
moderate
3–4 hours
Comfortable sitting for several hours with short bursts of paddling; okay with getting in and out of a raft and possibly swimming.
Ride the Colorado River’s lively Class I–II wave trains beneath Moab’s iconic Fisher Towers on a half-day rafting trip built for families and first-timers. Big scenery, splashy fun, and guide-led insights into geology and history make this an easy win for a desert day.
Morning light pours into Professor Valley as the Colorado River unspools between sheer red walls, pushing forward with a playful, insistent rhythm. Rafts slide off the sand at Hittle Bottom, oars creak, and the current takes over—nudging, steering, daring you to lean into the first wave train. Fisher Towers—those serrated spires capped by tougher rock—rise like weathered monuments above the water. The river runs easy yet lively here, a half-day stretch that trades chaos for bounce, letting families and first-timers feel the pulse of desert whitewater without the stress.

Check Colorado River cfs for the Moab Daily section before you go—higher spring flows mean faster water and bigger waves.
UPF layers, sunscreen, and a brimmed hat matter here; the canyon reflects light and heat well into afternoon.
Wear secure river sandals or closed-toe water shoes—no flip-flops—so you can swim or scramble on rocky banks safely.
A waterproof phone case with a leash keeps your shots safe when the raft punches through wave trains.
Long before modern rafting, Ute peoples traveled and hunted in this valley. Later, surveyors and filmmakers were drawn to Fisher Towers’ stark geology, with the Titan looming above the river corridor.
Avoid stepping on fragile cryptobiotic soil near camp and beaches, pack out micro-trash, and use refillable bottles to reduce waste in this high-desert ecosystem.
Guides provide ice water—bring a bottle to stay hydrated in the dry desert air.
Light, quick-dry coverage keeps sun exposure in check during peak heat.
summer specific
Sturdy sandals with heel straps or closed-toe water shoes provide traction on wet rocks and raft floors.
Keep your essentials and camera protected during splashes and swim stops.