Run the Colorado: A Full-Day Whitewater Circuit from Moab with a Hot Lunch

MOAB RAFTING FIELD GUIDE

Run the Colorado: A Full-Day Whitewater Circuit from Moab with a Hot Lunch

A full-day Colorado River rafting trip that navigates famous rapids, includes swimming time and a choice of Beach or Upgraded Hot Lunch — this guide distills the route, timing, and who it suits.

Run the Colorado: A Full-Day Whitewater Circuit from Moab with a Hot Lunch.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Moab
Operator
Canyonlands by Night and Day
Category
Rafting
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set out from Moab for a full-day Colorado River whitewater run that threads 14 river miles of canyon corridor, drops you through named rapids including Onion Creek and the iconic White’s Rapid, and pauses for a beach lunch and swims along the way.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE RAPIDS

White’s Rapid, Onion Creek and Other Classic Drops

The route includes several named rapids—Onion Creek, Cloudburst, Ida Gulch—and culminates in the famous White’s Rapid, offering the adrenaline moments that define this full-day run.

THE RIVER

Fourteen Miles of Canyon Corridor

The full-day trip covers roughly 14 river miles as you travel up the Colorado River corridor, alternating quick whitewater sections with calmer stretches and scenic beach stops.

THE MEAL

Beach Lunch or an Upgraded Hot Lunch

The excursion includes a lunch option, with the operator offering a Beach Lunch or an Upgraded Hot Lunch (Upgraded Hot Lunch rates: Adult 16+ $143; Youth 5–15 $117).

What the day feels like

What the Day Feels Like

A morning drive up the river corridor delivers you to the put-in for a day that alternates runnable rapids—including White’s Rapid—with stretches for swimming and a beach lunch; expect a full day on the water with lively on-raft moments and relaxed shoreline breaks.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits — and who should reconsider.

1
Active FamiliesDescribed as ideal for families, the trip accommodates youth ages 5–15 alongside adult participants, making it well suited for mixed-age family groups.
2
Groups & PartiesThe full-day format, beach lunch and post-lunch play on White’s Rapid make this a strong trip for groups and celebrations seeking shared adventure.
3
First-Time RaftersFirst-time rafters looking for a day of varied whitewater and supervised swims will find an appropriate mix of excitement and accessible river-running.
4
Families with Older KidsFamilies with children aged 5 and up are explicitly accommodated; youth pricing applies for ages 5–15 while adults are 16 and older.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The full-day trip covers about 14 river miles; departures occur between approximately 8:15 A.M. and 9:00 A.M., with a return to the departure point around 4:00–4:30 P.M.

Lunch Options & Rates

Choose between a Beach Lunch or the Upgraded Hot Lunch; Upgraded Hot Lunch rates are listed at Adult (16 and older) $143 and Youth (ages 5–15) $117.

Meeting Point & Operator

The trip meets in Moab, Utah, and is run by the local operator offering this Colorado River full-day rafting experience.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip?

This is a full-day trip that covers approximately 14 river miles and generally departs between 8:15–9:00 A.M., returning around 4:00–4:30 P.M.

Where do we meet?

The meeting location for the tour is Moab, Utah.

What are the age categories and pricing for the upgraded hot lunch?

Upgraded Hot Lunch rates are Adult (16 and older) $143 and Youth (ages 5–15) $117.

Which rapids will we run?

The trip runs named rapids including Onion Creek, Cloudburst, Ida Gulch and the well-known White’s Rapid.

Is there time to swim and does the trip include a lunch stop?

Yes — the itinerary includes time to relax and swim and features a beach lunch stop, with an option to upgrade to a hot lunch.

Who operates this trip?

The trip is operated by Canyonlands by Night and Day out of Moab, Utah.