Early fall is an exquisite time to float the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon in Canyonlands National Park. And how better to enjoy that float than with fellow park travelers on this National Parks Traveler adventure?

After shoving off into the Green River from Mineral Bottom just upstream of the confluence with the Colorado River, we'll spend six days drifting through one of the most mesmerizing landscapes in America. There will be days when we drift through calm pools and stretches of river, and a day of busting through some of the most renowned white-water in the Southwest. We'll explore the Doll House with its geologic oddities, and look for ancient ruins and pictographs in other side canyons in the national park.

This trip, during southern Utah's typically warm and glorious early fall weather, is set for September 28-October 3, 2015. It will be guided by the professional river runners from Holiday River Expeditions. They'll provide natural history interpretation, and cater to us with three sumptuous meals a day, beginning with lunch the first day and ending with lunch on the last day.

But once ashore, noted national park historian Dr. Alfred Runte, who consulted for and appeared on the Ken Burns/Dayton Duncan documentary, The National Parks: America's Best Idea, and who wrote National Parks, The American Experience as well as Yosmite: The Embattled Wilderness, will lead campfire discussions about the National Park System and how it has changed over the decades. During the day, award-winning photographer Patrick Cone will offer instruction and tips for capturing the striking scenery, and Traveler Editor-in-Chief Kurt Repanshek will be along to keep the parks conversation flowing. We'™ll also dig nightly into Traveler'™s 'œswag' bag of giveaways.

This trip will take you through some of the most remote, rugged, and amazing landscape of the Southwest and arguably the Lower 48. It was a favorite of Edward Abbey.

"We load the boats, secure the hatches, lash down all baggage, strap on life jackets, face the river and the sun, the growing roar of the rapids," Abbey wrote of one of his encounters with Cataract Canyon. "First Brown Betty, then Ben Hur and Capsize Rapids, then the Big Drop and Satan's Gut. Delightful names, and fitting. We feel the familiar rush of adrenaline as it courses through our blood. We've been here before, however, and know that we'll get through. Most likely. The odds are good."

Hang on for the ride!/Holiday River Expeditions

This is the perfect trip for lovers of white-water, red-rock, and the Southwest. Families with enthusiastic and adventurous youngsters at least 8 years old are welcome. Meals range from blueberry pancakes or made-to-order omelets for breakfast, wraps and deli sandwiches for lunch, and steaks, fish, or chicken for dinner. Special dietary needs can also be easily handled with enough notice.

We'™ve reserved September 28-October 3 for Traveler readers. Pricing is $1,150 per person. To reserve your spot, call Holiday River Expeditions at 1-800-624-6323 and tell them you'™d like to be on the Traveler trip. Or, book online at Holiday's website. Space is available for 18-22 park travelers. 

The fine print:

We meet for your trip in Green River, Utah at Holiday River Expeditions headquarters, 8:00 a.m. (Mountain Time) the morning your trip begins. Our headquarters is located 1/4 mile east of the Green River bridge, across the highway from the Motel 6 and behind the Comfort Inn. If you arrive in Green River by shuttle, bus, Amtrak, or plane, call our headquarters (435-564-3273) upon your arrival to make arrangements to have you and your gear transported to our headquarters the morning of the trip. If you are driving, your car can be left at our headquarters.

Beginning of the trip: Upon your arrival at our headquarters (8:00 a.m., Mountain Time), we will issue your waterproof bags. You can buy any last minute items from our accessory'™s store at this time (see check list of what to bring for a list of items you can find at our store). We will then take a 90-minute van ride to the embarkation point, where we will transfer to the boats.

After the trip: We will disembark at Hite, Utah. From Hite we will take you back to our headquarters in Green River (2 hour van ride). Our expected time of arrival back at our headquarters is 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Medical emergencies: Our guides are trained in first aid and carry first aid supplies only. REMEMBER to bring your own prescription medicines. ALERT our guides to any medical problem you might have such as diabetes or allergic reactions. Wilderness expeditions are a long way from hospitals, doctors, and pain-relieving medicines. Evacuations to modern medical care are uncertain, and protracted. In case of evacuation and/or medical treatment beyond first aid, expenses incurred are the responsibility of the participant.

Cancellation Policy: If cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the trip, monies will be refunded less a $50.00 service charge per person. If cancellations are made within 90 days and outside of 45 days of the trip date monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellations made within 45 days of the trip date are non refundable. Prior to 45 days to the trip date we will transfer reservations to another trip in the same year with a $25.00 service charge per person. All policies will be enforced and we strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance. Cancellation of a trip is very unlikely, but we reserve the right to cancel any trip due to river or weather conditions or the lack of sufficient reservations. A full refund will be made if such is the case.

Insurance: Medical Evacuation and cancellation insurance on a vacation plan can be obtained from numerous insurance companies. You are responsible for these potential expenses and we strongly encourage all guests to have this coverage. We offer plans by TRAVEL GUARD that cover evacuation, baggage and cancellation claims. Information should be enclosed with this package. It is available to American and Canadian citizens, as well as citizens of another country as long as you have a U.S. address. If you would like a quote or you have questions give us a call. Also, if you are bringing expensive cameras, binoculars, or other items we suggest you have insurance coverage for them (commonly available through Homeowners Policies). In the event of a loss, our insurance will not cover those items.

Tipping the guides: Many guests ask us if tipping is appropriate after the trip. If you feel the guides have been instrumental in your enjoyment of the trip, you may choose to direct a gratuity to the trip leader in the form of cash or check. He/She will then distribute it evenly to the other crew members. Of those that choose to tip, the average contribution amount ranges between $15.00 and $25.00 per guest, per day. However, the decision to tip is left to your sole discretion.

Beverages: We provide ice water, lemonade, two sodas per day per person and ample cooler space. If you choose to bring any specialty sodas and/or alcoholic beverages, we have no problem taking whatever you want to bring '“ within reason. Don'™t bring beer, wine coolers or sodas in glass containers. Wine packaged in a box is ideal. Mark beverages that you bring so they are packed on your boat. The liquor store in Green River, Utah is located in the back of the West Winds restaurant. In Utah, wine or liquor is not sold after 7:00 p.m., before 11:00 a.m., or on Sundays and holidays.

If you have any questions prior to leaving for your trip, we welcome you to call our Salt Lake City office, Monday through Friday at 800-624-6323 (outside Utah) or 801-266-2087 (inside Utah). We'™re happy to take the time to answer your questions. You may also contact us by email at [email protected].

IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES THE NIGHT BEFORE THE TRIP, OUR GREEN RIVER HEADQUARTERS NUMBER IS 435'‘564'‘3273