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With its awesome whitewater, sculpted sandstone spires and Anasazi Indian ruins, the Cataract Canyon is one of the premier sections of the Colorado River with much to offer the intrepid traveller. Rafting through Class III-IV rapids, you pass red cliffs that tower 2,000 feet high. In Canyonlands National Park, hike to Pueblo ruins adorned by ancient petroglyphs. Throughout your journey, share stories of the day's adventure around a comforting evening campfire.

Meet your guides and fellow travellers today at your downtown Moab hotel. This evening attend a pre-trip briefing that includes instruction for packing your "dry bags." Gonzo Inn

DAY 2: Moab/Colorado River

Drive to a section of the Colorado River that is broad and quiet for your launch. Float past towering red cliffs that climb to a height of 2,000 feet and enjoy the beautiful scenery and camaraderie of your fellow travellers. Stop for lunch, and then hike to a petrified forest. Pass Dead Horse Point State Park later in the day. Your camp is prepared on a sandy beach. This evening, relax and explore while the staff prepares camp and your river chefs begin the evening's dinner. Dine at sunset on linen clad tables. B L D

DAY 3: Colorado River

These first few days provide opportunities for extraordinary exploration. Board your raft and float deeper into Canyonlands National Park where the spectacular scenery rivals the lower Grand Canyon. Visit ancient, haunting Pueblo ruins and petroglyphs. Some of the spectacular hikes may include seeing Native American ruins at Lathrup, a springtime waterfall at Indian Creek or reaching the top of the Loop where the river takes a four-mile bend onto itself enabling you to see both sides from 1,000 feet up. Later, pull over to camp on one of the many sandy beaches. Hike up one of the side canyons in Canyonlands National Park while camp is being set up. In the evening, enjoy the spectacular star-filled sky as you relax and converse with your fellow travellers. B L D

DAYS 4: Colorado River

Wake this morning to fresh gourmet coffee and another hearty breakfast. Soon, you are back on the river for another day of relaxing and slipping into "river time." This afternoon, pass the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers, where the Colorado doubles in size and force. You also get a chance to run a couple of smaller rapids before camp. By the end of the day, there is a rising sense of anticipation as the big rapids near. B L D

DAY 5: Colorado River

This morning, the guides take time to teach you how to enjoy the big rapids safely. Soon, you encounter rapids with names like Capsize, North Sea's, Little Niagara, Satan's Gut and Ben Hurt. As you continue downstream, the rapids become more intense until you enter the Big Drops - the steepest descent on the Colorado River. You complete the day's run and relax on a sandy beach to recount the excitement. Traditionally, the last night of the river trip is "dress-up" night. This is a great way to celebrate the trip and near completion of your mighty Colorado River adventure. B L D

DAY 6: Colorado River/Moab

On the last day, you view 2,000-foot cliffs and explore some lost side canyons no longer submerged under Lake Powell. You have a chance to hike up Clear Water Canyon and play in one of its many swimming pools. Once you arrive at the take out, you are escorted up to a landing strip for the return flight to Moab. This is no ordinary flight back; this is a scenic flight over Canyonlands National Park and the river you just rafted - the perfect end to the perfect journey. B L 

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

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