Can I participate if I’ve never been in a boat before?

Absolutely, the trips are designed for all skill levels and guided by experienced instructors.

Wear quick-drying clothes, a hat, and sunglasses, and bring sunscreen for sun protection.

Is it safe to paddle in rapids?

Yes, the tour includes risk assessments, and guides are trained to ensure safety at all times.

What is the best time of year to go?

Spring through fall offers the best conditions; check with the operator for seasonal availability.

How long is the trip?

The half-day tour lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, including instruction and paddling.

Is there any wildlife I might see?

Yes, you could spot bighorn sheep, osprey, and other desert wildlife along the riverbanks.

Water Activities: Colorado River Packrafting Adventure by Desert Highlights | Guided Tour | Boat Tour

The Colorado River winds through the heart of the American Southwest, offering adventurers a playground of calm waters and exhilarating rapids. Desert Highlights’ Half Day Packrafting tours are a prime way to get up close with this majestic waterway, whether you’re after peaceful float trips or pulse-pumping Class I and II rapids. Located near Moab, Utah, this experience highlights the rugged beauty and geological marvels that define the area.

The Colorado River here features sweeping stretches of glassy, flat-water sections framed by towering red rock formations, perfect for those new to paddling or seeking a relaxing escape. For thrill-seekers, the rapid sections deliver quick hits of adrenaline amidst scenic canyon walls. The tour guides customize departures for your group, ensuring a flexible and intimate adventure tailored to your skill level.

Desert Highlights’ packrafting trips stand out for their accessibility and personalized approach. Whether you're paddling for the first time or a seasoned rafter, the tours accommodate all levels, making this a family-friendly activity that fits into any outdoor itinerary. This area is renowned for its stunning geology, with eroded buttes and mesas that have stood for millions of years, adding a striking backdrop to your journey.

In addition to the water-based fun, the nearby areas offer hidden gems like narrow slot canyon passages and overlooked viewpoints along the riverbank. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as bighorn sheep and osprey, often seen soaring overhead or crossing the riverbanks. Historically, the Colorado River has been vital to indigenous communities and later to explorers, with stories woven into the area's rugged terrain.

Ideal for thrill and tranquility alike, Desert Highlights’ packrafting tours provide a unique, hands-on way to experience the Colorado River’s raw beauty. This adventure is a standout in Utah’s outdoor scene and a must-do for anyone eager to combine outdoor fun with breathtaking scenery.

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.