Itinerary

Every day on the river (and every trip) is slightly different! The only thing we can guarantee is that longer trips will have more time to explore this incredible valley of the mighty Colorado River.

If you’ve been wondering what the days are like in Castle Valley, here’s a little insight into the usual itinerary for our 2 & 3 Day trips. 

Important Note: As the river is different every time it is run, so is each trip! Depending on water flows, the number of participants, and other circumstances Mother Nature imposes, our itineraries are just an estimate!

General Itinerary for Days on Castle Valley

Note the *usually* sentiment in the times listed, since river time works on its own clock. However, we do try to stick to a relative schedule as best we can. 

Also, hikes and other side excursions are often dependent on the amount of time, size of the group and other factors. This itinerary lists the minimum of what we’re able to do on our Castle Valley trips.

Breakfast – Usually between 7 am – 8 am

Lunch – Usually between 12 pm – 2 pm 

Camp – Usually between 3 pm – 5 pm

Dinner – Usually between 5 pm – 7 pm

Leaving Camp – Usually between 9 am-10 am

Estimated Take Out on Last Day: all trips are expected to reach Take Out Beach around 1:30 PM on the last day. The drive back to the Mild to Wild office is about 30 minutes.

Day One

You’ll meet us at 10:00 AM at our Moab office (745 Kane Creek Blvd) to check in, sign waivers, pack all of your overnight gear (into dry bags provided by us) and get dressed for the river. Then, we’ll hop in a shuttle to the put in for river safety orientation and boating instructions – about a 45 minute drive.

The first day will involve a lot of relaxing and enjoying the stunning scenery of Castle Valley from the comfort of your raft on the Colorado River. We’ll stop for lunch along the river at a scenic beach, and enjoy an amazing side canyon hike. After lunch, continue rafting, kayaking, and swimming in the river and soaking up the postcard scenery. All trips will challenge “Onion Creek Rapids” in the afternoon of the first day.

We aim to be in camp in the early evening, usually at a big sandy beach under the shade of Cottonwood trees. While your guides set up camp, relax, play Frisbee, horse shoes, beach games and/or explore on a hike. After dinner, relax around the fire, under the stars and share stories of adventures with friends and family!

Day Two

Wake up to the smell of hot coffee and enjoy a hearty breakfast (cooked by your guides!). Early risers will get to enjoy a bit of quiet as the sun warms the valley, and might even see some wildlife. After breakfast, it’s time to pack up your personal gear as the guides load up the boats for another day on the river. There might even be time for a little hiking before hitting the water!

For our two day trips, this will be your big whitewater day! You’ll face exciting rapids like Rocky (Class II), White’s (Class II+) and Big Bend (Class II). Lunch will be deli style on a nice sandy beach, halfway through the day. We aim to be at the takeout around 1:30, and then you’ll take the shuttle back to our office (~20 minute drive).

Our three day trip will progress down river at a slower pace, and enjoy more of a calm day on the water. You’ll stop for lunch on a nice sandy beach, enjoy a beautiful side canyon hike, and spend the rest of the day exploring while your guides set up camp for another wonderful night. 

Day Three

After enjoying another wonderful guide-cooked breakfast, you’ll hit the water one last time. This is the big whitewater day, where you will vanquish rapids like Rocky (Class II), White’s (Class II+) and Big Bend (Class II). We’ll stop for a deli-style lunch along the way, right before Big Bend rapid. Just like our other trips, we’ll aim to be at the take out around 1:30, where a shuttle will pick you up and drive you back to our office (about a 20 minute drive).