Full-Day Fisher Towers Rafting from Moab: Family-Friendly Colorado River Whitewater
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable sitting and paddling for multiple short bursts; able to climb in/out of a raft and walk on uneven, sandy banks.
Overview
Slide into the Colorado River beneath the red spires of Fisher Towers for a full day of splashy, family-friendly whitewater just outside Moab. This classic run blends approachable rapids with big canyon views, geological intrigue, and guide-curated river lore.
Full-Day Fisher Towers Rafting from Moab: Family-Friendly Colorado River Whitewater
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Morning light slides down the red rock walls of Professor Valley as the Colorado River loosens its shoulders and starts to move. Rafts nose into the current beneath the spires of Fisher Towers, those rust-colored giants that seem to stride toward the sky. The river hums—a steady, low challenge—and when the first riffles gather, the current nudges your boat and dares you to paddle. This is the Fisher Towers section, Moab’s classic day run: big scenery, approachable whitewater, and a pace that lets you savor both.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress for immersion, not the air
Choose quick-dry layers and river sandals; add a light synthetic layer in spring/fall when the water runs colder.
Sun management matters
High-desert sun reflects off the water—wear a brimmed hat, UV sunglasses with retainer, and reef-safe sunscreen you can reapply.
Hydrate early and often
Bring a full water bottle and sip between rapids; desert air dehydrates faster than you think, even when you’re getting splashed.
Stow it, don’t lose it
Use a small dry bag or guide-provided storage for phones and keys; leash cameras or keep them zipped until calm stretches.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Great blue herons
History
The Colorado River corridor supported Indigenous peoples for millennia; in the 20th century, commercial river running grew alongside Moab’s mining era and the rise of outdoor tourism.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace on riverbanks—pack out all trash and avoid stepping on fragile cryptobiotic soil. Rinse and dry personal gear between waterways to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
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Adventure Hotspots in Moab, Utah
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sun hoodie or long-sleeve UPF shirt
Protects skin from intense reflected sunlight during long river hours.
Secure river sandals or water shoes
Good traction and toe protection make sandy, rocky put-ins and takeouts safer.
Light synthetic layer (fleece or windbreaker)
Helps cut windchill when spring flows are cooler and afternoon gusts kick up.
spring specific
Compact dry bag or waterproof phone case
Keeps snacks, phone, and small items dry through rapids and splash zones.