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Section of the Colorado River

Cataract Canyon

A 100-mile Colorado River trip through Canyonlands ending in Class IV Cataract Canyon.

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Where on earth

Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Cataract Canyon, Worldwide. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.

Region
Utah, USA
Country
Worldwide
Biome
Canyon (1,200 m)
Best season
April – October
Difficulty
moderate
Known for
  • Backpacking
  • Hiking
  • Rafting
  • Desert Hiking
  • Canyoneering
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing

Key takeaways

  • Biome: Canyon (1,200 m)
  • Best season: April – October
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Top activity: backpacking
Loading live weather & climate for Cataract Canyon…

Photos of Cataract Canyon

Cataract Canyon is a 46-mile-long (74 km) canyon of the Colorado River located within Canyonlands National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, in southern Utah. Beginning at the Colorado Ri
Photo: Wikipedia contributors · See Wikimedia Commons

Topic summary

A 100-mile Colorado River trip through Canyonlands ending in Class IV Cataract Canyon.

Key takeaways

  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Best season: April – October

Intended uses

backpacking

Climate suitability

Canyon (1,200 m)

Region
Worldwide
Biome
Canyon (1,200 m)
Difficulty
moderate

Tools for a trip here

Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.

backpacking

How to get there

Cataract Canyon is in Utah, USA, Worldwide. Its center point is 38.4000, -110.0000. Use these links for live turn-by-turn directions from where you are, then confirm road, trailhead and access conditions with the managing agency before you leave.

Popular pursuits at Cataract Canyon

  • Backpacking

    Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.

  • Hiking

    Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.

  • Rafting

    Whitewater sections and the flows that make them run.

  • Desert Hiking

    Water carries and heat management drive the plan.

  • Canyoneering

    Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.

  • Canoeing

    Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.

Animals around Cataract Canyon

Browse all wildlife guides →

Maps, GPS & compass for this trip

Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.

Fishing at Cataract Canyon

Planning to fish Cataract Canyon, Utah? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in Utah are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.

Do I need a fishing license at Cataract Canyon?

  • A Utah fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
  • Read the current Utah fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
  • Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.

Hunting near Cataract Canyon

Thinking about hunting Cataract Canyon, Utah? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Utah are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.

Is hunting allowed at Cataract Canyon?

  • Confirm the land around Cataract Canyon is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.

What do I need to hunt in Utah?

  • A Utah hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
  • Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
  • Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.

Destination details needed

A reliable Cataract Canyon profile requires destination-specific information. Details about the Grand Canyon in Arizona cannot be applied to Cataract Canyon in Utah. Access points, routes, driving directions, hazards, and the managing agency are therefore left unspecified rather than inferred. Provide Cataract Canyon information, including official managing-agency guidance, to support a complete trip-planning profile.

Sample itineraries

  • Trip-planning day · 1 day

    Use this as a planning session, not a field itinerary. Confirm Cataract Canyon access, route options, current conditions, and trip requirements with the managing agency before choosing a route.

  • Route and logistics review · 2 days

    Planning outline only: first confirm a suitable route and its requirements; then review equipment, transportation, and emergency arrangements. Two days describes the planning outline, not a verified Cataract Canyon trip duration.

Seasonal conditions

Spring

Not established

Destination-specific spring conditions are not established. Confirm seasonal access and current conditions before scheduling a trip.

Summer

Not established

Destination-specific summer conditions are not established. Confirm seasonal access and current conditions before scheduling a trip.

Fall

Not established

Destination-specific fall conditions are not established. Confirm seasonal access and current conditions before scheduling a trip.

Winter

Not established

Destination-specific winter conditions are not established. Confirm seasonal access and current conditions before scheduling a trip.

Permits, fees & closures

Confirm permit requirements with the managing agency for Cataract Canyon.

Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.

Hazards & regulations

  • Route-specific hazards are not established; obtain a current safety briefing before selecting a route.
  • Seasonal hazards are not established; confirm conditions for the intended travel period.
  • Access and emergency-response limitations are not established; verify both before departure.

What to pack for Cataract Canyon

Route-dependent equipment
  • Obtain an equipment checklist for the confirmed activity and route.
Conditions-dependent equipment
  • Finalize clothing and safety equipment after confirming seasonal conditions and trip requirements.

Build this list in the gear builder →

Cataract Canyon FAQ

Is this a field-ready destination profile?
No. Cataract Canyon route, access, and seasonal details remain unverified. A place-specific field itinerary cannot responsibly be supplied without those details.
How many days should a trip take?
A destination-specific trip duration is not established. The planning outlines above do not indicate time needed in the canyon.
Which access points or routes should be used?
No Cataract Canyon access points or routes are verified here. Confirm suitable options with the managing agency.
Are permits or reservations required?
Requirements are not established. Confirm permits, reservations, and any applicable fees directly with the managing agency.