Moab: Colorado River Mid-Day Rafting with BBQ Lunch

Thinking about adding a river trip to your Moab itinerary? This Mid-Day Rafting Adventure with a lunch break offers a blend of gentle whitewater fun and stunning scenery, all wrapped up in a manageable 4.5-hour experience. Whether you’re a first-timer or just want a relaxing yet exciting way to see the Colorado River, this tour might tick some important boxes.

What we like about this trip is how it combines moderate rapids with breathtaking canyon views—it’s a great way to enjoy nature without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, the gourmet BBQ lunch at the riverside ranch sounds like a perfect way to recharge and soak in the scenery. That said, a potential downside is that the tour’s water levels can vary, which may affect the intensity of the rapids. If you’re after a wild, adrenaline-pumping ride, you might find this more sedate some days. Still, it’s well-suited for those wanting a balanced adventure that’s accessible and scenic.

This experience is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing yet engaging day on the water, especially if you enjoy good food and scenic views. It’s also perfect for those who want a guided, safe introduction to rafting without the need for prior experience.

Key Points

• Balanced experience: Moderate rapids combined with stunning canyon scenery.
• Gourmet BBQ lunch: Hot grilled options served at a riverside ranch.
• Flexible adventure style: Choose between paddle rafts or inflatable kayaks.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for kids over 5, with proper safety gear.
• All-inclusive: Equipment, guide, drinks, and a souvenir water bottle included.
• Timing flexibility: Usually available in the morning, making it easy to fit into your day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Moab Colorado River Rafting Tour

This tour kicks off with a quick check-in at the Moab Adventure Center, where you’ll meet your guide and gather your gear. The transportation from the meeting point is included, so you don’t have to worry about logistics early on. Once on the river, you’ll be introduced to your rafting or kayaking equipment, including a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket—mandatory for safety.

Setting Off: A Calm Start with Scenic Views

The trip begins just below Rocky Rapid, where the water flows at a gentle pace, perfect for warming up and taking in the surroundings. The river meanders calmly at first, giving you a chance to enjoy the tranquility while listening to your guide’s commentary about the canyon and local landscape.

The Adventure: White’s Rapid and Moderate Splash Sections

As you float further down, the real fun begins with White’s Rapid, which offers just enough excitement without being too intense. Many reviews mention how guides excel at making the experience enjoyable and safe, even for first-timers. You can expect to navigate through a few moderate splashes and smaller rapids, with the canyon walls narrowing around you, creating a majestic enclosed feeling.

A common comment from past adventurers highlights how “the rapids are very calm in summer,” making this suitable for those who prefer a more relaxed rafting experience. However, some visitors found there wasn’t enough water to generate substantial rapids, describing it more as a leisurely cruise. Still, most agree that the scenery alone makes up for a quieter ride.

The Riverside Ranch and BBQ Lunch

After about 1.5 to 2 hours on the water, your boat will reach a riverside ranch where a hot BBQ lunch awaits. This is a highlight for many—imagine sitting outside with a view of the canyon, enjoying freshly grilled burgers, chicken, hot dogs, or veggie patties, along with salads and soft cookies. Beverages like lemonade, iced tea, and water complement the meal.

One reviewer from the U.S. raved about the lunch, saying, “Ben was a GREAT guide!!! we had sooo much fun!!! I had the grilled chicken for lunch and it was perfect! Super tender, moist, and delicious.” Good food, friendly staff, and beautiful scenery combine to make this a memorable break.

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Post-Lunch Paddling & Sightseeing

Post-lunch, you’ll continue paddling or steering your inflatable kayak through the canyon, absorbing more of the remarkable landscape. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, and many reviews praise their ability to make everyone feel comfortable and safe. You might find that the water levels influence how lively the rapids are—some days feature more splashy action than others.

Ending the Trip & Return

The tour concludes with a smooth ride back to the starting point, typically after about 3.5 hours on the water. The group size tends to be manageable, creating an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. The included transportation makes returning easy, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

Pricing and Value

At $114 per person, this trip offers good value, especially considering the all-inclusive nature—gear, guides, lunch, drinks, and a souvenir water bottle are included. For a half-day activity in Moab, this is reasonably priced given the scenic beauty, safety focus, and the quality of the meal.

If you compare it to longer or more adrenaline-heavy trips, this is a more relaxed, family-friendly option that still delivers plenty of fun and beautiful views. Several reviews note the excellent organization and friendly staff, which enhances the value further.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those who want a taste of the Colorado River without intense rapids. It’s ideal for first-timers, families with older children (over 5 and over 50 pounds), or anyone looking for a laid-back adventure interspersed with good food and spectacular scenery.

It’s also a good pick if you’d like a flexible half-day activity that you can combine with other Moab adventures. People who enjoy nature, casual paddling, and hearty outdoor meals will find this trip checks their boxes.

The Downsides to Consider

While most reviews are glowing, some guests mentioned that there isn’t enough water to produce significant rapids, which might make the trip more of a scenic float than a whitewater thrill. Also, note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

This trip is not suitable for wheelchair users, so if accessibility is a concern, you’ll want to explore other options.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 5 years old and weighing at least 50 pounds are welcome, provided they wear the safety gear. Many reviews mention family-friendly fun.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes that can get wet, and bring a hat and sunscreen. The guide will provide a life jacket, which must be worn at all times on the water.

How long does the trip last?
The total duration is about 4.5 hours, including transfers and lunch. On the water, you’ll spend approximately 3.5 hours paddling and floating.

Can I choose between raft and kayak?
Yes, you can opt for either paddle rafts or inflatable kayaks, depending on your preference and the weather conditions.

Is food included?
Absolutely. The tour features a hot BBQ lunch with sides, drinks, and a soft cookie—all part of the package.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation from your hotel is not included, so plan to meet inside the Moab Adventure Center.

Final Thoughts

This Moab Colorado River rafting trip offers a well-rounded experience: scenic beauty, gentle rapids, and a tasty lunch all packed into a manageable half-day. It’s a smart choice for travelers seeking relaxation combined with just enough adventure to keep things exciting. The guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making it a safe and approachable outing for most.

If you’re after a casual river adventure with scenic views and good food, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially fitting if you want a balanced, family-friendly activity that leaves plenty of time to explore other parts of Moab afterward.

For those looking for a lively, adrenaline-filled whitewater thrill, this might not meet expectations, but for a relaxed, picturesque float with some splashes, it hits the mark. All in all, a memorable way to enjoy the Colorado River without overdoing it.

You can check availability for your dates here: