4-Day Southwest Sampler: Moab Vacation Package

Yes. The Southwest Sampler is an excellent introduction to Moab for families, couples, and groups who want to experience the area's remarkable variety. You'll walk among sandstone arches, ride the famous slickrock of Hell's Revenge in a Hummer, and spend two days rafting the Colorado River, including a night camping beneath the stars. With children as young as 5 welcome, two hotel nights, and guided activities arranged for you, it's a wonderful way to experience Moab together without having to plan each adventure separately.

The four-day package includes two nights at Marriott SpringHill Suites, a guided Arches National Park tour, a Hell's Revenge Hummer Safari, two days of Colorado River rafting, and one night of riverside camping. Camping equipment, scheduled activity transportation, river meals, and specified lunches are included. Your guides prepare meals and help with camp arrangements, so you can enjoy an overnight river experience without bringing your own camping equipment. Travel to Moab, dinner on Nights 1 and 2, personal items, and guide gratuities are not included.

There's time for both adventure and relaxation. Your first evening is free to explore Moab or enjoy the hotel's pools and hot tubs. On Day 2, you'll explore Arches in the morning, have time to relax during the afternoon, and head out for a sunset Hummer Safari. Days 3 and 4 are spent on the Colorado River, where the pace shifts to rafting, riverside meals, and an evening around camp. It's a full vacation, with the major activities coordinated so you don't have to manage the schedule yourself.

Yes. With a minimum age of 5, the Southwest Sampler gives younger children a chance to experience some of Moab's most remarkable places alongside their family. Imagine their excitement riding up the steep slickrock of Hell's Revenge, splashing through Colorado River rapids, and sleeping beneath a sky full of stars.

Experiences like these often become family stories that children talk about for years. Sharing a first rafting trip or a first night camping beside the river can be especially meaningful for parents and grandparents. It's a wonderful way to introduce younger children to the outdoors while experiencing something new together. Children must meet the participation requirements for each activity.

The Southwest Sampler is one of Western River's more approachable adventures and a great introduction to overnight rafting. With two nights in a comfortable hotel, just one night camping beside the Colorado River, and relatively short guided activities, it's well suited to many families and first-time rafters who aren't ready for a longer wilderness expedition.

You'll walk on uneven trails in Arches National Park, ride over steep slickrock terrain in a Hummer, and board and exit river craft. Much of the paddling in the guided paddle raft is optional, while inflatable kayaking requires more active participation. You'll need to be comfortable moving around outdoors, wearing a life jacket, and following guide instructions. If anyone in your group has physical limitations or concerns about swimming ability, please contact us before booking.

Think of it as a slow-moving roller coaster across Moab's famous sandstone slickrock. Your experienced driver carefully navigates the Hummer up steep rock slopes, across rounded sandstone ridges, and down descents that can look surprisingly dramatic from your seat. The pace is generally slow and controlled, giving you time to take in the remarkable scenery.

There are occasional bumps and jolts, but much of the excitement comes from the steep terrain and the amazing places these vehicles can travel. The sunset tour adds beautiful evening light across the red rock landscape. Guests who are particularly uncomfortable with heights or steep slopes should consider that before booking.

The Southwest Sampler covers approximately 20 miles of the Colorado River, with a delightful mix of playful rapids, calm stretches, and towering red rock scenery. The character of the river changes with the seasons, and both early and late departures have their own appeal.

May and June: Higher spring flows often bring livelier Class II–III whitewater, with bigger waves and more splash-filled excitement. It's a wonderful time for guests who enjoy a little extra adventure on the river.

July through September: As flows typically decrease, the rapids are often closer to Class I–II. Warmer water makes swimming especially inviting when conditions allow, the pace can be more relaxed, and receding water levels often reveal larger sandy beaches for riverside stops and camping.

Water levels vary from year to year, but both seasons offer a beautiful way to experience the Colorado River. Your guides will explain the conditions and what to expect on your departure.

You don't have to paddle continuously to enjoy the Southwest Sampler. The primary paddle raft has a paddle-assist frame, with a guide seated at the back using large oars to steer and propel the boat. Guests can join in with paddles, especially through the playful whitewater sections, but much of the paddling is optional. It's a fun way for families to participate together without having to power the raft the entire time.

For guests who want a more active experience, two-person inflatable kayaks allow you and a partner to paddle and maneuver your own boat. Kayaks offer a closer connection to the water and a little more independence.

Boat options depend on river conditions, participant ages and abilities, and guide recommendations.

You don't need previous camping experience. You'll spend just one night beside the Colorado River, and Western River provides cots, sleeping bags with sheets, optional tents, and camp chairs. Guides prepare dinner and breakfast and help with camp arrangements, including a portable toilet and handwashing station.

After dinner, you can relax in a camp chair, watch the light fade from the sandstone cliffs, and settle in beneath the stars. It's a genuine outdoor experience, complete with sand, changing temperatures, and simple facilities, but with the essential camping equipment already provided. For many guests, this riverside evening becomes a favorite part of the vacation.

The Southwest Sampler is an excellent choice if you want to combine several Moab adventures with a shorter overnight river experience. It includes Arches National Park, a Hummer Safari, hotel accommodations, and two days of rafting.

If your family would rather spend five days immersed in a river canyon, Desolation Canyon offers primarily Class II–III rapids, sandy camps, and a longer wilderness experience. Cataract Canyon focuses on rafting through Canyonlands National Park, with potentially much more powerful whitewater depending on seasonal river flows.

The Southwest Sampler is especially appealing if you want a variety of activities, comfortable hotel accommodations, and a first taste of overnight river camping before committing to a longer expedition.

Your Southwest Sampler begins and ends at Marriott SpringHill Suites in Moab, Utah. Many guests drive from Grand Junction, Colorado, approximately 1.5–2 hours away, or Salt Lake City, approximately 4 hours away. Canyonlands Regional Airport near Moab also has limited commercial air service.

You'll need to arrange transportation to and from Moab, but once you've arrived at the hotel, scheduled transfers to your guided activities and back are included. A rental car can be useful for exploring Moab during your free time, but you won't need one to get to the included adventures.

Pack comfortable hiking shoes, lightweight clothing, sun protection, and layers for cooler mornings and evenings. For rafting, bring quick-drying clothing, secure water shoes or sandals, and personal essentials. You'll also need a pillow for your night on the river.

Pack river belongings in a soft-sided duffel bag approximately 12" × 13" × 24". Western River provides the camping equipment and a water-resistant gear bag for the river portion. 

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Yes. Private Southwest Sampler departures may be available for families, reunions, groups of friends, and organizations. The trip accommodates up to 27 guests, making it possible to share the adventures of Arches, Hell's Revenge, and the Colorado River with people you know. Your group follows the coordinated Southwest Sampler itinerary, with lodging, guided activities, and river arrangements handled for you. Contact Western River Expeditions to discuss group size, departure availability, and private-trip pricing.

Western River guides receive first-aid training and carry equipment for responding to medical situations on the river. Although the Southwest Sampler travels through a more accessible river corridor than some of our remote wilderness expeditions, emergency assistance or evacuation can still take time. Please discuss relevant medical concerns with our team before departure, bring adequate supplies of required medications, and follow your guides' instructions throughout the trip.