Colorado River Boating: Top 5 Sections for Rafting and Kayaking
Iconic River Trips
- Lee's Ferry to Grand Canyon (AZ): 166 mi, Class II–III, Mar–Oct. Sheer walls, ancient ruins, rock art. Launch from Glen Canyon Dam.
- Cataract Canyon (UT): 100 mi, Class III–IV, Apr–Oct. Canyonlands NP; steep canyons, spires, waterfalls. High water = big waves.
- Grand Canyon (AZ): 277 mi, Class II–IV, Mar–Oct. Full canyon experience; 2–3 weeks. Permits via lottery (high demand).
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison (CO): 25 mi, Class III–IV, May–Oct. Steepest, narrowest; technical, remote. National Park.
- Desolation Canyon (UT): 83 mi, Class II–III, Mar–Oct. Remote wilderness; ruins, rock art; Desolation Canyon NP (proposed).
Other Notable Sections
- Westwater Canyon (UT): Class III–IV, day/overnight
- Ruby/Horsethief (CO/UT): Class I–II, family-friendly
- Gore Canyon (CO): Class IV–V, expert only
- Lower Colorado (AZ/CA/NV): Flatwater, motorized, Lake Mead/Havasu
Planning Essentials
- Permits (NPS, BLM, state) — often lottery
- Outfitters (guided) vs. private (experience required)
- Season: snowmelt (May–Jun) = high water; late summer = low, technical
- Leave No Trace mandatory
The Colorado offers everything from scenic floats to world-class whitewater.
Wanderlust World