Full-Day Rafting Adventure with BBQ Lunch

Rafting in Moab is often described as a must-do experience, and the Full-Day Colorado River rafting trip offered by Moab Adventure Center truly lives up to that reputation. While I haven’t personally taken this trip, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a vivid picture of an adventure packed with scenic beauty, expert guidance, and laid-back fun. It’s a well-rounded activity that balances adrenaline with relaxation, making it perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors with a touch of adventure.

What I love about this tour is the stunning canyon scenery, the knowledgeable guides who make the trip both fun and safe, and the delicious BBQ lunch that feels like the perfect reward after a day on the water. There’s also something special about floating alongside movies shot on this very stretch of the Colorado River. However, one consideration is that this experience is tailored for those with a moderate physical fitness level—so if you’re looking for intense white-water action, this might be more mellow than you expect. Overall, it’s an ideal trip for those wanting a scenic, relaxing, yet engaging day out in nature.

This full-day adventure suits travelers seeking beautiful landscapes, expert guidance, and a well-organized experience. It’s especially fitting for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a stress-free way to enjoy the river without the need for advanced rafting skills.

Good To Know

• Stunning Scenery: The trip winds through red rock canyons made famous by movies, offering memorable views.
• Experienced Guides: Guides like Jess, Mason, Anna, and Oscar are praised for their energy, safety focus, and engaging storytelling.
• Balanced Experience: Mild rapids allow for fun without the adrenaline overload, with plenty of floating and swimming.
• Excellent Value: With transportation, equipment, a generous BBQ lunch, and a souvenir water bottle included, it’s a comprehensive package.
• Group Size: The tour caps at 32 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized atmosphere.
• Booking Tip: The tour is popular and tends to be booked about 26 days in advance, so plan ahead.

The Itinerary: What to Expect on Your Day on the Colorado River

Morning Pickup and Scenic Drive

The adventure kicks off early in Moab, with a pick-up from the Moab Adventure Center at 9:00am. The ride itself is part of the fun—expect a scenic drive along some of the most beautiful highways in the West. The route offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape and iconic red rock formations, setting the stage for what’s to come.

Launching the Raft

Once at the river, you’ll board your raft with your guide. Expect to see famous movie locations and landscapes that seem almost surreal in their vibrant reds and ochres. The guides are seasoned professionals; reviews highlight guides like Jess, Mason, Anna, Oscar, and Izzie, who are noted for their energy, storytelling, and care for safety. They’re also known for making the trip memorable by engaging everyone with fun games and interesting insights about the canyon’s geology and history.

The Rapids and Floating

The river trip covers a good stretch of calm water interrupted by mild rapids—Onion Creek, Cloudburst, Rocky Rapid, Whites Rapid—each offering a gentle splash of excitement. Reviewers mention that the rapids are not aggressive or challenging, making this suitable even for those who aren’t seasoned rafters. The calm sections give plenty of opportunities to swim, float, and take photos of the incredible canyon walls.

The Riverside BBQ Lunch

Midway through the day, you’ll pull up at a beautiful riverside ranch at Red Cliffs Lodge for lunch. The buffet includes hot grilled burgers, chicken, hot dogs, or veggie patties, alongside salads, giant cookies, lemonade, and iced tea. Guests describe the lunch as generous, tasty, and relaxing, especially after a morning on the water. Several reviewers appreciate the exclusive nature of the BBQ at this location, making it a highlight of the trip. A few note that, occasionally, there might be small hiccups—such as running out of propane—but the overall experience remains positive and plentiful.

Afternoon on the River

The second half of the trip continues with floating and possibly some swimming, giving everyone a chance to unwind and enjoy the scenery. The guides keep the atmosphere lively and engaging, often sharing cool stories about the canyon formations and local rock features. The trip wraps up in the late afternoon with a return to Moab, giving you time to explore more or relax after your adventure.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Guides Who Make the Difference

Multiple reviews highlight the guides as a major part of the experience. Jess, Spencer, Ella, Ethan, and others are remembered not just for their safety skills but also for their friendly, energetic personalities. Their ability to weave in stories about the canyon’s geology and history makes the trip more than just floating down a river.

Scenic Beauty and Photo Opportunities

The stunning landscapes of the Colorado River are a highlight. With towering red canyon walls, unique rock formations, and areas that have featured in movies, you’ll find plenty of photo opportunities. Reviewers mention that the views are incredible and the water offers a cool respite from the desert heat, especially in July.

Value for Money

At $138 per person, this trip offers a lot—transportation, raft equipment, guides, and an hearty BBQ lunch—all included. The addition of a free insulated flip-top water bottle (valued at $20) enhances its value, giving guests a practical souvenir. The tour’s reviews are filled with comments about how the experience exceeded expectations given the price, especially considering the quality of guides and scenery.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

With its mild rapids and well-organized structure, the trip is suitable for families and those new to rafting. The reviews mention that children and teenagers have a fantastic time, often making new friends during the day. The friendly guide interactions and relaxed pace create a welcoming environment.

Practical Details You Need to Know

Duration and Timing

The full-day adventure lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at 9:00am. The trip ends back at the Moab Adventure Center, giving you plenty of time afterward to explore the town or relax.

Transportation and Meeting Point

The tour includes transportation to and from the river from the Moab Adventure Center at 225 S Main St. The process is straightforward, with reviews emphasizing how smoothly everything is organized.

Group Size and Booking

With a maximum of 32 travelers, the group size feels intimate enough for personalized attention without losing the social aspect. Since it’s popular—booked on average 26 days in advance—it’s wise to reserve early.

Accessibility and Fitness

Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level. The trip involves some paddling and swimming, but the rapids are gentle, making it accessible for most people in good health.

Cancellation Policy

Flexibility is available with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. In case of poor weather or other unforeseen issues, a full refund or rescheduling is typically offered.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

The reviews give us a real sense of what to expect. Many mention guides like Jess, Spencer, and Izzie by name, highlighting their enthusiasm and knowledge. One reviewer notes that their guide, Spencer, “made the float fun” and was fantastic at engaging the group in games, which adds a playful touch to the day.

Another reviewer describes the scenery as “incredible”, with canyon walls so vivid they seem almost painted. The lunch at Red Cliffs Lodge is frequently praised as substantial and tasty, with some noting that it’s a highlight of the day—perfect for recharging after a morning of paddling and floating.

A few reviewers mention minor hiccups, such as the lunch running out of propane or water levels being lower than usual, resulting in more of a float than white-water rafting. However, these are considered minor in the context of the overall experience, which remains highly positive.

Final Thoughts: Is This Trip Right for You?

This full-day Colorado River rafting trip offers a beautiful blend of scenery, gentle adventure, and relaxed fun. It’s an excellent choice for families, first-time rafters, or anyone interested in a scenic float with some mild rapids and a tasty lunch break. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge make it an engaging experience, elevating it beyond just floating down a river.

While it might not satisfy thrill-seekers looking for intense white-water, it provides plenty of excitement and stunning visuals for most travelers. The organized nature, moderate physical activity, and inclusive atmosphere make it a trustworthy choice for those wanting to enjoy Moab’s natural beauty with minimal hassle.

If you’re after an adventure that combines breathtaking canyon scenery, expert guides, and good value, this trip is definitely worth considering. It captures the essence of Moab’s outdoor appeal—beautiful landscapes mixed with light adventure, all wrapped up with a hearty BBQ lunch.

FAQ

How long does the full-day rafting trip last?
The trip lasts about 7 hours, including transportation, rafting, lunch, and time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Moab Adventure Center at 225 S Main St and returns there at the end of the day.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed for all ages with mild rapids, making it family-friendly. Reviewers mention kids having a great time, making new friends along the way.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers transportation, guide services, rafting equipment, a hot BBQ lunch at Red Cliffs Lodge, and a free insulated water bottle.

How far in advance should I book?
Most guests book about 26 days ahead, so planning early helps secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

What should I wear or bring?
While not explicitly detailed, it’s wise to wear quick-drying clothes, bring sun protection, and a towel if you plan to swim or get wet. The guides provide equipment like lifejackets.

To sum it up, this Moab rafting trip offers a reliable, scenic, and fun-filled day that balances relaxed floating with enough excitement to keep everyone engaged. It’s especially suited for those who value stunning landscapes, friendly guides, and a well-organized experience that delivers great value for the price. Whether you’re traveling as a family, with friends, or solo, this adventure promises a memorable slice of Moab’s natural beauty.