Moab: Colorado River Rafting Half Day with Castle Valley Views

Summary

Castle Valley’s red rocks and gentle rapids meet river tales and laughter

You’ll float past Castle Valley’s red cliffs on this Colorado River rafting trip from Moab, with gentle rapids and plenty of time to listen to your guide’s stories or just soak up the scenery. Expect easygoing paddling, a few laughs (and splashes), plus all equipment and round-trip shuttle included. It’s less about adrenaline—more about feeling part of this place for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

Paddle dips into the Colorado River, and someone behind me splashes water on purpose — I turn around, it’s our guide grinning, sunglasses crooked. We’d met back at the Moab office, where they handed out life jackets that smelled faintly of last summer’s sunscreen. The shuttle ride out to Castle Valley was quiet at first, then our group started swapping guesses about which movies were filmed here (someone insisted it was in a car commercial too). The red cliffs looked almost painted in the afternoon light — I kept trying to take pictures but none of them really caught it.

After a quick safety talk (the kind where you wonder if you’ll remember any of it once you’re actually in the water), we slid into the river. The current was easy, mostly just floating with bursts of Class II rapids that woke everyone up. There was this one spot where the water slapped my face — cold for a second, but then kind of nice because the sun was strong. Our guide, Jamie, told us how these canyons formed millions of years ago — I only caught half of it because I was distracted by a blue heron gliding low over the water. Jamie also threw in a few dad jokes; not all of them landed but somehow they fit right in.

I liked how relaxed it felt — nobody rushing or shouting over each other. Sometimes we paddled together; sometimes people just leaned back and let their hands drag in the river. At one point Jamie pointed out some weird rock formation and asked if anyone could see the “castle” shape; I squinted but honestly, I still don’t see it. Maybe next time. The air smelled like wet earth mixed with something sweet from wildflowers along the banks. When we finally pulled out and loaded up for the ride back to Moab, my shirt was half-dry from the sun already.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon rafting on Colorado River

• Meet at Moab office
• Check in and fit life jacket
• Take scenic shuttle to Castle Valley
• Attend quick safety orientation
• Float down Colorado River
• Enjoy Class II rapids and paddle
• Listen to guide's stories and jokes
• Take out and shuttle back to office

Top questions

How long is the Moab half day rafting trip?

The tour lasts a couple hours on the river plus shuttle time from Moab.

Are there big rapids on this Colorado River tour?

No, just friendly Class II rapids—good for most fitness levels.

Is pickup included for this rafting trip?

The tour includes round-trip shuttle from the main Moab office.

What should I wear on a Colorado River rafting trip?

Wear clothes that can get wet; splash jackets and helmets are available if you want them.

Are guides experienced on this Moab rafting tour?

Yes, trip leaders average 2,000 river miles each.

Is lunch provided on this half day rafting trip?

No lunch is included; it's just an afternoon float with snacks optional.

Can kids join this Colorado River tour?

The trip is suitable for all fitness levels but check age requirements when booking.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes pre-trip safety orientation at the Moab office, use of well-maintained equipment plus splash jackets and helmets if you want them, all river access fees covered, and round-trip shuttle transport between town and Castle Valley—so you can just focus on floating downstream (and maybe catching some local stories).