Utah Whitewater Rafting

OARS has boathouses in Moab near Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park and in Vernal near Dinosaur National Monument. We run trips on the Colorado River, Green River, San Juan River, and the Yampa River.

Whether you’re planning a multi-day expedition or a quick getaway, OARS offers the most diverse collection of river-running permits in Utah, providing unmatched access to Utah’s premier rafting destinations, including Dinosaur National Monument and Canyonlands National Park where the company operates as an authorized concessioner.

Furthermore, OARS sets the industry standard for high-quality service and excellence in adventure. In our 55-plus years in business we have led more than 500,000 guests to some of the most beautiful places on Earth, never losing sight of one of our foremost goals: to make the joys of the wilderness accessible to everyone. Our guides are safety-conscious with extensive experience, and our team of friendly and knowledgeable Adventure Consultants are available year-round to answer your calls and help plan your Utah rafting vacation.

OARS offers a variety of rafting adventures on Utah’s legendary rivers, each with its own mix of scenery, whitewater, and wilderness. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back float, a family-friendly getaway, or an adrenaline-pumping ride, there’s a trip for you.

To help narrow it down, here are some general recommendations:

• For families or first-time rafters seeking mellow rapids, warm water, and fascinating cultural sites: The San Juan River or Flaming Gorge are excellent choices.

• For those wanting a classic multi-day adventure with fun whitewater, remote campsites, and incredible canyon scenery: Consider the Green River through Desolation Canyon or the Gates of Lodore. The Yampa on the northeast border of Utah and Colorado is also a good option for spring and early-summer trips.

• For big whitewater set against the jaw-dropping backdrop of Canyonlands National Park: Cataract Canyon offers the most thrilling rapids in the state, especially during spring runoff when this stretch of the Colorado River roars to life with some of the biggest rapids in North America. 

• For a quick escape with exciting rapids and striking scenery: Split Mountain Canyon in Dinosaur National Monument and Westwater Canyon are the go-to short trips.

Still not sure? Our expert Adventure Consultants are here to help you find the perfect Utah rafting trip for your group.

Every river OARS runs in Utah has some level of whitewater, ranging from Class II (novice) to Class IV (advanced). These whitewater rafting levels and classifications are based on the International Scale of River Difficulty and can vary depending on the water level and season.

But when it comes to the best whitewater, most agree that Cataract Canyon takes the crown. For just a few weeks each spring, fueled by snowmelt from the Rockies, Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park delivers some of the biggest whitewater in the U.S. If you’re looking for big adventure, this is it. For the rest of the season, Cataract Canyon rafting trips offer a more moderate adventure, suitable for first-timers and families with kids as young as nine.

Absolutely! Many Utah rafting trips are an excellent family vacation option. The minimum age for OARS river trips in Utah ranges from 4 to 18 and depends on the trip and the water level. For example, during the spring and early summer, high water conditions can increase the intensity of the rapids and may increase the minimum age for trips during that timeframe. See individual trip pages for more specific minimum age info.

In general, sections of the San Juan and Green Rivers are ideal for families with children between the ages of 4 and 7. For families with kids 7 and up, a Green River rafting trip through the Gates of Lodore in Dinosaur National Monument will please the whole crowd with its approachable whitewater, cool side hikes and sandy beach camps. A Colorado River rafting trip through Cataract Canyon is a good option for families with older kids, ages 9 and up. 

Experience Class II-III rapids on a classic whitewater run— the Green River through Split Mountain Canyon in Dinosaur National Monument. This trip runs daily from May through September and includes approximately nine river miles and an ideal blend of interesting geologic scenery, as well as playful, splashy whitewater.

Commercial rafting trips in Utah are offered from late-April through early-October, but conditions can vary greatly depending on when and where you decide to go. The best time to raft in Utah really depends on individual preferences, like desired adventure level, boat preference, and other factors, like threshold for extreme weather both hot and cold.

Spring Trips

In early spring (April to early May), rivers typically run at moderate flows before the snowmelt kicks into high gear. It’s a beautiful time to be on the water—wildflowers are blooming, waterfalls are flowing, and hiking conditions are prime, especially on the San Juan River. You’ll also enjoy fewer crowds. That said, rafters should be prepared for cold water and unpredictable weather, which can shift quickly from sunshine to rain—or even snow.

From mid-May to mid-June, snowmelt from the Rockies pushes river levels to their peak. These high-water conditions create a thrilling ride on free-flowing rivers like the Yampa and Colorado River, where rafters can expect massive waves, cold-water swims, and the potential for raft flips. It’s a true adventure for experienced paddlers and adrenaline seekers. At the same time, rapids in narrower sections of the Colorado River, like Westwater Canyon, tend to wash out completely during high water. As a result, OARS doesn’t offer Westwater trips during the peak-flow window, since it can be a disappointing experience for paddlers.

Summer Trips

By July and early August, Utah’s rivers begin to settle, offering a sweet spot for just about everyone. Flows are moderate, the weather is hot and sunny, and conditions are perfect for swimming, long days for relaxing in camp and playing games, and sleeping under the stars. This is prime time for families, first-timers, and casual adventurers—you’ll still get some splashy rapids, but without the intensity of early season runoff. 

These months are very popular, so booking well in advance is recommended, especially for popular trips like the Green River through the Gates of Lodore in Dinosaur National Monument.

Late Season Trips

Late August through October brings lower water and a more laid-back experience. Rapids mellow out, the weather remains warm but less intense, and the scenery becomes the star of the show. This is a great time for first-timers, photographers, or anyone who prefers a relaxed float with plenty of time for canyon exploration and quiet moments on the water. Fewer crowds and cooler nights also make it a favorite for those seeking solitude.

OARS uses dories on the John Wesley Powell Retrace. While we offer this trip as a complete 23-day experience from Flaming Gorge through to Hite Crossing on Lake Powell, you can opt to partake in either the upper or lower sections, as well. Depending on water levels and group size, we may also bring a dory or two on the Green River through Desolation Canyon and on the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon.

If you are rafting with OARS on a guided trip, you do not need to obtain a permit. We handle all the necessary permitting.

Private boaters planning their own trips on many popular Utah rivers, including sections of the Green River and the San Juan River, need to navigate a lottery system to obtain a launch permit during peak rafting season.  

On any river trip with OARS, you can expect a high standard of customer service, top-notch equipment, delicious meals, and some of the best guides in the industry providing you with a trip of a lifetime.

Check out the video and visit our Multi-day River Trip FAQs for more information about the multi-day rafting experience with OARS.