Rafting Vacations: Green & Colorado River

Sometimes a single day on the Colorado River is not enough to get your whitewater adrenaline fix. Multi-day rafting vacations are the perfect way to see the spectacular sights around Moab, Utah. Give yourself some extra time to unwind and visit some of the more remote and untouched parts of the Southwest.

When selecting a vacation package, you can choose from options that emphasize rafting or that include rafting as part of a multi-sport adventure. In multi-sport packages, rafting is included with 4X4 off-roading, canyoneering, rock-climbing, or mountain biking.

The type of raft used by the outfitter will depend on the experience level of their guests. Novice rafters or folks wanting to relax will ride in a guide paddled oar raft. In a paddle raft, everyone on board helps to navigate the raft. Inflatable kayaks that seat one or two people should by used by experienced rafters. Snout boats require no physical exertion by anyone because they are motorized.

Popular one to two day vacations include Fisher Towers, Westwater Canyon, and Cataract Canyon. While Fisher Towers trips will journey into the calmer regions of the Colorado River, Westwater and Cataract Canyons adventures are best suited for experienced rafters. If you're looking for a two or three day journey, go to Dolores River. This often overlooked Colorado River tributary is just over fifty miles from Moab. With excellent Class IV rapids, you won't be disappointed. For a longer vacation, visit the Green River at Desolation Canyon. The river has over fifty rapids and is surrounded by some of the best hiking country in the area.