Rafting the Colorado River is a quintessential outdoor adventure that highlights the breathtaking landscapes and thrilling experiences available in and around Moab, Utah. This activity not only offers an adrenaline rush but also provides a unique perspective on the region's natural beauty, making it an essential experience for visitors looking to connect with the stunning environment.
Adventure Guide To Rafting the Colorado River
Dowd Mountain: Located upstream from Moab, Dowd Mountain offers exciting Class II and III rapids that are perfect for family-friendly rafting. This section is known for its scenic views and wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species. The river here includes calm stretches that are great for a leisurely float.
Fisher Towers: The stretch below Fisher Towers is famous for its striking red rock formations. Rafting this section combines adventure with stunning vistas, where paddlers can enjoy the drama of the cliffs alongside fun Class III rapids. Many guides also explain the geological history of the area as you navigate through the stunning scenery.
Ruby-Horsethief Canyon: A little further out, Ruby-Horsethief Canyon is ideal for those seeking a multi-day raft trip or a serene float. The river is lined with beautiful cottonwood trees and offers great fishing spots. Each campsite along the way features access to hiking trails and opportunities for photography against the canyon backdrop.
Local Insights
The Colorado River has been vital for the region's ecosystem and has also played a role in the cultural history of Native American tribes. Understanding local wildlife regulations and respecting nature while rafting enhances the overall experience.
Visitor Tips
Best times to visit: April to September offers the best rafting conditions.
What to bring: Swimsuits, sunscreen, water shoes, and snacks. A dry bag for personal items is essential.
Driving directions: From Moab, the trip to each location typically takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the destination. Roads are well-maintained but check conditions before heading out.
Reviews
Karen Riordana year ago
I cannot recommend CRATE highly enough. Our 9 days in the Grand Canyon were absolutely unbelievable - everything I'd wanted and tried to imagine, but then so much more. A trillion stars, the billions of years of history, geology to blow your mind, wildlife and so much laughter! Organisation and communication were great; guides and swampers were knowledgeable, kind and fun; food was amazing! I loved every minute and would love to return one day.
Meg Jordan3 years ago
If you're rafting the length of the Grand Canyon, you want the most experienced and talented crew --and that's the folks at CRATE, especially John Toner and Sybrena and swampers Brant and Josh -- they were outstanding! They made sure we weren't sleeping in any washes in case of flash flood. They kept everybody in high spirits and were full of fun antics but only when safe conditions were all buttoned up. They're amazing cooks with all sorts of musical talents. Absolutely outstanding! And their knowledge of the Canyon and respect for this wild green mile that has taken lives and created legends puts them in a class head and shoulders above the rest. Go CRATE. Thanks for a fabulous adventure! Meg Jordan
Owen Gray3 years ago
If we could count the infinite number of stars in the entire universe, CRATE deserves all of them + another one. My family has been enjoying the beautiful experience of rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon with CRATE since 1972, coming up on 50 years next year since my father’s first trip. I have done five trips to date myself and there is no other company I would pick to guide our family and my friends through this incredible experience. Every trip seems to be increasingly special through and with CRATE.
From the extremely friendly and professional communication with the McKays at the CRATE main office to the expansive knowledge and friendliness of the guides on the trips, everyone I have done the 8 day trip with is overwhelmed with gratitude and adamantly impressed with the service, knowledge and overall execution of the trip… even the most seasoned explorers and adventure seekers I know. I simply can’t say enough about how special this trip is, but I think a large majority of that is because of their company, staff and hands-on, personal touch from beginning to end.
Dom B.a year ago
An amazing trip that exceeded our expectations.
My husband and I were so impressed by every aspect of this trip. It goes without saying that the scenery was amazing and the beauty of the Canyon and the Colorado River truly breathtaking but what made the trip extraordinary was CRATE. They delivered exceptional service at every moment of the trip. The equipment was top-notch, the accommodations amazing and the food worthy of a restaurant. My husband is a chef so that really speaks volumes. I thought I’d be roughing it for a week, I could not have been more wrong; every meal was an international culinary journey. It was incredible.
What really made our trip exceptional was Carter, our river guide and Oney, his swamper. These are two incredibly, kind, fun-loving, caring and generous individuals who go out of their way to ensure that you get the most out of your trip. But what impressed us most about Carter and Oney is their encyclopedic knowledge of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. We came away from this trip having learned so much from both of them. Kudos to CRATE for hiring such amazing talent. It speaks volumes about the company and the care they put into delivering on an exceptional customer experience. There is no doubt in our minds that we’ll go with CRATE when we do this trip again. Hopefully we’ll luck out and have Carter and Oney as our guides again. Thanks for a trip of a lifetime and for some unforgettable memories!!!
Can’t wait to come back.
Dom and JM
Casey Stankiewicz3 years ago
We had a fabulous trip with CRATE in April 2021. This was my third rafting trip down the Grand Canyon. Our guides were very skilled and knowledgeable. They made the trip fun, and I had full confidence in their ability to keep everyone safe and healthy throughout the trip. The food was great too. I appreciated their geology knowledge that they shared with us. I would definitely go on another trip with this company.
