Kayla Rinker rows Granite Rapid with passengers Sharai McGill and Mitch Curtis. Photo by Craig Shelley
Rafting Rapids
A
whitewater river rafting trip is an unforgettable experience. There are exciting rapids, astounding views, soul-stirring canyons, majestic waterfalls, beautiful overlooks, and fascinating slot canyons—all accessible only by river. Over the past 20 years, I have been on over 60 trips, many from when I was a
river guide. Based on my personal whitewater rafting adventures, here are my top whitewater rafting trip suggestions.
Hoback, Wyoming This half-day float on the Snake River includes rapids named Lunch Counter and The Big Kahuna. On your way down the
river, keep an eye out for bald eagles, elk, and deer. Farther down river, cliff jumping is a must, but the thirty-foot drop is not for the faint of heart.
Moab Daily Section, Utah
With thousands of passengers every year, this is a popular half-day float. You can cool off with rapids like Onion Creek, Cloudburst, Ida Gulch, and Whites Ranch.
Cataract Canyon, Utah
Rafters meet at the confluence of the Colorado River and the Little Colorado River. Photo by Craig Shelley
100
The whitewater here delivers the largest runnable rapids in North America, with waves towering over forty feet! These roaring rapids include Mile Long, Ben Hurt, and The Big Drops. Little Niagara, Satan’s Gut, Hell to Pay,
