The Moab Daily: Rafting the Colorado River near Moab
Thirteen miles of splashy rapids, calm swimming holes, and some of the most photographed red rock scenery on Earth — Fisher Towers, Castle Valley, and thousand foot cliffs the whole way down. This is the trip most Moab visitors book, and this guide covers every mile of it.
What is the Moab Daily?
The Moab Daily — locals just say "the Daily" — is the stretch of the Colorado River that runs alongside Scenic Byway 128 northeast of town, through the wide red rock amphitheater of Professor Valley. Rafts put in upstream near Onion Creek or Hittle Bottom and float back toward Moab, passing directly beneath Fisher Towers and the mesas of Castle Valley.
It earned its name because outfitters run it every single day of the season. The reason is simple: no other beginner friendly rafting run in the Southwest packs this much scenery and this many fun, forgiving rapids into a half day. The whitewater is real — you will get splashed, you will paddle, and the boat will buck — but the rapids are Class I–III with calm pools between them, which is why kids as young as 4 or 5 can ride along.
If you've seen a classic western or a car commercial filmed in canyon country, you've probably already seen this valley. Directors have been shooting along this stretch of river since the John Ford era, and the view from the raft is the same one they kept coming back for.
Local TipThe drive to the put in is an attraction in itself. Highway 128 hugs the river the entire way, so grab a window seat on the shuttle — you'll scout every rapid you're about to run from the road.
The Moab Daily, mile by mile
Here's how a full run of the Daily unfolds from the upstream put in to the takeout near town. Half day trips run the heart of this same stretch — you still get the signature rapids, just with a later put in. Rapid difficulty shifts with water level, so treat the classes below as the typical range.
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PUTIN
Onion Creek / Hittle Bottom Calm
Boats launch from a sandy beach with Fisher Towers rising directly across the valley. Guides run the safety talk, assign paddle positions, and ease the crew in on gentle current while everyone finds their rhythm.
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MI1–2
Onion Creek Rapid Class II
The warm up. A friendly wave train that gets the first screams out of the kids and teaches everyone what "forward paddle" actually means. At spring flows it kicks up enough to soak the front row.
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MI3–5
Professor Valley float Calm
Long, glassy water through the widest part of the valley. This is the postcard stretch — Fisher Towers behind you, Castleton Tower and the Priest and Nuns formations on the skyline, and cliffs banding from rust to crimson. Guides usually let swimmers hop in here.
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MI6
Rocky Rapid Class II–III
The most famous rapid on the Daily and usually its biggest hit. A boulder studded channel funnels the river into a punchy series of waves — at high water this is a genuine Class III soaking, and it's the moment every GoPro on the boat is waiting for.
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MI8
White's Rapid Class II–III
A second dose of real whitewater below the historic White Ranch area. Waves stack up along the cliff wall and the raft rides a rollercoaster line through them. In spring, Rocky and White's together are worth the price of admission.
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MI10
Big Bend Rapid Class II
The river sweeps a huge horseshoe turn past the Big Bend recreation area and fires off one last splashy wave train. Rock climbers are often working the boulders on river left — give them a wave.
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TAKEOUT
Takeout near Moab Calm
A final relaxed drift with the portal cliffs of the Moab valley coming into view, then boats land at a beach a few minutes from town. Half day morning trips typically have you back by lunch.
Ways to run the Moab Daily
Every trip below runs the stretch you just read about, with licensed guides, all safety gear, and free cancellation on most dates. Morning departures are the local favorite in summer — calmer wind, cooler temps, and the whole afternoon left for Arches.
Morning Half Day Rafting Trip
The classic. Launch in the cool of the morning, hit Rocky and White's while the light is still gold on the cliffs, and be back in Moab by early afternoon.
- Length: About 4 hours
- Best for: First timers, tight itineraries
- Season: April–October
Family Friendly Colorado River Float
A half day built around younger crews — the same iconic scenery with splash levels the little ones can handle and plenty of swim stops on the calm stretches.
- Length: Half day
- Best for: Families with kids 4 and up
- Season: April–October
River + Canyonlands 4x4 Combo
Raft the Daily, then trade the paddle for a seat in a guided 4x4 rig headed into Canyonlands. Two signature Moab adventures in a single unforgettable day.
- Length: Full day
- Best for: Short trips, big ambitions
- Season: Spring through fall
Want bigger whitewater or a multi day expedition? Compare the Daily against Westwater and Cataract Canyon on our Moab whitewater rafting guide, or browse every Moab river trip.
Best time to raft the Moab Daily
The Daily changes personality with the water. Rocky Mountain snowmelt swells the Colorado from late spring into early summer, then the river settles into a warm, friendly flow for the rest of the season. There's no bad month — just different trips.
| Month | Water Character | Rapids | Who It Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | Cool water rising, quiet river | Class II, building | Shoulder season travelers; wetsuits provided |
| May | Snowmelt arriving, biggest waves late month | Class II–III | Splash seekers, teens, adventurous families |
| June | Peak flows early, warming fast | Class III at peak | The best mix of big water and warm days |
| July–August | Warm, playful, swim friendly | Class I–II+ | Families with young kids; book mornings to beat heat and wind |
| September | Mellow and golden | Class I–II | Couples, photographers, crowd avoiders |
| October | Low, calm, crisp mornings | Class I | Scenic floats and fall color along the river |
Planning your whole trip around the calendar? Our month by month Moab guides cover weather, crowds, and conditions for every activity in the valley.
Local TipAfternoon winds blow upstream through Professor Valley in summer, which slows the boat and blows the splash right back at you. Morning trips ride calmer water and cooler air — it's the single easiest upgrade you can make to your river day.
Logistics, ages, and what to bring
How the day works
Trips check in at outfitter shops in downtown Moab, then shuttle 20–30 minutes up Highway 128 to the put in. Guides handle the boats, safety briefing, and all river gear; full day trips include a riverside lunch. After the takeout, the shuttle drops you back in town — half day trips run about four hours door to door.
Age minimums
Most outfitters welcome kids from age 4 or 5 on the Daily, but minimums can rise to 8 or older during peak spring runoff when the water is pushier and colder. If you're traveling with small children in May or early June, confirm the current minimum when you book — it's set for their safety, not convenience.
What to bring
Quick dry clothes and a swimsuit, secure water shoes or strapped sandals (no flip flops), sunglasses with a retainer, a hat, reef safe sunscreen, and at least 2 liters of water per person. In April, May, and October, pack a warm layer — outfitters provide wetsuits when the water runs cold. Life jackets are provided and required on every trip.
Moab Daily rafting FAQ
How hard are the rapids on the Moab Daily?
The Moab Daily is rated Class I–III depending on water level. Named rapids like Onion Creek, Rocky, White's, and Big Bend deliver splashy, exciting whitewater, but calm pools separate them, and professional guides steer every boat. No experience is required.
Is the Moab Daily good for young kids?
Yes — it's the most family friendly rafting run in Moab. Most outfitters welcome kids from age 4 or 5, though minimums may rise to around 8 during peak spring runoff. Summer trips with warm water and gentler rapids are ideal for young families.
How long is a Moab Daily rafting trip?
Half day trips run about 4 hours including the shuttle, covering the heart of the run. Full day trips cover more river, add a riverside lunch, and take most of the day.
What will I see from the raft?
The Daily floats through Professor Valley beneath Fisher Towers, with views of Castleton Tower, the Priest and Nuns formations, and thousand foot red rock cliffs along the entire run — a landscape featured in countless classic westerns and commercials.
When is the best time to raft the Moab Daily?
Late May and June bring the biggest rapids from snowmelt. July and August offer warm, swim friendly water perfect for families. September and October are quiet, scenic, and golden. Morning trips are best in summer to avoid afternoon wind and heat.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Swimming ability is helpful but not required on guided trips. Everyone wears a Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times, and guides brief every crew on what to do in the unlikely event someone goes for an unplanned swim.
Can I raft the Moab Daily without a guide?
Yes — the Daily is a popular do-it-yourself run for experienced private boaters with their own equipment. For visitors, a guided trip is far simpler: outfitters supply the boats, gear, shuttles, and river knowledge, so you just show up and paddle.
Rocky Rapid is waiting.
Four hours from now you could be soaked, laughing, and staring up at Fisher Towers from the middle of the Colorado River. Morning seats go first in summer — grab yours while your dates are open.
Book Your Moab Daily Trip