Wild West Voyages: Rafting & Hiking Adventures in Moab, UT - Grand Junction, Colorado

Wild West Voyages: Rafting & Hiking Adventures in Moab, UT

Grand Junction, Coloradomoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–8 hours depending on tour

Fitness Level

Good overall fitness is recommended for hiking varied terrain and participating in water tours that require paddling or balance.

Overview

Wild West Voyages crafts unforgettable private and group tours across Moab’s iconic Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. From guided hikes to thrilling rafting trips, their expert guides bring Utah’s red rock canyons and rivers to life.

Details

Set in the dramatic red rock landscapes of Moab, Utah, Wild West Voyages delivers some of the most immersive private and group tours around Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Moab’s rugged desert terrain, carved by eons of geological forces, offers iconic sights including towering sandstone arches, deep canyons, and the winding Colorado River. Wild West Voyages specializes in full-day private hiking and sightseeing tours of the Needles District in Canyonlands, as well as both morning and sunset tours of Arches National Park. These trips cater to a range of interests and abilities, from guided hikes across slickrock and narrow canyons to leisurely sightseeing that captures the area’s deep-time beauty.

On the water, their raft and inflatable kayak tours traverse iconic sections of the Colorado and Green Rivers. Whether it’s a half-day paddleboard tour or an exhilarating full-day whitewater rafting journey, their guides bring the landscape alive through compelling narratives about the area’s geology, Native American history, and local wildlife. Reviewers highlight how guides personalize experiences, adapt to group needs, and provide a safe yet thrilling atmosphere for rafters of all levels.

Wild West Voyages stands out through customized, private trips paired with attentive service—offering pickups directly to campsites or hotels and flexibility in itinerary. For families or first-timers, the company’s approachable guides create memorable connections with this raw and sprawling terrain. Moab, due to its proximity to two renowned national parks and access to the Colorado River, is a hub for outdoor adventurers; Wild West Voyages offers a seamless gateway to unlock the rugged Southwest’s most vivid sites and stories.

Adventure Tips

Start early to avoid crowds

Morning tours in Arches and Canyonlands offer cooler temperatures and quieter trails before midday heat and visitor surges set in.

Hydrate thoroughly throughout your trip

Desert conditions can rapidly strip moisture. Carry at least two liters of water for all hiking and river tours.

Wear sturdy footwear for varied terrain

Expect slickrock, sandy trails, and sometimes rocky riverbanks—solid hiking shoes with grip are crucial for safety.

Be mindful of wildlife during river trips

Keep a respectful distance from river fauna such as eagles and otters, and leave no trace behind on sensitive banks.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Hidden Canyon in Arches offers off-the-beaten-path quiet canyon walks
  • Upheaval Dome in Canyonlands boasts a rare geological crater that sparks curiosity

Wildlife

  • Golden eagles soaring above the canyon ridges
  • River otters playing along the Colorado River banks

History

The region was inhabited for thousands of years by Ancestral Puebloans, and many petroglyphs and ruins remain nearby.

Conservation

Wild West Voyages practices Leave No Trace principles and educates visitors on preserving fragile desert ecosystems and waterways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour at sunrise or sunset
Mid-morning after cooldown
Late afternoon shadows in canyons

Best Viewpoints

  • Delicate Arch overlook in Arches National Park
  • Island in the Sky mesa for panoramic Canyonlands vistas
  • Colorado River bends visible from raft tours

What to Photograph

Natural sandstone arches contrasting with blue skies
Wildlife including birds of prey and river mammals
Dynamic river scenes with rapids and reflections

Recommended Gear

Hydration pack or water bottles

Essential

Staying well hydrated is critical in the arid desert environment.

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)

Essential

High UV exposure demands solid sun protection to avoid sunburn during outdoor activities.

spring|summer|fall specific

Sturdy hiking shoes

Essential

Traction and support are needed on slickrock, sandy, and rocky surfaces encountered on trails.

Lightweight layers

Essential

Temperature swings especially in mornings and evenings require adjustable clothing layers.

fall|winter|spring specific

Reviews