Moab: Colorado River Rafting Half-Day with Castle Valley Views

Summary

Colorado River mornings in Castle Valley with laughter, splashes and wild towers

You’ll float through Castle Valley on the Colorado River with a local guide who knows every tower by name (and probably every bad joke too). Expect mild rapids, warm sun on red rock cliffs, and moments of real quiet broken by laughter or a heron’s wings. It’s an easy half-day trip with shuttle and gear included — but honestly, it lingers longer than that.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice in Castle Valley to be the silence — not the dramatic cliffs or even the river itself, but that early hush before our raft hit the water. Our guide, Jamie, tossed me a splash jacket (“just in case you’re as clumsy as me,” she grinned), and we all shuffled down to the edge. The sun was just starting to warm up the red rocks. There was this smell — dusty sage mixed with river mud — that stuck to my hands after I helped push off. I don’t know if it’s weird to say, but it felt honest somehow.

Floating down the Colorado River here is less about adrenaline and more about drifting through those wild shapes — Fisher Towers looking like they might topple over if you stared too hard. Jamie kept pointing out names: “That’s Castleton Tower… Priest and Nuns over there.” She told us how old these rocks were (so old it made my brain hurt) and threw in some local river lore. At one point she tried a dad joke about “rapid decisions” before we hit a Class II wave; I still laughed, mostly because she did first.

The rapids aren’t huge — more like a cold slap than anything scary — but they woke everyone up fast. Water splashed into my shoes and someone behind me yelped (I think it was me). After that, things slowed down again. We watched a blue heron glide past, totally ignoring us. The light kept changing on the cliffs; sometimes orange, sometimes almost purple when clouds drifted by. It’s strange how two hours can feel longer when you’re just floating and listening to stories — or maybe it’s just that you notice things more out here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning rafting on Colorado River

• Meet at Moab office
• Check in and fit life jacket
• Take scenic shuttle to Castle Valley
• Attend safety orientation
• Float past Fisher Towers and monuments
• Listen to guide's stories and river lore
• Navigate mild Class II rapids
• Take out and shuttle back to office

Top questions

How long is the Moab morning rafting trip?

The half-day trip lasts about two hours on the river plus shuttle time.

Are there big rapids on this Colorado River tour?

No, only mild Class II rapids—splashy but suitable for most people.

Is lunch included on this rafting day trip?

No lunch is included; it's a morning trip focused on floating and scenery.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at the main Moab office for check-in before shuttling to the river put-in.

Are guides experienced locals?

Yes, guides average 2,000 river miles and share local history and stories along the way.

Is equipment provided for this Colorado River rafting tour?

Yes, all safety gear like life jackets and splash jackets are provided if desired.

Can service animals join this trip?

Service animals are allowed if they have a life jacket; advance notice is required.

Is this rafting tour suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, it's suitable for all fitness levels except those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your morning includes round-trip shuttle from Moab’s main office, all river access fees covered, safety orientation before launching into Castle Valley’s calm waters, plus well-maintained equipment like life jackets and optional splash jackets or helmets if you want them—so you can just show up ready to float without worrying about any of those details.