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 Why Cataract
Canyon?
Slightly less famous than the Grand Canyon a downstream by just a few
hundred miles, Cataract Canyon and the surrounding park is a premier
destination of the Southwest. Experience the best of Canyonlands National
Park with us you will soon understand why we at O.A.R.S are so excited to
our discerning clients this trip.
WHITEWATER
• There is no dam on the Colorado River above Cataract
Canyon, as a result its varying seasonal water levels offer a whitewater
experience for everyone. In the big-water season of May and June,
seasoned whitewater enthusiasts love the giant waves and the Colorado's
well - known “Big Drops,” which can, at times, make even the
Grand Canyon's Crystal and Lava Rapids seem tame. The Colorado is the
considered greatest navigable whitewater river in the U.S.A., while at
certain water levels. Later in the season, between the months of July and
October,the water levels go down, making this an outstanding river with
more manageable rapids suitable for all ages and experience levels.
NATURAL HISTORY
• Before the convenience of modern mass travel, very few
travelers had the opportunity to experience the Canyonlands. Far from the
reach of the river, water and shade are extremely scarce. None the less,
this “no-man's land” showcases many signs of early human
involvement in it's landscape. Prehistoric Puebloan ruins are a featured
attraction on several of our hikes; our guides are educated in the
ancient lore of the region and enjoy sharing all they know. Much more
recent activities, from the appearance of Mormon pioneers, prospectors
and ranchers late in the nineteenth century mark the next chapter in the
fascinating history of this region.
GEOLOGY
• Cataract Canyon represents a remarkable geologic work of
art in progress: it is a real-world classroom i where we are all given
the opportunity to view millions of years of the planets natural history.
The rich and unique coloration in the Canyonlands region—
whites,reds, and grays all beg the question of how these rocks were
formed. Bent or broken, oftentimes rippling like the waves of the ocean,
the multi-colored layers along the river corridor are a visual testament
to the intensely powerful forces in play below the surface of the
earth.
Sample Itinerary
At O.A.R.S we take pride in running an always relaxed and
flexible schedule. Each trip will differ according to the group, other
trips already on the water as well as the weather. A sample of what your
trip may be like follows.
Day 1
• Following your arrival in Moab, Utah, you will be
transported from the airport to Sorrel River Ranch Resort. We will stay
at the ranch overnight in beautiful canyon country. Our guides will
supply you with a scenic tour of Arches National Park. Guests arriving by
car can meet at the Park Visitors Center in central Moab. During our
welcome orientation, we will provide an interpretive overview of the
Canyonlands area presented by our on - site geologist/educator who will
also accompany us on our trip.
Day 2
• After breakfast at Sorrel we will make our way to the
launch site via the Island-in-the-Sky region of the park accessed by the
4-wheel drive Shaffer Trail. We will access the river through Lathrop
Canyon where we will meet our guides and crew for the 75-mile river
portion of our trip. That night will be spent in the Coffee Pot Ruin area
on the banks of the Colorado.
Day 3
• Before lunch we will float for a few pleasant hours along
the river. Once we break, the group will leave the rafts for a short
along over a gooseneck of land, traveling no more than½ mile to
reach the same point that would take 4 river-miles to paddle via the
winding river.
• After a few hours more of floating, we reach the
Confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers. This is a major junction of
the two rivers and one you will remember fondly for the rest of your
life. That night camp will be in the Spanish Bottom area, at the head of
famous Cataract Canyon rapids.
Day 4
• The early morning sees us hiking into the Doll House, an
area of unique sandstone formations which take on the forms of large
chess pieces or or dolls, in the Maze section of Canyonlands National
Park. Shortly after our hike we will once again tackle the rapids, rated
between Class III or III+. Camp for the night is located just below the
Big Drops.
Day 5
• We start our day today by floating the last stretch of calm
water found along the Colorado River until we reach take out point at
Hite Marina. Along the way we will more than likely break for a hike in
the scenic Dark Canyon. Once we arrive at Hite we will board planes to
take us to the Needles Outpost in a very remote part of Canyonlands
National Park, the third and final region we will visit. Tonight will be
spent at Dugout Ranch, located on the outskirts of the Canyonlands
National Park boundary.
Day 6
• After breakfast at the Lodge the day starts with an
exploration of the backcountry portion of our Needles trip. Our route
brings us to moderately high regions of the Manti-La Sal National Forest
along the slopes of the Abajo Mountains. Entering the Needles District
from the south, we will explore outstanding examples of Native American
ruins in the isolated Beef Basin, located just outside of the park.
Tonight we will camp in the scenic Devils Kitchen.
Day 7
• Following a short hike to Chesler Park on the Joint Trail
the group will drive along the Silver Stairs to the Confluence Overlook.
Here we can view the Green and Colorado River junction from more than a
thousand feet above the river we parted from just a few days earlier.
• Before arriving at the Park Service Visitors Center in
the Needles, we climb the famous 4x4 route over Elephant Hill.
• Some more stunning scenery attracts our attention,
before we reluctantly bid farewell to this colorful world of natural
formations as climb back into our chartered plane for the return trip to
Moab. The flight is scheduled to arrive in Moab with plenty of time to
connect with the 3 pm flight to Salt Lake City.
What's Included with the Cataract Canyon-Needles Explorer
Trip?
• All starting with from lunch on Day 1 through to lunch on
the final day, excluding any alcohol
• Transportation from Moab to and from the river
• Knowledgeable, excellent guides and top of the line
equipment
What's Not Included?
• Transportation to and from Moab
• Pre- and post- meals and accommodations
• Personal items, a packing list will be provided with your
Trip Planner
Family Vacations - Cataract Canyon / Needles: Pages: 1
2
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