Utah whitewater rafting trips range from a two to six days in length. The most popular river trips in Utah are on the Colorado, Green, Yampa and San Juan rivers.

Colorado River Rafting Trips (Class III-IV): The Colorado River flows through many canyons on its three-state journey. The most legendary of these are Westwater and Cataract canyons. Each boasts thrilling Class III-IV rapids as well as stunning scenery. Trips vary from two to six days in length.

Green River Rafting Trips (Class II-III): The Green River flows through two canyons, Lodore and Desolation. Lodore Canyon river trips are four days in duration and 44 miles in length. Desolations Canyon river trips are generally five days long, covering 84 miles of river.

Yampa River Rafting Trips (Class III-IV): The Yampa River consists of Class III-IV whitewater on the last free-flowing river in the Colorado River System. River trips are five to six days in length, covering forty-six miles.

San Juan River Rafting Trips (Class II): The San Juan River flows for 84 miles through 1,000-foot deep canyon. This beginner Class II river trip floats past many Anasazi archeological sites during its three- to four-day course.

About Whitewater Rafting in Utah

Utah whitewater rafting trips are well known to river runners around the world. What makes them so phenomenal is the spectacular and unique geology of the many rivers across Utah and the solitude they provide. The rivers and canyons are all part of the Colorado Plateau… a vast uplifted portion of the earth’s crust. The Colorado Plateau forms the foundation for all Utah rivers. Many of these river canyons measure more than 2000-feet deep, at some points they are deeper than the Grand Canyon.

Chile became famous for its world-class whitewater in the 1990’s after numerous exploratory trips reported turquoise rivers, big rapids, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The Futaleufu, in the Patagonia region of Southern Chile, is consistently named by adventure magazines as one of the top 10 river trips in the world.

Futaleufu River Rafting Trips (Class IV-V):
The Futaleufu River offers forty miles of Class IV-V whitewater rafting. The water is clear and a brilliant shade of turquoise. The river cuts through a valley surrounded by the glacier-capped mountains of Patagonia.

More About Rafting in Chile

A Chile whitewater rafting trip on the Futaleufu is one of the most culturally stimulating and exciting river trips in the world. Hidden in the Patagonia region of Southern Chile, the Futaleufu is captivatingly beautiful, with spectacular alpine lakes and mountain streams. The people of this region are also warm and welcoming, exemplifying the virtues of a life lived in concert with the land. From one generation to the next, the same families have lived off the land with amazing greenhouses for their vegetables. Chile Whitewater rafting trips are available in January and February when the hillsides are covered with lush wildflowers and roaming wildlife. For a truly life-changing travel experience, explore Chile whitewater rafting.

Location: Southern Chile, Patagonia Region

In the Araucanian Indian language, the name Futaleufu means “Big River” or “Grand Waters.” The Futaleufu is a large volume river, however, wetsuits are necessary only on cool days. The rapids are long, with large pools after almost every one. With its aqua blue water, alpine setting, and combination of large waves and boulders, Futaleufu River rafting is a must on everyone’s to-do list.

Level of Difficulty: Class IV-V / Intermediate – Advanced

The Futaleufu river has 40 miles of raftable whitewater divided into four sections. The level of difficulty varies from beginner Class III to advanced Class V. The Bridge to Bridge section is the easiest with Class III & IV warm rapids like Mundaka and Cushion. Next comes the Bridge to Casa de Piedra section which includes Mas O Menos and Casa de Piedra, both Class V. The Terminator section is still a step up, with Terminator and Himalaya rapids, preparing you for the infamous Inferno Canyon. In Inferno Canyon, the walls are steep and the canyon narrows creating several long and continuous Class V rapids.

Scenery: Alpine Setting, Turquoise Water, Lush Green Canyon

The Futaleufu River is one of the most dramatic river canyons. Snowcapped mountains tower in the distance, waterfalls cascade down the steep canyon walls falling into the clear turquoise river.

Other Activites: Horseback Riding, Canyoneering, Inflatable Kayaks

Rafting trips on the Futaleufu are much more than just whitewater rapids and rafts. The area surrounding the Futaleufu River has outstanding opportunities for canyoneering, riding horses to get a different view of the valley, and smaller tributaries to the Futaleufu are great for learning how to kayak.

Season: January – February

Chile’s summer is during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter. Futaleufu River rafting trips are available from late December through February.

Location: Northwestern Connecticut

Located in Northwestern Connecticut, just two hours from New York, the Housatonic River offers dramatic, fun springtime rafting and a quick escape from the concentrated energy of city life.

Level of Difficulty: Class IV / Intermediate

The river’s Class IV rapids, including Flume, Pencil Sharpener, and Powerhouse Hole, are concentrated on the Bull’s Bridge Run.

Scenery and Hiking: Waterfalls along the Appalachian Trail

The scenery on the Housatonic includes waterfalls and an historic covered bridge near the put-in site. The river also passes by the famous Appalachian Trail, so obviously hiking opportunities are nearby for people looking for other outdoor activities in the region to do.

Season: Specific Dates in April and May

Springtime rain and snow melt fill the Housatonic River with a concentrated rush of whitewater during its brief season. Houstonic River rafting trips run on four dates in the spring.

Location: Northern Massachusetts

The West River originates in the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont. West River rafting trips begin at Ball Mountain Dam and float ten miles through Jamaica State Park to Townsend Reservoir.

Level of Difficulty: Class III / Beginner

West River rafting trips offer plenty of beginner Class III rapids with one Class IV. The rapids are mostly long and continuous wave trains. The canyon starts out narrow and gradually opens up. The first taste of whitewater begins with Landslide rapid. After several miles of continuous whitewater, the biggest challenge of the day presents itself– Dumplings rapid (Class IV). Negotiating the rapid is tricky, the river’s natural s-turn pushes each raft’s paddling skills to the limit. After Dumplings, the river mellows, providing time to enjoy the countryside of the Green Mountains.

Season: May – October

This river is dam controlled and has scheduled releases from late Spring to early Fall. The best times of year to plan a West River rafting trip are in the Spring, when the canyon is filled with lush foliage, or in the Fall when the trees burst in the vibrant colors of autumn.

Location: Near Riggins and Whitebird, Idaho

The Salmon is the longest stretch of un-dammed river in the Lower 48, flowing out of the Frank Church Wilderness Area across Idaho until it reaches the Snake River on the Idaho – Oregon border. The Main Salmon has a rich history and is nicknamed “The River of No Return” after Lewis and Clark’s journey. There are two primary multi-day trips on the Main Salmon, one on the “Lower Main” above Riggins (“Whitewater Capitol of the Universe”) and the other in the Main Salmon River Canyons near Whitebird.

Level of Difficulty: Class II-III / Beginner

The rapids on both the Main Salmon Canyons section and the Lower Main Salmon offer something for everyone, making them ideal rafting trips for families. Class II and III rapids are followed by long stretches of calm pools that are perfect for swimming. More adventurous boaters can try their luck in the inflatable kayaks (duckies) and will get a thrill from the roller coaster wave trains for which the Main Salmon is known.

Scenery and Wildlife: White Sand Beaches, Outstanding Fishing

Known for its outstanding fishing, the Main Salmon provides a beautiful setting for numerous species of wildlife. Spotted the most frequently are eagles, osprey, deer, and otter. The canyon scenery varies from dense forest to high desert. Because of the meandering nature of the Main Salmon River, most campsites are long sand bars, idyllic for an overnight stay.

Season: May – August

Because the Main Salmon is a free-flowing (un-dammed) river, the rafting season is dependent on the winter snowpack. Springtime flows tend to be higher, while lower flows and warmer water temperatures make for more mellow summer trips.

Location: Frank Church Wilderness, Central Idaho, near Sun Valley

Flowing through the heart of Idaho’s Frank Church Wilderness, the Middle Fork of the Salmon begins its journey near Stanley, Idaho, about one hour from the famous ski resort town, Sun Valley. Starting at 6000′ in elevation, the Middle Fork of the Salmon drops 3000′ in the 105 mile journey to its confluence with the Main Salmon.

Level of Difficulty: Class III-IV / Intermediate

Rafters careen through more than 100 Class III-IV rapids on this five or six-day trip, including Tappan Falls, Weber, Devil’s Tooth, and Rubber. While there are numerous exciting rapids, there are also stretches of calmer water, perfect for beginners to navigate the rapids in inflatable kayaks or paddle rafts.

The Canyon: Wild and Scenic

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is famous for its intense beauty, exciting whitewater and quiet solitude. The river flows through the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states, passing through Challis, Payette and Salmon National Forests on its 100-mile trek. As there is no road access to the canyon, Middle Salmon River rafting is a true wilderness experience.

Hot springs, Hikes, and History

Hot springs enthusiasts will find many opportunities for a soak along the river’s upper stretches. Later, a hike up to Veil Falls reveals a nook of lush greenery cradling a fairytale-like waterfall. The river canyon is steeped in history as well; pioneer homesteads and 120 sites of archaeological interest are within hiking distance of the river.

Fishing and Wildlife

The fishing on the Middle Salmon is extraordinary– salmon, steelhead, cutthroat and rainbow trout are plentiful in the azure waters. Deer, elk, bighorn sheep, beaver, mink, cougar and bear also inhabit the canyon.

Season: June – September

Flowing from June through September, the Middle Salmon swells in the spring, making this an excellent run for experienced rafters in the early season and great for families in July and August. With all its tributary creeks and streams, the river grows to four times its original water volume before its confluence with the Main Salmon at the end of the trip.

Detailed information about whitewater rafting trips on the Class III-IV+ Pigeon River in Tennessee near Great Smokey Mountain National Park.

Location: Eastern Tennessee, USA

The Pigeon River is located just outside of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It runs along Highway 40 for the majority if its length and cuts deep into the bedrock of the Appalachian Mountains, creating a natural border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Pigeon river rafting has grown very popular in recent years. For many years, rafting on the Pigeon River was overlooked due to unreliable flows and poor water quality. In 1992 the Bureau of Land Management began cleaning up the river by modernizing a pulp mill upstream. In 1996 a dam ruptured upstream of the rafting run, resulting in more reliable summer flows.

Upper Pigeon Run: Class III-IV / Intermediate

The Upper stretch is five miles long and runs from the Waterville Dam to Hartford Tennessee.The Upper is the more challenging of the two sections, with several Class III rapids and a couple of Class IV drops. The most notable rapids are Roller Coaster, Big Rock and the biggest…Lost Guide.

Lower Pigeon Run: Class I-II / Beginner

Rafting on the Lower Pigeon is a perfect trip for first-timers, youth groups and families with young children. The Lower Pigeon is five miles lin length with with fun, bouncy Class I – II rapids and lots of scenery.

Season: Late May – Early September

Releases on the Pigeon River are guaranteed from Memorial Day through Labor Day.