Trips › First timers
Guided TripsRafting in Moab for Beginners
If you have never been on a river and are not sure you want to be, Moab is a good place to find out. The standard beginner trip is gentle enough that people who booked reluctantly usually finish it asking about the next one.
Book a half day on the Moab Daily in midsummer. Class II to III, warm water, a guide doing the technical work, and rapids spaced far enough apart that you have time to enjoy the canyon between them. No experience needed.
Where to Start
The Moab Daily is the beginner section and it is not a compromise. Red rock walls the whole way, rapids that are fun rather than intimidating, and enough calm water between them that you can look around.
Go in midsummer if you can. Warm water removes the single biggest consequence of falling in, which does more for a nervous first-timer than anything else.
If You Are Nervous
Worth knowing, because it changes how people feel about booking:
- You do not need to paddle well, or at all. Some trips are paddle rafts where everyone works; others are rowed by the guide while you sit. Ask which you are booking if it matters.
- Everyone wears a Coast Guard approved life jacket, fitted by the guides. Floating is not something you have to do yourself.
- Guides are trained in swiftwater rescue and run this stretch constantly. This is routine for them.
- Falling in is uncommon on this section, and in summer it is mostly refreshing rather than dangerous.
- Tell the guide you are nervous. They will put you in a better seat and keep an eye on you. Guides much prefer knowing.
Swimming ability is often not required on calm sections, but the outfitter needs to know. It changes where they seat you and how they brief you. Nobody will refuse you for saying so, and staying quiet helps nobody.
What Actually Happens
- Before you launch Check in and fitting You meet the outfitter, get a life jacket fitted, and stow anything that must stay dry. Wear what you are happy to get wet in.
- Short drive Shuttle to the put-in A short drive upstream along the river, which is scenic in itself.
- Five minutes Safety briefing What to do if you fall in, how to hold a paddle, what the guide's commands mean. Listen to this bit.
- Two to three hours On the water Stretches of calm drifting punctuated by rapids. Swimming if it is warm. Your guide talking about the canyon.
- End Take-out Back to town. Most people are hungry and pleased with themselves.
What to Avoid on a First Trip
- Westwater Canyon and Cataract Canyon. Class III to V. Excellent trips, wrong first trip.
- Spring high water, if you have any choice. Cold water is the thing that makes a swim serious. See spring conditions.
- Overcommitting on length. A half day is plenty to find out whether you like it.
- Cotton clothing. It stays wet and cold all day. Anything quick-drying is better.
Outfitters hold the permits, supply the gear and run the shuttle. Read the section in detail first so you know what you are booking: the Moab Daily in detail.
Commercial trips near Moab have a strong safety record and guides are trained in swiftwater rescue, but whitewater is inherently dangerous. Tell your outfitter honestly about swimming ability, medical conditions and the fitness of everyone in your group. That information changes what they recommend.
Beginner Rafting FAQ
Do I need experience to go rafting in Moab?
No. On a guided trip the guide handles everything technical. Outfitters run complete beginners every day of the season.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Often not required on calm sections, and everyone wears a life jacket. It does improve your odds if you end up in the water, and some operators require it for whitewater. Tell the outfitter either way.
Which trip should a first timer book?
A half day on the Moab Daily, ideally in midsummer when the water is warm.
Will I fall in?
Probably not on this section. If you do, in summer it is mostly refreshing, and the guide will have you back in the boat quickly.
Do I have to paddle?
Depends on the boat. Paddle rafts expect everyone to work; oar rafts are rowed by the guide. Ask which you are booking.
Last reviewed: July 30, 2026. Trip options, prices and minimum ages are set by individual outfitters and change season to season. Confirm details directly before booking, and if something here is wrong, tell us.