Paddleboarding in Moab: The Ultimate Desert Water Experience

Stand up paddleboarding in Moab is one of those adventures that stays with you. Once you find your balance on the board and start gliding between red sandstone cliffs, the desert feels completely different. The air is still, the water reflects the canyon walls, and every stroke of your paddle brings you deeper into the calm.

This article will help you plan your perfect paddleboarding adventure in Moab. You will learn where to go, what to bring, when to visit, and how to make the most of your time on the Colorado River.

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Paddleboarding in Moab: Quick Facts

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Paddleboarding the Colorado River in Moab 

Moab is famous for canyons, cliffs, and mountain trails, but there is something unforgettable about seeing it all from the water. Paddleboarding slows everything down. The desert opens up in silence and color, with sandstone walls towering above you and sunlight dancing on the current.

The Colorado River through Moab moves gently and predictably for most of the year. Instead of rushing rapids, you get long, glassy stretches perfect for standing and drifting. You can watch blue herons glide by, listen to the wind between the cliffs, and feel the warmth of the sun reflecting off the water.

Key Takeaway: Paddleboarding in Moab combines the peace of a quiet float with the grandeur of canyon country.

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The Best Places to Paddleboard in Moab

Moab has several excellent paddleboarding routes that vary in scenery and distance. Each offers its own version of desert beauty. Rent a board for a week and see them all.

1. The Moab Daily (Hittle Bottom to Takeout Beach)

• Distance: 13 miles

• Time: 3 to 5 hours

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Launch Point: Hittle Bottom Recreation Area

• Take Out: Takeout Beach, 6 miles west of Moab

The Moab Daily is the most popular stretch for paddleboarders. It offers stunning canyon walls, sandy beaches, and views of the Fisher Towers rising from the desert. The river moves steadily with a few mild ripples that add fun without risk.

Getting There: Drive northeast on Highway 128 from Moab for about 23 miles to reach Hittle Bottom. The takeout point is 6 miles west of town along the same road. Shuttle services can transport you and your board back to town.

Key Takeaway: The Moab Daily is the classic desert paddleboarding route that every visitor should experience.

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2. The Put In to Moab Bridge

• Distance: 9 miles

• Time: About 1 hour

• Difficulty: Easy

• Best Time: Early morning or sunset

This section of the river begins just outside town and flows beneath the cliffs of Arches National Park. It is close to everything, beginner friendly, and ideal for an evening paddle after a day of exploring.

As the sun sets, the cliffs turn golden and the reflections glow on the water. Locals love this section for a quick paddle that still feels remote.

Key Takeaway: The Put in to Moab Bridge route is perfect for first timers or anyone short on time.

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3. Ken’s Lake

• Distance: Varies (flatwater)

• Time: As long as you like

• Difficulty: Very easy

Ken’s Lake sits about 10 miles south of Moab and provides a calm, current free place to practice your skills. The lake reflects the La Sal Mountains and is a favorite for families, beginners, and yoga paddleboarders.

Key Takeaway: Ken’s Lake offers calm water and mountain views just minutes from town.

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What to Expect on the Water

Once you push off from shore, everything slows down. The sound of town fades behind you, replaced by the gentle rhythm of your paddle dipping into the water. The Colorado River through Moab moves at an easy pace, wide and calm, winding through cliffs that glow in the shifting desert light.

Early mornings are pure magic. The sun rises over the La Sal Mountains and turns the canyon walls gold. You’ll feel the cool air coming off the river, and by midday the warmth of the sandstone settles in. The water is smooth enough to reflect the sky, and when the breeze drifts across it, the reflections ripple like brushed glass.

Wildlife is part of the experience. Great blue herons often glide just above the water, and swallows swoop in and out of the cliffs. You might spot bighorn sheep on the slopes or an osprey fishing from a cottonwood perch. Every bend of the river brings a new stretch of quiet beauty.

Most days on the river follow a relaxed rhythm:

1. Morning: Meet your outfitter, load up, and head to the launch site.

2. Late Morning: Paddle a few miles, stop at a sandbar for a swim or snack.

3. Afternoon: Drift with the current, take photos, and enjoy the calm.

4. Evening: Reach the takeout as the cliffs turn orange in the setting sun.

The water here is beginner friendly, but the desert can still surprise you. Wind can rise suddenly, and the heat builds fast. Plan to be off the river before midafternoon when gusts are most common.

Pro Tip: Bring a small towel or lightweight shirt you can dip in the river to stay cool. It makes long paddles far more comfortable under the desert sun.

Key Takeaway: Expect calm water, endless views, and the kind of silence that only the desert can offer. Each stroke feels less like exercise and more like meditation in motion.

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When to Go Paddleboarding in Moab

Timing makes all the difference on the river. The Colorado flows year round, but the seasons shape the experience in completely different ways. Each brings its own light, temperature, and rhythm, so it helps to know what to expect before you plan your trip.

Spring (March through May)

Spring is one of the best times to paddleboard in Moab. The air is warm but not hot, and the flow from melting mountain snow gives the river a steady pace. The desert blooms with color, and mornings are crisp and clear. Bring a light wetsuit top early in the season, as the water can still feel cold, but most days are comfortable for paddling.

Summer (June through August)

Summer brings long, bright days and high heat. The river is your escape from it. Plan to start early in the morning or wait until sunset when the air cools and the cliffs glow deep red. Take plenty of water and wear clothing that protects you from the sun. Afternoon winds are common, so avoid starting your trip too late in the day.

Fall (September through October)

Fall might be the perfect time to paddleboard in Moab. The water stays warm, the days are mild, and the cottonwoods along the river turn gold. Crowds fade as temperatures drop, and you can often have long stretches of the Colorado all to yourself. The sunsets during this season are especially vivid, with soft light reflecting off the canyon walls.

Winter (November through February)

Winter paddling is quiet and beautiful, but it requires preparation. You’ll need a full wetsuit or drysuit, and most outfitters close for the season. On calm days the river mirrors the cliffs perfectly, and the stillness is absolute. It’s a good choice for experienced paddlers looking for solitude.

Key Takeaway: Spring and fall offer the best combination of warm weather, clear skies, and comfortable water. If you want to feel the desert at its most peaceful, aim for those shoulder seasons when the river belongs to the quiet and the light.

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What to Bring and How to Prepare

The desert looks simple, but it demands respect. Once you are out on the river, you are surrounded by cliffs, sun, and sand with few places to find shade or fresh water. Packing well turns a good day on the water into a great one.

Essential Gear

• Paddleboard: Inflatable boards are easiest to transport, but any sturdy SUP works.

• Paddle and Leash: Always secure your paddle so it does not drift away if you fall in.

• Life Jacket: Required by law and essential for safety, even in calm water.

• Drybag: Keep valuables, snacks, and an extra layer inside.

• Water Shoes or Sandals: Choose a pair that stays on your feet and handles both water and rock.

• Water: Bring at least two liters per person, more in the summer.

• Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and reef safe sunscreen are musts.

• Clothing: Lightweight long sleeves keep the sun off and dry quickly.

• Snacks or Lunch: The sandy beaches along the river make perfect picnic stops.

• Camera or GoPro: The reflections and colors are worth capturing.

Optional but Useful

• Small Rope or Anchor: Handy if you want to stop and rest midriver.

• Cooling Towel: Dip it in the river to stay comfortable in the heat.

• Map or GPS App: Cell service can be unreliable, so download routes in advance.

Safety and Etiquette

The Colorado River is calm, but the desert changes fast. A few precautions make every trip safer and more enjoyable.

• Always wear your life jacket, no matter how confident you feel.

• Avoid paddling during high winds or approaching storms.

• Carry more water than you think you will need.

• Be gentle with the riverbank and avoid stepping on fragile vegetation.

• Leave no trace—everything you bring in should leave with you.

Key Takeaway: Treat the river as both adventure and wilderness. Preparation, awareness, and care for the landscape make every paddleboarding trip smoother and more rewarding.

Guided Tours or Paddling Solo

You do not need to be an expert to paddleboard in Moab, but having the right support can make your first trip far more enjoyable. Guided tours take care of transportation, safety, and logistics so you can focus on soaking in the scenery.

Guided Paddleboarding Tours

Local guides know the river better than anyone. They understand how the current shifts through the seasons, where to find quiet eddies, and the best beaches for resting or swimming. They also provide all the gear you need, including boards, paddles, life jackets, and drybags.

Recommended Outfitters:

• Wild West Voyages: Known for its small group river trips and relaxed atmosphere, Wild West Voyages offers half day and full day paddleboard tours with local guides who share stories about the area’s geology and history.

• Paddle Moab: One of the most experienced companies in town, Paddle Moab specializes in stand up paddleboarding and runs daily trips for beginners and families. They also rent boards and provide shuttles if you prefer to go on your own.

• Mild to Wild: A trusted outfitter for both rafting and paddleboarding, Mild to Wild focuses on safety, comfort, and fun. Their guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and great with first time paddlers.

Booking with a guide is especially helpful if you are new to paddleboarding, visiting in summer heat, or simply want a stress free day on the water.

Going Solo

If you already have experience, renting a board and exploring on your own is a great option. Outfitters in town can set you up with gear, drybags, and shuttle service to and from the river. Always check the daily flow rate, weather forecast, and wind conditions before you launch.

Bring a friend or two if you can—paddling with others makes for easier logistics and shared memories.

Key Takeaway: Whether you book a guided tour or set out on your own, the Colorado River offers a welcoming and peaceful way to explore Moab. Let the current lead you through red cliffs and quiet water, and you will understand why locals never tire of this stretch of river.

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Staying Safe and Protecting the River

Moab’s rivers are gentle, but they are still wild. The Colorado winds through a fragile landscape that depends on everyone who visits to treat it with care. Staying safe means being prepared, paying attention, and respecting the desert itself.

Safety First

• Drink water often. The dry desert air pulls moisture from you faster than you realize.

• Check the forecast before launching. Wind, lightning, and flash floods can appear suddenly.

• Always wear a life jacket, even in calm water. It is the simplest way to stay safe.

• Stay aware of your surroundings. Afternoon gusts can push you upstream, so plan to finish early.

• Bring a basic first aid kit. Minor scrapes happen often in sandy, rocky terrain.

Protecting the River

• Pack out every bit of trash, including food waste and fruit peels.

• Avoid stepping on vegetation or creating new paths along the shore.

• Keep a respectful distance from wildlife. Herons, otters, and beavers all share this space.

• Use biodegradable soap and keep it away from the water.

• Support local outfitters who follow Leave No Trace practices.

Every small act of care helps protect the desert ecosystem for the next traveler.

Key Takeaway: The Colorado River is both playground and sanctuary. Treat it like both, and your time here will leave no mark except good memories.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is paddleboarding in Moab good for beginners?
Yes. Most sections of the Colorado River around Moab are calm, wide, and easy to navigate. The Moab Daily stretch is ideal for first time paddlers and families.

Do I need a permit?
Day trips do not require permits. If you plan to camp along the river overnight, contact the Bureau of Land Management office in Moab for a simple backcountry permit.

Can I rent paddleboards in Moab?
Yes. Local companies such as Paddle Moab, Wild West Voyages, and Mild to Wild rent high quality boards, paddles, and safety gear. Many also offer shuttle service so you can focus on the river instead of driving logistics.

When is the best time of day to go?
Mornings and evenings are best. The air is cooler, the light is softer, and the water is calmer before the wind picks up in the afternoon.

Are there rapids?
Only small ones. The Moab Daily section includes gentle riffles and waves that add a bit of excitement but stay safe for beginners.

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Combine Paddleboarding with Other Moab Adventures

One of the best things about paddleboarding in Moab is how easily it fits into a full day of exploring. You can paddle in the morning, hike in the afternoon, and enjoy dinner under the stars.

Here is a perfect day that locals often recommend:

• Morning: Paddle the Moab Daily on the Colorado River with an outfitter such as Paddle Moab or Wild West Voyages.

• Afternoon: Stretch your legs on a hike to Corona Arch or Grandstaff Canyon, both featured on HikingMoab.com.

• Evening: Celebrate with a meal at 98 Center or Spitfire Smokehouse, highlighted on EatingMoab.com.

• Next Day: Explore deeper canyons or join a rafting trip through RaftingMoab.com for a full day on whitewater.

Key Takeaway: Paddleboarding offers the calm between adventures. It balances the rush of mountain biking and canyoneering with the quiet rhythm of the river.

The River That Stays With You

Paddleboarding in Moab gives you something few adventures do—quiet moments surrounded by vast beauty. The water moves slowly, the cliffs rise high, and the desert light seems to change by the minute. Whether you come for an hour or a full day, the Colorado River shows you a softer side of Moab that lingers long after the trip ends. Once you have drifted through those red rock canyons, you will understand why locals keep coming back to the river again and again.