Lost to a Lake, Found by a River: "Gypsum Rapid" Emerges in Utah's Cataract Canyon

SALT LAKE CITY - March 27, 2025 - PRLog -- When reservoirs recede, they don't just expose old roads, forgotten villages or rusted-out cars. They reveal history. And in this case, they create new adventures.

As the long-standing drought continues to shrink Lake Powell, the Colorado River is reclaiming its natural course, unveiling whitewater rapids that have been submerged for decades. This transformation is thrilling news for rafters. Western River Expeditions (https://www.westernriver.com/), one of the nation's premier river outfitters, reports that its Cataract Canyon rafting trips now include a brand-new, Class IV rapid—unofficially dubbed "Gypsum Rapid"—along with an estimated three miles of newly revealed river that had been buried under Lake Powell since the 1960s.

The rapid reemerged as Lake Powell's water levels dropped to lows not seen in decades. When the Glen Canyon Dam was completed in 1963, 186 miles of the Colorado River were flooded to create the reservoir. By 1980, the lake was at full capacity. Now, as water recedes, lost rapids like Gypsum are coming back to life.

"We expect to see even more old rapids re-emerge in the coming years as Lake Powell continues to recede," says Brian Merrill, CEO of Western River Expeditions.

Cataract Canyon (https://www.westernriver.com/cataract-canyon-rafting), carved by the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers just south of Moab, Utah, offers a 100-plus-mile-long adventure filled with diverse landscapes, rich history and exhilarating whitewater rapids.

Western River Expeditions offers two distinct ways to experience Cataract Canyon:

Cataract Canyon Express 2-Day Adventure

Price: $965 per person (Adults and Youth 12+)
Description: Navigate through class III-V rapids aboard high-speed, custom rafts. This two-day adventure is perfect for those seeking maximum thrills in minimal time.
Details: Cataract Canyon Express 2-Day Adventure (https://www.westernriver.com/cataract-canyon-express)

Cataract Canyon 4-Day Expedition

Price: $1,975 for adults, $1,445 for youth (10-15)
Description: Enjoy leisurely rafting, explore hidden waterfalls and ancient ruins, and camp under the stars. The adventure concludes with a scenic flight over Canyonlands National Park.
Details: Cataract Canyon 4-Day Expedition (https://www.westernriver.com/cataract-canyon-rafting)

To book a trip, request a catalog or more information, please call toll-free at 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at www.westernriver.com.

About Western River Expeditions

Since 1961, Western River Expeditions has been at the forefront of adventure travel, offering unforgettable guided rafting trips across Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Arizona. As the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the leading tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center, Western River has earned accolades from USA Today 10Best and Newsweek Magazine as one of the top rafting companies in the U.S.

Contact:
Dave Wiggins: 720.301.3822 / dave@travelnewssource.com