SkiHawks are going
white water rafting on the
Colorado River through the
Cataract Canyon in Utah
The Ski Hawks' are going White Water Rafting through the Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River near Moab Utah July 18 - 25, 2026. We will be on the river rafting for 4 days and 3 nights as part of this 8-day & 7-night adventure.
Our outfitter, Western River Expeditions, has 60 years of experience guiding adventurous travelers through the most spectacular rivers and canyons in the west. Western River has crafted what is considered some of the best white water rafting vacations in the world. The setting and pace of an all-inclusive Western River rafting trip gives you something you don't find in other vacations.
Your rafting experience begins just south of Moab, Utah. After a float on the Colorado River, we will arrive at "The Confluence" of the Colorado and Green Rivers. Here the Cataract Canyon begins.
Bolstered by the Green River, the Colorado River doubles its force and carves a deep 100-mile+long chasm through the heart of Canyonlands National Park. Here you’ll experience the total thrill of Class III-V Colorado River whitewater. Discover absolute relaxation on calm stretches of river that wind through soul-stirring canyons and dazzling geologic formations. The canyon walls deepen to 2,000 feet and the mood of the river changes, offering over 30 thrilling whitewater rapids. In one of the Colorado's most notorious whitewater stretches called the "Big Drops" our raft will plunge 30 feet in a matter of minutes with power and difficulty that can match those of the Grand Canyon.
Western’s Cataract Canyon 4-day trip offers the perfect balance of adventure, discovery and relaxation in an unbeatable setting. In addition to the rafting experience, we will go back in time as we explore ancient Native American ruins and fascinating pictographs. Our adventure finishes with a stunning flight over Canyonlands National Park as we return to Moab.
Itinerary & Map of River Detailed Map of River & Rapids
Video of Cataract Canyon
What’s included on the river.
- Rafting: Class III-V white water rafting (rapids depend on water flow)
- Hiking: Short walks to longer, more difficult hikes (all optional)
- Camping: Cots, tents, sleeping bags, chairs, water-resistant (dry) bags
- Meals: Guides prepare all meals for you between departure and return
- Transfers: Transportation from Moab to the river
- Scenic Flight: Return flight over Canyonlands National Park and shuttle to Moab
Rafts in Cataract Canyon
Western uses several options for rafts in Cataract Canyon (J-Rig, Oar Rig and Paddleboat) depending on water conditions. As the water slows its pace in later June and through July Western changes from the 37’ J-Rig rafts to 18’ oar rigs and smaller paddle rafts. In the oar rigs, you can sit back and relax while our guides do all the work. The smaller paddle rafts make the later trips more suitable for active individuals looking for a more “hands-on” experience. A party barge configuration is used in places of the river with slower water flows. Regardless of the rig used, the legendary whitewater in Cataract Canyon provides plenty of fun and excitement.
Meals and drinks: Your meals are well-balanced and consist of quality foods with fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables. Guides double as camp chefs and the menu includes a wide variety of dishes. Lunches are served picnic-style at riverside stops. Dinners and breakfasts are prepared by guides and often include tasty Dutch Oven baked treats. If you have special dietary requirements or are celebrating a special event during the trip, please let us know in advance. If you would like soda, beer, wine, or liquor with your dinner, please bring your own, (beer and soda in cans; wine in boxes or bags; hard liquor in glass bottles). A community cooler with ice will be available to keep your beverages cold while on the river.
Click for link to Camping & Dining information
Camping: Overnight camping will be done at riverside beaches with spectacular views of the river and canyon. There is usually a central kitchen and campfire area and spots in the surrounding area where we can pick to pitch our tents or lay out sleeping bags. Portable toilet facilities will be provided. Dinner is served in the evening, and the campfire is often kept burning into the night for music and storytelling.
Click for packing guide list for rafting the Cataract
Utah's summer weather is usually warm with highs ranging from the 90’s to the 100’s and dropping into the 60’s at night. The water temperature warms up into the high 70’s during the summer. For more information click Weather.
Utah Rafting FAQ; Cataract Canyon 4 Day Questions
Western River Expeditions Cataract Canyon Guide
- World class river rafting experience
- Suitable for beginners (age 12) to expert.
- 100 miles of Class III to Class V rapids
- Best known for scenery such as sculpted sandstone, isolated buttes and red rock castles.
- Famous for hikes to Native American ruins, fascinating pictographs and magnificent outlooks high above the mighty Colorado River.
- Experience striking star-studded skies throughout the night (you may not be able to sleep).
The Trip
- 8 days, 7 nights (Saturday - Saturday)
- 4 days of rafting (Tuesday - Friday)
- 3 nights of camping on the shores of the Colorado River.
- 2 bonus days prior to rafting for exploring Moab area adventures. Sunday & Monday.
- Pre-Rafting Lodging Spring Hills Suites, a Marriot resort for Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Friday night accommodations.
- Round trip connecting flight from MSP to Grand Junction CO via Denver and return.
- Transfers between airport.
- Pre-trip introduction party.
- Trip capacity has 12 rafting reservations. Additional spots may be available subject to Western River Expeditions availability.
- Non-Rafting Travel Partners: Contact trip leader to discuss options.
- This event is open to all
club members.
- You must be a rostered member of the MN Ski Hawks or another club to participate.
Pre-Rafting Bonus Days
This trip includes two days prior to the rafting for you to explore the Moab area. During registration you will be provided the option to express an interest in some of the popular adventures, and we will facilitate helping groups get together to experience those adventures. The adventures are on your own and at your own risk.
Some of the suggested adventures include:
Pre-Rafting Lodging
SpringHill Suites - Marriott: Located about 3 miles outside of Moab and just a short distance to Arches National Park, Spring Hills Suites is the staging location for Western River Expedition guest pick-up and drop off. Guest rooms feature 2 queen bed suites with premium bedding, double sofa sleeper, complimentary wi-fi and refrigerator in the kitchen area. Breakfast is served daily in the commons area. Dip into one of the two pools or four hot tubs that offer a refreshing break. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Most optional adventure venders either pick-up / drop off or deliver to the Spring Hills Suites. Uber and/or shuttles are available into downtown Moab to experience fabulous dining and shopping.
Land Only Options
This trip offers the normal land only (no airfare) option and also the flexibility to opt out of one or both of the two bonus days prior to rafting. Contact trip leader David to discuss options. If flying, you will be responsible for airfare and transfers to the Spring Hills Suites Marriott, Moab. Talk to a trip leader for help booking airfare to arrive at a later date. This is an option especially if you can't travel prior to Monday and wish to go rafting with the group on Tuesday.
Upon registration the options will be:
- Land only Saturday: to join us for the full trip.
- Land Only Sunday: to join us starting Sunday. Cost is less $100
- Land Only Monday: to join us Monday. Cost is less $200
- Pricing adjustments will be made after registration by the trip leader.
Rostered Ski Hawks members have priority registration up to October 31st, 2025.
A minimum deposit of $160 will reserve your spot.
- $3,300 "Early Bird Special" if deposit is received by Dec 15th
- $3,350 if deposit is received after Dec 15th and by Feb 1st.
- $3,400 if deposit is received after Feb 1st and before Mar 1st.
Not included in pricing: Suggested guide gratuity of $210 - $320.
Non-Rafting Participants:
- $1,415 if deposit is received anytime during open registration period and includes 3 extra days of hotel rooms at shared pricing. Cost may be more if unable to share with a roommate. Same payment schedule as rafters.
- Registrations will waitlist after March 1st, 2026 and may be accepted only if airfare and rafting space is available.
* Pricing is based on a 12-person minimum. If less than 12 people sign-up, prices may be adjusted.
*Rafting Participants must sign rafting trip liability waiver in addition to the normal Ski Hawks waiver.
* Air fare is not included in the above prices. See below for airfare plans.
* Single occupancy option is available at Spring Hills Suites for an additional $100 / night or $400 for the full trip.
Final trip pricing may be subject to lodging price changes, tax & fuel surcharges.
Waitlist availability after March 1, 2026 or when 12 rafting spots are filled is subject to rafting space available on our launch with Western River Expeditions.
Payment Schedule
- Initial Deposit: $460 due upon registration
- Second Payment: $1,000 due by Dec. 15th, 2025 ($1,460 total including the first deposit)
- Third Payment: $1,000 due by Feb. 1st, 2026 ($2,460 total including the first & second deposits)
- Final Payment: Remaining balance due by April 1st, 2026
Flight Information
Flight arrangements have not yet been finalized. A minimum of 10 seats must be booked to obtain a group rate. Pricing to be based on booking available for group size.
We are planning to fly with a connecting flight through Denver CO and on to either Moab UT (CNY) or Grand Junction CO (GJT) depending on availability and cost.
Airline Flights cost is in addition to the base price. Pricing is expected to be available in late November. Price per person to be determined.
Here are the planned flight details. Subject to change,
Saturday July 18, 2026: MSP to DEN to CNY or GJT
Depart: Flight #
Depart: Flight #
Saturday July 25, 2025: CNY or GJT to DEN to MSP
Depart: Flight #
Depart: Flight #
If you do not book the same flights as the group and if you want to utilize the Ski Hawks' transportation from and to the airport, you must be sure that your flight arrives in CNY or GJT prior to group arrival. Your return flight to MSP must depart after group departure. If you are not able to coordinate arrival and departure times, you will have to arrange your own shuttle services at your cost.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended, which can be purchased on your own. The Ski Hawks do not endorse any specific insurance provider. If you have to cancel, the Ski Hawks cancellation policy will be in effect. If you have questions, please contact your Trip Leaders. Scroll down for Trip leader contact info. Check out the cancellation policy here!
Options for quotes are TravelInsurance.com and InsureMyTrip.
Trip Registration
We are excited about this trip providing Ski Hawk members another white-water rafting experience. This trip offers an exceptional experience for participants.
Trip leader David Scheibel has experience rafting through the Cataract Canyon of the Colorado River, on Oregon's Rogue River, the Snake River, Arkansas River, Flat Head River, Middle Fork of the American with infamous "Tunnel chute", and the South Fork of the American a total of eleven rafting trips. In addition, he has considerable experience leading both large and small ski trip groups including a Ski Hawks ski trip to Aspen - Snowmass.
The SkiHawks' cancellation policy will be in effect for this trip. Check out the cancellation policy here!
Questions?
Contact Trip Leader David Scheibel at (320) 579-0442.
Co-Trip Leader Steve Fager at (952) 843-8638
Click on the name to start an e-mail.
REMINDER: You must be a paid and rostered member of the Ski Hawks or another MSC affiliate club to go on this trip.
To join the Ski Hawks, Click on JOIN US.
Click for a Printable PDF Flyer
Ready to go?
Click on the "Register" button below. Once registered, make your deposit electronically online via credit or debit card. Only online payments are accepted.
IMPORTANT!
When you register and pay, be sure to follow the payment instructions shown at checkout. For deposits and interim payments use the INVOICE ME option. To pay in full use the PAY ONLINE option. Reversals and cancellations will be less incurred fees which run 3.5% of the payment.
Register.
