Moab Adventure Center

Moab River Rafting: An Unforgettable Experience

Experience the "Best Guided Moab Rafting Trips" in Moab, Utah. This is a "must-do adventure" while in Moab. On our full-day and half-day river rafting adventures, you'll experience a world-renowned stretch of the Colorado River, winding through scenes made famous by dozens of popular movies. On select trips, you'll savor Moab Adventure Center's exclusive BBQ lunch at a riverside ranch ! On our longer overnight rafting trips, you'll experience our all-inclusive service that will likely cause an addiction to rafting. Moab rafting trips are perfect for couples, families, groups of friends or solo travelers. All trips include Moab Adventure Center's signature flip-top water bottle (a $14 value)!

Moab Colorado River Rafting Full Day

Colorado River Full-Day Rafting Adventure with Exclusive BBQ Lunch

Experience a full day of world-famous scenery, exclusive hot barbeque lunch at a riverside ranch , and mild whitewater. Raft Fisher Towers to BLM Takeout.

  • Duration: Varies based on water levels (14 miles)
  • Departure Times: 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM
  • Season: April - October

Moab Rafting Tour - Paddleboat on the Colorado River

Mid-Day Colorado River Rafting Adventure with Exclusive BBQ Lunch

Raft 7 miles of the Colorado River from below Rocky Rapid to takeout beach on our mid-day rafting trip. Enjoy an exclusive hot barbeque lunch and mild whitewater.

  • Duration: Varies based on water levels (7 miles)
  • Departure Times: 11:00 AM
  • Season: March – October

Colorado River Morning Half-Day Rafting Trip

Colorado River Morning Half-Day Rafting Adventure

Sample the beauty and excitement of the Colorado River on this morning half-day adventure on mild whitewater. Raft 7 miles from Fisher Towers to Rocky Rapid.

  • Departure Times: 8:00 AM
  • Season: April – October

Paddling Westwater Canyon white water

Westwater Canyon Rafting Full Day

Rated "The West's Best Short Whitewater Trip." Experience narrow canyons, rushing whitewater and distinctive geology.

  • Duration: Approximately 10 hrs
  • Departure Times: 7:30 AM
  • Season: May – September

Multi-Day Rafting Trips in Moab

Cataract Canyon 4 Day Classic

Cataract Canyon 4-Day Classic

Experience an all-inclusive 4 day rafting journey through Utah's legendary Cataract Canyon just outside of Moab Utah. Exciting whitewater combined with the indescribable scenery of Canyonlands National Park make this the ideal river trip.

  • Duration: 4 days

Snout Rig in Cataract Canyon

Cataract Canyon 2-Day Express

New high-speed, custom rafts now allow you to journey through the Colorado River’s legendary 100-mile Cataract Canyon in just 2 days–perfect for those with busy schedules yearning for a quick, but refreshing dose of adventure.

  • Duration: 2 days
  • Season: May – July

Desolation Canyon rafting

Green River Rafting - Desolation Canyon 5 Day

Winding through a remarkable wilderness of twisted mountains, dramatic cliffs, and towering plateaus carved by an ancient inland sea, the Green River through Desolation Canyon offers one of America’s favorite rafting trips.

  • Duration: 5 days
  • Departure Times: 6:30 AM
  • Season: June – August

Moab Packages with Rafting

fisher towers view colorado river

Moab Southwest Sampler Package

Taste the “best of the Southwest” on this 4-day, 3-night getaway. Relax for 2 nights at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott. Explore Arches National Park and experience one of Moab, Utah’s most renowned adventures – an off-road Hummer Safari. Top it all off with 2 days of Colorado River rafting and deluxe camping on the river.

  • Duration: 4 Days, 3 Nights
  • Departure Times: Check Daily Itinerary

Rock & River Package Vacation

Moab Rock & River

This perfect one-day Moab vacation package starts the morning with a 2-hour Hummer Safari and continues with a PM rafting trip. Save $5 Per Person!

  • Duration: Approximately 8.5 hrs

Signature Moab Multisport Package

Signature Moab Multisport Package

Experience the most popular Moab adventures in 2 days: a 2-Hour Hummer Safari and the Mid-Day Colorado River Rafting trip, then an Arches Scenic Tour and guided hike. Save 10% by bundling in this package option!

  • Duration: See individual adventures
  • Departure Times: See individual adventures

Moab River Rafting Reviews

We will come again, awesome tour.

Rafting Stamp

UTAH: Birthplace of River Rafting

Before rubber rafts, when wooden hulls were shaped for straight lines across lakes, not rivers, a man named Powell dared to explore the last unmapped and unknown rivers and canyons of the west. That placed him squarely in Utah, in 1869. They were successful, proving that "running rivers" could be done in the deepest canyons, and wildest water in North America.

It took another 50 years before Bus Hatch and his family near Vernal, Utah began taking boats - and then boat-loads of friends - down the Green River, just for the heck of it. Norm Nevills in Mexican Hat, Utah gave his horse trough a float down the San Juan River on his honeymoon... and started one of the first commercial operations after designing his own wooden boats. By the 1960's surplus army rubber pontoons changed the industry forever, the rest is even more history. Utah truly is the birthplace of the modern river running industry.

Learn more about the history of river running in the John Wesley Powell River History Museum, located in Green River, Utah.

moab river tours

Frequently Asked Questions about Moab River Rafting Tours

Our daily stretch on the Colorado River includes both class I and class II rapids throughout the season. However, during early season while we experience higher water levels due to snow melt, guests may get to experience one or two class III rapids during their tour.

We recommend wearing quick-dry clothing and shoes that can not only get wet but will stay securely on your feet. Hats and/or sunglasses are also highly recommended.

Everything that you take with you must go on the raft and therefore has a chance of getting wet. We recommend leaving dry clothes, towels, and any other items you do not want getting wet behind. You can check valuables such as cell phones, wallets, and keys with our front desk staff while checking in for your tour. If you wish to bring a camera or cell phone with you, we recommend purchasing a waterproof case that will protect your device. GoPros are allowed on the tour, but they cannot be worn on a helmet/head mount. Guests can use handheld mounts or chest straps that will fit under their life vest.

Previous experience is not required to take a rafting trip with us. Your guides will provide you with our safety protocol guidelines at the start of your tour so you can be sure to feel confident and comfortable while on your adventure.

We recommend guests be comfortable in the water and are capable of getting in and out of a raft. If you feel you may need assistance with paddling, please contact our storefront directly to inquire about paddle-assist options.

All guests are required to wear the life vests provided by our guides. Our jackets accommodate guests as small as 50Ibs and up to a chest circumference of 52 inches.

Veggie burgers can be provided for guests upon request. There are also several salad bar options available to accommodate different restrictions. Please let us know if you have any allergies or restrictions in advance.

Sun Divider

Beyond the Colorado River

Moab Hummer Tours

Starting at $99 per person

Starting at $895 per person

Starting at $2,085 per person

Discover More Moab Adventures >>

What to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Our Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience.

Moab Insders Guide

What to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Not unlike your own personal Jiminy Cricket, (minus the worries of the little guy getting smooshed) the Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience.

Expedition Guide

Destination Sports & Adventures

Weber River Adventures

Weber river rafting | kayaking | sup | tubing near park city, utah, choose your weber river adventure.

Learn More »

Paddleboarding

Combo trips, guided kayak & float trips on the weber river in henefer and morgan, utah.

Destination Sports is the original Park City rafting company.  We’ve been at it since 1976, and we’ve got access to raft and kayak the longest stretch of the Weber River!

Our Weber River Adventures run from Henefer in Summit County through the popular Red Rock and Arches Canyon and Taggart’s Rapid in Morgan County, and downstream into the beautiful Morgan Valley. Our main river base camp and picnic area is in Henefer.

We offer guided river trips, including rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, extreme river tubing, and combo trips that are sure to make your trip to Utah unforgettable.

For locals looking for summer day trips or half-day trips away from the scorching heat of Salt Lake City, Ogden, and other cities of the Wasatch Front, floating on the Weber River into Morgan is the best!

We also offer engaging summer youth day camps, river team-building events, and river guide training programs.

To see all of the guided land and mountain all-season adventures we offer, visit our main site at www.DestinationSports.com .

float trips utah

What People Say About Us ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

float trips utah

Lars was our guide, great ride down the Weber. The location is easy to find and not far from Park City. They are very organized and spend enough time going over safety precautions though the river was relatively calm the day we went

This was our third year in a row with Destination Sports and our third amazing river trip. The river was high this year and we got some fun rapids too.The whole family loved it and our guide taught us about the rare wildlife and and natural features too. I finally got to see a Bald Eagle!

I went on a 2.5 hour rafting trip with my 13 yo daughter with Destination Sports. Our guide Lars was attentive throughout taking the time to meet everyone on the raft and learn a bit about each of us. She was not only a very experienced and adept guide but also filled us in on some of the local history pointing out landmarks and opportunities to see wildlife as well. This trip was an A+ and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Destination Sports, we met the owner, Dawna, and she was friendly and kind. She introduced us to our guide, Mark. Mark was great - he was patient, knowledgeable and fun! He made my mom’s first rafting experience memorable, safe and fun. It was her first rafting trip and she had a blast. Thank you Mark and Dawna!

My two children joined Destination Sports doe their week long day camp. They had so much fun and D.S. had many activities for them to do, fishing, hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting and more. My kids are already asking if they can go back next year.

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Book Now & Save on 2024 Multi-Day River Rafting Tours

float trips utah

Explore Our

Most popular tours.

San Juan River & Hummer Cliff Dwelling Expedition

San Juan River & Hummer Cliff Dwelling Expedition

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Arch Canyon UTV Excursion

Fry Canyon

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Valley of the Gods Sunset Tour

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Wilderness Journeys

Take a break from the world to escape on a Bluff Utah River Rafting, Hiking, Bears Ears National Monument Wilderness Experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Whether you want to enjoy the river or hike in forgotten canyons we are your exclusive provider for unique wilderness experiences in Southeastern Utah.

From the Bears Ears to the San Juan River and the hundreds of miles of canyons between, our passion is to be your local experts. From River Trips, Hiking, Scenic Tours and Canyoneering we have something for everyone. Lose yourself in a time forgotten while visiting Bluff, Utah.

Escape On A

Wild expedition.

3-day River Journey – Bluff to Mexican Hat

3-day River Journey – Bluff to Mexican Hat

4-day River Journey – Mexican Hat to Clay Hills

4-day River Journey – Mexican Hat to Clay Hills

7-day River Journey – Bluff to Clay Hills

7-day River Journey – Bluff to Clay Hills

Guiding for Wild Expeditions is a way of life and unlike any other job in the world. Our guides are held to the highest standards in the industry. You’ll float through towering walls, stand among the ancients at puebloan rock art sites and cliff dwellings, rappel into beautiful sandstone caverns and we guarantee your guides will be the highlight of your trip. Guides at Wild Expeditions are teachers, explorers, hard working, entertaining, dedicated professionals here to ensure your safety and share their passion for adventure with each of you.

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float trips utah

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Adrift Adventures of Moab

Bringing you the best Moab adventures for 45 years!

Adrift adventures moab utah.

2024 Rates and Dates

Welcome to the Best Outdoor Vacations and River Expeditions in the West!

Rated #1  outfitter on tripadvisor since 1978 … now in our 46th year.

River Trips, Kayaking, Hiking, Paddleboards, 4×4 National Park Backcountry Jeep Tours. Join us for an unforgettable whitewater rafting journey through geologic time. You’ll find what you want-whether it’s unexcelled excitement, quiet serenity, or a bit of both. Open for whitewater rafting on the Colorado and Green rivers. 

River tours operate March through October, land tours operate year-round .

Adrift Adventures, located in Moab, Utah invites you for the whitewater rafting vacation of a lifetime on Utah’s Colorado and Green Rivers.

National Park Service Authorized Concessioner

​​Based in Moab Utah, Adrift Adventures features a variety of River Rafting and Jeep vacations in the most rugged and beautiful canyon country of Utah. Which includes Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, the wild Colorado and Green Rivers.

Ride the whitewater forces that created all this geologic splendor on a river trip through the Colorado River with sections of this river: The renowned Cataract Canyon, Westwater Canyon and the Fisher towers section. With tour options of Oar Rafts, Paddle Rafts, Motorized Rafts, Paddle Boarding (SUP) or a variety of Kayak options. Raft the scenic Desolation Canyon of the Green River. Or if overland 4×4 adventures are more to your taste, let our skilled, professional guides take you on a Jeep tour, through the little-known magnificent Landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks backcountry. 

Adrift Adventures offers the finest whitewater outfitting and equipment in the Moab area. Whether you are riding on a Raft or taking a 4X4 ride in a Jeep Rubicon you can be assured all our facilities and equipment are designed to afford you the most enjoyable experience possible. Our food is the finest on the river. Our menus feature Juicy Steaks, Seafood, Chicken, BBQ, fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Garden Salads, Desserts and more. We can also prepare low-fat/low cholesterol, gluten-free and vegetarian menus for those who prefer.

Let our licensed and experienced guides take you on an unforgettable vacation that you’ll reminisce about for years to come.

float trips utah

Reserve your whitewater rafting tours on the Colorado and Green Rivers as well as backcountry Jeep tours in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks by special use permit.

Also see moaboutdoorcenter.com - adriftadventuresmoab.com - moabrafting.com - canyonlandstours.com - tagalongexpeditions.com

float trips utah

All Rights Reserved Myke Hughes, Inc. © 2019-2024

Reservation requests for the 2025 season can be made starting September 3rd at 8 am. Reservations requests for the 2024 are now being accepted only through the contact us form. Click on this banner for more information about the trips that are offered and how to request a reservation. Availability for Fisher Towers youth trips are noted under each trip description. Please read through all the information before contacting our office about reservations for next season.

World Wide River

  • Scout Groups
  • Youth Groups

Fisher Towers Moab

  • Desolation Canyon
  • Westwater Canyon
  • Cataract Canyon
  • Moab One Day Trips

White Water Rafting in Moab, Utah

Since its inception in 1971, World Wide River Expeditions has been connecting families, friends and youth groups in the great outdoors through some of the most amazing river trips the West has to offer. Operating with the true spirit of a family business we feel that providing the best experience possible at an affordable price is important. Whether you seek a quiet float, an intro to whitewater, raging rapids, or a combination of them all, we have the trip for you.

It is hard to believe that 2021 was the 50 th year World Wide River Expeditions has been taking individuals, families, and especially youth groups, down the river. What started in a garage and a one-time ward youth conference turned into a yearly event for some and something to bring their grandkids back for others. If you would like a little more history on how it all got started you can check out this blog post from an email founder, Richard Jones , shared with us earlier this year. We didn’t even know some of those details, but we are honored to carry on the tradition and essence that makes World Wide River Expeditions what it was when it was started, and what it continues to be.

Come play in our backyard!

Cataract

"The high level of expertise and experience that your company has is obvious. I was impressed with the planning and execution of every phase of our trip. We had a fantastic time! Thanks for a wonderful vacation!"

-Wade from Illinois

Green & Colorado River Float Trips: Moab Utah

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  • Smooth Water Trips

Green River Utah Canyonlands Rafting Scenic Cataract Canyon

Photo © Tim Bradshaw - AllTrips.com

Green River Utah Canyonlands Rafting Scenic Cataract Canyon

Anasazi Rock art, stone arches, massive cliff walls, and canyonlands national park are all attractions you can find on Moab area flat water floats.

Providers these companies can get you there.

Holiday River Expeditions

Holiday River Expeditions

(800) 624-6323.

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

We offer a variety of smooth water trips on the Green or Yampa rivers, allowing guests to try stand-up paddleboards or kayaks, a fun way to explore these calm water sections.

  • Check Availability
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Wild West Voyages

  • Verified - Update Listing

Let us guide you via raft, SUP or kayak (single or tandem) along the placid sections of the Green and Colorado rivers near Moab. Plus land-based van tours into the Parks.

  • (435) 355-0776

Canyonlands By Night & Day

  • Claim Your Business

You can experience the beauty of Moab by helicopter, skydive, Hummer, 4X4, ATV, Razor, or horseback, and the Colorado River by paddle boat, raft, or jet boat.

  • (800) 394-9978

Coyote Shuttle

Keeping things extreme! Call Coyote Shuttles for all of your touring transportation needs and enjoy the excitement of this unique travel experience.

Hazard County Shuttle - river shuttles

Direct book your river shuttle for groups floating the Labyrinth Canyon on the Green River. Easy and efficient online booking, which is reliable and cost-effective.

  • (435) 210-8082

Moab Adventure Center

We focus on day tours & adventures in unparalleled red rock beauty; and to become your convenient "One Stop for Adventure", whether on the trail, river, off-road or in the air

  • (435) 259-7019

Sheri Griffith River Expeditions

Operating white water rafting adventures on the Green and Colorado Rivers directly out of Moab for 38 years.

Western River Expeditions

Western water experts offering multi-day trips for rafting adventures throughout the SW. Plan now and book early!

World Wide River Expeditions

Water adventures on Green, Salmon and Colorado Rivers, half, full and multi-day trips including rafts, life jackets, shuttle pick up.

You may also be interested in:

Mountain joe's horseback & wagon rides, (435) 669-6585.

Horseback adventures in Old La Sal, south of Moab. Mountain and desert rides, as well as one hour relaxing trail rides are available. Wagons hold up to 16 passengers.

Flat water paddling is the perfect way to explore Moab’s beautiful canyons and national parks. The Green, Colorado and San Juan Rivers all have flat water paddling opportunities. Permits are required for some floats. Any floats entering Canyonlands National Park require a $10 entrance permit.

Flat water paddling is the perfect way for people of all ages and levels of fitness to explore Moab’s beautiful redrock canyons and scenic national parks. Paddling opportunities exist on several area rivers including the Green, Colorado, and San Juan Rivers.

Where to go on a smooth water float

  • Stillwater Canyon This 52 mile float begins and Mineral Bottom and travels through Canyonlands National Park. Because of the limited road access to this area, it has more of a wilderness feel than any other the other floats listed. Scenery includes sweeping red rock canyons and abundant wildlife. A $10 permit is needed to enter Canyonlands National Park. The trip takes between 2 -4 days.
  • Meander Canyon Beginning at the Potash Boat ramp on the Colorado River just outside of Moab, this 47 mile trips takes approximately 1-4 days depending on your speed. Take note, this trip requires jet boat transportation to return back to Moab. A permit is needed.
  • Moab Flatwater Beginning in Moab at the Moab Boat Ramp, this trip ranges in length from 11 – 17 miles, making this the perfect trip for a one day float. The take out is at Gold Bar Canyon for 11 miles, or Potash Boat Ramp for 17 miles. Along the way admire stone arches, massive cliff walls, and Anasazi rock art.

For more information regarding permits, call (435) 259-4351.

Guided Tours & Rentals

If you’re looking to make the most out of your Moab area rafting trip, hire one of the guides located on this page. They’ll take care of equipment and logistics so you can just enjoy your trip.

AlLCabins

Stay at a Cabin

  • Boat Rentals
  • White Water Trips
  • Kayak, Canoe & SUP
  • Colorado River
  • Green River
  • Dolores River
  • San Juan River
  • San Rafael River

Holiday River Expeditions Boating Adventures

Holiday River Expeditions Boating Adventures

Regional smooth water trips, grand canyon scenic rafting.

AllCabins.com

Escape to a Perfect Cabin Getaway in Moab, UT

Visit allcabins.com.

Inflatable kayakers maneuver through a rapid on the Green River through Gates of Lodore.

Green River Rafting

Rafters rafting through Gates of Ladore in the Green River.

Explore Utah’s Green River

Float through and hike the legendary canyons of the Green River on a 1- to 8-day Utah rafting trip for adventurous first-timers and families with kids as young as four years old. One of the best-known rivers of the Colorado Plateau, the Green River offers rafters everything from fun whitewater and spectacular campsites to Western outlaw hideouts, prehistoric dinosaur fossils, and abundant Native American cultural sites.

Find Your Perfect Trip

GREEN RIVER RAFTING ADVENTURES

Two yellow OARS rafts full of people on the Green River through the Gates of Lodore.

Green River Rafting through the Gates of Lodore

Location: Utah & Colorado Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 7 (10 – 12 during high water)

Three children sit in the front of a paddle raft with two adults and a guide behind them all smiling and having a blast on the Green River through Split Mountain Canyon

Utah Whitewater Rafting through Split Mountain Canyon

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Easier to Moderate Minimum Age: 6 (11 during high water)

A group of hikers walk along a desert trail on an OARS Stillwater and Cataract Canyon hiker trip

Stillwater & Cataract Canyon Hiker

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 12

Two yellow rafts and a dory make their way downriver on an OARS John Wesley Powell Retrace trip

John Wesley Powell Retrace

Location: Utah & Colorado Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 16

Landscape view of Desolation Canyon on the Green River with sun rays shining through clouds.

Green River Rafting through Desolation Canyon

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 7 (10 during high water; 12 for hiker)

A double rainbow is seen above a riverscape with mountains studded with lots of green vegetation.

Flaming Gorge Green River Rafting 1-Day

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Easier Minimum Age: 4 (7 during high water)

Scenic shot of yellow rafts coming down the Green River surounded by lush greenery and canyon walls

Flaming Gorge Rafting

Three guides practice correcting a flipped raft during Dinosaur Whitewater Guide School training

Dinosaur Whitewater Guide School

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Challenging Minimum Age: 18

A guide rows on wooden oars down the Lower Green River Rowing Clinic.

Lower Green River Rowing Clinic

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Challenging Minimum Age: 18 (16 with parent/guardian also in the class)

A man holding onto oars as a training guide helps adjust his technique.

Upper Green River Rowing Clinic

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 18 (16 with parent/guardian also in the class)

I loved every bit of it! The setting is hard to beat and camping on riverside beaches will always be magical. But really this review is to celebrate the fantastic guides for all the work they put in making it possible. They were skilled boaters of course, but also great cooks and companions, and really make it easy to go and just enjoy yourself. OARS Gates of Lodore guest 2022

Useful Travel Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions?

Where does OARS operate on the Green River?

OARS runs trips on the Flaming Gorge, Split Mountain Canyon, Gates of Lodore, Desolation Canyon, and Stillwater Canyon sections of the Green River. Our John Wesley Powell Retrace trip follows the Green River from Flaming Gorge Dam to its confluence with the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon to Lake Powell.

What Green River trip is right for me?

Flaming Gorge — This splashy Class II trip is perfect for first-time rafters and young families. It offers crystal-clear water, fun rapids, world-class fishing, Wild West history, and gorgeous canyon scenery. Trip options include 1 or 3 days from June through August. The minimum age is 4.

Split Mountain Canyon — If you only have one day, this Class III trip won’t disappoint. Scenic floating and lively whitewater create the perfect way to sample Utah’s incredible rafting scene. One-day trips run May through September with a minimum age of 6.

Gates of Lodore — On this multi-day Class III rafting trip, float through Dinosaur National Monument , inflatable kayak through fun rapids, hike to side canyon waterfalls, and hunt for petroglyphs. Trips run 3, 4, or 5 days from May through September. The minimum age for this trip is 7.

Desolation Canyon — This multi-day Class III trip offers gorgeous red rock scenery, beautiful sandy beaches for camping, and more than 50 splashy, fun rapids the whole family can enjoy. Trip options include 5 or 6 days May through September. The minimum age is 7.

Stillwater & Cataract Canyon Hiker — This active adventure vacation near Moab combines tranquil floating and whitewater rafting on the Green and Colorado Rivers, with ample hiking in hard-to-reach regions of Canyonlands National Park . Trips are 7 or 8 days, with limited departures in April and September. The minimum age is 12.

John Wesley Powell Retrace — This expedition follows much of the route of the early explorer, from Flaming Gorge Dam to the Colorado River and through Cataract Canyon to Lake Powell. This demanding adventure is best for those looking for extended trips with long stretches of beautiful canyon, interspersed with moments of exciting whitewater. Different sections are available to book as a 7-day upper, 16-day lower, or full 23-day trip. This one-of-a-kind expedition typically departs in late May, with the option to join the lower section in early June. This trip has a minimum age of 16.

How did Don Hatch River Expeditions become part of OARS?

Originally founded by Don’s father, Bus Hatch, in 1929, Don Hatch River Expeditions was Utah’s preeminent river-running company for more than 75 years. Following Don’s death in 1994, his widow, Meg Hatch, continued to run Don Hatch River Expeditions until 2007 when she turned to OARS Founder, George Wendt , to carry on the Don Hatch Legacy. In 2008, with blessings from the National Park Service, Don Hatch River Expeditions became a part of the OARS Family of Companies. Today, OARS is proud to carry on the legacy of Don Hatch River Expeditions and a tradition of quality Utah rafting adventures.

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Becoming Family on the Green River

Discover your next oars adventure.

Rafts sitting on the bank of the Green River.

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White Water Rafting in Utah

Red River Adventures is the premier Utah white water rafting outfitter. We offer both full and half-day rafting trips in Moab on the Fisher Towers section of the Colorado River! Raft through the landscape that has made Moab famous. Used as the backdrop for movies, TV, and commercials for over 70 years, this is the landscape that draws millions to Moab and that you don’t want to miss. Run rapids, see wildlife, learn the history and geology of the Colorado Plateau, endure corny jokes, see “rocks that look like stuff,” and get recommendations on restaurants and other fun things from our local river guides.

Moab’s best guides , smaller and more fun paddle rafts, and limited group size makes for an incredible day filled with fun and excitement. It’s an experience that your family and friends will thank you for and that no other Moab outfitter can match.

Utah Rafting Full-Day Trips

We are proud of our Moab rafting day trips on the Colorado River. The full-day Fisher Towers rafting trip is the perfect amount of rafting and includes lunch! Not too long or too short, you will be delighted as the day unfolds and you return to Moab with a feeing of “just right!”

Utah Rafting Half-Day Trips

This short version of our Full Fisher Towers trip is perfect for those looking for an affordable adventure that will fill half a day. Half the distance but nearly all of the fun. This trip is perfect for those who have a packed schedule but still want an incredible experience on the Colorado River in Moab.

Half-Day Trips

Whitewater rafting Utah photo - Red River Adventures Moab Utah

Why Raft with Red River Adventures?

Because you will have FUN! Over the last 20 years, Red River Adventures has been providing the best whitewater river rafting in Utah. Our guides will provide you with an adventure of a lifetime. Sure, each guide is well-trained and licensed. That’s the easy part. It’s the qualities that you can’t teach or learn–qualities that you must have already, or gain through years of experience–that make the difference. These are the things that set our staff apart. Each guide is incredibly personable and draws on a huge pool of knowledge gained by working outside as an outdoor professional to ensure that, rain or shine, low water or high water, your scenic rafting trip will be incredibly fun!

Scenic Moab river rafting and Moab whitewater rafting trips are available April to September ; join us for the best river adventures in Utah!

Questions? Call (877) 259-4046 or Email Us

River rafting reviews and red river adventure testimonials.

Angelique G

Had such an amazing time today! It was the first time any of us had ever gone rafting. Our guide Kira was wonderful! Super knowledgeable, friendly, and comical! Highly recommend Red River rafts and Kira has a guide!

Grace Johnston

We loved Red River! My boyfriend and I started our trip in Moab & were fortunate to have Cage as our rock climbing guide. It was the perfect morning excursion to try new types of climbing like crack climbing as both of us were used to only climbing in a gym. A week later, at the end of our trip, we came back for a rafting trip and got Cage as our guide again. He was great & gave us awesome recs for future climbs & rafting trips! Thank you Red River, we will definitely be back :)

Dietrich Heide

Had a great time on the river. Fun guides who went out of the way to ensure people were having as much fun as possible. We will be back!

Brian Kruse

My son & I had a great time climbing for the day. Having our guide Jon get us to awesome routes and just as importantly in the shade was great for a summer day of climbing. Even better was all the pointers for how to get some great photos to remember the trip. Would highly recommend Jon for anyone looking to get the most out of their climbing time here.

Richard Luper

Our guide Maggie is a 2nd generation Moabite and knows the river and area very well. She was awesome and the other guide followed her lead. It would be a pleasure to be on her raft again. Thank you for the great memories. Cheryll, Lucas, Richard Luper.

Chuck Swaney

Had a great morning on the water our guide Cage was great. Very family friendly trip.

Alexandra Rochester

We did Rock of Ages with Cage as we wanted something a little challenging. What an incredible experience! The rappels were varied in length and style, and the hike through was gorgeous with so many different views. But Cage really made the day special. You can tell he loves his job and cares deeply about the outdoor adventure industry. We are chatty people who share a lot of his interests so it was a great match. Cage’s knowledge of local history, his explanations for what he was doing setting up ropes, and pointing out features of the canyon kept us engaged and excited the entire time. Thank you to Cage for such a great day!

Dwight Norris

Our half day white water rafting adventure was a great experience for whole family. This was due in part to the high energy and knowledgeable staff staff. Our raft guide “Liz” steered our raft into the rapids perfectly and informed us about all the great things that the river and Utah have to offer. Thanks Liz!

Cindy F.

Great experience! Would definitely book again!

Rebecca Roberts

We had a great time on an afternoon half day excursion. Raft guide was kind, knowledgeable and made the experience a lot of fun!

Darren Simons

Great trip . Would have like bigger rapids . It was still fun. Grace was are guide , she did a wonderful . Would definitely recommend .

Todd Hoopes

Our second trip with RR, 10 years apart and just as good as the first time! Our guide Kenzie was fantastic. Highly skilled in the art of repelling and a very nice person. Thanks Kenzie, will be back in another 10 years.

Karen Ericson

This trip was awesome! Lunch was great. Guide was knowledgeable and lots of fun.

Joerg

It was awesome! Kira was out Captain and did a great job!

Andrea Chin

Our friend group of seven (4 adults, 3 kids - 13, 13, 9) had a great time with Liz. She took great care of us, taught us so much about the landscape, the water, and animals! She has great energy yet matched our vibe in the boat. We did the full day trip with lunch which was delicious! Highly recommend doing the full day as it takes 45 minutes to get to the site then do safety training. It was really amazing seeing the landscape from a different perspective!

Easton Hamblin

We loved our visit! Guide Jordan was excellent! Thanks for a great experience!

brandon squires

Great experience today. Guides were fun and helpful. Great for our family with kids ranging from 8 to 16. Guides were funny and entertained us with jokes on the drives.

Christy Dimos Jones

Great experience…wonderful guide who was great with my children

Heather Averett

5 stars for the adventure. 5 stars for the bus ride. 5 stars for lunch. 5 stars for our guide, Savanah. 3 stars for the sun as it was a little too bright. I would absolutely do it again. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Z Mac

Savannah was awesome! Thanks for being our guide today! Food was great too! No complaints about anything! Excellent time, super fun family experience!

Max Chambers

Great guides and amazing scenery! The river was fun, mostly class I and a few class II rapids in late June. The best part was lunch, particularly how accommodating Red River was for food allergies (e.g. gluten-free). I would definitely book with them again!

Jennifer Hardy

Great ride today with Red River Adventures. We did a full day of white water rafting which included a delicious home made lunch. Our guide, Jake, was fantastic, great sense of humor and a kind soul.

Christine Millett

Great trip!

Chelsi Lee

An adventure almost anyone could enjoy, very grateful for the experience!

Dow Hardy

Had a great trip with Jake as our tour guide today. The trip was a great blend of Class 1-2 rapids and smooth running spots. He was a personable, skilled and knowledgeable tour guide, who made our day the best. Highly recommend.

Anna Habben

We loved our half-day rafting trip with Red River. Their guides were engaged, fun, and knowledgeable. Our kids were a little nervous for their first white water and our guide did a great job at helping them to feel safe so they could have a great time. I’ve rafted the Colorado with other companies and will for sure book with Red River again next time we go.

Marcin Kruszyna

We took the whole day tour,it was very well organised , nice lunch, friendly staff. Highly recommended.

Elena Lopez

We did a half day rafting tour, it was an AMAZING experience!! Jonas was our guide, he was awesome and great with kids!

Candy Killian

An exceptional experience with our river rafting guide, Jonas! We will be back again and again!

Megan Wolfe-Polgar

We had the best time canyoneering with this company. Our guide Cage was amazing and super knowledgeable about the area. Would definitely return for more trips!

Morgan Macenka

I took my daughter (who is autistic) for her first experience river rafting. Our guide, Emily, was kind, knowledgable and enthusiastic. She was able to pull a group of complete strangers into a cohesive unit, making it a wonderful bonding experience. The scenery was amazing and the rapids were thrilling. I would highly recommend Red River Adventures to anyone.

Stephani Jones

Savannah was a great tour guide and made us feel safe and let us have fun! My boys enjoyed the ride and had a great time!

elizabeth larsen

The full day raft was fun, the guides are very friendly and fun to be around, lunch was delicious. I would have liked more rapids as there was only about 5 rapids in 6 hours. But i would do it again. :)

Jed Milne

All the guides were friendly and informative. Jake was our guide and he kept my 3 boys (all under 10) engaged and made them feel safe. He also let them know the importance of their responsibilities. They all can't wait to do it again. Half day was the perfect amount of time for my fam. Thanks!

Pam and Patrick Breslin

We had a great time. Easy to schedule and answered all my questions to make me comfortable taking my seven year olds. Emily was an excellent guide and made sure we all had fun. We all wished we’d done a full day!

John K

Red River Adventures are awesome! From booking to arrival, to the bus ride out to the boat ramps, the process is organized and seamless. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, and are there to make sure you have a safe and fun time. Both the full day and half day tours are a lot of fun and definitely memorable experiences in Moab. I’ve gone on three tours with Red River Adventures and each has been a wonderful experience. This most recent trip, we had folks from 25-66 and our guide Jonas did an amazing job making sure everyone felt comfortable and was having fun. Highly recommend and will be back again!

Richard Luedtke

Red River had an awesome full day tour ~ Grace was a fantastic guide! Adam drove the bus like a pro, such a great experience ~ highly recommend.

Josh Wyman

Awesome time!

Lyndsie Memory

Great fun in a beautiful setting with fun guides!

Andy Weigel

Easy booking online for half day rock climbing. Great communication before the outing. Our guide, Kenzie, was fantastic!

Torrey Hunter McCann

We had an amazing experience with the crew at red river adventures. It was a 40 min drive up the canyon on a bus and was a shorter and more relaxing float then we expected but still an amazing time! The views are great and water was calm.

David Koiter

Had an amazing day climbing with John in Little Cottonwood and Big Cottonwood Canyons! Tacked on an extra day to a work trip to the area to do this. My first time doing multi-pitch, and first time climbing on rock beyond the limestone of southern Ontario. John was just great, I felt comfortable and confident with everything we tackled, and tried/learned so many new things. So happy I chose to do this, and would recommend Red River Adventures to anyone interested in doing something like this!

Wesley Steeb

Can’t wait to come adventure with them again! Kenzie was an amazing guide to do my first rappels with. She is knowledgeable both about climbing and the beautiful land we were in and an all around lovely person to spend a morning outside with. Shout out also to the business team for their graciousness when I had a scheduling issue. Can’t recommend enough.

Kyle Vogel

We took the morning half day trip in mid June. The trip was well managed and our guide Jordan was wonderful.

Jill Lampen

Awesome 1/2 day trip with our amazing guide, Liz! She provided a lot of information about the river, vegetation, scenery, and wildlife. We loved the other people in our boat and the other guides were friendly and knowledgeable as well. Probably would’ve have been happy staying on the water longer…full day trip next time! 🙂

Greg Stremcha

Perfect day trip for the family! We had a great time doing the full day trip, which included a fantastic, yet simple lunch. Our guide Jonas kept us laughing and engaged the whole time. He even interacted with the kids, getting them to play games when the water was right. If you’re on the fence about doing a half day or full day- do the full day, you won’t be disappointed!

Dennis Potami

Liz was amazing. Smart, entertaining, and professional. Fun facts and stories the whole way. Great day on the river!

Edward Frech

Trip was incredible! My family had a wonderful experience with our guide Maggie, who was very personable, fun, and kind. We highly recommend Red River and will certainly be back.

Jenn S.

We booked a half day rafting trip with Red River adventures and had a great time! Our driver Keelee was great, Jake gave us an entertaining ride to the river and our river guide Liz was absolutely fantastic! She is knowledgeable, highly skilled, personable and made us feel at ease. Thanks for a fun afternoon on the water!

Jason Prendergast

Mikayla was an awesome guide. We had a great time.

float trips utah

Moab's Premier

Boutique adventure company, now offering, arches and canyonlands national parks tours.

  • Arches & Canyonlands National Park Tours
  • STAND UP PADDLE

The Wild West Voyages Difference

Wild West Voyages is Moab Utah’s premier boutique Colorado river rafting, kayak, stand up board, and adventure trip company. We are a locally-owned and operated outfitter, and have been called “a small company with a big heart.” Moab river rafting on the Colorado River is a fun and amazing adventure and we offer more intimate guided tours including private charters with customizable details. You can design your raft trip by specifying your preference for an oar raft rowed solely by your guide while you relax (and hang on with both hands)! Or if you prefer you can request a group paddle raft for a more active experience. Often we can bring along a kayak or two for guests to take a turn in their own rig under the guide’s instruction. We offer guided, customized sightseeing and hiking tours into < Arches National Park and < Canyonlands National Park .

In addition to these personalized details, we are proud to feature:

  • Smaller group sizes and private charters
  • Air-conditioned vans; vehicle interiors cleaned after every use
  • First-class customer service
  • Professional and caring staff
  • Skilled, experienced guides holding a variety of safety, rescue, outdoor leadership, and science certifications
  • Plenty of parking in a hidden downtown Moab location
  • High-quality and well-maintained river rafting boats, kayaks, SUP boards and equipment. All vessels are thoroughly cleaned with soap and water after every use, including both guided tours and rentals.
  • River equipment cleaned and sanitized after every use: PFD’s (flotation vests), wetsuits, booties, splash jackets, coolers, and paddles. This includes equipment from both guided tours and rentals.

Want your adventure TODAY or TOMORROW? Please call (435) 355-0776 for availability.

Our Most Popular Adventures

Come with us and experience canyon country’s most formative and dramatic force: The Colorado River. Our classic Moab river rafting trips offer something for everyone . Raft, paddle an inflatable kayak or a stand-up paddle board. Float the family-friendly mild or moderate rapids, behold the stunning scenery, and let us treat you to a classic adventure of the American West!

Looking to visit Arches National Park? We now offer a fun morning hiking tour or an awe-inspiring evening evening sunset tour .

Let our caring staff and certified guides give you a full service adventure to remember! See our trip options here.

Want your adventure TODAY or TOMORROW? Please call (435) 850-6420 for availability.

Towers Colorado

Full Day Moab Raft Trip

Towers Colorado

Half Day AM Moab Raft Trip

Towers Colorado

Last Call Afternoon Moab Raft Trip

Towers Colorado

AM Inflatable Kayak Trip

Towers Colorado

Last Call Half Day Private Charter Inflatable Kayak Trip

Fun times with wild west voyages.

Tripadvisor

Our guide, Chris, was knowledgeable, encouraging and engaging. He was also flexible, giving us route options even after getting onto the river. I would definitely recommend WWV!

You could tell they were seriously invested in making sure we had a good time. We did - Wild West is highly recommended!

I would 100% recommend this tour company and will definitely be going again. Utah is the most beautiful state and seeing the canyon from the river is quite the treat.

We were beyond impressed with our entire experience! Katherine and Whitney took care of us - from answering dozens of our questions and educating us about the river, to their hospitable attitudes, the customer service was amazing.

We really enjoyed our white water rafting trip with Jonah! He was super knowledgeable about the River, landscape and wildlife and he has some pretty awesome jokes as well.

Jake had much to share of the history, geography, and environment and he tailored the tour to our pace. We enjoyed it very much and it was the highlight of our first trip to Utah.

Wild West Voyages provided an unforgettable adventure that exceeded all my expectations! Exploring the stunning landscapes of the Wild West by kayak was a thrilling experience, and their guided tours were not only incredibly fun but also educational.

As always thanks for taking such great care of us. Constance is an amazing guide who will teach you all you want to know about the landscape while making you feel extremely safe and certainly knowing how to have fun!

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float trips utah

Provo River Rafting

The best rafting in northern utah.

float trips utah

Provo Canyon is home to plenty of natural beauty including Sundance Resort and the majestic Bridal Veil waterfalls. This scenic mild float is fun for all ages – With small rapids and flanked by 10,000+ foot mountains this 90 minute adventure is offered with guided and self-guided options with tours leaving every hour starting at 10am

$30/Child $40/Adult – Self Guided Rafting

$50/Child $60/Adult – Guided Rafting

$85/Child $105/Adult – Rafting and BBQ

Great Location – Unmatched Scenery – Fun for everyone

Open april thru october.

Northern Utah has great weather all summer long. Trips are around 90 minutes but may vary based on river flow. Our team and experience will make this a memorable adventure for you.

Use these discount codes at checkout – First Responders use military code

Military – (25% off booking)

Student – (15% off reservation)

10raft – (10% group size 10-19)

20raft – (20% group size 20+)

On River Shuttle

Complimentary bus or van shuttle from Check-in office to river put in – Private Parking at office area for Guests Only

Convenient & Flexible

We are the only rafting outfitter located on the river, with large private parking areas and river take-out. Guided and Self-Guided trips leave on the hour starting at 10am Monday thru Saturday. Self-guided rafting available on Sundays from Late June through August

Self-guided trip on an inflatable raft

Each party gets their own raft to paddle down.

Be your own guide and paddle down the river with friends and family! Our self-guided rafting trip on the Provo gives you the thrill of paddling your own boat in this beautiful canyon. We have 3 to 10-Person Rafts available for each group – If you don’t have at least three capable paddlers, we recommend you choose the inflatable kayak option. Optional Damage Waiver available at check out.

float trips utah

Guided Trip down the Provo River

Experience stunning Utah views on a Provo River rafting trip.

This mild river stretch with amazing scenery and small rapids and plenty of current make this fun for everyone. Our friendly guides will row you through this six mile stretch down Provo Canyon with its soaring walls and snow-capped peaks. Tours start on the hour most days starting at 10am

Rafting and Texas-Style BBQ on the river bank

Available mon thru friday at 4pm – 10 guests min.

Take a few hours in the afternoon to enjoy a beautiful guided river rafting trip in Provo Canyon. After the excursion, enjoy a smoked Texas-style BBQ complete with meaty ribs, slow-cooked chicken, tender brisket, BBQ beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, cobbler and a variety of BBQ sauces. Enjoy all this at our private park along the river.

float trips utah

What’s included?

Plenty of private parking near check-in office and river take out

Our vans or buses will haul you and the gear to the river put-in

PFDs (personal floatation device)

Life Jackets required for all river adventures. Non-swimmers should only elect the Guided Rafting options

Self-Guided rafts require minimum of three capable paddlers

BBQ for groups of 10 or more only

What to Bring

No lockers on site. Please leave valuables home or locked in vehicle. The office staff can store your keys. Sunscreen, water shoes or flip flops

Texas Style BBQ

Delicious smoked Rib, Chicken and Brisket BBQ dinner on the rivers edge for small groups of 10 or more under our private pavillions

More River Adventure

float trips utah

Raft Provo RIver

The Provo Canyon river stretch with amazing scenery and small rapids is fun for everyone.  Choose between a guided trip, self-guided or BBQ adventure.

90 min - $30 to $105

Private parking and River shuttle, Raft Gear and PFDs

float trips utah

  • Weather: Sunny, 96F

Fun for families, couples, and solo explorers, the West’s iconic Green River beckons to be discovered. From its beginnings in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming to its terminus at the confluence with the  Colorado River , this waterway winds hundreds of miles and provides the perfect spot for an abundance of recreational activities. River trips can become logistical Olympics, so make your life a little easier by hiring a commercial outfitter ( try our guides and outfitters search) . Whomever you choose, they will generally provide all of your equipment, a shuttle service, and expert knowledge and stories about the river and surrounding landscape. Just remember, you’re on “river time” and little else matters while you’re out there, whether it’s a few hours or several days. If you do decide to stake out on your own, permits and advance planning are often needed. Inquire with the Bureau of Land Management for more information. And remember, temperatures are most ideal in summertime; in the spring, there are higher water levels with bigger rapids, but colder water; in the fall, the water is warmer, but flows at lower levels.

Favorite floats, the green river daily.

This 9-mile section of the Green River begins at Nefertiti Access Point, flows through Gray Canyon, and concludes at Swaseys Boat Ramp. Fantastic desert, canyon country scenery surrounds the entire float. A great run for first timers and families, it's mellow enough to include floating, paddling, and water play. All the while, there are just enough rapids to keep you on your toes. Keep an eye out for desert big horn sheep, which roam the surrounding cliffs. A short hike from the river's edge leads to ancient petroglyphs, evidence of the area's prehistoric residents.  Green River State Park  makes a great base camp.

Many guides and outfitters offer trips on the Green River Daily. 

Desolation and Gray Canyons

Standing proudly atop the podium as one of Utah’s premier multi-day river trips, Desolation Canyon serves up a delectable cornucopia of experiences, scenery, rapids and geologic and anthropological interests to delight river runners, from strong beginners to seasoned veterans. In 1869, John Wesley Powell led an expedition through Desolation Canyon to chart these unknown wilds, an area still considered to be one of the most remote places in the lower 48. At its deepest point, this canyon rises 5,000 feet from the river to the unseen Tavaputs Plateau overhead. Desert bighorn sheep, elk, deer, black bear, mountain lions, and many other species call this canyon home. Prehistoric evidence abounds throughout the run, ancient Fremont petroglyphs and pictographs are found within short hiking distance from the river's edge. Of historical note, notorious outlaws, including Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch, found refuge here.

For most river runners, the average time to complete this 84-mile journey, from the put-in at Sand Wash to the take-out at Swasey’s Landing, just north of the town  Green River , is six to seven days. However, it can be done a few days more quickly, or increased to 12 or more days for boaters who want to experience all this run has to offer.

During the first 26-miles of the run, be prepared to relax and enjoy the serenity and scenery of the flat water stretch, typified by wide-open skies and surrounded by desert canyon country and towering cliffs. It’s during this part of the journey, you’ll be glad you brought along your insect repellent. From late-May through July, the mosquitoes can be absolutely ravenous. Then, for the following 58 miles, the canyon walls constrict, insects become much less of a problem, and the rapids come at the pace of one or more a mile. In all, there are 60 named class II and III rapids. The most significant of which, Joe Hutch Rapid, can elevate to a solid class IV or V- during high water.

Beautiful beaches and camps beneath groves of cottonwood trees abound. The east-side of the river is off-limits except for those who have obtained a permit from the Ute Indian Tribe, as the land there is part of the Ute Indian Reservation. There are many guides and outfitters who offer river trips through Desolation and Gray Canyons. Those interested in running Desolation privately, can obtain a permit and information from the Price Office of the Bureau of Land Management at (435) 636-0975.

See the article Lost and Found in Desolation Canyon, below.

Flaming Gorge and Dinosaur National Monument

The Green and Yampa rivers carve out great adventure in the area near  Flaming Gorge  and  Dinosaur National Monument.  This area offers incredible scenery, great basecamp towns (such as  Vernal ) and a wide range of rapid classes for all abilities. Popular stretches include following the Green River through Dinosaur National Monument from the Canyon of Lodore to Split Mountain Gorge. The Green and its largest tributary, the Yampa River, meet at Steamboat Rock in Echo Park. The Yampa River offers great adventure during run-off season in the spring. 

Routes to check out include:

  • Gates of Lodore and Yampa River (multi-day trip)
  • Split Mountain Daily through Dinosaur National Monument (single-day trip)
  • Flaming Gorge Dam to Dinosaur National Monument (multi-day trip)
  • Flaming Gorge Dam to Little Hole (single-day trip)

Find a guide  to learn more about river trips and routes. See the article Remote Adventure on the Green River below and read 5 Reasons to Hire .

About the River

Spanish and Mexican explorers called this river the Rio Verde, or Green River, and some think that this is because of the verdant vegetation along its banks. What’s more, the river actually achieved its green hue more recently, after it was dammed; the color is a product of silt. Even with one dam on its length, the Green River is still largely a wild river, and boaters and floaters flock to its cool waters annually for play. The options are many — from the Gates of Lodore two hundred miles north at the beginning to famous jaunts through Canyonlands to the south— but when using the town of Green River as your river base camp, however, there are a few really outstanding settings for your trip. Their names are Desolation, Labyrinth and Stillwater. Petroglyphs, wildlife, scenery, sunsets, soaring cliffs — you name it, and Green River provides. Three of the most popular areas near Green River include Desolation, Labyrinth, and Stillwater canyons (in order from upstream down). You can enjoy incredibly calm water in the latter two canyons. These are ideal for multi-day rafting trips or for mellow single-day canoe and kayak trips; there’s no better way to experience the solitude and beauty of such lovely canyons. Desolation Canyon is for the more serious adventurers, totaling 84-miles from the put-in at Sand Wash to the take-out at Swasey’s Boat Ramp. It’s typically done as a six to seven-day trip to allow ample time for its 60 rapids, which come at the rate of one per mile for 60 miles, and to allow for ample time to enjoy maximum solitude and exploration.  Keep your eyes peeled for the canyon’s abundant wildlife, including wild horses, desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, mountain lions and black bear. Take advantage of the many hiking opportunities to view native american rock art, skiffs abandoned by early river-explorers, abandoned ranches, including one where Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch often swapped horses with owner, Jim McPherson, and even a prohibition-era whiskey outpost. Beware of the common afternoon canyon winds, which can be fierce and make downstream travel seemingly impossible. Most importantly, plan for a rare opportunity to unplug from the pace of everyday life and to receive one of the most memorable experiences of your lifetime. 

Read the Stories

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float trips utah

How to Find a Guided Outdoors Experience

Written By Arianna Rees

6 minute read

You might not be a pro climber, camper or explorer, but Utah’s diverse collection of outdoor guides has all of the expertise you need to have an adventure worth getting stoked about.

float trips utah

Lost and Found in Desolation Canyon

Written By Ben Dodds

13 minute read

Fully unplug on a return trip down the Green River through the remote Desolation Canyon. Along the way, read as the author navigates a few friends through tricky rapids and pauses on stillwater and at night to appreciate the beauty, stillness and solitude of desert wilderness. It's a 100-mile journey for dedicated adventurers, but it comes with real healing power.

float trips utah

Remote Adventure on the Green River

Written By Heather May

150 years after John Wesley Powell mapped the Green, experience the same solitude and scenery with plenty of (safer) spills and thrills

Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.

Do your part by planning ahead

float trips utah

Green River Scenic Float Trips

Fly fishermen are not the only the only people who come to admire the beautiful Flaming Gorge landscape. Thousands of visitors come each year to enjoy both the beauty and the many recreational opportunities the area has to offer. A scenic drift boat trip down the Green River is a great way to kick back, relax, and forget about your every day worries. Scenic float trips offer sightseers a chance to see the incredible topography, wildlife, and the surreal fishery that this area has become famous for.  Let our experienced fly fishing guides show you their home water!

Green River scenic float trips include:

7 mile float trip in a McKenzie style drift boat, safety trained & experienced guide, lunch, and beverages (non-alcohol)

Scenic Float Trip $500  (up to 2 people)

Scenery Shot - Utah Green River

float trips utah

Fire captain deployed to Ground Zero on 9/11 dies in Colorado rafting mishap

S ALT LAKE CITY ( KTVX ) — A Utah fire captain has been identified as the man who died in a “rafting accident” in Colorado earlier this week, according to officials.

Captain Michael Harp, 54, was rafting along the Green River at Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado when he was involved in the accident, according to a press release from the Salt Lake City Fire Department . He was a second-generation firefighter and a 27-year veteran of the Salt Lake City Fire Department.

Harp was initially reported missing Thursday afternoon, the National Park Service said. He had been on a “private permitted trip on the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument.”

Around 4 p.m. on Thursday, officials were notified that a boat was pinned against a rock and that one person was missing from the group. When the boat was able to be unpinned, officials said Harp, who was unresponsive, drifted downriver after losing his lifejacket.

Harp’s body was found about 10 miles downstream from the incident early Friday morning and airlifted to the Moffat County Coroner’s Office. The coroner’s office confirmed Harp’s identity last week, NPS told Nexstar’s KTVX.

“Captain Michael Harp dedicated his life to the service of not only the citizens of Salt Lake City, but also his fellow firefighters,” officials said. “His legacy of service, leadership, compassion, and contagious laughter will forever be remembered by all who knew him.”

The press release said Harp was deployed to Ground Zero on 9/11 and was a “dedicated member of Utah Task Force 1.” The Salt Lake City Fire Department has expressed its condolences to the family and asked that members of the public respect the family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this difficult time,” the fire department said.

Dinosaur National Monument is a park that is made up of more than 210,000 acres in both Utah and Colorado, the NPS said, and is known for whitewater rafting along the Green and Yampa rivers.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.

Fire captain deployed to Ground Zero on 9/11 dies in Colorado rafting mishap

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COMMENTS

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