Experience the Best Whitewater Rafting in Utah

Since 1966, Holiday River Expeditions has been running whitewater rafting trips in Utah, offering family vacations, thrilling adventures, and meaningful escapes into nature for people of all experience levels.

On the Colorado River, you may choose a two or three-day weekend getaway through Westwater Canyon, or opt for a longer adventure into the heart of Canyonlands National Park, Cataract Canyon, which boasts some of the largest rapids in Utah.

You may opt to experience the geologic and archaeological marvels along the winding San Juan River. Or, float the Green River through Desolation Canyon, the best trip for inflatable kayaks and big, shady beach camps. Down in Labyrinth Canyon, the Green slows and invites you to explore its side canyons, paddle its calm waters, and unwind on its expansive sandy beaches.

Utah Whitewater Westwater Canyon

5–6 Day Desolation Canyon

Starting Price: $1,710
Minimum Age: 5
Meeting Location: Green River, UT

  • Over 60 mellow class I-II+ whitewater rapids interspersed with calm water stretches
  • One of the most remote regions of Utah, with a landscape of soaring walls and sandy beaches dotted with Cottonwood trees
  • Countless archaeological sites, meandering side canyons, and numerous old homesteads
  • Ideal stretch to paddle an inflatable kayak through forgiving whitewater rapids
  • Start your trip with a scenic flight over the canyon to arrive at the put-in

Cataract Canyon Rafting Whitewater

5–6 Day Cataract Canyon

Starting Price: $1,630
Minimum Age: 8 (16 in May & June)
Meeting Location: Green River, UT

  • Miles of calm water leading to class III-V whitewater, ideal for intermediate and advanced participants
  • Utah’s most legendary whitewater section, containing over 30 rapids
  • Visit thousand year old archaeological sites, see petrified wood, and hike up to amazing overlooks
  • Marvel at the Milky Way and sleep under the stars in this International Dark Sky Park
  • During the high water of May and June, we may employ our famous “triple-rigs” for a safe, adrenaline-fueled ride

westwater rafting trip

2-3 Day Westwater Canyon

Starting Price: $599
Minimum Age: 8
Meeting Location: Green River, UT

  • A stretch of calm water leading to class III-IV whitewater in a dramatic river gorge
  • Best 2-3 day trip in Utah that fits in as an add-on to a longer vacation or weekend getaway
  • Narrow, remote canyon made of a rare, billion year old black rock
  • Fun, thrilling rapids that compare to the whitewater of the Grand Canyon
  • Roaming wildlife including bald eagles, bighorn sheep, river otter, and wild turkey

Labyrinth Yoga Stand Up Paddleboarder

5 Day Labyrinth Canyon

Starting Price: $1,395
Minimum Age: 12
Meeting Location: Green River, UT

  • Calm, serene stretch of flat water through a smooth, dizzyingly steep sandstone canyon
  • One of Utah’s designated wilderness areas with a rich plethora of natural and cultural treasures
  • Hike to natural wonders like the ephemeral stream at the bottom of Three Canyon, or the iconic Bowknot Bend
  • Camp on expansive sandy beaches perfect for games and sleeping under the dark, starry sky
  • Investigate abandoned homesteads, explore indigenous archaeological sites, and discover inscriptions left behind by historic river runners

San Juan River Boats at Camp

3–5 Day San Juan River

Starting Price: $1,120
Minimum Age: 5
Meeting Location: Bluff, UT or Blanding, UT

  • Play in sand waves and easy class I–II whitewater, ideal for beginners and younger children
  • Southeastern Utah’s premier destination for family river rafting trips
  • Swift moving, winding river that cuts through red rock landscapes and exposed geologic wonders
  • Numerous archaeological sites including dwellings such as River House and lots of rock art
  • Explore the hidden secrets left behind by gold miners, prospectors, and homesteaders

Family Rafting Fisher Towers

2 Day Fisher Towers

Starting Price: $645
Minimum Age: 5
Meeting Location: Green River, UT or Moab, UT

  • Perfect for beginners with calm water and a few gentle class I-II rapids
  • Classic, breathtaking Utah scenery of red rock and snowy alpine mountains
  • Conveniently located just outside the town of Moab and Arches National Park
  • Expansive sandy beaches, perfect for camping, games, and relaxing
  • Ideal trip for youth groups or younger children


Utah’s Whitewater Rivers

It’s not much of a secret that whitewater rafting trips in Utah are world-class and accessible to people of all ages and experience levels.

In this landlocked state known for its arid deserts, the Green, Colorado, and San Juan teem with life, vibrancy, and wonder. Sculpted from sandstone, the canyons of these rivers are striking, wild, and unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Between the beautiful scenery, ease of travel, and the myriad of adventures to be had, rafting trips are simply the best way to experience the Utah deserts.

Utah River Rafting Trips
River guides going above and beyond

Why Choose Holiday?

From the first riverside meal to the last glowing side canyon, Holiday aims to please. Some of the best parts of the Colorado River aren’t even in Colorado, but as we like to say, when it comes to rafting in Utah, “you have to go to know.”

After six decades leading expeditions into the wilderness, we have learned how to maximize our guest experience, attend to every detail of your expedition, and do our best to exceed expectations. If you have never been on a rafting trip before or if you are a seasoned veteran, you can trust Holiday to facilitate an unforgettable adventure.

Our helpful and passionate staff are available to answer any questions you may have and find the perfect trip for you! Call us today and let’s get you on the water!

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Ready to book your trip?

Come experience one of the many whitewater rafting trips Utah has to offer! Book your trip with Holiday today and secure your spot on an idyllic adventure.