Moab Morning Rafting Trip: Colorado River Castle Valley

Colorado River valley tour, scenic river route, iconic Western film landscapes, stunning geologic monuments

A half-day rafting trip on the Colorado River near Moab takes you 2 hours downriver through Castle Valley, floating past Fisher Towers, Castleton Tower, and the Priest and Nuns formations while a guide shares the area's geology and history. The trip includes a scenic shuttle from the Moab office, safety gear, and a couple of Class II rapids. Children from age 4 are welcome, and the water stays warm from late spring through early fall.

The Experience

You'll start at the Moab office, where you get fitted for a life jacket and splash jacket if you want one. A quick safety talk follows, then a scenic shuttle takes you out to the Colorado River at the most dramatic section of Castle Valley. The whole trip from office to takeout runs about 4.5 hours, with 2 hours actually on the water.

Once you're on the river, you float past some of Utah's most striking geologic features — Fisher Towers, Castleton Tower, the Priest and Nuns, and others rising from the valley floor. The water is warm enough for comfort from late spring through early fall. Your guide will talk about how these formations came to be, share stories about the area's history, and throw in river lore and the occasional dad joke. You'll paddle through a couple of mild Class II rapids if you want to; if not, you can sit back and let the current carry you.

After two hours on the water, you take out and shuttle back to the office. The guide averages 2,000 river miles, parking is free, and the equipment is maintained regularly. Service animals are allowed if they have a life jacket and you notify the outfitter in advance.

What’s included

• Round-trip shuttle from the Moab office.
• pre-trip safety orientation.
• splash jackets and helmets.
• all river and land access fees.
• free parking.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeNot for heart conditions

Operated by Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours

Is this one for you?Most half-day rafts here are either crowded group floats or require you to arrange your own shuttle and gear. This one sends you out with a guide who averages 2,000 river miles, includes the shuttle and all the equipment, and keeps the group small enough that you actually hear the stories about the valley instead of shouting over a crowd.

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Top questions

How long will I actually be on the water?

You'll spend 2 hours floating the Colorado River, with the full trip from office to takeout lasting about 4.5 hours including the shuttle, safety briefing, and gear setup.

What are Fisher Towers and Castleton Tower?

Fisher Towers and Castleton Tower are geologic formations that rise from Castle Valley along the Colorado River; your guide will explain how they formed and share the area's history as you float past them.

Are there rapids on this trip?

Yes, you'll encounter a couple of mild Class II rapids that add some splash and excitement to the float, though you can paddle through them or sit back and enjoy the ride.

Can I bring my child on this trip?

Children are welcome from age 4 and up on this rafting trip.

What's included in the price?

The trip includes the round-trip shuttle from the Moab office, a pre-trip safety orientation, splash jackets and helmets, all river and land access fees, and free parking.

When is the water warm enough to raft?

The Colorado River stays warm enough for comfortable rafting from late spring through early fall.