Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is Utah’s largest national park and one of the most spectacular outdoor playgrounds in the American Southwest. Its rugged terrain is divided into distinct districts, including Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the Rivers District, each offering a different way to experience the park’s vast canyons, arches, and mesas.
Why Visit Canyonlands National Park
Visitors come to hike iconic trails, photograph stunning overlooks, explore backcountry roads, and raft or boat through the canyon’s deep river corridors. With dark night skies, rich cultural history, and an endless horizon of natural wonders, Canyonlands appeals to adventurers, families, and photographers alike.
Our Trending Trips
Near the National Park
While Canyonlands itself is known for hiking and sightseeing, some of the most exciting adventures happen just outside the park along the Colorado River.
Moab is one of the top rafting destinations in the country, offering everything from calm scenic floats to intense whitewater rapids. Pairing your visit to Canyonlands with a rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the region from a completely different perspective.
These trips are especially popular for travelers looking to turn a national park visit into a full-day or multi-day adventure. With options ranging from family-friendly floats to high-adrenaline canyon runs, there’s something for every type of explorer.
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. [...]
Westwater Canyon Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Near Moab, UT
If you’re looking for the most exciting rafting near Moab, Westwater Canyon delivers. This iconic stretch of the Colorado River combines towering canyon scenery [...]
Inflatable Kayaks Half Day | Moab, UT – Colorado River
Take control of your own river adventure with our Inflatable Kayaks Half Day trip in Moab, Utah! Paddle a stable, self-bailing inflatable kayak (also [...]
Fisher Towers Full-Day Rafting | Colorado River, Moab
Take your time on the Colorado River with a full-day rafting trip through the stunning Fisher Towers section. This extended journey goes beyond the [...]
Westwater Canyon Overnight Whitewater Rafting | Moab, UT
Take on one of the most legendary whitewater stretches in the Southwest with a 24-hour rafting and camping experience through Westwater Canyon. This overnight [...]
Stand Up Paddleboard Half Day | Moab, UT
Experience the beauty of Moab from a fresh perspective on the water with our Stand Up Paddleboard Half Day adventure! Glide across the iconic [...]
Fisher Towers Overnight Rafting | Colorado River Camping Near Moab
Slow down and experience the Colorado River the way few people do by spending a full day on the water and a night under [...]
3 Day Utah River Rafting Trips – Westwater Canyon | Moab, UT
Escape into one of the most iconic river canyons in the Southwest on our 3 Day Westwater Canyon Rafting Trip. This unforgettable multi-day adventure [...]
Whitewater Canoe Half Day | Moab, UT
Get ready for a hands-on river adventure with our Whitewater Canoe Half Day trip in Moab, Utah! Paddle your own inflatable canoe down a [...]
Canyonlands National Park Rafting
Colorado River in Utah
The Colorado River carves its way through the heart of Canyonlands, offering both calm scenic float options and thrilling whitewater runs. From flatwater experiences to extended rafting trips through Cataract Canyon, known for its world-class rapids, the river provides an unforgettable way to see the park from the water.
Fisher Towers Rafting
Fisher Towers rafting near Moab blends scenic red rock canyon views with accessible whitewater fun. This stretch of the Colorado River is ideal for half-day trips, making it a great choice for families and those new to rafting who still want a bit of excitement and unforgettable scenery.
Westwater Canyon Rafting
For thrill seekers, Westwater Canyon offers a more intense whitewater experience with bigger rapids and a full day on the river. This trip showcases towering canyon walls and exhilarating Class III–IV rapids, perfect for adventurers seeking a high-energy outdoor challenge.
Canyonlands National Park Activities
Family-Friendly Rafting
Enjoy calm sections of the river where kids and adults alike can take in the beauty of Utah’s red rock landscapes without big rapids. These gentle floats are perfect for first-time rafters and families seeking scenic adventure.
High Adrenaline Whitewater
From Cataract Canyon to Westwater Canyon, experienced rafters can tackle thrilling whitewater rapids that carve through the desert terrain, an unforgettable way to explore the Colorado River.
Utah Scenery
Canyonlands is famed for its dramatic vistas, including Grand View Point, Mesa Arch, and Green River Overlook. Each viewpoint offers unique perspectives on the vast canyon network and geological wonders shaped over millennia.
Best of Moab
Just outside the park, Moab serves as the adventure hub for Canyonlands visitors — offering mountain biking, off-road tours, guided hikes, and cultural experiences that make your Utah trip even more memorable.
Visit Iconic Overlooks
Experience panoramic views from Grand View Point and Green River Overlook, two must-see vantage points that showcase the park’s immense scale and breathtaking desert landscapes.
Hike Scenic Trails
From short walks like Mesa Arch to longer hikes into the Needles District, Canyonlands offers trails for every skill level with incredible geological formations and photo opportunities.
River Rafting Adventures
Whether you choose a gentle float or a multi-day whitewater expedition through Cataract Canyon, rafting the Colorado River is one of the most immersive ways to explore Canyonlands.
Stargazing and Night Skies
With minimal light pollution, Canyonlands is a designated Dark Sky Park, perfect for nighttime stargazing, astrophotography, and enjoying the cosmos far from city lights.
Canyonlands National Park Whitewater Rafting And Other Activities
Colorado Scenic Float-Half Day
This wonderful Colorado River float trip is a gently flowing section that is inviting to all ages. You’ll encounter a few small rapids as [...]
Browns Canyon 1/2 Day
Get ready to experience the best of Colorado on our Brown’s Canyon half-day trip. This family-friendly adventure rushes you down the Arkansas River and [...]
Browns Canyon Sizzler
The full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler represents the ultimate Colorado rafting experience! This trip offers a full day of classic white water rafting through class [...]
Stand Up Paddleboard Half Day
Try the newest, most fun activity on the river – Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)! On this half-day trip, you’ll SUP 5 miles down the [...]
Gold Rush Clear Creek Rafting Adventure
Splash down the Clear Creek mining valley on our 1/3 day Gold Rush trip. Just a short half-hour trip from Denver, this family-friendly rafting [...]
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. [...]
Numbers 1/2 Day
Looking for that quintessential Colorado whitewater rafting experience? Head to the Numbers section of the Arkansas River! If you are an experienced rafter looking [...]
Cliffside Zipline Half Day
Fly through the trees on our exciting 6-line zipline course in Idaho Springs. This trip includes features such as a dual race line, hanging [...]
Other Rafting And Outdoor Adventures Near Canyonlands National Park
Moab Adventure Trips with AVA Rafting & Zipline
Set against a backdrop of towering red rock formations, winding desert canyons, and the legendary Colorado River, Moab is one of the most iconic adventure destinations in the American Southwest. Just a short drive from both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, Moab offers a unique blend of rugged wilderness and accessible outdoor experiences.
Whether you’re visiting for a quick getaway or building a full desert itinerary, Moab delivers big scenery, warm weather, and unforgettable time on the water.
Moab Rafting on the Colorado River
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:
- Fisher Towers → scenic, mellow, family-friendly float
- Westwater Canyon → powerful Class III–IV whitewater adventure
Things to Do in Arches National Park
Located just outside Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is one of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest. Home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, the highest concentration in the world, the park offers a surreal mix of red rock formations, towering fins, and sweeping desert views.
Whether you’re visiting for a quick scenic drive or planning a full outdoor adventure, Arches delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn.
Moab Adventure Trips with AVA Rafting & Zipline
825 Kane Creek Blvd, Moab, UT 84532
Set against a backdrop of towering red rock formations, winding desert canyons, and the legendary Colorado River, Moab is one of the most iconic adventure destinations in the American Southwest. Just a short drive from both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, Moab offers a unique blend of rugged wilderness and accessible outdoor experiences.
Whether you’re visiting for a quick getaway or building a full desert itinerary, Moab delivers big scenery, warm weather, and unforgettable time on the water.
Things to Do in Arches National Park
Arches National Park, UT
Located just outside Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is one of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest. Home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, the highest concentration in the world, the park offers a surreal mix of red rock formations, towering fins, and sweeping desert views.
Whether you’re visiting for a quick scenic drive or planning a full outdoor adventure, Arches delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn.
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:
- Fisher Towers → scenic, mellow, family-friendly float
- Westwater Canyon → powerful Class III–IV whitewater adventure
FAQs
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking, rafting, and sightseeing, while summer can be hot and winter brings cooler conditions ideal for fewer crowds.
Most visitors spend anywhere from a half-day to two full days in Arches. A half-day allows time for the scenic drive and a few short stops, while a full day gives you the chance to complete a longer hike like Delicate Arch and explore multiple viewpoints throughout the park.
Yes, both calm water floats and whitewater rafting trips on the Colorado and Green rivers provide unique ways to experience the park’s dramatic canyon scenery.
Guided rafting is recommended, especially for whitewater sections like Cataract Canyon, to ensure safety and provide expert navigation.
Absolutely, scenic drives, easy hikes, gentle river floats, and ranger programs make Canyonlands a great destination for families.
Many visitors spend 2–3 days to see major overlooks, enjoy a rafting trip, and explore different districts like Island in the Sky and The Needles.
