North Wash Boat Ramp

Construction is now complete on the North Wash boat take out, the primary takeout for Cataract Canyon. Please remember to use 4WD on the ramp when removing your watercraft from the river. One vehicle and trailer are advised to use the ramp at a time. Backing a trailer into the water is not advised. Please use caution and drive responsibly and enjoy the improved conditions on site.

Thousands of people raft the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon each year; a 47- mile float trip can take up to 6 days, depending on the type. Previously, after many days on the river, rafters would have to carry, winch, and lift boats and equipment uphill over cutbanks because of the deteriorating conditions of the North Wash boat ramp managed by the National Park Service (NPS). The rafting community attempted to coordinate with the NPS for many years to fix the old ramp, with no action by the federal agency. The Division of Outdoor Recreation and PLPCO stepped up to coordinate with the federal agency, stakeholders, and other agencies to secure approval and funding for a new boat ramp.

See press release HERE