Colorado River Rafting Vacations
 

River Rating Scale

All rivers are rated on a "class" scale to help you determine the size and technicality of the whitewater. Many of our guests are in search of more moderate whitewater - simply to relax and soak up the beauty of the scenery. Others are looking for a more intense whitewater. Regardless of your choice, be assured that Western has one of the best safety records in the industry. Here is what the standard class I though class VI descriptions mean:

Whitewater Rafting Class I - VI Rating Scale
CLASS I: Moving water with small waves that tug at the boat - it's a relaxing way to spend the day. Each of our trips have some stretches of calm class I water, creating a pleasant break between rapids.
CLASS II: Easy rapids, waves up to three feet tall that are readily seen, and wide channels that can be discovered without scouting. Some maneuvering is required during this little rock and roll.
CLASS III: Waves up to four feet and narrow passages that send the boat shimmying and water gushing over it's sides. Plenty of excitement.
CLASS IV: Long, difficult rapids, narrow passages, turbulent water that requires precise manuevering and sends hearts racing.
CLASS V: All of the above and then some - large, complex, gushing rapids, twisting, and spinning to deliver the consummate adrenaline rush.
CLASS VI: The ultimate extreme, only the most expert should attempt this. Raft trips don't go here. There's too much other water to enjoy.
See current and forcasted flows for the Colorado River Basin.

Western's Trips and the River Rating Scale

Green River » Class II - III
Main Salmon River » Class II - III
Grand Canyon 3 Day » Class III
Westwater Canyon » Class III - IV
Middle Fork Salmon River » Class IV
Cataract Canyon » Class IV - V
Grand Canyon 6 Day » Class IV - V

Experience much more than whitewater with Western River Expeditions

Regardless of the time of year you choose to travel with Western, the canyons we run are always beautiful and the water is always fun. And remember, the whitewater is only a small part of your trip! Most of our guests return from trips to find that the gourmet camp meals, hikes to ancient Indian ruins and breathtaking waterfalls, and relaxing in a very unique way both on the water and on shore were the highlights of their trip. Find out more reasons to raft with Western River Expeditions »

When is the best time of year to go rafting?

Western River Expeditions matches the size of it's boats to the size of the whitewater. When the rapids are more moderate, we will bring along paddleboats and inflatable kayaks to let you really get a "taste" of the whitewater. When the rapids are large, we may use our patented j-rig raft that is more stable and offers a fun ride. At the same time, every trip all summer long gives you the option to kick back and relax on either a a j-rig or a rowboat while a guide takes care of the rest.

Utah Vacations  

Rafting Trips in Southern Utah and Rafting in Idaho

(Green River, Cataract Canyon, Westwater, Salmon River)
The water flow on these sections of the Green River, Colorado River, and Salmon River fluctuates throughout the season. Although one can never be sure what Mother Nature will decide to provide us, generally the water is cooler and quicker in May - June and warmer and a bit slower July - August. Hence, the rapids are generally more intense in the spring and more moderate mid-summer, giving you several options as to what you wish to experience.

Grand Canyon Vacations

Rafting Trips in the Grand Canyon

Since the Colorado River through Grand Canyon is dam controlled, water temperatures and water flow will not fluctuate as much through the summer. Bigger rapids in Grand Canyon also demand bigger rafts. Here we use our patented J-Rig raft.

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