Cataract Canyon Standard 4 Day
A standard Desert Maritime 4-day Cataract Canyon itinerary using Potash as the launch and North Wash as the planned take-out, designed for competent raft groups that want enough time for the approach miles, the Big Drops, and a realistic lower-canyon finish.
A standard Desert Maritime 4-day Cataract Canyon itinerary using Potash as the launch and North Wash as the planned take-out, designed for competent raft groups that want enough time for the approach miles, the Big Drops, and a realistic lower-canyon finish.
- experienced private raft groups
- small commercial-style support teams
- boaters wanting a balanced pace rather than a speed run
What This Expedition Covers
River Trips
Launch at Potash and cover approach miles
Potash Boat Ramp → Lower Lathrop Camp
Launch early to maximize cool morning travel.,Use motors or row efficiently; the approach can feel longer than it looks on paper.,Camp near Lathrop area if conditions and permit strategy allow.
Continue to the Confluence and stage for the Big Drops
Lower Lathrop Camp → Spanish Bottom
Reach the Confluence / Spanish Bottom zone.,Use remaining daylight to review rapid strategy, scout options, and group communication.,Expect wind and eddy-line complexity near the Confluence.
Run the Big Drops and move below the main whitewater corridor
Spanish Bottom → Below Big Drops Camp
Scout the Big Drops according to flow, craft mix, and group judgment.,Big Drop 1, Big Drop 2, and Big Drop 3 should be treated as a sequence with compounding consequences.,Camp below the main corridor once the group is organized and downstream of major whitewater.
Finish lower canyon miles and take out at North Wash
Below Big Drops Camp → North Wash Dirty Devil Take Out
Expect reservoir transition effects, headwinds, and slower travel than expected.,Build margin for a difficult carry at North Wash.,Have a downstream contingency plan if take-out conditions require continuing toward Bullfrog.
- Whether to use motors for approach and lower-canyon travel
- Where to camp before the Big Drops
- Whether current North Wash conditions are acceptable for the group and vehicles
- Whether a Bullfrog contingency is required
Evidence behind the claims on this page — agency rules, maps, gauges, books, and field notes.
Permits
Hydrology
Access
Rapids
- book-excerpt Cataract Canyon (Webb / Belnap / Weisheit) — Selected Pages
- book RiverMaps Guide to the Colorado & Green Rivers in the Canyonlands of Utah & Colorado
Management
Books
Logistics
- field-note Desert Maritime — River Packing System Notes ·
Safety
- book-excerpt Cataract Canyon (Webb / Belnap / Weisheit) — Selected Pages