The Colorado and Green rivers wind through the heart of Canyonlands, cutting through the layered sandstone to form two deep canyons. Both rivers are calm upstream of the Confluence, ideal for canoes, kayaks and other shallow water craft. Below the Confluence, the combined flow of both rivers spills down Cataract Canyon with remarkable speed and power, creating a world-class stretch of white water. Personal water craft are not permitted on the rivers.

River flows are dependent upon snowmelt, and the character of both rivers changes dramatically depending on the season. High water generally stretches from early May to late June.

Many different guided trips are available for the rivers, though none are operated by the National Park Service. There are no facilities or potable water sources along the river corridors in Canyonlands. All river trips are required to carry a portable toilet system.

Cataract Canyon: Cataract Canyon contains fourteen miles of rapids ranging in difficulty up to Class V. It is a particularly hazardous and isolated section of the Colorado River and is subject to extreme water level fluctuations.

A permit is required for all trips through Cataract Canyon. People interested in boating through Cataract Canyon should also read about the flat water as these sections cannot be bypassed.

Most Cataract Canyon trips put in at Potash, Moab, Green River, or Mineral Bottom. The take-out for white water trips is Hite Marina on Lake Powell, which is roughly 30 miles from the last rapid.