Introduction Click here for a River Map Southeastern Utah is blessed with an abundance of river recreation opportunities. Visitors may select river environments that range from the wilderness settings of Cataract and Desolation-Gray canyons to the more easily accessible sections of the Colorado, Green and San Juan rivers. While the area is known for its whitewater float trips, there are also several scenic flat-water segments suitable for canoes, jet boats, and small powerboats. The river areas described on this page are rated according to a six point international scale. For example, rivers rated as Class I have small, easy to negotiate waves, Class III areas have difficult rapids that require maneuvering and Class VI areas are not considered navigable.
Rapids vary greatly by river flow.
Some rapids are more difficult to negotiate at high water while others are more difficult at lower water levels. The ratings should only be used to make rough comparisons. Outfitters take passengers down all of Southeastern Utah's rivers. Most outfitters conduct trips in more than one river area and provide a wide variety of tours. Some outfitters conduct specialty tours such as self-paddle trips, jet boat tours, executive training sessions, women's trips, and kayak instruction.