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The San Rafael River, located in southern Utah, offers a challenging and remote whitewater experience for experienced paddlers. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 150-400 cfs, which typically occurs in the spring during snowmelt or after heavy rainstorms. The river is rated as a Class III-IV, meaning it has moderate to difficult rapids with potential obstacles such as boulders, drops, and tight channels. The segment mileage for the San Rafael River run is approximately 28 miles, with the most popular section being the 13-mile stretch from Fuller Bottom to Swaseys Rapid.

Specific river rapids and obstacles on the San Rafael River include S-turn, Buckhorn, Little Grand Canyon, Devil's Racecourse, and Swaseys Rapid. These rapids range from Class III to IV, with Swaseys Rapid being the most challenging and requiring careful scouting before running.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages the San Rafael River and has specific regulations in place to protect the area and promote safe recreational use. These regulations include a permit system for overnight camping, restrictions on campfires, and guidelines for proper waste disposal. Additionally, the BLM advises visitors to be prepared for the remote and rugged nature of the area, with no services or cell phone coverage available once on the river.