Moab, Utah
The Colorado River in Moab, Utah
Before the Colorado River reaches the Grand Canyon, it passes through an entirely different world around Moab, Utah. Upstream of Moab, near the Colorado border, Westwater Canyon concentrates the river into a narrow black-rock gorge filled with Class III–IV rapids. Closer to town, it runs gently beneath Fisher Towers and the red cliffs of Castle Valley. Downstream, the Green River joins the Colorado inside Canyonlands National Park, nearly doubling its volume before the river descends into Cataract Canyon and the Big Drops. From scenic day floats to multi-day whitewater expeditions, Moab is the gateway to several distinctly different ways of experiencing the Colorado River.
Colorado River: Moab, UT
- River Section: Westwater Canyon, Castle Valley, Cataract Canyon
- Trip options: Half-day floats to 4-Day packages and expeditions
- Whitewater: Gentle Class I-III to Class V
- Minimum age: Starting at 5, depends on water levels
- Rafting season: Spring through Fall
- Starting point: All trips begin and end in Moab, Utah
Map of the Colorado River Near Moab
Moab sits between several distinctly different sections of the Colorado River. Farther upstream, Westwater Canyon cuts through a narrow black-rock gorge.
Closer to town, the river flows beneath Fisher Towers and through Castle Valley where the Southwest Sampler overnight trip happens before passing Moab and entering the Potash corridor.
Deep inside Canyonlands National Park, the Green River joins the Colorado at the Confluence, and the combined river continues into Cataract Canyon. Use the map to see where each rafting section lies, how the trips connect to Moab, and where the river changes from gentle scenic water to major whitewater.
Where Can You Get on the Colorado River Near Moab?
The Colorado near Moab is really three stretches, and each one is a different day on the water. Upstream on Highway 128 it is gentle, scenic float water. Through the Potash corridor and into Canyonlands it flattens into calm, deep miles. Below the Confluence with the Green River, it becomes Cataract Canyon, the whitewater the river is famous for. Here is how they break down.
| RIVER SECTION | WHERE IT IS | WHAT IT'S LIKE | RAPIDS | HOW TO ACCESS IT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WESTWATER CANYON | Upstream of Castle Valley, near the Utah/Colorado border | The West's best short whitewater trip, Class III+ and IV whitewater | Class III-IV | Moab Adventure Center |
| THE MOAB DAILY / CASTLE VALLEY | Highway 128 corridor northeast of town, past Fisher Towers and Castle Valley | Scenic, sunny float water with a few splashy waves. The classic Moab day on the river | Class I-III | Half-day scenic floats, or the overnight river segment of the Southwest Sampler |
| CANYONLANDS / CATARACT CANYON | Highway 279 (Potash Boat Ramp) southwest of town into Canyonlands National Park | Calm, deep, silent flatwater above the confluence, Big, fast, high-volume whitewater below | Class I-V | The Cataract Canyon 2-Day and 4-Day trips |
Ways to Raft the Colorado River From Moab
There are three guided ways onto the Colorado from Moab, plus a half-day float for anyone short on time. They range from a first-timer-friendly overnight to a four-day whitewater expedition. Pick by how much time you have and how much whitewater you want.
Experience an overnight Colorado River rafting trip, a guided tour of Arches National Park, an off-road adventure on Hell's Revenge, and two nights at the Marriott.
- Begins: Moab, Utah
- Best For: Variety (3 trips)
- Rapids: 6 Class I-III
- Ages: 5+
Raft 95 miles of the Colorado River in two days. Run the legendary Big Drops and sleep beside the river in Canyonlands National Park before a shuttle back to Moab.
- Begins: Moab, Utah
- Best for: Quick Thrills
- Rapids: 30+ Class III-V
- Ages: 12+
Raft through Canyonlands National Park, run the legendary Big Drops, and camp beside the Colorado River beneath the stars. Return to Moab on a scenic flight.
- Begins: Moab, Utah
- Best for: Whitewater
- Rapids: 30+ Class III-V
- Ages: 12+ (10+ Jul–Sep)
Just want a few hours on the water?
Our sister company, the
Moab Adventure Center, runs half-day and full-day scenic floats on the Colorado River right out of Moab, no camping, no commitment, just the river and the red rock for an afternoon.
Not sure which fits your group? Compare all of them side by side on our
Moab rafting trips page, or call
(801) 459-3525.
Traveling With Younger Kids? Consider the Green River
If you are traveling with younger children, or you would rather trade whitewater for wide, friendly water and long sandy beaches, look at the Green River through Desolation Canyon instead of Cataract. It joins the Colorado just above the Confluence, so it runs through the same canyon country, but the rapids are gentler and the minimum age drops to 5.
Desolation is a 5-day trip that begins with a scenic flight out of Moab over wild country north of town, where you may spot wild horses and bighorn on the way in. Then it is friendly rapids, broad beaches, and a stretch of river soaked in the history of homesteaders and outlaws like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
The same Moab add-ons: Arches, the Hummer safari, a night in town, can bookend a Green River trip just as easily. Give us a call and we will help you build the right week.
When Is the Best Time to Raft the Colorado River in Moab?
The Moab season runs spring through fall, and the month you pick changes the river more than almost anything else. Here is the short version.
Spring (May–June)
Snowmelt drives the highest, fastest water of the year. Cataract Canyon's rapids peak here, the biggest, most powerful whitewater of the season. Best for guests who want maximum intensity.
Summer (July–August)
Warm, sunny days and lower, more moderate flows. This is prime family season, and the water level that opens the youngest minimum ages on Cataract.
Early fall (September)
Cooler air, quieter canyons, still-warm water. A favorite for guests who want the scenery without the crowds.
Winter (November-February)
The tourist season is virtually non-existent through the winter months in Moab. Some tours still continue, depending on snow, ice, etc. A visit to Arches National Park is quite different when snow graces the landscape!
Whatever month you choose, your guides read the water every day and adjust the trip to the conditions. Sixty+ years of running these rivers is largely about knowing exactly that.
Come Find Out Which Trip Is Yours
The overlooks are worth the drive and the arches are worth the hike. But the Colorado River is the thing that made all of it, and the only way to really understand the soul of canyon country is to see it by river. That is why we do what we do. Come find out which trip is yours.
Questions? Call (801) 459-3525 and talk to someone who has been there.
Plan Your Colorado River Trip
Want it all mapped out before you decide? Request a free Western River expedition guide. It lays out daily itineraries, river maps, packing lists, and answers to the questions every group asks before a trip, so you can plan it and share it with the people you are bringing.
What Guests Say
"Southwest Sampler 10/10 Recommend"
★★★★★
"Camping is typically a no-can-do for me, but Western River made this the greatest vacation of my life. My family had an absolutely incredible time. The guides were FUN, KNOWLEDGEABLE, and the most hard-working young people I've seen in ages."
Family trip / TripAdvisor
"2-Day Cataract Canyon Rafting Trip, Best Trip Ever"
★★★★★
"Best white water rafting trip that I have ever been on. One stretch has 30 or so rapids back-to-back-to-back, and when I say rapids I am not talking about some little rapid that might rock the raft. I am talking massive walls of water pelting you in the face!"
Gregory R / TripAdvisor
"Great Guides and No Cell Phones"
★★★★★
"I am almost 76 and had done the Grand Canyon upper and lower several times and did not feel I could do the hike in or out, so this was a perfect choice. Guides were incredibly skilled, friendly and offered to help even when I did not ask."
Norman P / TripAdvisor
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Colorado River in Moab FAQs
Does the Colorado River go through Moab?
Yes. The Colorado River runs just north and west of downtown Moab and is the reason the whole landscape exists. Highway 128, the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway, follows it northeast of town past Fisher Towers and Castle Valley, and Highway 279 follows it southwest toward Canyonlands. You can reach the water from town in a matter of minutes. See the full river map.
Can you float the Colorado River in Moab?
Yes. The stretch along Highway 128 northeast of town is gentle, scenic Class I–III water, ideal for a half-day float. Our sister company the Moab Adventure Center runs day floats there, and the overnight segment of our Southwest Sampler rafts 20 miles of it. For big whitewater, you head downstream to Cataract Canyon instead.
Is it safe to swim in the Colorado River in Moab?
The Colorado can be a cold, silty desert river with a stronger current than it looks, and in spring it carries fast snowmelt, so it is not a casual swimming hole. Lifejackets are highly recommended when swimming or wading above your waist.
Can you fish the Colorado River in Moab?
You can, but the Colorado here is a silty or muddy desert river, home to catfish and native species rather than a blue-ribbon trout stream, so most visitors come for the rafting and the scenery, not the fishing. If fishing is the goal, Utah's mountain waters are the better bet. If the river itself is the draw, a raft trip is how you experience it.
What kind of rafting trips run on the Colorado River near Moab?
Three guided options, plus day floats. The Southwest Sampler (age 5+) is a 4-day vacation package with two gentle days on the river. The Cataract Canyon 2-Day and 4-Day trips are the whitewater expeditions. For just an afternoon, our Moab Adventure Center runs half-day floats.
When is the best time to raft the Colorado River in Moab?
Spring (May–June) brings snowmelt and the biggest Cataract Canyon whitewater; summer (July–August) brings warm, family-friendly water and the youngest age minimums; September is cooler and quieter. The scenic float stretches run gentle all season. Guides adjust every trip to the day's water level.
Is the Colorado River near Moab good for families and first-timers?
Very much. The Southwest Sampler starts at age 5 and pairs gentle rafting with Arches and a Hummer safari, and the Green River through Desolation Canyon (also age 5+) is an even calmer multi-day option. First-timers make up most of our guests, gear and camp setup are provided, and there is a place for everyone on the boat.
Still curious to learn more?
See more common questions
or contact us.
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