Whitewater Rafting Trips in Utah and Beyond...
Utah offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the West and you can choose your level of adventure. So, grab a paddle, hop into a big yellow raft, and get ready for some wet, wild and adventurous fun!
OARS is the most experienced outfitter on the Colorado plateau and we offer a wide variety of whitewater rafting experiences on the Green, Yampa, Colorado and San Juan Rivers:
EASY, CLASS II:
The Green River through Flaming Gorge is perfect for first-time rafters and young families. It offers crystal-clear water, fun rapids, world-class fishing, Wild West history and gorgeous canyon scenery.
• 1 or 3 Days, June – August, Minimum age: 4
The San Juan River twists and turns through a beautiful red rock labyrinth. Its easy whitewater, remote hikes, and fascinating archeological sites make for a diverse, family-friendly river trip.
• 4, 5 or 6 Days, March – July, Minimum age: 4
MODERATE, CLASS III:
If you’ve only got one day, our Green River through Split Mountain Canyon trip won’t disappoint. Scenic floating and lively whitewater create the perfect way to sample Utah’s incredible rafting scene.
• 1 Day, May – September, Minimum age: 6
Our Green River through Desolation Canyon trip offers gorgeous red rock scenery, beautiful sandy beaches for camping and more than 50 splashy, fun rapids the whole family can enjoy.
• 5 Days, May – September, Minimum age: 7
On our Green River through the Gates of Lodore trip you will raft through Dinosaur National Monument, inflatable kayak through fun rapids, hike to side canyon waterfalls, and hunt for petroglyphs.
• 3, 4 or 5 Days, May – September, Minimum age: 7
The Yampa River—the Colorado’s last free-flowing tributary—winds through some of the West’s most remarkable canyons. This trip offers many great side hikes, stunning scenery and lots of fun rapids.
• 4 or 5 Days, mid-May – mid-July, Minimum age: 7
Legendary whitewater, unprecedented access to Canyonlands National Park and dramatic canyon scenery help put a Colorado River through Cataract Canyon rafting trip at the top of the list of best Utah trips.
• 4 or 6 Days, April – October, Minimum age: 7
EPIC, CLASS IV:
If you’re looking for big adventure, this is it. High-water Cataract Canyon trips offer up some of the biggest and most exciting whitewater in the U.S. in late spring when snowmelt from the Rockies is running strong.
• 4 or 6 Days, mid-May – mid-June, Minimum age: 16
Named the “West’s best short whitewater trip” by National Geographic, the Colorado River through Westwater Canyon offers thrilling Class III-IV rapids, dramatic canyon scenery and beach camping under the stars
• 2 Days, June – September, Minimum age: 12
When Rocky Mountain snowmelt surges in the spring, the Yampa River—the Colorado’s last free-flowing tributary—earns its wild reputation and the notorious Warm Springs Rapid becomes legendary.
• 4 or 5 Days, mid-May – mid-June, Minimum age: 12
BEYOND THE BEEHIVE STATE:
Once you get your feet wet in Utah, you may want to consider an OARS trip in any one of these other great destinations...
The Rogue River, OR (3-5 Days) – With its warm, moderate Class III whitewater, the Rogue is just wild enough to satiate an adult sense of adventure, while tantalizing teens and thrilling youngsters. The river includes a number of interesting historical sites and abundant wildlife.
The American River, CA (1 or 2 Days) – Raft the family-friendly Class III South Fork American River near Sacramento or experience the notorious Tunnel Chute Rapid on the Class IV Middle Fork American. Enjoy free camping the night before or after your trip at our American River Outpost.
The Tuolumne River and Yosemite National Park, CA (1 to 3 Days) – A true wilderness trip on the Wild & Scenic Tuolumne River sets the high water mark for California rafting trips. Experience 18 miles of nearly continuous Class IV whitewater, waterfall hikes and backcountry isolation just outside of Yosemite National Park.
Grand Canyon National Park and the Colorado River, AZ (5 – 18 Days) – Unparalleled adventure and life-long recollections within the grandest legend of American landscapes, this trip is on every-one’s “bucket list.”
The Snake River through Hells Canyon, ID (3 or 5 Days) – The adventure begins with a scenic flight to the put-in where the deepest gorge in North America plunges to depths of nearly 8,000 feet and the Snake River's warm, clear waters yield some of the best big waves and whitewater rapids in the U.S. Northwest.
The Main Salmon River, ID (6 Days) – Home to beautiful giant sandy beaches and a natural hot spring sprawling alongside clear, mellow pools and Class III whitewater rapids, the Main Salmon is one of America’s classic river trips.
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River, ID (6 Days) – More than 100 rapids in 100 miles by raft, dory or inflatable kayak. The Middle Fork churns through high country forest, granite canyons, Native American and pioneer historic sites and swirling seas of grassland—a natural habitat for a world of wildlife.
GET TO KNOW YOUR RIVER RATINGS
- Class I - Easy: Very little whitewater.
- Class II - Moderate: Some whitewater. Small amount of maneuvering required.
- Class III - Intermediate: More whitewater. Longer rapids requiring some precise maneuvering.
- Class IV - Difficult: Long, continuous rapids with difficult, precise maneuvering required. Generally scouted before running.
- Class V - Very Difficult: Extremely difficult maneuvering required. Very dangerous. High probability of capsizing. Very rare on commercial trips.
- Class VI - Not Navigable: Unrunnable.