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Trade switchbacks for splash in a single Moab day. This Canyonlands 4x4 and Colorado River rafting combo threads cliff-edge roads, ancient rock art, and fun Class II–III waves into one dialed adventure.
Trade switchbacks for splash in a single Moab day. This Canyonlands 4x4 and Colorado River rafting combo threads cliff-edge roads, ancient rock art, and fun Class II–III waves into one dialed adventure.
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Operated by NAVTEC Expeditions · Moab, Utah
Morning light skims the redrock as the 4x4 rolls north out of Moab, tires humming toward the rim of a world split by rivers. The day opens with switchbacks—the Shafer Trail stacking the horizon into tidy ledges, the desert breathing heat and history. Your guide eases low-range gears over ledges and along cliff edges nearly 1,500 feet above the Colorado, where ravens surf thermals and the White Rim cuts a pale bench between mesa and river. Stops stitch the drive together: a panel of Ancestral Puebloan rock art pecked into varnished sandstone; bleached fossils; views that drop clean to the confluence country. It’s Island in the Sky at windshield distance, a moving geology lesson—Permian sand turned to stone, eroded by time and flash flood.
moderate.
8 hours.
Comfortable sitting in a vehicle for several hours, paddling through Class II–III waves, and climbing in/out of a raft on sandy banks.
This section of the Colorado typically runs Class II–III, offering fun, splashy waves suitable for beginners and families when flows are moderate.
Strong swimming isn’t required, but basic comfort around water helps. You’ll wear a Coast Guard–approved PFD and follow your guide’s instructions.
Minimum weight is usually 50 lbs (23 kg). Age minimum varies with water levels; families with young children should confirm seasonal guidelines when booking.
Professional guides, 4x4 transport for the canyon portion, life jackets and river gear, a riverside buffet lunch, and cold water for refills are included.
Expect rough, narrow roads with exposure on the Shafer switchbacks. Guides are highly experienced; riders with severe vertigo may prefer a seat away from cliff edges.
Yes—use a waterproof case or the provided dry bag on the river. Keep cameras secured during bumpy 4x4 sections and rapids.
The White Rim and Shafer roads trace routes carved for uranium and oil exploration in the 1950s, while nearby petroglyph panels reflect millennia of Indigenous presence.
Stay off cryptobiotic soil crusts, never touch rock art, and pack out everything. Use refillable bottles and follow guide instructions to minimize riverbank impact.
NAVTEC Expeditions operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with NAVTEC Expeditions
Book directly with NAVTEC Expeditions for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now