Utah Rivers and Rafting Conditions
No matter your skill level with a paddle, there's a river in Utah you'll have a blast on. In the reviews below, you'll find a summary of the river and the named stretches of rivers to explore while in Utah. Please remember to obtain permits where required and permission to launch from or exit private land, if not using a guide to naviage the waters. You can also check with the local BLM or forest ranger district for permit details.
Click on the names of the runs to view current Utah river conditions. Please note these are popular stretches of whitewater, not a comprehensive list of every run every river offers. Check with your guide to find out what sections they run and which level of whitewater in Utah is best suited for your skills.
Name |
Class |
Comments |
Westwater Canyon |
up to IV |
Colorado River: An exciting day-trip down the 17 miles of rapids, or take a multiple-day trip and experience all 53 miles of Westwater Canyon. As the rapids can be unpredictable, this section of the Colorado is not advised for children or beginner paddlers. Find Guides for the Colorado River |
Fisher Towers |
up to III |
Colorado River:
About 20 miles northeast of Moab, Fisher Towers run is a great family day-trip. About 13 miles long, this stretch is suitable for beginner paddlers and younger children. Some guides offer 2 day leisurely trips down Fisher Towers, but can be run in much less. Find Guides for the Colorado River |
Upper Grand Canyon |
up to V |
Colorado River:
The Upper Grand stretches from Lees Ferry to Phantom Ranch, covering 87 miles
and boasting 19 major rapids. A multi-day trip only, it's advised to only run this with professional guides. Families are encouraged to check with their guides ahead of time for age restrictions due to the rough nature of the water. Find Guides for the Colorado River |
Lower Grand Canyon |
up to V |
Colorado River:
The Lower Grand reaches from Phantom Ranch down to Whitmore Wash, a distance of
about 100 miles. Named rapids include Lava Falls and Crystal Falls, among others, and provide the most intense, well-known run in the Grand Canyon. Find Guides for the Colorado River |
Cataract Canyon |
up to V |
Colorado River:
Usually a multiple day trip down the 112 miles of Colorado River, some outfitters are now offering one day trips as well. Though sections are classed up to Class V, families can plan day trips or even multiple day trips that will accomodate children. Contact the guides running this canyon for information on appropriate ages for this run. Find Guides for the Colorado River |
Dolores River |
II - IV |
This 32 mile stretch of the Dolores River is typically a multi-day trip for intermediate as well as beginner paddlers. A lesser-known spot means less river congestion and more pristine scenery to enjoy. Bring hiking boots as great hikes are right off the river and encouraged. Find Guides for the Dolores River |
Desolation Canyon |
II - III |
Green River:One of Utah's most popular family trips. This multi-day raft down 54 or 74 miles of the Green River offers historic opportunities with amazing rock art and incredible redrock canyon walls. Many trips allow much time for hiking and guides are a wealth of information.
Find Guides for the Green River |
Lodore Canyon |
up to IV |
Green River:
A multi-day trip down this 39 mile stretch of the Green River will leave you breathless. Beginner and intermediate paddlers are encouraged to raft this river, taking you through some spectacular scenery and offering short hikes. Find Guides for the Green River |
Green River Daily |
up to III |
Green River:
This 9 mile stretch of the Green River is thrilling for the whole family. Rapids being exciting but not intense, beginner paddlers are encouraged on this trip. Usually run in half a day, this section of the Green River is very popular. Find Guides for the Green River |
Labyrinth Canyon |
I |
Green River:
The Green River runs through Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons just before joining the Colorado, both offering rapid-free calm floats for canoes and kayaks alike. Beautiful scenery and peaceful trips make this a great way to relax. Find Guides for the Green River |
Stillwater Canyon |
I |
Green River:
This stretch of the Green River, totalling about 120 miles, is a great multi-day float trip for the whole family. Silent waters without rapids and spectacular scenery through Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons, offer families and individuals alike an introspective journey down the river. Find Guides for the Green River |
Split Mountain Gorge |
up to III |
Green River:
A great 8 mile run for the whole family, these rapids run close to the Dinosaur National Monument in northeastern Utah, and the canyon run usually stops at McKee Springs area where life sized rock art still clings to the cliffs. Fun for beginners and children as well as intermediate paddlers. Find Guides for the Green River |
Lower Provo River |
I - IV |
Situated between Deer Creek Reservoir and Utah Lake, this 18 mile stretch of the Provo is a great one day trip that conveniently ends near the city of Provo for easy access. Paddlers should have adequate skills to run most of this whitewater safely. Find Guides for the Provo River |
Middle Provo River |
I - IV |
A few outfitters run this beautiful 25 stretch of river from Jordanelle Reservoir to Deer Creek Reservoir. Usually a multi-day trip, this is great fun for the whole family with moderate skills paddling. The water runs clear though cold, and many suggest wetsuits to protect younger children. Find Guides for the Provo River |
San Juan River |
up to III |
While one-day trips from Bluff to Mexican Hat are available, most whitewater trips down the San Juan are multi-day trips, lasting from 2 - 7 days. The rapids are exciting yet manageable enough to take the whole family on. The San Juan offers unique scenery and geological formations, as well as the incredible sand-waves this river is famous for. Find Guides for the San Juan River |
Upper San Rafael |
I - II |
This 20 mile stretch of the San Raphael is a great little run for families and those starting out in rafting or kayaking. The San Rafael campgrounds is a great place to stop and camp overnight before heading back, or you can continue and take on the Class IV rapids of the Lower San Rafael. Find Guides for the San Rafael River |
Lower San Rafael |
up to IV |
Note: this Class IV river has Class V consequences. Starting a few miles below SH10, the calm Class I waters excel to Class III then, as the canyon narrows considerably, evolves into a challenging and difficult Class IV. A 42 mile run, the 2 canyons alone, Black Box 1 and Black Box 2, can each take an entire day to run, due to challenging lines and very technical waters. Find Guides for the San Rafael River |
Sevier River |
II - III |
At 6.5 miles, this is a great little half day adventure for the whole family. Find Guides for the Sevier River |
Virgin River: to Littlefield AZ |
up to V+ |
With rapids that vary along this 49 mile stretch from peaceful Class I up to rough and intense Class V+ during high waters, this section of the Virgin River is not recommended generally for families or beginner paddlers. Highly scenic when adrenaline lets you stop and smell the flowers, this is a river one takes on for the sheer rush of it. Find Guides for the Virgin River |
Virgin River: Zion |
up to V+ |
This shorter run of the Virgin, located in the North Fork, runs from
Sinawava to South Campground, is still an intense rush for those seeking a thrill. Just 8.5 miles long through Zion National Park, this is a great day trip, though the entire run can be upwards of 33 miles long outside the park boundaries. Check with your guide to arrange a length to suit your trip into southern Utah. Find Guides for the Virgin River |
Weber River |
up to III |
This 7 mile stretch of the Weber River offers spectacular scenery and rapids that come one on top of the other. Great for beginner paddlers and families. Find Guides for the Weber River |
White River |
I - II |
An exciting and seldom-run river, you won't encounter the crowds on this multi-day trip. History still lays on the shores of this fun ride as it makes its way to the Green River; a great family getaway and impressive place for every level to hone their paddling skills. Find Guides for the White River |
Yampa River |
up to IV |
Whether you chose the 42 or 72 mile multi-day trip down the Yampa, you'll be awed by the scenery as well as the rapids. Boasting one of the United States' 10 toughest rapids, this stretch runs through the Dinosaur National Monument so families who are experienced with whitewater, or families with older children, are encouraged to run this stretch. Find Guides for the Yampa River |
