Moab rafting: 7 miles of Colorado River with wildlife spotting

Paddle class I-III rapids, then float past bald eagles and bighorn sheep on the Colorado

Half-day rafting trip on the Colorado River near Moab covers 7 miles of river with class I-III rapids and calm sections for swimming. Groups stay under 25 people. Your guide is trained in geology, wildlife and local history. Air-conditioned van transport from downtown Moab, flotation vest, paddles and snack included. Children from age 5 welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Afternoon rafting on Colorado River

• Meet at downtown Moab location
• Drive through Moab with local lore
• Travel along scenic Highway 128
• Safety talk and PFD fitting
• Launch on Colorado River
• Raft 7 miles with class I-III rapids
• Spot wildlife along the river
• Enjoy views of Fisher Towers

The experience

You have an afternoon free in Moab, and the Colorado River is the way to spend it. After check-in at the downtown location, you ride in an air-conditioned van along Highway 128 toward the river, with your guide pointing out the geology and history as you go. The drive itself is scenic: the route passes the Fisher Towers and runs through canyon country with views of the La Sal mountains. Once at the launch point, you get fitted for a Coast Guard-approved flotation vest, receive a safety talk, and push off into the water.

The 7-mile stretch mixes class I-III rapids (the splash factor peaks in May and June, depending on seasonal flows) with longer calm sections where the current slows and you can jump in to cool off. Your guide watches for wildlife along the banks and in the water: bald eagles, peregrine falcons, great blue herons, desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, beavers and river otters show up regularly. The guide is educated in the area's geology, flora, fauna and human history, so the rapids and the quiet stretches both come with context: why the canyon walls are that color, what the rock formations mean, what lives here and why.

The whole outing runs about four hours from start to finish. You get a light snack and plenty of water to drink in the heat. Bring a refillable bottle to help cut waste. Groups cap at 25 people, which keeps the raft from feeling crowded and means your guide can actually talk to everyone. Helmets are available on request, and the trip is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned van transport from downtown Moab.
• Coast Guard-approved flotation vest and paddles.
• light snack and water.
• guide commentary on geology, wildlife and local history.
• helmets available on request.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 16 Mar 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessible

Operated by Wild West Voyages

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English or Spanish, so choose the language that fits your group. The trip is designed for all fitness levels and welcomes children from age 5, making it work for families mixing ages and abilities on one afternoon.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 17 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can my five-year-old come rafting on the Colorado River?

Children from age 5 are welcome on this trip, provided they weigh at least 50 pounds. Your guide can discuss any concerns about your child's comfort or swimming ability when you book.

What wildlife might we see on the Colorado River near Moab?

Bald eagles, peregrine falcons, great blue herons, desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, beavers and river otters live along this stretch. Sightings depend on the season and time of day, but your guide watches for them throughout the trip and knows where they're most likely to appear.

How rough are the rapids on this Moab rafting trip?

The Colorado River here runs class I-III rapids depending on seasonal water flows, with the biggest splash in May and June. The rest of the year the rapids are gentler, and long calm sections between them let you float, swim or just take in the canyon walls.

Does the price include transportation from my hotel?

Transportation is included from the downtown Moab check-in location via air-conditioned van. If you need pickup from your hotel, contact the outfitter directly to arrange it.

What's included in the trip, and what do I need to bring?

The trip includes air-conditioned van transport, flotation vest, paddles, a light snack and plenty of water. Bring your own refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and a change of clothes or a towel. Helmets are available on request. Wetsuits, booties and splash jackets can be rented at check-in for an extra fee.