Moab & Fisher Towers: Colorado River Rafting Half-Day Tour

Summary

Colorado River rapids, Fisher Towers cliffs, film history and river tales

You’ll float beneath Fisher Towers’ wild spires, get splashed by small rapids on the Colorado River, and hear local stories from your guide as red cliffs drift past. Expect laughter, film history tidbits, hotel pickup if you want it, plus lunch eaten right on the raft — all wrapped up in an afternoon that lingers longer than you’d guess.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing a little in the shuttle before we even saw the river — that stretch of Hwy 128 really does wind through red rock country like something out of a movie (which, apparently, it is — our guide Jamie pointed at a cliff and said John Wayne rode a horse right there). The air smelled dusty-sweet, like sagebrush after sun. I kept craning my neck for those Fisher Towers spires; you can’t miss them, but somehow they sneak up on you.

At Rocky Rapid, Jamie ran us through safety stuff — not too serious, but enough to make me grip the paddle tighter than I meant to. I’d never done a Colorado River rafting tour before, so when we hit the first set of rapids (just class 1 or 2), I half expected to go flying. But it was more like a jolt and then laughter echoing off the canyon walls. Water splashed my arm and it was colder than I thought it’d be for an afternoon in Moab. Someone behind me tried to pronounce “Fisher Towers” in Navajo — Jamie grinned and shook her head. There’s always one.

The calm stretches surprised me most. We floated past twisted rocks that looked almost fake under the sun — so orange they hurt your eyes if you stared too long. Jamie told us about old westerns filmed here (The Lone Ranger too), and pointed out where some scenes were shot. I started picturing horses instead of rafts drifting by. Lunch was simple but hit the spot — sandwiches with that slightly squished bread you only get on outdoor trips, eaten with wet hands and grit under your nails.

I still think about that last quiet bend before Take-Out Beach. The light got softer and everything slowed down; even the chatter faded for a minute. Maybe it was just tiredness or maybe something about seeing those cliffs from water level sticks with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon rafting on Colorado River

• Meet at office on North Main St.
• Drive scenic Hwy 128 to Rocky Rapid
• Receive river safety instructions
• Board raft at Rocky Rapid
• Relax as guide rows the raft
• Enjoy scenery and learn river history
• Disembark at Take-Out Beach
• Guides load boats and equipment
• Shuttle back to office in Moab

Top questions

How long is this Colorado River rafting tour?

The afternoon half-day tour lasts several hours including transport time from Moab to Fisher Towers section and back.

Are there big rapids on this section?

This stretch has mostly class 1 & 2 rapids; sometimes there’s a class 3 depending on water levels.

Where does the rafting trip start?

You’ll meet at 378 North Main St in Moab unless hotel pickup is arranged ahead of time.

Is lunch included during the tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your rafting experience.

Can kids join this Colorado River rafting tour?

Youth under 50 lbs cannot participate due to safety regulations; otherwise suitable for most fitness levels.

Who rows the raft during the trip?

Your guide will do all the rowing unless you request a paddle boat in advance (24 hours notice required).

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for selected hotels; confirm when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup if arranged in advance, all taxes and fees covered, guidance from a professional local river guide who handles rowing (unless you request otherwise), cups and water throughout the journey, plus lunch served mid-river before returning to Moab by shuttle at the end of your adventure.