Moab's most popular full-day raft trip: 14 miles of Colorado River, splashy Class I-II rapids, and a hot BBQ on a private riverside ranch.
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
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Moab, Utah
Full-Day Moab Rafting Adventure with BBQ Lunch
★★★★★ 4.9 OUT OF 7421 REVIEWS
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.
Additional Details
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
- 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.
Policies
Minimum Trip Capacity
We reserve the right to cancel any departure if we have insufficient reservations. We will do all we can to reschedule or accommodate guests reserved on any departure with insufficient reservations. If your departure is cancelled for this reason, a full refund will be provided.Guest Responsibilities
All guests will be required to follow safety policies and procedures as well as instructions from guides during activities. All guests must meet minimum age requirements at the time of participation. All guests will be required to sign a Participant Assumption of Risks, Acknowledgment of Inherent Risks and Indemnity Agreement prior to participation.Gratuity Information
Your guides will make every effort to see that your trip is enjoyable and successful. Gratuities for guides are greatly appreciated and at your discretion, as a gesture of thanks for their professionalism and service. A general guideline for an average gratuity is 10-20 percent of the total trip cost.Lifejacket Policy
All guests will be required to wear one of our US Coast Guard-approved whitewater life jackets / personal flotation devices (PFD) at all times while on the water. To fit into this life jacket, all guests must meet the following requirements:- At least 5 years old AND at least 50 pounds
- Chest size under 52 inches
Minor Guests
With the exception of organized youth groups having accompanying adult chaperones, all minor guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in order to participate.Pet Policy
Due to the nature of this activity, no pets are allowed. If you are traveling with a pet, please make accommodations in Moab so that your pet is cared for while you are out. We are required to make reasonable accommodations for service animals. However, because we cannot guarantee how the animal will react/trauma the animal may experience while on some of our tours, this often means we cannot accommodate service animals.Dietary Allergies or Food Preferences
If you have any dietary allergies or other food preferences, we cannot promise to accommodate those if you do not have your electronic waivers filled out by 4:00pm the day before your river trip. If you have booked your river trip after 4:00pm for the following day, please reach out to our staff to let them know if you have any dietary allergies or food preferences and we will do our best to accommodate.Acknowledgement of Water Level Conditions
River levels fluctuate throughout the season. Generally, from mid-May to June, higher water levels bring faster currents and larger rapids, making for a more adventurous ride. By mid-July and later, flows are typically lower, resulting in a calmer scenic float. Conditions vary each year, and specific water levels cannot be guaranteed.Cancellation, Payment and Refund Policies
Payment in full is due at the time of reservation. Please notify us if you need to cancel or reschedule.
- Cancel more than 48 hours before departure and receive a full refund
- For cancellations within 48 hours of departure, reservations are non-refundable
- If we need to cancel due to weather or minimum group size, you’ll receive a full refund
Likely to sell out
❤ Top rated ★★★★★ 4.9 (7,421)
Full-Day Moab Rafting Adventure with BBQ Lunch
A Canyon Spirit Top-Tour Pick
- Free Cancellation
Cancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund. No fees.
- Best Price. Guaranteed.
Book direct with Moab Adventure Center for the best pricing.
- Decades of Experience
Loved by hundreds of thousands of guests since 1961.
From $155
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