Who is the Westwater Canyon rafting trip best suited for?

Westwater Canyon is designed for adventurous guests who are comfortable in moving water and ready for bigger rapids. The minimum age is 12, and participants should have a moderate fitness level to paddle and re-enter the raft if needed. This trip is more intense than our Colorado River family floats, making it ideal for thrill-seekers, teens, and adults looking for Class III–IV whitewater.

What kind of rapids will I encounter on the Westwater trip?

You’ll raft through a series of legendary Class III–IV rapids including Skull, Funnel Falls, Sock-It-To-Me, and Surprise. These rapids feature fast-moving drops, large waves, and technical maneuvers. The rapids in Westwater Canyon occur in a short, narrow section of the canyon that you’ll encounter after lunch. Calmer stretches at the beginning and end of the canyon balance the day, but the core afternoon section of this trip is exciting, continuous whitewater action.

How long is the Westwater Canyon rafting adventure?

This is a full-day adventure lasting about 10 hours including shuttles to and from the river. The drive to the BLM Westwater put in from Moab is approximately 90 minutes. The return from the takeout to Moab is about 60 minutes. With some time for orientation at the launch ramp and time for getting the boats out of the water at the end, the actual time on the river will be closer to 6-8 hours and will fluctuate based on water levels and speed of the water. Trips depart Moab Adventure Center at 7:30 AM and return in the late afternoon to early evening. On the water, you’ll cover 17 miles of the Colorado River, with time for both thrilling rapids and a riverside picnic lunch.

What’s included with the Westwater rafting trip?

The trip includes professional guides, all rafting equipment (rafts, paddles, helmets, and Coast Guard–approved life jackets), a picnic-style riverside lunch, and round-trip transportation from Moab Adventure Center to the Westwater launch site. Just bring your personal items such as sun protection, water shoes, and quick-dry clothing.

Do I need previous rafting experience to join Westwater Canyon?

No prior rafting experience is required, but guests should be prepared for Class III–IV rapids, which are more demanding than the family sections of the Colorado River. Guides provide a full safety orientation, and helmets are required. Guests should feel comfortable in water and able to follow paddling instructions in turbulent conditions.

Will I have to paddle the whole time?

It depends on water levels and the type of raft you’re in. During higher flows, Westwater trips typically use oar-powered rafts, where your guide rows from the center to handle the stronger current. In more moderate water levels, paddle rafts are used, with the guide positioned at the back to steer and assist while guests paddle as a team through the calm water sections and rapids. Either way, your guide will let you know what to expect, and you can choose how active you’d like to be when booking, depending on availability.

Can I swim during the Westwater Canyon trip?

Because this trip features strong currents and technical rapids, swimming is limited and always at your guide’s discretion. Calmer stretches of the river in the morning and later afternoon may allow a dip, particularly after the whitewater section of the canyon, but guests should be prepared for cold water and prioritize safety at all times.

When does the Westwater Canyon rafting trip run?

This trip typically operates from May through September. Spring and early summer often bring higher, faster water, which can make the rapids even more intense. Later in the summer, the water is usually lower but still delivers powerful Class III–IV rapids. Limited permits and departures mean spots fill quickly in all seasons. If early season water levels are deemed unsuitable for rafting, we may cancel trips and provide alternative options.

What should I wear and bring for the Westwater Canyon trip?

Wear a swimsuit or quick-dry clothing, secure footwear that can get wet (water shoes or sandals with straps—no flip-flops), and sun protection (hat, sunglasses with strap, sunscreen). Bring a small daypack with personal items for the bus ride. You may leave these items on the bus during your rafting trip. For earlier spring trips or cooler forecasts, you may want to leave a jacket or some dry clothes on the bus to be comfortable on your drive home.

How far in advance should I book Westwater Canyon rafting?

Westwater Canyon is one of the most sought-after rafting adventures in Moab, and permits are limited. Trips often sell out weeks in advance, especially in peak summer. Booking early is the best way to secure your spot on this legendary whitewater run.

Tackle Class III–IV rapids like Skull, Funnel Flls, and Sock-It-To-Me.
Raft through black granite walls and towering red rock cliffs.
Watch for bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and other canyon wildlife.
A thrilling full-day adventure just a short drive from Moab.

Westwater Canyon Full-Day Rafting Adventure

★★★★★ 4.9 Out of 2,463 Reviews

Named “The West’s Best Short Whitewater Trip” by National Geographic, Westwater Canyon is where the calm beauty of the Colorado River meets the thrill of its legendary rapids. The day begins on quiet waters framed by red cliffs and streaks of black rock. As you drift downstream, your guides share stories of the canyon’s wild geology and history before stopping for a picnic lunch on a sandy beach beneath towering stone walls.

After lunch, the tempo changes. The river tightens, the walls rise, and the current begins to hum with energy. Soon you’re gliding into waves that crash and curl, the cool spray on your face as Funnel Falls, Skull Rapid, and Sock-it-to-Me deliver the perfect mix of power and fun. Between rapids, the canyon echoes with the sound of the river and the laughter of your crew, surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in the West.

Rafts float on a calm section of Westwater Canyon with tall cliffs in the background.

Westwater Canyon Rafting Tour Details

EPIC WHITEWATER

Charge through Westwater Canyon’s legendary Class III–IV rapids with fast, technical drops wrapped in towering black granite walls.

ICONIC LANDMARK ACCESS

Journey into a hidden stretch of the Colorado River, where black granite walls and red sandstone towers frame every rapid.

PERFECTLY PACED ADVENTURE

Smooth water and splashy rapids build toward an action-packed finale - an ideal blend of calm, thrill, and discovery.

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

We handle the rafts, gear, shuttles, and riverside lunch so you focus on paddling hard, laughing loud, and soaking in the canyon.

EXPERT LOCAL GUIDES

Seasoned river guides navigate Westwater’s surging drops while sharing stories, geology, and humor that make the canyon come alive.

HASSLE-FREE LOGISITICS

Launch from Moab with everything arranged; we get you to the river and back so the day flows seamlessly start to finish.

"Westwater Canyon – Moab Utah"

★★★★★
Our Westwater Canyon rafting guides were skilled, funny, and full of great stories. Between the rapids, waterfall, and scenery, it was unforgettable—we’d definitely return and recommend Moab Adventure Center.

Shannon - Detroit, MI

"White Water Rafting Moab"

★★★★★
Amy was an incredible guide on our Westwater full-day rafting trip—calm, confident, funny, and so knowledgeable. It was the time of my life, like riding nature’s waterslide! I’ve been recommending Moab Adventure Center to everyone.

Karina - Orland, FL

"Fun Rafting in Moab"

★★★★★
Our Westwater Canyon guides—Jess, Luc, Meghan, and James—were outstanding: friendly, skilled, and fun. Even those in our group nervous about big rapids ended the day grinning ear to ear!

Jill - Toledo, OH

4.9 ★★★★★

852+ REVIEWS

4.9 ★★★★★

2K+ REVIEWS

5.0 ★★★★★

2K+ REVIEWS

4.7 ★★★★★

345+ REVIEWS

Westwater Canyon Rafting Trip Reviews

Your Raft on the Colorado River

Most of the season, Westwater Canyon is run in paddle rafts, where guests grab a paddle and work together as a team while a guide steers from the back. These smaller rafts put you right in the middle of the action, making every Class III–IV rapid a splashy, adrenaline-filled thrill.

At higher water levels, trips may switch to oar boats, where your guide does all the rowing. These rafts offer added stability and control in big flows, giving you a front-row seat to the power of Westwater’s famous drops while your guide handles the maneuvers.

Who is the Westwater Canyon rafting trip best suited for?
Westwater Canyon is designed for adventurous guests who are comfortable in moving water and ready for bigger rapids. The minimum age is 12, and participants should have a moderate fitness level to paddle and re-enter the raft if needed. This trip is more intense than our Colorado River family floats, making it ideal for thrill-seekers, teens, and adults looking for Class III–IV whitewater.
What kind of rapids will I encounter on the Westwater trip?
You’ll raft through a series of legendary Class III–IV rapids including Skull, Funnel Falls, Sock-It-To-Me, and Surprise. These rapids feature fast-moving drops, large waves, and technical maneuvers. The rapids in Westwater Canyon occur in a short, narrow section of the canyon that you’ll encounter after lunch. Calmer stretches at the beginning and end of the canyon balance the day, but the core afternoon section of this trip is exciting, continuous whitewater action.
How long is the Westwater Canyon rafting adventure?
This is a full-day adventure lasting about 10 hours including shuttles to and from the river. The drive to the BLM Westwater put in from Moab is approximately 90 minutes. The return from the takeout to Moab is about 60 minutes. With some time for orientation at the launch ramp and time for getting the boats out of the water at the end, the actual time on the river will be closer to 6-8 hours and will fluctuate based on water levels and speed of the water. Trips depart Moab Adventure Center at 7:30 AM and return in the late afternoon to early evening. On the water, you’ll cover 17 miles of the Colorado River, with time for both thrilling rapids and a riverside picnic lunch.
What’s included with the Westwater rafting trip?
The trip includes professional guides, all rafting equipment (rafts, paddles, helmets, and Coast Guard–approved life jackets), a picnic-style riverside lunch, and round-trip transportation from Moab Adventure Center to the Westwater launch site. Just bring your personal items such as sun protection, water shoes, and quick-dry clothing.
Do I need previous rafting experience to join Westwater Canyon?
No prior rafting experience is required, but guests should be prepared for Class III–IV rapids, which are more demanding than the family sections of the Colorado River. Guides provide a full safety orientation, and helmets are required. Guests should feel comfortable in water and able to follow paddling instructions in turbulent conditions.
Will I have to paddle the whole time?
It depends on water levels and the type of raft you’re in. During higher flows, Westwater trips typically use oar-powered rafts, where your guide rows from the center to handle the stronger current. In more moderate water levels, paddle rafts are used, with the guide positioned at the back to steer and assist while guests paddle as a team through the calm water sections and rapids. Either way, your guide will let you know what to expect, and you can choose how active you’d like to be when booking, depending on availability.
Can I swim during the Westwater Canyon trip?
Because this trip features strong currents and technical rapids, swimming is limited and always at your guide’s discretion. Calmer stretches of the river in the morning and later afternoon may allow a dip, particularly after the whitewater section of the canyon, but guests should be prepared for cold water and prioritize safety at all times.
When does the Westwater Canyon rafting trip run?
This trip typically operates from May through September. Spring and early summer often bring higher, faster water, which can make the rapids even more intense. Later in the summer, the water is usually lower but still delivers powerful Class III–IV rapids. Limited permits and departures mean spots fill quickly in all seasons. If early season water levels are deemed unsuitable for rafting, we may cancel trips and provide alternative options.
What should I wear and bring for the Westwater Canyon trip?
Wear a swimsuit or quick-dry clothing, secure footwear that can get wet (water shoes or sandals with straps—no flip-flops), and sun protection (hat, sunglasses with strap, sunscreen). Bring a small daypack with personal items for the bus ride. You may leave these items on the bus during your rafting trip. For earlier spring trips or cooler forecasts, you may want to leave a jacket or some dry clothes on the bus to be comfortable on your drive home.
How far in advance should I book Westwater Canyon rafting?
Westwater Canyon is one of the most sought-after rafting adventures in Moab, and permits are limited. Trips often sell out weeks in advance, especially in peak summer. Booking early is the best way to secure your spot on this legendary whitewater run.

2-Day Cataract Canyon & Canyonlands National Park

An epic, fast-paced, 2-day journey through Canyonlands National Park with roaring rapids, deep wilderness & star-filled nights on the Colorado River.

Duration: 2 Days
Departures: M, W, F
Season: May - Jul

4-Day "Southwest Sampler" Moab Vacation Package

Experience Moab’s best with one epic family-friendly package: two nights in town, a Hummer Safari, Arches National Park tour, plus two days of rafting and a night of riverside camping under the stars.

Duration: 4 Days, 3 Nights
Departures: Weekly
Season: May-Sept

TOURS & ADVENTURES

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Highlights

Westwater Canyon Full-Day Rafting Adventure

What’s Included

What’s Not Included

Westwater Canyon Rafting: ‘The West’s Best Short Whitewater Trip’ with Thrilling Rapids and Stunning Canyon Walls

Westwater Canyon Rafting Tour Details

EPIC WHITEWATER

ICONIC LANDMARK ACCESS

PERFECTLY PACED ADVENTURE

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

EXPERT LOCAL GUIDES

HASSLE-FREE LOGISITICS

"Westwater Canyon – Moab Utah"

"White Water Rafting Moab"

"Fun Rafting in Moab"

4.9 ★★★★★

4.9 ★★★★★

5.0 ★★★★★

4.7 ★★★★★

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Westwater Canyon rafting trip best suited for?

What kind of rapids will I encounter on the Westwater trip?

How long is the Westwater Canyon rafting adventure?

What’s included with the Westwater rafting trip?

Do I need previous rafting experience to join Westwater Canyon?

Will I have to paddle the whole time?

Can I swim during the Westwater Canyon trip?

When does the Westwater Canyon rafting trip run?

What should I wear and bring for the Westwater Canyon trip?

How far in advance should I book Westwater Canyon rafting?

Make the Most of Moab

Westwater Canyon Full-Day Rafting Adventure