Reading is fun, but what’s more exciting than looking through photos from a trip and feeling like you are there? Follow our photo journal journey on the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon, with local Utah photographer, Chris Whitaker. From boat rigging to rapid running, beach fun, and delicious food; this trip created memories to last a lifetime.

Day 1

Rafting Cataract Photo Journal Boat Ramp

After taking a 90-minute ride, we put in at the Potash Boat Ramp just outside Moab, Utah.

Our guides and drivers work quickly to get the rafts into the water and rigged to head downstream. And then we’re off!

Rafting Cataract Photo Journal Boat on Water

From there we floated on glassy smooth water. We start to transition from our busy lives to the sweet, slow pace of life on the river.

Rafting Cataract Photo Journal Photographers

Either on 18-foot oar rigs, captained by our four guides; Susan, Jack, Ellie, and Garrison.

Rafting Cataract P.J. Stand Up Paddle

Or on stand up paddleboards which allowed us the freedom to explore a little farther.

Rafting Cataract P.J. Double Duck

We also tried out the double ducky…

Rafting Cataract P.J. Double Ducky Flip

Which didn’t always want to stay upright.

Rafting Cataract Photo Journal Lunch Barge

For lunch, the guides tied all of the boats together to make a barge, and our meal was prepared and served while floating downriver.

Day 2

Rafting Cataract Photo Journal Lathrop

On our second day, we hiked to thousand year-old petroglyphs and pictographs across from Lathrop Canyon.

Rafting Cataract Guests on Boat

Guests on Holiday trips have the opportunity to meet folks from around the world, often finding similarities in their backgrounds and interests. Getting to know everyone over the course of the trip is often a highlight for both guides and guests.

Rafting Cataract Photo Journal Lounging Boat

At camp guests spent their time lounging around.

Rafting Cataract P.J. Guide Antics

Or attempting a reverse back flip onto the boats.

Rafting Cataract Photo Journal Sangria Camp
Camp at Sangria is the perfect spot for a sunset float.
Rafting Cataract P.J. Horseshoes
And a game of horseshoes.

Day 3

Rafting Cataract Photo Journal Hazardous Rapids
We stop at the Hazardous Rapids sign marking the entrance to Cataract Canyon and the beginning of designated whitewater. Here, flatwater kayakers must return upriver via motor boat, but the intrepid rafters continue on! We also sign up for the remainder of our campsites – knowledge of the favorite picks has been passed down among Holiday boatmen for decades.
Rafting Cataract P.J. Ellie Swanson
Our guide Ellie smiles as she rows through Brown Betty rapid, one of the splashy starters to build anticipation for what’s to come.
Rafting Cataract Photo Journal Brown Betty Ducky
At camp, we watch as guides and guests have fun kayaking through the rapid. Some camps offer the opportunity for exploratory hikes to gain an aerial view of the river.
Rafting Cataract P.J. Brown Betty Surf
Steep sandbanks, while not ideal for unloading boats, prove to be fun sand surfing for active guests.
Rafting Cataract Photo Journal Susan Fajias
Guide Susan provides laughs in the kitchen as she cooks up veggies for Fajita Night.
Rafting Cataract P.J. Fajita Night
Three-course dinners never disappoint and are customizable to build into whatever you’d like.
Rafting Cataract P.J. Beer Lounging
Cool down in the hot temps by drinking a beverage directly in the river. Holiday provides sodas and sparkling waters, or bring your own favorites from home.

Day 4

Rafting Cataract P.J. Boat Lineup
Rafting Cataract P.J. Rapids Susan
Guide Susan braces into a big hit in one of the rapids.
Rafting Cataract P.J. Rapids Boats

 

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Rafting Cataract P.J. Guides

Day 5

Rafting Cataract P.J. Motor Barge

As the trip comes to a close, everyone soaks up the scenery and reflects on the trip’s highlights during the last few miles.

Rafting Cataract P.J. Hite Bridge

The view of Hite Crossing Bridge backed by the Henry Mountains signifies the trip coming to a close.

 

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