The most popular is the three-day trip, which allows passengers to become emerged in the hypnotic sounds of the river and explore canyons and historic sites along its banks and spend more time watching and then riding the rapids.

It also gives rafters a chance to indulge in the culinary talents of the boatmen. Along with rowing, many of the boatmen have proven equally as talented in the open-air kitchen,

There are roughly 30 major rapids of varying difficulties through Cataract, starting with Brown Betty, and ranging between 3s and 4s on a scale of 1 to 5, with five being considered unrunable.

The most famous of these are the Big Drops 1, 2 and 3. Included in this series is a large hole created by water rushing over a large boulder and then crashing down on the opposite side creating a deep recess in the water. The hole is called "Satan's Gut," and, despite urgings on occasion from unknowing passengers to take the more exciting route, it is on the list of avoidables.

The one-mile section of river where Big Drops are located falls roughly 30 feet, making this one of the steepest sections on the Colorado.

"Boatmen are well aware of this area," explained Hughes, "and other areas on the river. They pride themselves on making a good, clean run. It's a personal thing and they know the other boatmen are watching.

"The boatmen I put on Cataract are among the most experienced. It's the same with other companies. You want your most experienced guides on this trip, not only for safety reasons, but also you want the customers to have a great time.

"I constantly get people coming up to me after a trip on Cataract and telling me it was an experience they will never forget. Then, the next thing they want to do is take a trip through Grand Canyon."

There are, of course, other white-water trips available here in Utah, but none have the reputation or the history of Cataract Canyon, which truly makes it one of the most recognized sections of river in the world.

For information call 435-259-8594 or visit the Web site at www.adrift.net.

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E-mail: grass@desnews.com