Facts about our Popular Colorado River Rafting Trips
January 2, 2000
Facts about our Popular Colorado River Rafting Trips
The Colorado River Rafting trip has, for years, been one of the most popular trips offered at Holiday River Expeditions. That fact has a lot to do with the river itself. The Colorado River is known as one of the best rivers in America. It offers everything a rafting or white water enthusiast could ask for.
Colorado River Canyons
The Colorado River, including Cataract Canyon and Westwater Canyon offers something for every adventurer, from novice to highly experienced. There are multiple side canyons that you may adventure down to discover some of the most amazing wilderness areas found anywhere. You will also enjoy relaxing on any of the beaches found along the Colorado River. These are a great place to pull in and stretch your legs while we take a little break from the excitement of the white water rapids.
Cataract Canyon
The Cataract Canyon trip down the Colorado River will include many comfortable campsites along the way. This is normally a five or six-day trip. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as camping for the night on the Colorado River. Adventure seekers relish the sounds of the water, the smells of wild herbs and grasses, not to mention hot coffee brewing every morning and steaks on the grill for dinner, all prepared while you relax; these are the things that you’ll remember for a lifetime!
Cataract Canyon itself is a geologist’s paradise with 300 million years of rock formations to explore. From breathtaking wildflowers to desert cactus, the sights in Cataract Canyon are magnificent. The canyon is also home to large herds of Desert Big Horn Sheep, eagles, deer, and blue heron, just to name a few. If you’re looking for even more activity on your vacation, consider booking a bike/raft combo trip! Bike for 3 days around the White Rim Trail, and then ditch your bike and jump on a raft for 4 days through Cataract Canyon.
Westwater Canyon
The Westwater Canyon trip down the Colorado River is often only a two or three-day trip. With launches departing multiple times a week, it’s a fast getaway. Camp among the Black Rocks – where you can see 1.7 billion-year old Vishnu schist rock. As you progress down the canyon, the walls close in around you, creating a deep gorge with invigorating rapids that come in quick succession!
After a day of fun, splashing through gorgeous canyon country, you’ll be starving. There’s just something about playing in the great outdoors that causes you to work up a ferocious appetite. That’s why we bring along plenty of fresh, delicious food. You won’t have to worry about the cooking either. We set up the riverside kitchen and prepare everything for you while you bask in the afternoon sunlight on the shores of the Colorado River.
Meals
With over 55 years on the river, Sue Holladay, co-owner of Holiday River Expeditions, knows what explorers love after a day of running rapids. The menu on the Colorado River trip include something for everyone, even if you have certain dietary restrictions. All food is bought from local markets so that your meals are always fresh and delicious. Some of Sue’s favorite recipes include steaks, salmon, Dutch-oven lasagna, salads, and brownies for dessert. You won’t even have to do the dishes! The main meal includes fresh salads and breads and for dessert, brownies, pineapple upside-down cake, or sopapillas. We always prepare plenty so be sure to come back for seconds!
Breakfast includes freshly made omelets, blueberry pancakes, sausage, fruit, yogurt, and cereal. We always have plenty of freshly brewed coffee, not to mention hot water, tea, and hot chocolate. Lunch consists of a buffet serving deli sandwiches, chicken Caesar wraps, PB&J sandwiches, chips, fruit, and cookies. You can relax under a lovely shade tree while you get to know the other members of the expedition. We also offer a mid-morning snack of lemonade and trail mix to stave off the hunger till lunchtime.
Camping
Before dinner, we’ll pitch our tents for the evening and set up the kitchen so we can prepare the best darn meal you’ve ever had. Your dinner meal will include freshly prepared appetizers that include veggies, a cheese plate, chips, and salsa. Wash these down with a nice glass of wine or mug of beer. Alcoholic refreshments are BYOB but we will keep everything cold for you.
While at camp, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up vacation lifestyle. Take a chair to the river and read with your feet in the water. Stretch your legs while exploring a side canyon or hiking to a vista. Start a friendly game of horseshoes or bocce. Or, even just take a nap! Bring your own tent and sleep kit, or rent one of ours!
Equipment
All our equipment at Holiday River Expeditions is the best quality and kept in perfect working condition. You’ll find our rafts and bikes clean and well-maintained. Our oared rafts are 17-foot long and we design and construct the rigging ourselves to make certain that it’s top-notch. After 45 years in business, we understand the importance of excellent equipment that you can count on.
Oar Rafts
Your professional guides will row you through the rapids and propel you through the calm sections of the river. Holiday’s oar rafts have been designed for comfort. Kick back and relax or hold on tight for the whitewater rapids! Inflatable kayaks are also available for those who want to go exploring down some of the gorgeous side canyons on the Colorado River.
Bikes & Camping Gear
Our bikes are made by Specialized and they are well known in the mountain biking industry. We have a mechanic on staff who maintains our bikes, ensuring that they are in excellent working order.
Our camping gear is the best and after so many years of working as river guides, we know a few things about comfortable bedding. You can bring your own bedding, of course, or rent ours. We provide foam sleeping mats and clean sleeping bags for those who want them. Our tents are rain-proof, clean and well maintained. We make sure our guests arrive safely and in comfort with Chevy or Ford 15 Passenger vans that are always kept clean and well maintained.
River Journey
The Colorado River rafting journey is offered in 5 or 6 day trips between the months of May and September each year. This exciting trek begins in Green River, Utah. Green River is a scenic town with plenty of panoramic mountain views. Located in the Southeast Corner of Utah, Green River offers its visitors numerous hotels, restaurants, and the John Wesley Powell museum.
Holiday River Expeditions also offers Grand Canyon river rafting, Idaho, and Utah River Rafting, family rafting trips, and mountain biking tours.