Utah & Colorado · All Sections · Within 250 Miles of Moab
Colorado River
Rafting Tours
From the calm red-rock float through downtown Moab to the thundering Class V drops of Cataract Canyon — and east through Colorado to the granite gorges of Gore Canyon. The complete guide to every raftable section of the Colorado River near Moab, organized by state and difficulty.
Interactive Tour Map
All Colorado River Tour Sections
The Colorado River flows 1,450 miles from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of California. Within 250 miles of Moab, Utah, it passes through two states and seven distinct guided rafting sections — each with its own character, geology, and difficulty level. The map below shows every section with its approximate location and tour classification.
All sections shown are guided commercial rafting tours accessible from or near Moab, Utah
Colorado River Rafting in Utah
The Colorado River enters Utah from the east near the town of Westwater and flows southwest through the Moab valley before plunging south into the remote canyon wilderness of Canyonlands National Park. Utah's four Colorado River sections are the most accessible from Moab — ranging from the relaxed Moab Daily float to the Class V Big Drops of Cataract Canyon.
Moab Daily Float
The most-booked rafting trip in Moab. A 3–4 hour float along the Colorado River directly from town — towering red sandstone canyon walls, Class I–II riffles, petroglyphs, and a front-row view of the canyon that surrounds Moab. Ideal for first-timers, families, and anyone who wants to experience the Colorado River in a single morning or afternoon. Departs twice daily.
Fisher Towers
A scenic gem on the Colorado River northeast of Moab, floating beneath the dramatic spires of Fisher Towers — some of the most photographed rock formations in canyon country. The river is calm here (Class I–II), making the setting the real story: 900-foot rust-red towers rising directly above the water. A morning or afternoon float unlike anything near Moab.
Westwater Canyon
The Colorado River's most technically interesting section near Moab — where the river cuts through 1.7 billion-year-old Precambrian granite and erupts into 17 named Class III–IV rapids. Skull Rapid, the Room of Doom, and Sock-it-to-Me are the highlights. Located ~60 miles east of Moab on the Utah-Colorado border. A classic full day trip with riverside lunch included.
Cataract Canyon
The pinnacle of Colorado River rafting near Moab, and one of the premier whitewater experiences in North America. Cataract Canyon lies entirely within Canyonlands National Park, accessible only by river. 26 major rapids, including the legendary Class V Big Drops, over 14 miles of continuous whitewater. Available as a full day motor trip or 3–5 day multi-day paddle expedition with canyon camping.
Colorado River Rafting in Colorado
East of Moab, the Colorado River flows back through its namesake state — ascending from the red-rock plateau into increasingly dramatic canyon and mountain terrain. Three Colorado sections within 250 miles of Moab offer rafting on the river's headwaters: from the serene Ruby-Horsethief canyon near Fruita, to the sheer grandeur of Glenwood Canyon, to the remote Class V challenge of Gore Canyon near the Rockies.
Ruby & Horsethief Canyons
A magnificent flatwater and Class II float through two distinct canyon sections on the Colorado River just east of the Utah border, near Fruita, Colorado. Ruby Canyon's dramatic red-walled narrows and Horsethief Canyon's sweeping river bends make this one of the most scenically underrated sections in the entire Colorado River system. Ideal for first-timers, families, and kayakers, with bird watching, rock art, and fossil sites along the way.
Glenwood Canyon
One of the most visually stunning sections of the Colorado River — a narrow, 1,000-foot-deep canyon where Interstate 70 hugs the cliff edge and the river runs through Class III–IV whitewater below. Glenwood Canyon offers a full day of technical rafting through dramatic limestone and granite walls, past hanging gardens and natural hot springs. Located near Glenwood Springs, approximately 175 miles from Moab.
Gore Canyon
The most remote and technical Colorado River section near Moab — a wild, inaccessible gorge northwest of Kremmling, Colorado, approximately 220 miles from Moab. Gore Canyon squeezes the Colorado River through a series of Class IV–V rapids in a narrow granite gorge accessible only by rail or river. With no roads in or out, this is genuine expedition-level whitewater for experienced rafters. Recommended for guests with prior Class IV experience.
Find Your Level
Colorado River Difficulty Guide
Every Colorado River section near Moab is rated by the International Scale of River Difficulty. Here's what each class means in practice, and which tours match each level.
Moving Water
Small waves, clear channels, few obstructions. Essentially flatwater with current. Suitable for all ages and abilities including non-swimmers.
Novice
Straightforward rapids, wide channels, occasional rock avoidance. Easily maneuvered. Suitable for beginners with minimal river experience.
Intermediate
Moderate, irregular waves; narrow passages requiring complex maneuvering. Risk of swimmer. Guide handles navigation. Good for active guests.
Advanced
Powerful, predictable but turbulent water. Technical demands require scouting by guides. Risk of injury to swimmers. Experience helpful.
Expert
Extremely difficult, violent water with unavoidable waves and holes. Risk of serious injury or death. Only for very experienced rafters and expert guides.
Planning Your Trip
Best Colorado River Tours by Season
Peak snowmelt creates the highest flows and most dramatic whitewater. The best time for technical sections. Cataract Canyon's Big Drops are at their most powerful. Temperatures range from cool to warm.
Warm water, hot days, and reliable flows. Lower water on some sections means more technical rock-dodging. Excellent for families and the Moab Daily float. The most popular season overall.
Cooler temperatures, changing canyon light, and dramatically smaller crowds. Low water creates a different character on technical sections — more technical, read-and-run rafting. The most underrated season.
Most commercial river operations run limited or no trips in winter months. Some outfitters offer special winter float trips on the Moab Daily when weather permits. Check availability directly.
Beyond the Colorado
Other Rivers Near Moab Worth Rafting
The Colorado River is just the beginning. Moab-area outfitters also guide multi-day expeditions on three other major rivers within reach.
Colorado's largest tributary — Desolation Canyon, Labyrinth Canyon, and Gates of Lodore offer 100+ miles of designated wilderness rafting.
Green River Tours → San Juan River Class I–III · Multi-DayCalmer water, deep cultural history, and some of the Southwest's most remarkable canyon scenery through Bears Ears country.
San Juan River Tours → Yampa River Class III–IV+ · 5–7 DaysThe last major free-flowing river in the Colorado system. Runs through Dinosaur National Monument May–July only. Permits extremely limited.
Yampa River Tours → Dolores River Class II–IV · SeasonalA snowmelt-fed western Colorado tributary offering 170 miles of canyon wilderness — running only in high water years. A rare and special trip.
Dolores River Info →Common Questions
Colorado River Rafting FAQs
What is the best Colorado River rafting trip for beginners near Moab?
The Moab Daily float is the best starting point — a Class I–II half day trip that runs twice daily right from town. Fisher Towers is equally beginner-friendly with more dramatic scenery. Both require zero prior experience and are appropriate for all ages.
What is the most exciting Colorado River trip near Moab?
For the biggest whitewater in a single day, Westwater Canyon (Class III–IV) is the answer — 17 named rapids through a billion-year-old granite gorge. For the ultimate Colorado River experience, Cataract Canyon's Class V Big Drops on a multi-day expedition have no equal.
How far from Moab do the Colorado River tours go?
Utah sections range from right in Moab (Moab Daily) to ~60 miles east (Westwater Canyon) and ~50 miles southwest (Cataract Canyon). Colorado sections range from ~95 miles (Ruby-Horsethief) to ~175 miles (Glenwood Canyon) to ~220 miles (Gore Canyon). All include round-trip transportation or shuttle logistics from the meeting point.
Is the Colorado River the same in Utah and Colorado?
It's the same river but radically different in character. In Utah near Moab, the Colorado flows through ancient red-rock canyon country at relatively low elevation. As you travel east into Colorado, the river climbs toward its headwaters in the Rocky Mountains, passing through progressively more dramatic canyon geology — limestone, granite, and shale — with generally higher water volumes in spring due to snowmelt.
Can I raft the Colorado River year-round near Moab?
Most commercial Colorado River tours near Moab operate spring through fall (roughly March through October). The Moab Daily float is available the longest season. Cataract Canyon is typically May–September. Colorado sections like Gore Canyon are often May–August only. Winter rafting is limited — contact outfitters directly for off-season availability.
What gear is included in Colorado River rafting tours?
All guided Colorado River tours include commercial-grade rafts, paddles, Type III life jackets, and safety briefings. Wetsuits are provided when water temperatures require them. Full-day and multi-day trips include a riverside lunch and, for overnight trips, all camping gear and meals. See our packing guide for personal items to bring.
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Whether you want a half-day float through downtown Moab or a five-day Class V expedition through Cataract Canyon — the Colorado River delivers. Our outfitters cover all sections, all skill levels, and all group sizes.