Colorado River Family Rafting

Rafting the Colorado River through the red rock canyons near Moab is one of the iconic family adventure experiences in the American West. Multiple outfitters operate trips ranging from gentle half-day family floats to multi-day wilderness expeditions, all set against the dramatic canyon scenery that defines Moab.

The half-day family float is the most popular option for families with young children. These trips cover a scenic stretch of the Colorado River on Class I-II water (gentle riffles and small rapids that splash but don't flip rafts). The canyon walls rise hundreds of feet, layered in red, orange, and white sandstone.

Guides point out rock formations, petroglyphs, wildlife, and geological history. Swimming stops let kids jump into the calm river sections. The trip lasts 3-4 hours on the water plus shuttle time.

Full-day trips cover longer stretches with more significant rapids (Class II-III) and include a riverside lunch. The additional miles mean more canyon scenery and more diverse rapids. Full-day trips work best for kids ages 8+ who can handle a longer day of paddling and sun exposure.

Several reputable outfitters operate from downtown Moab, including Adrift Adventures, Moab Adventure Center, NAVTEC, and Sheri Griffith Expeditions. All provide guides, equipment (raft, paddles, life jackets, helmets where needed), and shuttle service. The experience quality is consistently high across outfitters -- choose based on schedule, trip type, and availability.

The Colorado River near Moab is not whitewater in the traditional sense. The family sections are gentle -- this is about floating through stunning canyon scenery with enough splash to keep it exciting. Families seeking serious whitewater should ask about Westwater Canyon (Class III-IV, age 12+) or Cataract Canyon (Class IV-V, age 16+).

For most families, the scenic float is the perfect introduction to river adventure.