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.
Cataract 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.
