River Rafting

No one should visit Moab without taking part in a river activity. The only major city in Utah on the banks of the Colorado River, Moab specializes in river play.

River rafting on the Colorado River is an unbeatable way to see the red rock formations from a breathtaking vantage point. Looking for thrills? Embark on a wilderness trip that begins calmly then spills into a whitewater trip through Cataract and Desolation canyons. Looking for serenity? You can enjoy a calm-water float above the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers.

Choose a canoe, various forms of kayaks or any variety of sport boat to explore the waterways of the area. On river trips there is always something new around the bend. If you want to explore the calm waters between Moab and the confluence, return shuttle trips can be arranged by the rafting companies in town. Reservations necessary for shuttles and raft trips.

Be aware that even when the water looks calm, there is a strong undertow in the Colorado. Always wear a personal flotation device and be alert, even when swimming!

What to Wear

Dress in clothing that will protect you from the sun and when you get wet. (You will get wet!) Wear old tennis or jogging shoes or river sandals. Bring insect repellent, SPF 30 sunscreen, SPF lip balm, good sunglasses with retainer strap, sun hat, T-shirt, quick-drying shorts, a windbreaker and a lightweight, long-sleeve cotton shirt. For multi-day trips, in addition to the above items passengers will need extra clothing for use around camp: a warming layer of fleece or polypro (evenings can be cool along the river), rain gear, personal care items and walking shoes for hikes. Add a bandana, swimsuit and waterproof camera.

Outfitters generally provide safety equipment such as flotation devices and first-aid kits, waterproof bags for storing equipment, watertight boxes for cameras, food and nonalcoholic beverages. Check with the outfitter for specific information since requirements vary by trip and season.

River Trips

(Always best with a guide. Contact an outfitter listed in our site.)

Fisher Towers, the “Colorado Daily” stretch outside of Moab, is an excellent rafting trip for first-timers, timid rafters and families. Rafting companies will take everyone from children (40lbs) to senior citizens down a mild stretch of the river. River rafting is a family adventure young children will never forget. The 13-mile stretch follows Utah Hwy 128 as it winds along the Colorado River, offering plenty of relaxing floating to soak up the scenery of Fisher Towers, Professor Valley, Castle Rock and Arches National Park. The area has been the setting for numerous western movies and many television commercials.

Westwater Canyon, named by National Geographic “The West’s Best Short Whitewater Trip,” is a 17-mile river stretch that contains eleven Class III to IV rapids, plus numerous less challenging rapids. This section of the Colorado River has been nicknamed the “Little Grand,” in comparison to the famous rapids of the Grand Canyon. Westwater begins near the Colorado-Utah border and runs through deep canyons. It can be run as a one-, two- or three-day trip. Rafting companies are given permits for this trip for specific days only. Plan ahead and make a reservation. Westwater Canyon river outfitters operate under permits issued by the Moab Field Office. All guides are required to have first-aid and CPR training.

Cataract Canyon is considered to be among the best whitewater rafting in the country. The most intense whitewater is found along an 18-mile stretch containing 26 substantial rapids, which range in class from III to IV+. The rest of the rafting trip is generally much calmer, noted for the spectacular scenery of Canyonlands National Park. Hikes to rock-art and cliff-dwelling sites are often a part of guided trips. A Cataract Canyon tour can take one day or three to five days, covering 112 miles down the Colorado from Moab to the Hite Marina of Lake Powell. Regulations for families with small children vary by outfitter. As a general rule, children under seven are not permitted on Cataract Canyon. Some guides set the age limit at ten, or even twelve.

Desolation/Grays Canyons explore old cowboy country. Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch used to haunt these canyons. In 84 miles you float through 66 rapids, making this a good family trip. The Desolation/Gray Canyons section of the Green River is a limited-access area. A permit is required year-round. Permits are issued only through advance reservations to individuals 18 years and older. The maximum group size is 25 people. Launch reservations are issued on a first-come first-served basis via telephone, (435) 636-0975), or in person. No internet reservations. Launches may be reserved up to five months prior to the launch date.

Labyrinth/Stillwater are calm-water floats perfect for canoeing, sea kayaking or a leisurely float in a raft. To obtain a permit for this area, please visit www.utah.com/raft. Green River State Park and Ruby Ranch both charge a small fee for launches. Call Ruby Ranch at (435) 650-3193 or Green River State Park at (435) 564-3633 for information. Permits are not required for overnight use or launches on BLM land along the Colorado River.

Flat-water trips may float down either the Colorado or Green Rivers as far as the confluence or Spanish Bottom. A permit is required for all overnight flat-water trips in Canyonlands. River permits are issued Monday through Friday from the Reservation Office in Moab and may be received in advance by mail.

www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/backcountrypermits.htm

For river fun adventures contact

Canyon Voyages Adventure Co.
800-733-6007, (435) 259-6007,
www.canyonvoyages.com

Navtec Expeditions
800-833-1278,(435) 259-7983,
www.navtec.com

Tag-A-Long Expeditions
800-453-3292, (435) 259-8946,
www.tagalong.com

Help getting back

If you float west of Moab on the Colorado River, you will need help getting back. There is only one take-out point. After that, if you don't have your own motor or a lot of time to paddle upstream, take-out is by jetboat shuttle back to Moab. This service is available from Tag-A-Long Expeditions, (435) 259-8946, www.tagalong.com.