Colorado River Rafting at Fisher Towers: Iconic movie filming location

Paddle through red rock canyons where Westerns were filmed

Full-day Colorado River rafting at Fisher Towers includes a professional guide, lunch, and transport up Highway 128 to the put-in at Hittle Bottom, roughly 25 miles away. The Fisher Towers section runs light to moderate rapids depending on water level and season, passing through landscape used for John Wayne films, The Lone Ranger, and HBO's Westworld. Children from age 4 can join. Paddle boats where everyone rows are available with 48-hour notice.

The experience

You start at the meeting point and ride up Highway 128 (ranked in the top 10 most scenic highways in America) for 30 to 45 minutes to Hittle Bottom, where the Colorado River put-in sits. The drive itself is part of the day: red rock walls rise around you as the road climbs into canyon country. Once on the water, you paddle through the Fisher Towers section, a stretch heavy on scenery with small rapids that shift with the season and water level. This is the landscape where filmmakers shot old John Wayne and John Ford westerns, then returned decades later for The Lone Ranger (2013) and HBO's Westworld season 1.

A professional guide leads the group and handles logistics. You bring the paddle work. Lunch is included, and the operator provides cups and water throughout the day. The full outing runs 7.5 hours from start to finish. If everyone in your group wants to row, you can request paddle boats with 48 hours' notice. Otherwise, the standard setup has the guide steering while passengers paddle. Vegetarian meals are available. Just let the office know when you book. Call to reconfirm the day before your trip, and bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated on the river.

What’s included

• Professional guide.
• lunch.
• driver and guide services.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.
• cups and water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 16 Mar 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (4 to 13 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Adrift Adventures

Is this one for you?This is a shared group trip led by a professional guide, so you paddle but don't steer: ideal if you want the river and the red rock without managing the boat. If your group wants full control of the oars, paddle boats are available with 48 hours' notice.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (4 to 13 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the drive to the put-in like?

Highway 128 is a 30- to 45-minute drive covering roughly 25 miles to Hittle Bottom. It ranks among the top 10 most scenic highways in America and winds through red rock canyons before reaching the river.

What rapids will I encounter on the Fisher Towers section?

The Fisher Towers section features small rapids that vary with water level and season. The stretch is known for scenery more than whitewater intensity, making it suitable for all fitness levels.

Is this a private or shared rafting trip?

This is a shared group rafting trip. Private trips are available. Contact the office for pricing and details.

What does lunch include, and are dietary options available?

Lunch is included in the full-day price. Vegetarian options are available if you request them when booking.

Can everyone paddle, or does the guide row the boat?

Paddle boats where all passengers row are available upon request with 48 hours' advance notice. The standard setup has the professional guide steering while passengers paddle.