Known as a rafter's paradise, the Moab area will give you an adrenaline rush. As you raft through high sandstone canyons, you will be shown Indian ruins, pioneer cabins and even petroglyph sites along the rivers. If you visit during the hot summer, you will need to drink at least 1 gallon a day, wear sunscreen and watch for signs of heat exhaustion, according to the Moab Guest Guide.
River Characteristics
Winding through remote desert canyons, the Colorado and Dolores rivers are Moab's main rafting rivers. Both of these rivers have few access points around Moab due to their remote location in the middle of high desert country. During the spring months of May and June, the rivers are at their highest due to mountain runoff, making the rapids on these two rivers barely passable even to rafting experts. While the best time to raft is during the hot summer and even fall months, make sure you bring clothing to protect yourself from the cool or even cold summer desert nights.
Best Time to Raft
The best time to visit Moab is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) when the temperatures are more moderate and the river flow is more predictable. Unfortunately, the peak season for tourists visiting Moab is also during that same period. It will be difficult to make hotel reservations and river rafting reservations unless you make them at least a few weeks or even months in advance during the spring and the fall. During the hot summer months of July and August, you may be able to find discounts on river trips and hotel reservations.
World Class White Water
Descend through cliffs over 1,000 feet high as you raft Westwater Canyon, rated by National Geographic as "the West's best short whitewater-rafting trip." This area provides 11 rapids ranging up to a Class IV. Some of the most challenging but thrilling rapids include Skull, Funnel Falls and Sock-It-To-Me. The second area known for its intense rapids is Cataract Canyon, which lies just a few miles south of Moab along the Colorado River. This area has 24 rapids ranging up to Class IV and even higher during certain years. You'll be paddling through dramatic canyons, the confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers and rapids that go for miles. Watch out for the intense Mile-Long, Satan's Gut and Little Niagara rapids.
Family Friendly White Water
While the Colorado River has some intense sections of rapids, it has amazing stretches that are perfect for families. The Fisher Towers stretch of the Colorado River, north of Moab, has some mild Class II and Class III rapids combined with peaceful stretches of the river perfect for swimming and water fights. South of the Fisher Towers stretch, there are moderate whitewater rapids and places for kids to jump into the river. Check with your rafting company to check for exact age or height requirements to raft on the river. In these areas, children as young as 5 are allowed on the river. Fisher Towers is open year-round.
Overnight Rafting Trips
Moab is the main launching point to go on high-adventure overnight rafting trips. Among the most popular are the the overnight rafting trips on the Colorado River to Lake Powell and Dolores River. While the Colorado River is available to raft year-round, the Dolores River can be rafted during only two months in the spring when water is let out of a dam further upstream. When planning the overnight rafting trips, make sure that you have a list of what the rafting company is providing for you. While the company may provide meals, you might have to provide bedding. Make sure you pack extra prescribed drugs or other health necessities in case of an emergency on the river.
