rafting adventures | MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

Western River Expeditions, one of the nation’s premier river outfitters, reports that its Cataract Canyon rafting trips now include a brand-new, Class IV rapid—unofficially dubbed “Gypsum Rapid”—along with an estimated three miles of newly revealed river that had been buried under Lake Powell since the 1960s.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT– When reservoirs recede, they don’t just expose old roads, forgotten villages or rusted-out cars. They reveal history. And in this case, they create new adventures.

As the long-standing drought continues to shrink Lake Powell, the Colorado River is reclaiming its natural course, unveiling whitewater rapids that have been submerged for decades. This transformation is thrilling news for rafters. Western River Expeditions, one of the nation’s premier river outfitters, reports that its Cataract Canyon rafting trips now include a brand-new, Class IV rapid—unofficially dubbed “Gypsum Rapid”—along with an estimated three miles of newly revealed river that had been buried under Lake Powell since the 1960s.

“As guides scouted this new rapid before running it, there was a mix of caution, respect, and pure wonderment,” says Carter Lloyd, a former river guide with Western River Expeditions.

The rapid reemerged as Lake Powell’s water levels dropped to lows not seen in decades. When the Glen Canyon Dam was completed in 1963, 186 miles of the Colorado River were flooded to create the reservoir. By 1980, the lake was at full capacity. Now, as water recedes, lost rapids like Gypsum are coming back to life.

“We expect to see even more old rapids re-emerge in the coming years as Lake Powell continues to recede,” says Brian Merrill, CEO of Western River Expeditions.

Cataract Canyon, carved by the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers just south of Moab, Utah, offers a 100-plus-mile-long adventure filled with diverse landscapes, rich history and exhilarating whitewater rapids. Often hailed as America’s premier river trip, Cataract Canyon combines the thrill of class III-V whitewater with the serenity of breathtaking desert landscapes, ancient ruins and the timeless flow of the river.

Western River Expeditions offers two distinct ways to experience Cataract Canyon:

Cataract Canyon Express 2-Day Adventure

$965 per person (Adults and Youth 12+)
Experience the power of the Colorado River as you navigate through class III-V rapids aboard high-speed, custom rafts. This two-day adventure is perfect for those seeking maximum thrills in minimal time.
Cataract Canyon Express 2-Day Adventure

Cataract Canyon 4-Day Expedition

$1,975 for adults, $1,445 for youth (10-15)
Immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of Canyonlands National Park over four days. Enjoy leisurely rafting, explore hidden waterfalls and ancient ruins, and camp under the stars. The adventure concludes with a scenic flight over Canyonlands National Park.
Cataract Canyon 4-Day Expedition

To book a trip, request a catalog or more information, call 866-904-1160 (Local: 801-942-6669) or visit the website at www.westernriver.com.

Since 1961, Western River Expeditions has been at the forefront of adventure travel, offering guided rafting trips across Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Arizona. As one of the largest licensed outfitters in the Grand Canyon and a leading tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center, Western River has earned accolades as one of the top rafting companies in the U.S. The company has also been awarded Utah’s Best of State honor for 21 consecutive years (2004-2024).

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Western River Expeditions and its Moab Adventure Center division, gurus of epic rafting vacations in the American West, offer a potpourri of wilderness immersions for time-stressed souls who can commit only a few days to their well-being.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – The gurus of epic rafting vacations in the American West offer a potpourri of wilderness immersions for time-stressed souls who can commit only a few days to their well-being.

Western River Expeditions and its division Moab Adventure Center, recently selected as two of the top rafting companies in the U.S. by the readers of Newsweek Magazine, have fine-tuned their “shortcations” that offer most — if not all — of the time-out benefits of longer escapes.

“Recent findings show that 40 percent of working Americans take only 4.4 vacation days a year,” reflected Brandon Lake, CMO and co-owner. “With this in mind, we have ‘shortcation’ river rafting trips that even for a day or two will help set your batteries on high-speed recharge.”

Following are adventures of only three or fewer nights available for the upcoming 2024 rafting season. These journeys begin and end in the red rock playground of Moab, Utah, except for one home-based from Las Vegas, Nevada, and one leaving from Merlin, Oregon.

Cataract Canyon Express 2-Day/1-Night Rafting Trip: Cataract Canyon, the section of the Colorado River that flows through the heart of Canyonlands National Park, may be the nation’s premier river trip in terms of excitement and diversity. This 2-day adventure is offered May through July when traditionally the river offers the most thrilling rides. Customized, high-speed rafts add to the excitement of dropping through the canyon into a series of nearly 30 whitewater rapids along this 100-mile journey. The $955 per person rate (ages 12 and up) includes transfers, rafting, hiking, one night of camping under the stars, and meals. For details on the 2-day trip, please see https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/cataract-canyon-express

Cataract Canyon 4-Day/3-Night Rafting Trip: This longer version of the 100-mile river adventure is offered May through September with a choice of conveyance depending on the level of thrill-seeking: J-Rig, Oar Boat, or Paddle Raft. On off-river excursions there’s time to explore Native American ruins and pictographs. Guests seal memories of the canyon with a stunning return flight over Canyonlands National Park. The per-person rate is $1,935. The youth rate is $1,425, minimum age 12 in May and June; age 10 July through September. Rates include transfers (including the scenic flight), rafting, hiking, three nights of camping under the stars, and meals. For details on the 4-day trip, please see https://www.westernriver.com/cataract-canyon-rafting

Lower Grand Canyon 3-Day/2-Night River Trip: This April through September adventure that is based out of Las Vegas traverses 89 of the river’s lower miles with enough class II and III rapids to keep everyone on their toes. Hidden waterfalls and pools carve their way down to the river frequented by Blue Heron, hawks and eagles. The per-person rate is $1,895 for ages 9 and up. Rates include a flight to the river, a scenic helicopter flight into the depths of the canyon; bus transfers from the river back to Vegas; rafting, two nights of camping under the stars, hiking, and meals. For details on this 3-day trip, please see https://www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-river-trip

4-Day/3-Night Moab Vacation Southwest Sampler: This adventure, available from June through August, combines the best of the red rock playground of Moab, Utah, with a 2-night stay at the Moab Marriott and one night camping on the Colorado River. This is one of Western’s most popular family experiences. First up is a morning exploration of Arches National Park with a van and walking tour alongside knowledgeable guides. Then comes an afternoon exploration of red rock country in an off-road Hummer Safari. The following two days guests will raft through class I and II rapids on the Colorado River and experience the fun of camping overnight on the river. This adventure is open to families with children ages 5 and up. The per person rate is $895; $765 for ages 5-15. Rates include transfers to listed activities, two nights of hotel accommodations in Moab, rafting, one night of camping under the stars, and meals while on the rafting adventure. For details, please see https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/southwest-sampler

4-Day/3-Night Rogue River Lodge to Lodge Raft Trip, Oregon: This journey, available from May through September, offers the advantages of lodge – instead of tent – accommodations. The Rogue begins near Crater Lake in the Cascade Mountains and runs westerly through southern Oregon to the Pacific Ocean. This river remains so remote that boats still deliver the mail in some regions where the river is the only road. Wildlife sightings may include river otters, deer and black bears. Guests raft this legendary waterway along 45 miles, with whitewater classified class II-IV. There is a choice of Oar Boat, Paddle Raft, or Inflatable Kayak. The per-person rate is from $1,990 for adults and $1,920 for ages 7-16. Price includes rafting, hiking, meals, and lodging. For details, please see https://www.westernriver.com/rogue-river-lodge-trip

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2024 catalog, for questions, availability and reservations, call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/. For information on Moab Adventure Center programs, call 866.904.1163 or visit https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/.

Founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey, Western River Expeditions annually escorts more people on rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon. In 2023 it was chosen by the readers of USA Today 10Best as the #2 rafting company in the nation. In 2024 it was selected as one of the Top rafting companies in the U.S. by the readers of Newsweek Magazine. The company is also the proud recipient of the “Best of State” award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for the past nineteen consecutive years (2004-2022).

Moab Adventure Center is the largest single tour provider in Moab, Utah. Located at 225 South Main St. in Moab, the center has a 2,000-square-foot space booking tours and selling adventure related gear, clothing, maps and souvenirs. In April 2024, it was also voted as one of the Top Five rafting companies in the nation by the readers of Newsweek Magazine.