Three generations welcome on this family Moab raft trip: 7 miles of Colorado River, Class I-II splashes, all gear handled, free by lunch.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Oar-assisted rfts: your guide rows, you ride or paddle if you want
- 7 miles of Colorado River, Class I-II splashes, calm in between
- Spring high water can produce a Class III splash for older kids
- Shuttle, gear, and water bottle handled; just show up by 7:45
- Done by early afternoon: pair with an Arches tour or Hummer safari
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Moab, Utah
Morning Half-Day Moab Rafting Adventure
★★★★★ 4.9 OUT OF 7421 REVIEWS
OVERVIEW
This is the Colorado River trip families pick when they want the splashes without the all-day commitment. The morning departure puts your group on the water by 8 AM, returns you to Moab by early afternoon, and leaves the rest of the day open for an Arches tour, a Hummer safari, or just a quiet poolside lunch. Children as young as five can ride along (50-pound minimum) in oar-assisted rafts where the guide does the rowing, so even first-time paddlers and grandparents fit the boat. Class I-II rapids carry the boat between calm stretches; spring snowmelt can produce a Class III splash. Shuttle, gear, and a refillable souvenir water bottle are included. Come ready to play; the canyon and the current handle the rest.
Additional Details
Includes
- Professional river guide
- All rafting gear: life jackets, paddles, and safety equipment
- Round-trip shuttle from Moab Adventure Center to the Hittle Bottom launch site
- 7-mile guided float on the upper Colorado River below Fisher Towers
- Snacks and a complimentary souvenir water bottle
Not Included
- Gratuities for your guide (10-20% is the customary range)
- Personal items: sun protection, swimsuit, quick-dry clothing, water shoes, daypack
- Dry bag (small waterproof bags are available for purchase at the Moab Adventure Center)
- Lunch (this is the half-day morning trip; the Mid-Day and Full-Day trips include the riverside BBQ)
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.
- Board the river shuttle and ride upriver to the Hittle Bottom launch (about 40 minutes along Highway 128)
- Launch at Hittle Bottom: push off into the calm upper Colorado below the red spires of Fisher Towers
- Castle Valley float: 7 miles of mostly Class I-II water with red rock walls and movie-famous scenery on both sides
- Onion Creek, Professor Creek, and Cloudburst Rapid: the splashy beats most kids remember (Class I-II most of the season; bumped to Class III on spring high water)
- Optional swim stop on a calm stretch when the guide gives the green light (PFD stays on)
- Shuttle back to the Moab Adventure Center; group is back in town by early afternoon (about 4 hours 15 minutes total)
Why Book This Tour
- Built for mixed-ability groups. Kids from age 5, grandparents in their 70s, and first-time paddlers all ride the same raft.
- Logistics handled. Shuttle, life jackets, paddles, snacks, and a souvenir water bottle are included.
- Oar-assisted rafts. Your guide does the rowing; you can paddle when you want or just enjoy the ride.
- Splashes without the commitment. Class I-II most of the season; spring snowmelt bumps the action to Class III for older kids.
- A guide who knows the canyon. Castle Valley geology, movie history, and where to find the calm spots for a quick swim.
- Open afternoon. Done by early afternoon, so you can stack an Arches tour, a Hummer safari, or a poolside reset on the same day.
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.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)
Morning Half-Day Moab Rafting Adventure
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 $105
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