Moab: Colorado River Rafting & Canyonlands 4x4 Combo Tour

Summary

Moab’s wild canyons by 4x4 then raft the Colorado River

You’ll ride through Canyonlands’ rugged trails by 4x4 with a local guide, see ancient rock art up close, eat lunch by the Colorado River, then grab a paddle for white-water rafting past Fisher Towers and Westwater Canyon. Expect big views, real silence, and maybe even a few new stories to tell when you’re back in Moab.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the dust — that red Utah powder getting everywhere as we bounced along White Rim Road in a chunky 4x4. Our guide, Jamie, had this way of pointing out stuff I’d never have spotted on my own: tiny lizards darting between rocks, petroglyphs so old they almost blended into the stone. Somewhere near Fossil Point, she stopped and just let us listen. Wind scraping over the canyon rim, nothing else. It’s weird how loud silence can get out here.

I didn’t expect to feel so small on Shafer Trail, looking down at the Colorado River snaking below. Jamie cracked a joke about “hairpin turns” right as we hit one — my stomach dropped but everyone laughed. We pulled over to check out some ancient rock art along Utah Scenic Byway 279. The drawings are just… there, right by the trail. Makes you wonder who stood in this exact spot thousands of years ago.

Lunch was a simple buffet by the riverbank — sandwiches, chips, cold lemonade (which tasted way better than it should’ve after all that dust). Then came the part I’d been nervous about: white-water rafting through Westwater Canyon and past Fisher Towers. Our river guide handed me a paddle and grinned like he knew something I didn’t. Rapids hit fast — not terrifying, but enough to get soaked and shout a little. Sun on wet skin, river smell in your nose. At one point we drifted under these crazy red cliffs and everything got quiet again for a minute.

By the time we rolled back into Moab, I felt sunburned and kind of tired in that good way you get from being outside all day. I still think about those switchbacks sometimes — how wide everything feels out here compared to home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 4WD tour and Colorado River rafting

• Meet guide in central Moab
• Drive 4WD through Island in the Sky
• Travel White Rim Road and see Fossil Point
• Drive Shafer Trail and view rock art
• Buffet lunch by the river
• Review safety and gear up for rafting
• Raft down Colorado River with guide
• Learn Canyonlands history from guides
• Return to Moab and end tour

Top questions

How long does the Moab combo tour last?

The tour is a full-day experience with about 4 hours of 4x4 touring in Canyonlands and 4 hours of rafting on the Colorado River.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

Yes, a buffet-style lunch is served riverside before you start rafting.

Do I need prior rafting experience?

No experience is needed; guides provide safety instructions before hitting the water.

Are inflatable kayaks available?

Yes, single or double inflatable kayaks are available upon request at no extra charge if you mention it when booking.

What should I bring for this tour?

Bring sturdy shoes, quick-dry clothing or swimsuit, sunscreen, lip balm, hat, camera (preferably waterproof), and your own water bottle for refills.

Is there an age or weight limit?

The minimum weight is 50 lbs (23 kg), and travelers should have at least moderate fitness for both activities.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends in central Moab; pickup details are provided after booking.

Will we see any ancient rock art?

Yes, there are stops along Utah Scenic Byway 279 to view ancient Puebloan petroglyphs up close during the 4x4 portion.

What’s included

Your day covers guided off-roading through Island in the Sky and White Rim Road with expert commentary from local guides; stops at ancient rock art sites; all river gear including Coast Guard-approved life jackets; riverside buffet lunch; ice water refills (just bring your bottle); plus return transport back to Moab when it’s all done.