(435) 421-1668

Overview

Most guests call this trip the highlight of their Moab vacation: 14 miles of Colorado River, easy Class I-II rapids that splash but never overwhelm, and an exclusive hot BBQ lunch served on the bank at a private ranch (a recurring review note: other operators are eating cold sandwiches a few yards away). Departures run 8 or 9 a.m., Monday through Saturday, March through October. A professional guide rows the oar-assisted paddleboat for power and control while you paddle for fun through the splashes; two-person inflatable kayaks are available on request, water levels permitting. Kids as young as 5, first-timers, and grandparents share the same boats. We handle the round-trip shuttle, all the gear, and the BBQ. All you do is show up.

Highlights

  • Most guests call this trip the highlight of their Moab vacation
  • 14 miles of Colorado River, easy Class I-II rapids, fun ages 5+
  • Hot grilled lunch at a private ranch (others serve cold sandwiches)
  • First-timers, kids, and grandparents share the same paddleboats
  • Pro guide rows for power; you paddle for fun through the splashes
  • Round-trip shuttle, gear, and BBQ on us; all you do is show up

Location

Moab, Utah

Includes

  • Professional river guide with stories, geology, and wildlife spotting
  • All rafting gear (life jacket, paddle, safety equipment)
  • Exclusive riverside BBQ lunch at a private ranch
  • Round-trip shuttle from Moab Adventure Center to the river
  • Moab Adventure Center signature flip-top reusable water bottle ($20 value)

Not Included

  • Gratuities for your guide (10-20% is the customary range)
  • Personal dry clothes and a towel for the shuttle ride back
  • Personal items not on the gear list (sunscreen, swimsuit, water shoes)
  • Dry bag (small waterproof bags are available at the Moab Adventure Center for purchase; valuables are best left behind, and car keys can be left securely with our staff)

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Any personal medications you take during the day
  • Camera or phone in a waterproof case (electronics on the raft will get splashed)
  • A small waterproof dry bag if you want phones, cameras, or an extra layer close at hand (available for purchase at the Moab Adventure Center)

What to Wear

  • Quick-dry shirt (UPF-rated is best for sun protection)
  • Quick-dry shorts, or pants for more sun coverage
  • Sturdy sandals with heel straps, or shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops)
  • A comfortable hat or cap (one you don't mind losing if it ends up in the river)
  • Sunglasses with chums or another retention strap
Cooler-weather days, check the forecast before your tour and add:
  • Rain jacket
  • Fleece jacket
  • Pants

Itinerary

  • Check in at the Moab Adventure Center, 225 S Main Street, and meet your guide
  • Board the shuttle for the scenic drive upriver along Highway 128 (about 30 minutes)
  • Put-in: gear up, safety briefing, and board your oar-assisted paddleboat (or a two-person inflatable kayak if conditions allow)
  • Warm-up float past Castle Valley and the Fisher Towers, red rock spires made famous in films
  • Splash through Onion Creek, Cloudburst, and Whites Rapid (Class I-II baseline; Class III possible during spring high water)
  • Pull ashore at a private riverside ranch for the hot BBQ lunch: grilled burgers, chicken, or veggie patties, fresh salads, cookies, lemonade, and iced tea
  • Afternoon: drift the calm stretches; on hot summer days the guide may invite swimmers to float beside the raft in their PFDs
  • Take-out: load up the shuttle and return to Moab Adventure Center by mid-to-late afternoon (~6 hours total with transfers)

Why Book This Tour

  • One day, single river, no overnight gear. 14 miles of Colorado, home in time for dinner.
  • Class I-II baseline, Class III on a high-water spring. Ideal for families or multi-generation trips.
  • Guide rows; you paddle for fun. Oar-assisted means kids and grandparents are welcome, not just paddlers.
  • Hot grill at a private ranch. Burgers, chicken, or veggie patties off the flame, not cold sandwiches.
  • Optional swim breaks. Calm stretches let guests jump in with their PFD and float beside the boat.
  • Built for mixed groups. Min age 5, no upper limit; family raft, friends raft, multi-gen raft.