Two Very Different Full-Day Raft Trips out of Moab

Moab Adventure Center is the go-to hub for researching and arranging river rafting and a myriad of other activities in the greater Moab region. Here visitors can get the advice of professional river rafters, including Nathan Van Buren, a recent graduate from the University of Utah who augmented his studies in Outdoor Recreation as a river guide. His blog explains the differences between the two full-day river rafting options. “One Day Rafting Moab: Westwater vs. Castle Valley” lays out the many benefits offered by these two distinct sections of the Colorado River. Please see https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/blogs/stories/one-day-rafting-in-moab-westwater-vs-castle-valley

How different are these on-river experiences?

For starters, one adventure accepts children as young as age 5. The other accepts only ages 12 and up. One itinerary lures guests off of the river at noon to enjoy a hot BBQ lunch served up with the hospitality of a leisurely riverside lodge. The other requests that guests linger on the shore for an efficient al fresco lunch before continuing the on-river excitement. Each itinerary utilizes boat styles most appropriate to the river terrain. One itinerary boasts Class III-IV rapids; the other fun, Class II whitewater.

“If you’re looking to get your adrenaline flowing, the Colorado River flowing through Westwater Canyon is the place to be. On the other hand, the Castle Valley section of the Colorado River gets you outside to enjoy a scenic float with some splashy rapids,” said Van Buren.

Westwater Full Day Rafting Adventure departs at 7:30 a.m. daily May through September. The per person rate of $229 (ages 12-adult) is the ticket price to “The West’s Best Short Whitewater Trip” as named by National Geographic Magazine. Included are transportation to and from the river, lunch, snacks, water bottles and drinks, life jackets and helmets, the guided adventure with professional guides at the helm of oar-powered boats or paddleboats, depending on water levels. For details please see https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/westwater-canyon-rafting

Colorado River Full-Day Rafting Adventure into Castle Valley departs at 8 a.m. daily April through October. The per person rate of $134 ($110 ages 5-12) includes an exclusive hot BBQ lunch at Red Cliffs Lodge, complimentary flip-top bottle, transportation to and from the river, complimentary hotel pickup available upon request, lifejackets, guides, equipment for rafting (choice of paddleboat or 2-person inflatable kayaks depends on water conditions). This section can also be enjoyed as a half-day, morning or afternoon adventure. For details please see https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/colorado-river-rafting-full-day