Free cancellation with 24 hours or more notice on most trips

Moab White Water Rafting

1/2 - 6 Day Trips Near Moab, UT

Moab Guided Rafting

Moab white water rafting offers some of the most iconic river experiences in the Southwestern United States. Just outside Moab, Utah, guided rafting trips on the Colorado River float beneath towering red rock cliffs, sandstone spires, and desert mesas made famous in films and photography.

The Castle Valley/Fisher Towers section combines Class I and II rapids, calm swimming sections, and expansive canyon scenery, making it ideal for multi generational families, first time rafters, and anyone looking to experience the Colorado River while visiting Moab. Cataract Canyon and Desolation Canyon trips have different whitewater and participation requirements; see the individual trip pages for details.

More About Rafting In Moab

The Colorado River in southeastern Utah, near Moab, offers a plethora of spectacular white water rafting opportunities. Cooling splashes beautifully balance the dry desert heat. Trips range from 1/2 to 6 days with mild, intermediate, and wild options. To view all rafting trip options in Utah visit our Utah White Water Rafting page. 

Daily Rafting

The Moab Daily section of the lower Colorado River, also known as Castle Valley and Fisher Towers, begins approximately 25-30 miles upstream from Moab, depending on the trip length and water flow conditions.

This serene section of the Colorado River moseys through a big beautiful valley lined with monuments, before cutting through a towering red rock canyon that meanders back toward Moab. Along the way are some of Utah’s most impressive geologic features like Fisher Towers, Castleton Tower, and the Priest and Nuns.

The waters on this stretch stay pretty warm from late spring to early fall. You’ll spend most of your time floating, with a few Class II rapids to cool you off along the way. Expect river games, splash fights, and lots of fun interpretations from your river guide on this mild trip!

The winding river corridor offers stunning views of the 12,000-foot La Sal Mountains, surrendering into the surrounding red rock rendered landscape. The journey features mild Class I and II whitewater, rolling through the likes of Onion Creek, Landslide, and Rocky rapids.

Moab rafting single-day trip options include: 

  • Half-day meeting at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 
  • Full-day meeting at 8:30 a.m.; lunch is included

Step up the level of adventure and control your own destiny in a single or double inflatable kayak. These fun-sized rubber river crafts amplify the whitewater experience, adding extra splashes and excitement. Inflatable kayaking trips depart and return with Moab white water rafting trips. 

Multi Day Rafting

Want to prolong your river adventure and add in some catered camping? Raft all 25 miles of the Castle Valley section in a 2 or 3 day trip.

Desolation Canyon on the Green River offers an 84-mile wilderness rafting trip with Class II and III rapids. Trips last 4, 5, or 6 days and begin with a scenic flight from Moab to the put-in. Visit our Desolation Canyon trip page for participation requirements and departure details.

For a more adventurous trip, explore Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River through Canyonlands National Park. Choose from 2- to 6-day trips, with time for side hikes and camping depending on the itinerary. Visit our Cataract Canyon trip page for seasonal rapid ratings and participation requirements.

Looking to explore the full length of the Colorado River? See all Colorado River rafting sections.

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Trip Options

Daily Rafting

Mild to Wild offers 4 different daily trip options in Moab ranging from 1-5 hours on the river.
Trip Time on Water Time from Meet to Return Cost Per Adult
1/2 Day AM 2hr 4hr $99
1/2 Day PM 2hr 4hr $99
1 Day 5hr + Lunch 7hr $139
Splash & Dash 1hr 3hr $129

Packages

Multi-Day Rafting

Boat Options

We offer these boat options so that you can customize your rafting trip to the experience you desire.

Inflatable Raft

Premium Raft

Holds Up to 6 Guests

Premium Raft

• Smaller guide to Guest Ratio
• 5 Paid Seats is a Private Raft
• Option to Paddle or Relax
• Ages 4+
Inflatable raft with 3 oars

Standard Raft

Holds up to 10 Guests

Standard Raft

• Option to Paddle or Relax
• Ages 4+
Inflatable kayak

Single Person Kayak

One Guest per kayak

Single Kayak

• No experience necessary
• Instructional guide provided
• Increased adventure level
• Physical fitness required
• Ages 11+ or 5'2"
Inflatable kayak

Two Person Kayak

Two Guests per kayak

Double Kayak

• Increase the level of adventure with a buddy.
• No experience is necessary
• Guests 8-11 must be with an adult
• Increased swim potential
• Physical fitness needed

Why Raft Moab with Mild to Wild?

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Trip Provisions

  • Free on site parking
  • Bathrooms and changing rooms
  • Gift shop for your last minute river needs
  • Neoprene wetsuits & boots available for rent
  • Custom, quality, & Coast Guard approved river equipment
  • Round trip transportation from meet location
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Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides

  • Trip leaders average 2,000 river miles
  • Certified in CPR & First Aid
  • Pay incentives for higher certification levels including WFR, EMT, & Swift Water Rescue
  • Dedicated company division to risk management, guided training, and continuing guide education.
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Our Commitment
to You

Mild to Wild has been family-owned and operated for over 30 years. We value excellence in guest services and strive to curate unforgettable experiences for our guests. We are proud to offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not absolutely delighted with our guides and equipment, your trip is free.

Recent Reviews from our guests

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ja a
9 days ago
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We recently went through Cataract Canyon with Mild to Wild and it was fantastic. Jackson, Devin, and Lennie were wonderful as our tour guides, and made every day of the trip fun, informative, and easy! Would highly recommend!
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Courtney Garrels
13 days ago
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Our recent three day trip through Cataract Canyon with Mild to Wild was absolutely fantastic! The guides (Devon, Jackson, and Lenny) were professional, informative and overall fun. Highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for adventure.
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Ken Savastano
37 days ago
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2 friends and I took the 5 day Cataract Canyon white water trip with Jackson and Jeff (5 others joined us after the 1st day). It was an amazing experience and our guides were fantastic. Their knowledge of the issues facing the area, the history and the geography was very impressive. They made this trip unforgettable. The only complaint I have is not related to the trip itself... FIX THE A/C ON THE SHUTTLE RETURNING AT THE END OF THE TRIP!!
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Matt Sawyer
39 days ago
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I honestly couldn’t have imagined a better experience than our 4-day whitewater rafting adventure through Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River in Moab, Utah. The first and last days were mostly scenic, giving us plenty of time to take in the incredible beauty of the canyon, while Days 2 and 3 were absolutely packed with adventure as we tackled some incredible rapids and hikes along the way! The combination of adrenaline, scenery, and being completely immersed in the canyon was unforgettable. But what made this trip truly special were our guides, Jackson and Jeff. These guys were phenomenal! Not only were they incredibly knowledgeable and skilled on the river, but they somehow managed to prepare restaurant-quality meals every day in the middle of the canyon. After a full day on the river, sitting down to an amazing meal was something we looked forward to every evening. And then came the nights… Sleeping underneath the stars in Cataract Canyon was an experience I'll never forget. With virtually no light pollution, the night sky was absolutely incredible. We saw thousands of stars, hundreds of satellites, Starlink passing overhead, the Milky Way in incredible detail, and meteor showers unlike anything I've ever seen. Lying there in the canyon, looking straight up at that sky, was surreal 🙂 We weren't just rafting. We were camping, exploring, hearing stories about some of the epic adventures and history of Cataract Canyon, and laughing around camp while Jackson and Jeff kept the nights filled with hilarious stories and jokes. The entire trip felt like the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, incredible scenery, great food, and unforgettable memories. A huge shoutout to Jackson and Jeff for making the experience what it was. Their professionalism, knowledge, cooking skills, humor, and genuine passion for the river made an already incredible trip even better. If you're considering a multi-day rafting trip through Cataract Canyon, DO IT. I couldn't have imagined a better time. 10/10 without hesitation. Five stars all day long!
Posted on Google Google
Paula Smith
50 days ago
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6 days: Desolation Canyon was definitely an adventure and one I won’t forget anytime soon! First, the food. Dinners and appetizers were really good, and after a long, HOT day on the river, they definitely hit the spot. Lunch, however, could use a little love. Most of our lunch stops didn’t have much of a place to sit, and the beaches were often wide open, muddy, and sometimes came with that special "eau de" river smell. Lunch locations and setup would go a long way. The campsites were good overall. The kitchen and “living room” areas were generally nice and flat,offered a lot of shade, which made hanging out in the evenings comfortable. Games were brought out, and it was fun seeing guests and guides sitting around playing together. Now, we need to talk about the groover. 😂 It worked, but if I’m going to sit on a toilet in the middle of Desolation Canyon, I feel like I deserve a VIEW. Put that thing somewhere scenic! And while we’re making requests, can we please retire the pink and go with black? There are some things in life that simply do not need to draw attention to themselves. The groover is one of them. And then there was the HEAT. It was sooooooooo hot and it made me question some of my life choices. We needed a lot more opportunities to dip in the river and some actual swim time. When it’s that hot, getting in the water isn’t just part of the fun, it becomes part of survival! More swim stops on those extreme heat days would have made a huge difference. Now lets talk about the guides who really made the trip. Caleb: Love, Love, LOVE Caleb. I loved hearing your laugh throughout the day. He had some great stories, lots of laughs, knowledgeable, and just plain fun to be around. One of my favorite moments was the evening he shared his poetry book with us. It was unexpected, personal, and such a cool addition to the trip. Thank you for keeping us laughing and entertained along the way. Jackson was that quiet, humble soul who didn’t need a lot of fanfare. He just quietly got things DONE. I loved watching you cook it up at every meal, and anytime something needed to happen, it seemed like you were already on top of it before anyone even had to ask. Lenny, while I didn’t get to spend as much time on your boat, I absolutely noticed and appreciated your strength and determination and how hard you worked to make the most of our trip. Overall, Desolation Canyon is beautiful, wild, ridiculously hot at times, and absolutely an experience. There are definitely a few things that could make the trip even better, like more swimming on brutally hot days, better lunch stops and setup, and, of course, a groover with a million-dollar view. Because really, if you’re going to poop in the wilderness, you might as well have something beautiful to look at.
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Bethany Poellinger
64 days ago
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We had an excellent time w Mild to Wilds Moab 1/2 day trip. Tom was our guide and he was fun and informative. Highly recommend the half day! It was a perfect amount for our family.
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mitchsea
66 days ago
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Desolation Canyon 4 day rafting trip was excellent. The river and the geology are amazing, but what put the trip over the top were the Mild to Wild guides. Caleb, Lauren, and Pascal worked soooo hard to make our experience memorable. Awake and working before dawn, still working after we have retired for the evening and always positive, smiling, and engaging. They were interesting and fun to talk to, had answers for every question about the hydrology, biology and geology of the area. The campsites were great and the meals were wonderful. All this while making sure we had a fun and safe adventure! A+
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Bill Hayes
66 days ago
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Took the Desolation Canyon trip to celebrate my birthday and it exceeded all my expectations! The plane ride into the canyon was spectacular and followed by a comfortable hike down to the launch. Our Guides - Caleb, Lauren, and Pasqual, did a fantastic job taking care of us and creating our group into a close-knit unit by the end of the 4 days. I don't know when they slept! The food was awesome and they were able to adapt it to those on the trip with dietary restrictions. The scenery, rafting, kayaking, hiking, and comradery at camp made this experience one I'll never forget.
Posted on Google Google
Corie Sievers
67 days ago
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Rafting through Castle Valley with Mild to Wild was a wonderful, amazing experience. Our guide was incredible. He pointed out wildlife, local points of interest and expertly guided our raft through fun rapids. If you are looking for a great adventure, I highly recommend Mild to Wild.
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Alex Wieland
71 days ago
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Our trip with Mild to Wild Rafting was amazing for us. We were a group of 10 people, two families, and our guide Tom was absolutely fantastic. We learned a lot about the Moab area, geological features, history, and fun things to do in town.

What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789

Payments & Cancellations

Payment Plan

Daily Trips: 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.

Multiday Trips: 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds, with full balance due 60 days prior.

Please call for alternative payment arrangements.

Cancellation Policy

Daily Trips:

  • Receive a full refund with written notice 24 hours or more before the trip. Less notice, no refund.

Multi-Day Trips:

  • 60+ days: Receive a refund less $200 per person unrecoverable fees.
  • 45+ days: Reschedule for another trip/date, or receive Mild to Wild gift certificate less $200 per person.
  • Less than 45 days, unfortunately there will be no refund. Substitutions/name changes are allowed.
  • RoamRight Travel Insurance is recommended to help cover unforeseen circumstances, such as cancelled flights, sickness or medical evacuations.
  • Guests needing to be evacuated from the canyon will be charged a minimum of $1,000 per person.

Trip Change Option - DAILY TRIPS ONLY

Up to 12 hours prior to departure, daily rafting trips can be rescheduled for a different day and/or time. The price of this change policy is 5% of the total trip cost. Upgrade only available at time of reservation and must be applied to each seat.

Longer trips subject to Cancellation Policy

Fees

In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).

Trip Departure Policy

We reserve the right to switch river/locations based on current conditions and a minimum number of participants. This trip requires 4 participants or paid seats to depart.

Free Courtesy Hold

We don’t want you to miss out on this trip so we’ll hold your spots, payment-free, for 24hrs while you make your final arrangements & prepare for payment.

Pool in the Needles District - Canyonlands, Utah - Mild to Wild

Special Ways We Care for You on Moab Rafting trips:

  • Various boat sizes to accommodate your needs
  • Professional, highly trained guides with trip leaders averaging over 2,000 river miles of experience
  • Multi-talented guides cook delicious camp cuisine and provide camp entertainment
  • Highly maintained boating equipment
  • Comfortable camp chairs, tables and fun beach games
  • Water resistant gear bags for overnight trips

Click here for recommendations on Moab Lodging.

Trip Planning Info

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Meet Location & Directions

Moab White Water Rafting FAQs

What is the river for white water rafting in Moab?

The Colorado River runs through Moab, Utah and is the most commonly rafted river near Moab. Trip options range from ½ to 3 days. Other popular multi-day rafting trips depart from Moab as well including Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River and Desolation Canyon on the Green River. 

The best time to raft in Moab depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for! For those seeking more excitement and larger splashes, May and June are ideal as the spring runoff from the Rocky Mountains increases the river flow, often bumping the Class II rapids up to smaller Class III on the Castle Valley section. If you prefer warmer water for swimming and a more relaxing float under the desert sun, July through September is your ideal time to raft. For serious sight seekers, March and April offer stunning views with unmatched color variance from red sandstone cliffs and yellow grass-filled bluffs to the snowcapped evergreen spotted peaks of the La Sal Mountains.

Our Moab rafting season typically runs from March through November. 

For our standard rafting trips on the Colorado River near Moab, the minimum age is 4 years old or 35lbs and up. For those looking to paddle their own craft, the minimum age for a single inflatable kayak is 12+, while double kayaks can accommodate ages 8+ when accompanied by an adult.

Since you’ll be in the high desert, sun protection and quick-drying layers are key! We recommend:

  • Clothing: A swimsuit or quick-dry shorts and a sun shirt (rash guard). Avoid cotton, as it stays cold when wet.
  • Footwear: Shoes that stay securely on your feet, such as river sandals with straps or old sneakers (no flip-flops or Crocs).
  • Essentials: A hat, polarized sunglasses with a retention strap (like Crooks or Chums), and waterproof sunscreen.
  • Valuables: We suggest leaving valuables at home or in your locked vehicle; we provide small waterproof bags for snacks or small necessities you’d like to bring on the boat.

You can find a detailed list of what to wear and bring here.

White water rafting is an inherently dangerous activity with risks that cannot be entirely eliminated. As a result, we require all guests to sign a liability waiver and assumption of risk before departing. However, your experience is our top priority. To minimize risk, we employ professional, interpretive guides who exceed state training requirements, are certified in CPR and First Aid, and are provided incentives for continuing education. Our Moab trips utilize high-quality self-bailing rafts and U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Before we even hit the water, your guides will provide a thorough safety orientation and paddling instruction to ensure everyone is prepared for a fun day on the Colorado River.

Rafting in Moab is commonly recognized as the best family white water rafting trip in Utah! The Class I currents with a few Class II rapids make it accessible for young and old. The minimum requirements are 35 lbs or more – in order to fit into the smallest Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device – which is generally 4 years of age . The long season from March to November provides plenty of opportunity to visit and the warm water is perfect for swimming during the trip.