colorado river rafting in moab, utah
Fun & Mellow

Fisher Towers Half-Day Rafting Trip | Colorado River, Moab

If you’re picturing the Colorado River winding through towering red rock canyons, calm stretches of water, and just enough splash to keep things fun. This is it.

The Fisher Towers section delivers the classic Moab river experience: warm desert sun, dramatic canyon walls, and gentle rapids that make it accessible for just about everyone.

The Highlights Of Your Trip

This iconic stretch of the Colorado River, often referred to as the “Moab Daily,” is Moab’s most popular rafting experience, combining stunning red rock scenery with fun, splashy rapids. Perfect for families, first-time rafters, and anyone looking for a relaxing adventure in the desert, this half-day trip blends mellow rafting with some of the most spectacular landscapes in the American Southwest. Drift through the red rock canyon corridor, paddle through playful waves, and soak in views of towering spires rising nearly 900 feet above the Colorado River.

This is a brand-new trip for us in 2026, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring it to you. AVA has spent nearly 30 years guiding some of the toughest whitewater in Colorado, and we’re putting that same experience and attention to detail into the Moab Daily. We know what makes a rafting trip great, and we’re ready to show you the best version of this stretch the river has to offer.

If you’re looking for a Moab adventure that’s exciting but approachable, this scenic float delivers the perfect mix of relaxation, light whitewater, and unforgettable scenery.

Book this trip

1

How much

Pricing

From $94

Ages 13+

From $79

Ages 2-12

2

What's included

Activities

  • Rafting
3

Trip Length

Duration

Half Day

4

How Hard

Difficulty

Fun & Mellow
5

Who can go

Minimum Age

2 years old & Up

Trip Highlights

A. Why Choose the Fisher Towers Half Day Trip?

A Scenic, Family-Friendly Float (Class I–II)

Unlike the powerful whitewater of Westwater Canyon, Fisher Towers is all about relaxed adventure. Expect mostly calm water with light, splashy rapids. perfect for first-timers, families, and anyone who wants to enjoy the scenery without intense paddling.

Red Rock Views You Can’t Get Anywhere Else

Float past towering sandstone spires, wide-open desert valleys, and iconic canyon landscapes just outside Moab. This stretch of river is known for its “postcard” views of the Southwest.

No Experience Needed

Your professional guide handles the logistics, safety, and navigation—so you can sit back, relax, and take it all in.

Short Adventure, Big Views

With about half a day on the river, this trip fits perfectly into a Moab itinerary alongside hiking, Jeep tours, or exploring nearby national parks.

Professional River Guides

Our experienced guides handle the rowing, share stories about the region’s geology and history, and keep the adventure fun and safe for everyone.

Cool Off in the Colorado River

During calm sections of the float, you may have opportunities to swim or simply relax and take in the scenery.

B. Trip Overview

If you’re looking for a Moab adventure that’s exciting but approachable, this scenic float delivers the perfect mix of relaxation, light whitewater, and unforgettable scenery. It’s a new addition to our 2026 lineup, backed by nearly 30 years of whitewater experience on some of Colorado’s most demanding rivers. While the water here is mellow, the expertise behind your guide isn’t.

  • Duration: ~4 hours total (about 2–3 hours on the water)
  • Rapid Class: Class I–II (gentle, beginner-friendly)
  • Minimum Age: Typically 5+ years old (varies slightly by conditions)
  • Experience Level: No experience required
  • Location: Colorado River near Moab, Utah
  • Trip Length: ~7 miles of scenic river

This scenic rafting adventure typically covers about 7 miles of the Colorado River while passing dramatic canyon scenery and playful rapids.

C. Trip Itinerary

Your adventure begins with a short shuttle ride from Moab through the breathtaking Colorado River Scenic Byway, where towering canyon walls and desert landscapes set the stage for your rafting journey.

After arriving at the river launch site, your guide will provide a safety briefing and help everyone get geared up before launching onto the Colorado River.

From the moment your raft pushes away from shore, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic red rock cliffs and towering desert spires. As the river gently winds through the canyon, your guide will share stories about the geology, wildlife, and history of the region.

Along the way you’ll encounter a series of fun, splashy rapids that add excitement without requiring prior rafting experience. Between rapids, enjoy calm stretches perfect for relaxing, spotting wildlife, or simply floating beneath the towering canyon walls.

This stretch of river is known for its incredible scenery and mellow whitewater, making it one of the most popular rafting experiences near Moab.

By the end of the trip, you’ll float into the take-out point where your shuttle will be waiting to return you to town — refreshed, smiling, and ready for the rest of your Moab adventure.

D. Who Is This Trip Best For?

The Fisher Towers Half Day trip is ideal for:

  • Families with kids
  • First-time rafters
  • Couples looking for a scenic adventure
  • Groups visiting Moab for the first time
  • Anyone wanting a shorter rafting experience

Because the rapids are gentle and the scenery is spectacular, this trip is widely considered the best introduction to rafting in the Moab area.

What to expect on Your Whitewater Rafting Adventure

colorado river near the arches national park in moab

Highlights of the Fisher Towers Float

  • Scenic rafting beneath the iconic Fisher Towers rock formations
  • Fun Class I–II rapids perfect for beginners
  • Professional river guides sharing local stories and geology
  • Opportunities to swim in calm sections of the Colorado River
  • Stunning views of Castle Valley and red rock desert landscapes
  • One of the best half-day adventures near Moab
young group rafting in moab

What’s Included

  • Professional, experienced river guides
  • All rafting equipment (helmet, PFD, paddle if applicable)
  • Transportation to and from the river
  • Safety orientation and instruction
  • Optional paddle or guide-rowed experience

Everything is taken care of. Just show up ready to enjoy the river.

rafting down the colorado river in moab, utah

What to Bring

To stay comfortable on the river, we recommend bringing:

  • Swimsuit or quick-dry clothing
  • Secure footwear (sandals with straps or water shoes)
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses with strap
  • Hat or sun protection
  • Reusable water bottle
cayon of the colorado river near moab

Rafting Near Arches & Canyonlands National Parks

Moab is best known as the gateway to two of Utah’s most spectacular national parks: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Adding a rafting trip to your itinerary is one of the best ways to experience the region from a completely different perspective.

While most visitors explore these parks by hiking or scenic drives, the Colorado River offers a refreshing way to see the same dramatic desert landscapes from the water. Towering red rock cliffs, sculpted sandstone formations, and expansive canyon views surround you as you float downstream.

Trip Location

young group rafting in moab

Moab Rafting on the Colorado River

825 Kane Creek Blvd
Moab, UT 84532

Welcome to AVA’s newest outpost in Moab, your basecamp for rafting the Colorado River in Utah. Whether you’re picturing calm red rock canyons or adrenaline-pumping rapids, Moab delivers both.

We focus on two distinct, high-demand rafting experiences:

FAQs

Yes, the Fisher Towers Half-Day trip is new to our lineup in 2026, and we’re genuinely excited about it. While it’s a new addition for us, it’s backed by nearly 30 years of whitewater guiding experience on some of the toughest rivers in Colorado. Our guides bring that same expertise, safety standards, and attention to detail to this stretch of the Colorado River, so you’re getting an experienced team running a fresh trip, not a new outfitter learning as they go.

The Fisher Towers Half Day rafting adventure typically lasts about 4 hours total, including transportation to and from the river. Guests spend roughly 2–3 hours on the Colorado River enjoying scenic canyon views and fun splashy rapids.

No experience is required. This stretch of the Colorado River features Class I–II rapids, making it ideal for beginners, families, and first-time rafters. Your professional river guide will provide a safety briefing and handle navigation while you enjoy the ride.

The Fisher Towers Half Day trip is typically open to kids around 5 years old and older, depending on river conditions and water levels. It’s one of the most family-friendly rafting experiences near Moab.

Rafting near Moab generally runs from spring through fall (April–October).

  • May–June: Higher water from snowmelt can create bigger, splashier rapids.
  • July–August: Warm weather and calmer flows make it perfect for families.
  • September–October: Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures create a relaxing scenic float.

Wear quick-dry clothing or a swimsuit, along with secure footwear such as sandals with straps or water shoes. A hat, sunglasses with a strap, and sunscreen are also recommended since much of the trip takes place under open desert skies.

Your rafting trip with AVA includes:

  • Professional river guide
  • Raft, paddles, and safety equipment
  • Coast Guard-approved life jacket
  • Transportation to and from the river
  • Safety orientation before launching

Everything you need for a safe and enjoyable river experience is provided.

Yes, depending on water levels and conditions. During calmer sections of the Colorado River, guides may offer opportunities to jump in and cool off with a swim before climbing back into the raft.

This section of the Colorado River is famous for its dramatic desert landscapes. You’ll raft beneath the towering red rock spires of Fisher Towers and enjoy views of Castle Valley while floating through a scenic canyon corridor.

Half-day rafting trips near Moab are extremely popular, especially during peak travel months in May, June, and July. Booking in advance helps secure your preferred date and time, since departures often sell out during busy travel periods.

Yes. Many visitors combine a half-day rafting trip with hiking or sightseeing in nearby national parks like Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park. Because the trip is only half a day, it’s easy to fit rafting into a full day of exploring Moab.

The “Moab Daily” is another name for the Fisher Towers stretch of the Colorado River. It’s the most popular single-day rafting experience in Moab, known for its scenic red rock views, Class I–III rapids, and family-friendly adventure.

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