Moab Rafting: Colorado River Class I-II Rapids

Paddle calm sections and splash through rapids on the Colorado River's most iconic stretch

Half-day rafting on the Colorado River through Castle Valley (also called the Fisher Towers section) outside Moab, where you paddle alongside towering red rock formations through a mix of calm floating and Class I–II rapids. The trip runs 4.5 hours total with about 2.5 hours on the water, and includes a guide, life jacket, bottled water, round-trip shuttle from downtown Moab, and free helmets. Children from age 3 are welcome.

The experience

You meet at 97 S. Main Street in downtown Moab and ride an air-conditioned shuttle to the river. Once on the water, your guide handles the navigation while you paddle through the stretch every Moab outfitter operates on: the one known for red rock walls rising straight out of the current. The Colorado River here typically runs Class I and II rapids, with occasional Class III during higher water in early season, so the difficulty stays manageable for all experience levels. Your guide shares the geology and history of the landscape as you move through it.

The rhythm of the day alternates between calm floating sections where you can take in the scenery and splashier rapids where the current picks up. A pre-trip safety orientation covers what to expect and how to paddle. The outfitter has over 45 years running this section, and trip leaders average 2,500 river miles. Equipment is maintained regularly, and life jackets, helmets and bottled water are all included. Free parking is available at the office.

What’s included

• Pre-trip safety orientation.
• life jacket and free helmet.
• bottled water.
• round-trip shuttle from downtown Moab.
• river and land access fees.
• experienced guide who shares insights into the geology and history of the area.
• free parking at the office.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Apr 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Youth (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

Live guideEnglish

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?The 4.5-hour commitment leaves room for another activity in a full day, or fits neatly into a free afternoon if you arrive in Moab mid-morning or have the evening open after the trip ends.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 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.

What are the rapids like on the Colorado River near Moab?

The Castle Valley section typically features Class I and II rapids with occasional Class III during higher water earlier in the season, making it suitable for paddlers of all experience levels.

How long is the actual time spent on the water?

About 2.5 hours on the river, with the full trip running 4.5 hours door-to-door including the shuttle from downtown Moab and back.

What's included in the rafting trip?

The trip includes a pre-trip safety orientation, life jacket, river and land access fees, bottled water, highly experienced guide, round-trip shuttle from the Moab office, free helmets, and free parking.

Do I need rafting experience to book this trip?

No, the trip is suitable for all physical fitness levels and all experience levels, and your guide handles navigation while you paddle.