RAFTING
From a mild float through red rock canyons to the thrilling splash of whitewater, we have something for everyone, and all abilities. Choose from day or overnight adaptive rafting trips on the Colorado and Green Rivers. Click the blue "Register Today" button to view trip dates and costs or scroll all the way down for river segment descriptions! Give us a call at 435.649.3991 and we’ll talk you through choosing your first trip!
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Sign Up.Fisher Towers (Moab Daily)
Moab’s premiere scenic river float, the Fisher Towers section of the Colorado River offers breathtaking views of iconic red rock spires and canyons while providing a first-timers taste of whitewater. Offered in 1-day and 2-day/1-night packages, this trip is a great introduction for anyone looking for a mild float through a beautiful river section. Best for: Anyone looking for an introduction to rafting and/or trying their first night camping on the river. Class I-II. Ages 5+ Trip Lengths: 8 miles average (1 day) 14 miles average (2 day/1 night) Register on the NAC website.
Ruby/ Horsethief
A favorite of families embarking on their first overnight rafting trip, the Ruby/Horsethief section of the Colorado River is a beautiful float that starts in Colorado and ends in Utah. Enjoy the splash of novice rapids while passing by layer after layer of sandstone formations while on the way to camp located on a sandy river beach. Best for: Groups and families looking to take a longer trip without taking on more than novice rapids. Class I-II. Ages 5+ Trip Lengths: 3 days/2 nights 24 miles Contact Reservations at 435.649.3991 if interested in this trip.
Westwater Canyon
An exciting stretch of the Colorado River, Westwater offers Class III+ whitewater through a gorge of black gneiss, a unique site in Red Rock Country. Named "The West's Best Short Whitewater Trip" by National Geographic, these churning rapids are not to be missed. Best for: people looking to take on exhilarating whitewater is a shorter timeframe. Class I-IV. Ages 12+ Trip Lengths: 2 days/1 night 17 miles Contact Reservations at 435.649.3991 if interested in this trip.
Desolation Canyon
With over 50 rapids ranging up to Class III, Desolation Canyon offers one of the most consistent and enjoyable whitewater rafting experiences in the country. Don’t let the name fool you, Desolation Canyon is rich with flora and fauna, as well as Native American and early settler history. In places, as deep as the Grand Canyon, this river section gets you out there! Best for: Groups and families looking for a longer trip coupled with fun and splashy rapids. Class I-III. Ages 8+. Trip Lengths: 6 days/5 nights or 5 days/4 nights 84 miles Contact Reservations at 435.649.3991 if interested in this trip.
Labyrinth Canyon
A flatwater section with no rapids, Labyrinth Canyon is a recreation canoeist’s paradise. Located on the Green River, this section meanders through desert flats before entering the canyon, providing amazing views around every corner. Numerous side hikes offer opportunities to stretch out and see unique stops along the way.Best for: Anyone looking for a peaceful river float on a tranquil section of water. No rapids. Ages 5+ Trip Lengths: 5 days/4 nights 68 miles Contact Reservations at 435.649.3991 if interested in this trip.
Class I
Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.
Class II: Novice
Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class II+”.
Class III: Intermediate
Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class III-” or “Class III+” respectively.
Class IV: Advanced
Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require “must” moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class IV-” or “Class IV+” respectively.
Class V: Expert
Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain** large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential. Because of the large range of difficulty that exists beyond Class IV, Class 5 is an open-ended, multiple-level scale designated by class 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, etc… each of these levels is an order of magnitude more difficult than the last. Example: increasing difficulty from Class 5.0 to Class 5.1 is a similar order of magnitude as increasing from Class IV to Class 5.0.