Last updated: March 20, 2025
Thing to Do
Boating in Canyonlands
NPS/ Kirsten Kearse
The Colorado and Green rivers have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Canyonlands, and seeing the park from the bottom up affords a unique perspective. Above their confluence near the heart of Canyonlands, the rivers offer miles and miles of flatwater perfect for canoes, sea kayaks and other shallow-water boats. Below the confluence, the combined flow of both rivers spills down Cataract Canyon with remarkable speed and power, creating a fourteen-mile stretch of Class III to V whitewater.
Private Permits
You must have a permit for all private river trips. You may reserve overnight permits up to four months before the following seasons and reservations close two days prior to a launch date. Day use permits are available year round.
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April 14 – October 15 (opens December 14)
- October 16 – April 13 (opens June 15)
For a successful river trip, it is essential to practice proper food handling & sanitation and water purification techniques, and to abide by toilet requirements and other river regulations. (Read through some river incident reports for examples of unsuccessful trips.)
Packrafting
If you are planning on traveling or crossing either of the rivers during a backpacking trip, you may need to include it on your permit. Read more about packrafting requirements.
Guided Trips
Local outfitters offer a variety of guided trips, from half-day excursions to week-long floats. Most river trips involve several nights of camping.
Academic River Trips
Academic institutions wishing to do either flatwater or whitewater trips may do so under a Special Use Permit from Canyonlands National Park. Read more about academic river trips.
Flows
River flows are dependent upon snowmelt and rainfall. The character of the rivers changes dramatically depending on the season. High water generally stretches from early May to late June, while low water may occur later in summer. Both conditions can present challenges to boaters. Recorded river flows are available from the US Geological Survey or by calling 801-539-1311. Snowmelt peak flow forecasts are available from the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center.
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Launch/Takeout Options
On both rivers, all launch ramps are outside park boundaries. Launch locations on the Green River include Green River State Park, Ruby Ranch or Mineral Bottom. On the Colorado River, boaters typically use the Potash or Moab ramps. You only need a park permit for the nights you will be inside the park (below Potash or Mineral Bottom ramps). Vehicles cannot reach the rivers near the Confluence or in Cataract Canyon. Past Cataract Canyon, boaters usually take out at Lake Powell.
Hiking trails lead to the rivers from each of the districts, but these trails are too long and rugged to be seriously considered for shuttles, unless groups use equipment designed for this purpose such as packrafts.
Shuttle Services
Two companies are licensed to provide river shuttles (upstream and downstream) in Canyonlands National Park:
- Tex's Riverways: 877-662-2839 or 435-259-5101
- Canyonlands River Tours: 800-394-9978, 435-259-5261
For a list of shuttle services to destinations outside the park, visit discovermoab.com.
Details
Duration
1-12 Days
Boating trip times can vary from mutli-day trips to single day outings.
Activity
Boating
The Colorado and Green rivers have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Canyonlands, and seeing the park from the bottom up affords a unique perspective. Above their confluence near the heart of Canyonlands, the rivers offer miles and miles of flatwater perfect for canoes, sea kayaks and other shallow-water boats. Below the confluence, the combined flow of both rivers spills down Cataract Canyon with remarkable speed and power, creating a fourteen-mile stretch of Class III to V whitewater.
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
Yes
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Canyonlands National Park
The Green and Colorado Rivers provide ample opportunity for exploration.
Reservations
Yes
You must have a permit for all private river trips. You may reserve overnight permits up to four months before the following seasons and reservations close two days prior to a launch date. Day use permits are available year round.
- April 14 – October 15 (opens December 14)
- October 16 – April 13 (opens June 15)
For a successful river trip, it is essential to practice proper food handling & sanitation and water purification techniques, and to abide by toilet requirements and other river regulations. (Read through some river incident reports for examples of unsuccessful trips.)
Season
Year Round
Accessibility Information
Flows in Canyonlands range from flatwater perfect for canoes, sea kayaks and other shallow-water boats, to challenging stretches of Class III to V whitewater and are often constantly changing. Watercrafts designed with accessibilty in mind are highly recommended to navigate all waterways in Canyonlands.