 day trips)
O.A.R.S. (1 day trip)
Western River Expeditions (1/2, 1 & 2 day trips)
Desolation Canyon — Green River:
This family oriented trip takes you through a mile deep canyon first explored in 1869 by the John Wesley Powell Expedition. Desolation Canyon has been home to the ancient Fremonts as well as cowboys, homesteaders, and Butch Cassidy’s infamous Wild Bunch. Desolation has it all: fun rapids, archaeology, fossils, stunning scenery and some of the best campsites found on any river. The lower class rapids on this section offer chances for paddle and inflatable kayak options.
Colorado River and Trail Expeditions (5 & 8 day trips)
Moki Mac River Expeditions (5 day trip)
Western River Expeditions (4, 5, 6 & 7 day trips)
Gray Canyon — Green River:
Located near Green River, Utah, just down river from Desolation Canyon, this fun trip is perfect for smaller children and adults who want to get a taste of river running. Oar boats, paddle boats and inflatable kayaks make even the milder rapids exciting.
Colorado River and Trail Expeditions (1 day trip)
Moki Mac River Expeditions (1 day trip)
San Juan River:
This major tributary of the Colorado River flows west into Utah from the four-corners area. Enjoy beautiful desert scenery and unique southwestern geology as you travel the San Juan’s deep, meandering canyons. Your guides will point out the abundant prehistoric Indian ruins and petroglyphs you will encounter along the way. Most of the companies offer inflatable kayak options, which means that even the little rapids are full of surprises.
O.A.R.S.
(3, 4 & 6 day trips)
Virgin River:
The section of this river includes an intense drop through the
Virgin River Gorge west of Zion National Park and St. George,
Utah. This short river trip is dependent on spring runoff flows
(April and May).
High Desert Adventures (1/2 or full day options)
Lake Powell:
Visit Lake Powell and the beautiful Glen Canyon Recreation Area on a variety of kayaking, hiking and photography trips.
Hidden Canyon Kayak (4, 5 & 6 day trips)
Glen
Canyon Dam to Lee's Ferry - Colorado River:
Bring your family and
come relax and enjoy this 15-mile smooth water float trip. Experience
a bit of the beautiful, historic Glen Canyon area. The trip ends
at Lee's Ferry where the Grand Canyon whitewater river trips start.
Trips start and end in Page, Arizona. This experience is also
available as a day trip from the South Rim of Grand Canyon National
Park.
From Page, AZ:
Colorado
River Discovery (1/2 day trips)
From the South
Rim:
Grand
Canyon Airlines (full-day trips)
COLORADO RIVERS
Lodore Canyon - Green River:
This section of the Green River travels through Dinosaur National Monument where prehistoric animal fossils can be found in the shale and sandstone. The Class III rapids are exciting, yet moderate. You and your family can enjoy some beautiful red rock canyon scenery on this trip.
O.A.R.S. (4 day trip)
Yampa River:
Travel through Dinosaur National Monument and experience exotic canyon scenery on this Class III river. The flow of this river is dependent on the snow melt from the Colorado mountains and exists mostly during spring and early summer.
O.A.R.S. (4 & 5 day trips)
ALASKA & IDAHO RIVERS
Tatshenshini River in Alaska:
This river has been called "one of the most visually exciting rivers in the world." You will have the opportunity to experience an alpine atmosphere with 15,000 ft. snow-capped peaks, glaciers that reach the river’s edge, and chances to see amazing wildlife such as, moose, eagles and bear. Come have a great Alaska adventure!
Colorado River and Trail Expeditions (11 day oar trip)
Salmon River in Idaho:
The Main Fork of the Salmon River (Class III) is in one of America's most scenic wilderness areas: sandy beaches, pine covered hillsides, canyons, hot springs, meadows, mining camp ruins, plenty of wildlife and exciting whitewater. The Middle Fork (Class III-IV) is considered one of the premium alpine river trips in North America with more rapids than any river of similar length in the U.S.–over 100 rapids! Experience towering granite walls and side hikes to hidden waterfalls, pictographs and natural hot springs. The Lower Fork (Class III) with its milder whitewater, warm water river pools and roomy beaches, is well suited for families with young children. Don’t worry! This section of the river doesn't fall short on excitement–some of Idaho's most popular rapids are found here.
O.A.R.S. (6 day Main Fork trip; 6 day Middle Fork trip; 4 & 5 day Lower Fork trips; and 17 day Full Salmon trip)
Tour West (5 night Main Fork trip)
Snake River through Hell’s Canyon in Idaho:
Hells Canyon is a grand stadium filled with wildlife, the remnants of vanished cultures, and the diverse landforms created by ancient volcanoes. At the bottom of this gorge flows the warm, clear water of the Snake River (Class III).
O.A.R.S. (3 & 5 day trips)
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