Colorado River › Moab Daily
Colorado RiverThe Moab Daily
If you do one river trip in Moab, this is almost certainly it. A half or full day on the Colorado just upstream of town, with Class II to III rapids, red rock walls the entire way, and enough splash to feel like something happened. It is the trip that turns nervous first-timers into people who book another one.
Class II to III, half day or full day, starting minutes from town along Highway 128. Suitable for children from around four or five with most outfitters. Warmest and splashiest in midsummer, biggest in late spring. If you're choosing your first rafting trip anywhere, this is a good one.
At a glance
- River
- Colorado
- Difficulty
- Class II to III
- Length
- 14 miles
- Trip length
- Half day or full day
- Run
- Hittle Bottom to Takeout Beach
- Minimum age
- Typically 4 to 5 with outfitters. Varies by company and flow.
- Season
- Roughly April to October
- Private permit
- None for day use
- Gauge
- USGS 09180500 (Cisco)
What the Day Actually Looks Like
The run follows Highway 128 upstream of Moab, which means the shuttle is short and the scenery starts immediately. Red sandstone walls rise on both sides for the entire trip, with the La Sal Mountains behind you and side canyons opening as you go.
The rapids are spaced out rather than continuous. Between them you drift, swim if it's warm, and listen to your guide explain the geology and the river's history. This is not a trip where you brace for the next horizon line. It is mostly gentle, with punctuation.
Expect roughly three to four hours on a half-day trip and six to eight on a full day, including shuttle time and a beach lunch on longer trips. Outfitters typically run morning and afternoon departures through the season.
In July and August the water is a relief. In late April it is snowmelt, and outfitters will put you in a wetsuit for good reason. Ask what's provided when you book, early-season trips need more than a swimsuit.
Who the Moab Daily Suits
- Families with young children. Most outfitters take kids from around four or five on this section. Minimums rise during high water, so confirm when you book rather than on the beach.
- Complete beginners. No experience needed on a guided trip. Guides handle everything technical.
- Visitors on a tight schedule. A half-day trip fits around a morning in Arches with time for dinner in town.
- Nervous first-timers. Genuinely one of the gentler introductions to whitewater available anywhere.
It is not the trip if you want serious whitewater. For that, look at Westwater Canyon or Cataract Canyon.
TimingWhen to Run It
| Period | What it's like |
|---|---|
| April to early June | Runoff. Bigger, faster, and cold. Wetsuits standard. Minimum ages may rise. |
| Late June to August | Warm water, smaller waves, peak family season. Hot on shore, 100°F+ is normal. |
| September to October | Low, clear and quiet. Comfortable air temperatures, fewer people, gentler water. |
Going With an Outfitter
Licensed outfitters hold their own permits, supply the boats and gear, and handle the shuttle. For most visitors this is the sensible way to run the Moab Daily, and on the harder sections it is the only realistic way without significant whitewater experience.
Publishing soon: Trip comparison Moab outfitters What trips cost
Private BoatingRunning It Yourself
The Moab Daily is the most accessible private day run near town, short shuttle, easy access off Highway 128, and forgiving water at most flows.
No permit is required for private day trips on this section, but camping along the corridor is governed separately and has its own rules. For current camping requirements, call the BLM Moab Field Office on (435) 259-2100.
Check flows at USGS gauge 09180500, Colorado River near Cisco. It is the reference gauge for this stretch, with daily records back to 1913.
During spring runoff, water temperature will incapacitate an unprotected swimmer far faster than most people expect, well before the rapids become the problem. Wetsuits or drysuits are standard early season for a reason. Judge the water temperature, not the air temperature.
Moab Daily FAQ
How long is the Moab Daily?
Roughly 14 miles, run as either a half day of about three to four hours or a full day of six to eight, including shuttle and lunch. Confirm exact timings with your outfitter.
How difficult is the Moab Daily?
Class II to III. Gentle for most of its length with spaced-out rapids. It runs noticeably bigger during spring runoff.
What's the minimum age?
Most outfitters take children from around four or five. Minimums vary by company and rise during high water, so confirm directly when booking.
Do I need experience?
Not on a guided trip. This is one of the most beginner-friendly whitewater trips in the region.
Half day or full day?
Half day if you're fitting it around other plans or travelling with small children. Full day if you want beach time, lunch on the river and a less rushed pace.
Do I need a permit to run it privately?
No permit is required for private day trips on this section. Camping along the corridor is governed separately, so call the Moab Field Office on (435) 259-2100 if you plan to stay overnight.
Last reviewed: July 2026. River conditions, access and regulations change. Confirm current details with the managing agency before your trip, and if something here is wrong, tell us.