Rafting Colorado River near Moab: Mild rapids and red-rock cliffs

Paddle mild whitewater beneath Fisher Towers while your guide explains the geology

A four-hour morning rafting trip on the Colorado River near Moab takes you through the Moab Daily section, a beginner-friendly stretch of Class I–II rapids surrounded by red-rock cliffs and Professor Valley. You paddle through small whitewater sections, float past desert formations and listen to your guide share stories about the area's geology and history. The morning departure leaves your afternoon free for Arches, Canyonlands or more time in Moab.

Step-by-step itinerary

Morning rafting on Colorado River

• Meet guide at Way to Moab shop
• Travel along scenic Highway 128
• Receive safety briefing and life jacket
• Launch onto Moab Daily for rafting
• Float beneath red-rock cliffs and formations
• Listen to guide's stories about geology and history
• Paddle through mild Class I–II rapids
• Cool off, swim, or relax when possible
• Reach take-out point after several hours
• Return to Moab by vehicle

The experience

What makes this rafting trip work for families and first-time paddlers is the mix of calm floats and gentle splashes. You meet your guide at the Way to Moab shop downtown, then drive along scenic Highway 128 to the launch point. After a safety briefing and life jacket fitting, you push off onto the Moab Daily, the section locals paddle most often. The guide points out red-rock formations, wildlife and landmarks as you drift through Professor Valley, and between the quiet stretches you paddle through several small Class I–II rapids for a bit of excitement without the intensity.

The four-hour morning window means you're back in town by early afternoon. Along the way, when conditions allow, you can swim or cool off in the river. The trip includes your guide, all rafting equipment, personal flotation devices, drinking water, snacks and water guns. You're welcome to bring your own lunch or extra drinks in the ice chest provided. The minimum age is 5 years old or approximately 50 pounds, and the guide speaks English or Spanish.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• rafting equipment and personal flotation devices.
• transportation from the downtown Moab shop to the river and back.
• drinking water and small snacks.
• water guns for added fun.
• ice chest for bringing your own lunch or drinks.

Information

Lasts 4h, runs every day at 08:30, from US$ 89 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

GroupPrivate5 group tours ›

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 22 pickup points.

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Youth (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Way To Moab

Is this one for you?The morning departure and four-hour length fit a half-day schedule, leaving your afternoon free for other Moab attractions. Class I–II rapids and calm floats suit first-time rafters and families with children from age 5, so no prior paddling experience is needed.

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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 are the rapids like on the Moab Daily section of the Colorado River?

The Moab Daily features Class I–II rapids, which are mild and splashy rather than technical. You paddle through several small whitewater sections between longer stretches of calm water, making it suitable for families and anyone paddling for the first time.

How much paddling do I actually do, or can I just float and watch?

You help paddle through the rapids, but the trip is designed so you can also relax during the calm sections and enjoy the scenery. The guide steers and shares information about the geology and history while you decide how much or how little to paddle.

What happens if I want to bring my own food and drinks?

Ice chests are provided so you can bring your own lunch, snacks or drinks. The trip also includes drinking water and small snacks from the outfitter, so you have options for how much to pack.

Does the morning departure really leave the afternoon open?

Yes. The four-hour trip leaves downtown Moab in the morning and has you back by early afternoon, which gives you time to visit Arches or Canyonlands National Parks, or explore more of Moab before sunset.