Guided Utah Rafting Trips
Utah White Water Rafting Options On The Colorado, Green & Yampa Rivers
Discover the most magnificent landscapes in Utah with our Utah White Water Rafting experiences. From scenic family floats to high adventure expeditions, we offer guided trips on the state’s most legendary waterways, spanning from red rock canyons to remote high desert wilderness.
On the Colorado River, our trips range from scenic floats to the biggest white water in Utah. For a “Mild” adventure, the Castle Valley section near Moab offers Class I and II rapids adjacent to Arches National Park. This stretch is available as popular half and full day trips, as well as mild multi-day option. For the “Wild” experience, Cataract Canyon takes you on a multi-day expedition spanning downriver from Moab to the start of Lake Powell, charging through the powerful class IV rapids of Canyonlands National Park.
Venture further into the wild on the Green River and Yampa River. These remote stretches offer some of the most sought after Utah Overnight Rafting Trips. You can explore the prehistoric landscapes and Class III rapids of Dinosaur National Monument on the Yampa or through the Gates of Lodore. Further downstream, the towering cliffs and sandy beaches of Desolation Canyon provide the perfect multi-day getaway for families and groups.
Moab, UT Rafting: Cataract Canyon in Canyonlands National Park
Utah Rafting Trip Options
Castle Valley – Colorado River
Moab Rafting on the Colorado River in Utah offers perfect single day and overnight trips for families, seniors, international visitors, first-timers and raft enthusiasts looking for a spectacular river setting! Learn More
Cataract Canyon – Colorado River
Colorado river rafting at it’s best! Cataract Canyon is one of the most famous river trips in the U.S. Starting just outside of Moab, UT Cataract canyon travels through Canyonlands National Park to the confluence with the Green River. Expect big water rapids on these multi-day raft trips. Learn More
Desolation Canyon – Green River
Desolation Canyon is one of the largest wilderness areas in the lower 48. Trips on Desolation Canyon are great for families and first time boaters. Expect incredible scenery, deep canyons, sandy beaches, and plenty of places to stop, explore, & play! Learn More
Gates of Lodore – Green River
Gates of Lodore is a section of the green river that travels through Dinosaur National Monument near the Colorado and Utah boarder. This section of the green river is further north of Desolation canyon. One of the most sought after multi-day raft trips in the US! Learn More
Popular Utah Rafting Trips
Green River
Located deep within the Tavaputs Plateau, Desolation Canyon is one of the most remote wilderness areas in Utah. Steep canyon walls with towering spires and abundant arches.
Dinosaur National Monument
- Season: May – July
- Adventure Level: Intermediate – High
Green River
A magnificent towering canyon marks the start of the trip at the “Gates of Lodore” and follows one of the most beautiful stretches of river anywhere. Camp on big sandy beaches, revel at red quartzite cliffs, and enjoy the thrills of 30+ class II & III rapids on a 3 or 4 day adventure.
Utah Rafting Map
White Water Rafting Utah FAQs
When is the best time to go white water rafting in Utah?
It depends on the river’s character! For high-water thrills on the Yampa River or Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River, June is the peak month driven by natural snowmelt and dam releases. If you are looking for a quintessential summer wilderness experience with warm swimming temperatures and perfect beach camping, July and August are spectacular for Desolation Canyon and the Gates of Lodore on the Green River aoffering consistent flows and stunning desert scenery. If you’re looking for a single day rafting trip in Utah, May and June are the most popular months to raft the Castle Valley section of the Colorado River near Moab
When can I raft in Utah?
Our Utah rafting season typically runs from March through October. Many of our Utah rafting trips—like the Yampa and Gates of Lodore—are managed by a strict National Park Service permit system, dates are limited and often book up months in advance. We offer everything from 1-day splashes to immersive 5-day wilderness expeditions throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
What is the minimum age to raft in Utah?
The minimum age to raft in Utah is 4 years old and/or 35lbs on the Castle Valley section of the Colorado River near Moab.
What should I wear and bring on my Utah rafting trip?
In the high desert, sun protection and quick-drying layers are your best friends! For multi-day trips, we provide all rafting equipment, group camping equipment, and delicious meals. We recommend:
- Clothing: Lightweight, synthetic long-sleeve sun shirts and board shorts. Avoid cotton, as it can make you feel chilled when wet.
- Footwear: Secure river sandals with a heel strap (like Chacos or Tevas) or old sneakers. No flip-flops or Crocs.
- Essentials: A sun protective hat, polarized sunglasses with a retention strap (like Chums), and waterproof sunscreen.
You can find our comprehensive packing list for all of our rafting trips on our what to wear and bring page.
Is white water rafting in Utah safe?
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 guides that exceed state training requirements and trip leaders that average 2,000 river miles of experience. We utilize quality and well maintained self bailing rafts, U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices, and helmets.