Do I need previous paddling experience?

No. This course is designed for first‑time and beginner paddlers; instructors start with fundamentals on dry land and progress on the water.

Is gear provided or do I need my own packraft?

All packrafting equipment is provided for the course; instructors also offer guidance if you plan to purchase your own gear afterward.

What is the maximum group size?

Group size is limited to eight students to keep instruction personal and hands‑on.

Are there age limits or accessibility accommodations?

Age and accessibility specifics were not provided in the listing—contact the operator through the booking link for details and accommodations.

Where on the Colorado River will we practice?

Instruction takes place on gentle, learner‑friendly stretches of the Colorado River near Moab that feature eddies and small riffles suitable for skills progression.

What should I bring each day?

Bring sun protection, water, quick‑dry clothing, a durable daypack, and any personal medications; the operator supplies technical packrafting gear.

Learn Packrafting in Moab: Two-Day Intro to Packrafting on the Colorado River

Moab, Utah, sits at the edge of desert and river, and this two-day Intro to Packrafting course centers on learning craft on the Colorado River just outside town. Over two days (10/24–10/25), this hands‑on course combines classroom and on-water instruction to teach paddle strokes, river reading, self‑rescue, trip planning, gear selection, and safety skills. No prior experience is required; all packrafting equipment is provided, and group size is limited to eight, so instruction is focused and personal. On the river, sandstone cliffs and cottonwood-lined banks create a compact classroom where students practice strokes and maneuvers in gentle currents. Key features include eddy lines, small riffles, and steady bends of the Colorado River that let beginners build confidence without committing to big whitewater. The surrounding geology is classic Moab: red Entrada and Navajo sandstones, slickrock benches and occasional desert varnish, punctuated by riparian willow and cottonwood pockets. Bring a curiosity about river systems and respect for fast-changing desert conditions. The course timetable blends dry‑land sessions—how to pack, inflate and care for a packraft—with progressive on‑water drills and guided trips. Instructors show how to read current seams, choose eddies, and conduct self and buddy rescues. By course end most participants are comfortable entering and exiting current, making controlled ferry moves, and planning simple river outings. The small class size allows individualized feedback and gear recommendations if you’re shopping for your first rig. Why this program stands out is its practical focus. It’s designed to demystify gear selection and safety for those who want to explore remote waterways—packrafts fit in a daypack and open a different class of river trip than traditional larger boats. In Moab, that means combining desert access with paddleable river corridors within easy reach of town. Logistics are straightforward: two full days, all gear supplied, and a maximum of eight students keeps sessions hands‑on. Age limits and accessibility details were not provided; contact the operator via the booking link for specifics. This course is ideal for hikers, backcountry travelers, and paddlers transitioning from flatwater to moving water who want an approachable, instructor-led gateway to river travel. If your trip to Moab includes any interest in waterborne exploration, this intro packrafting course offers a compact, confidence-building route into a versatile outdoor sport—one that expands where you can go in the desert Southwest. Expect field‑ready instruction with demonstrations, hands‑on practice, and continuous instructor coaching; each day includes on‑shore debriefs and a classroom Q&A. Because flows change, instructors adjust plans for safety and learning progress. Bring sun protection, water, and a durable daypack; if you plan to buy gear afterwards instructors will offer specific model advice. The course is an efficient, safe introduction for explorers ready to translate trail skills onto water.

About Desert Highlights

Desert Highlights operates private guided outdoor adventures focused on Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and nearby canyon country. Desert Highlights offers customizable hiking tours, canyoneering, packrafting, and rock climbing designed for private groups, families, and small teams.

Tours include half-day and full-day hikes in Arches and Canyonlands, sunset hikes, multi-rappel canyoneering routes such as The Mail Slot, technical descents like Cow Swim Canyon with rappels of 85 and 155 feet plus a scenic 5-mile packraft float, and combined canyoneering and packrafting options in Moab.

Guides from Desert Highlights lead private hikes tailored to group pace and interests, providing route selection, interpretive geology, and safety-focused instruction. Several hiking options are listed with specific durations, including approximately nine-hour full-day Arches tours and five-hour half-day Arches tours. Rock climbing and half-day climbing options are also available, with routes such as Looking Glass Rock and Full Day Rock Climbing experiences.

Desert Highlights supports online booking for convenience and schedules departures that accommodate sunrise, daytime, and sunset experiences. Private groups can select easy, moderate, or challenging itineraries where available. Safety measures emphasize experienced guide supervision and appropriate technical skills for canyoneering and rappels. Desert Highlights maintains a focus on small-group private experiences to maximize solitude, landscape access, and personalized interpretation. The company’s publicly listed offerings document a range of adventure levels, from family-friendly packrafting floats to advanced multi-rappel canyoneering trips. Booking is available online for specified trips, and private guided hiking, canyoneering, packrafting, and climbing itineraries are offered year-round where conditions permit by request.