Overnight Colorado River Campout: Dewey Bridge to Onion Creek Rapids
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days / 1 night
Fitness Level
Comfortably paddle and sit for several hours, lift light gear, and walk on soft sand and uneven riverbanks.
Overview
Float the calm shine of Postcard Alley, camp beneath Fisher Towers, and wake to an easy run of class II–III waves on this approachable overnight from Dewey Bridge to Onion Creek. It’s a family-friendly river micro-expedition with big canyon scenery, star-packed nights, and just enough whitewater to keep smiles wide.
Overnight Colorado River Campout: Dewey Bridge to Onion Creek Rapids
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Sun warms the red rock early along Utah 128, where the Colorado River slides past the charred abutments of old Dewey Bridge and invites you to push off. The current nudges rafts into the fabled calm of Postcard Alley, a mirror-still corridor where sandstone cliffs stare back at themselves and the desert holds its breath. Paddles dip, drip, and pull. The river sets the pace—unhurried, steady—escorting you toward a sandy camp near Onion Creek Rapid as Fisher Towers stand like rusty spires against the sky.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Sun armor is non-negotiable
A sun hoody, brimmed hat, and high-SPF mineral sunscreen will make the long, reflective hours on the water comfortable.
Footwear that stays put
Wear river sandals or closed-toe water shoes with heel straps—flip-flops get claimed by the current and sand.
Respect the crust
Avoid stepping on dark, knobby cryptobiotic soil above the beaches; stick to established paths and firm sand.
Wind-aware packing
Afternoon gusts are common—keep light items clipped or in dry bags so nothing sails off the beach.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Great blue heron
History
Dewey Bridge once carried early travelers across the Colorado and, despite a 2008 fire, remains a landmark along Utah 128. Ranching and river-running culture have shaped this corridor for over a century.
Conservation
Practice strict Leave No Trace—pack out all trash and microtrash, keep soaps out of the river, and avoid crushing fragile cryptobiotic soils. Ongoing riparian restoration targets invasive tamarisk—respect closures and plantings.
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Adventure Hotspots in Moab, Utah
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
River sandals with heel straps
Secure traction on wet rocks and in rafts without sacrificing drainage.
UPF sun hoody and brimmed hat
All-day sun exposure on water demands full-coverage layers that stay cool and dry fast.
summer specific
Synthetic puffy jacket
Nights and dawn can be cool in the canyon; a light, packable insulator boosts comfort at camp.
spring specific
10–15L personal dry bag
Protects camera, extra layers, and snacks while keeping them handy in the boat.