Flat Water Day Canoe Trip on the Colorado River
~A serene, calm water paddle~
As the Colorado River leaves the wide canyons to re-enter his steep-walled sandstone gorge, he slows to a peaceful pace and becomes a gentle float through breathtaking red rock canyons. This section allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of town and experience an intimate paddle on the Colorado. The Matheson Wetlands Preserve lies along the wide river bend just downstream from Moab, where boaters can bird watch as they float past the only major wildlife preserve along the Colorado River in the state of Utah. Blue herons stand patiently and solid, waiting for fish on the sandy banks and soft sandbars of the river. Hawks, ravens, and the occasional osprey circle overhead in the endless blue slice of sky. The area was set aside in 1991, to protect wetland species and to educate visitors about the fragile and diverse ecosystems that are so crucial to southwestern rivers.
Below the put-in at the Moab Boat Ramp, where Highway 191 crosses the Colorado, the river flows through the imposing sandstone cliff line called “The Portal.” The sheer red rock wall that lines the river on the right bank for several miles is known as “Wall Street”, a rock climber’s paradise and an increasingly popular location for the sport. From here, the river wanders back and forth through stunning sheer buff-colored sandstone walls for either 11 miles to Gold Bar Recreation Site, or 17 miles to the Potash Boat Ramp for a full day paddle trip. This section is rich in Anasazi rock art, arches, massive cliffs, and strange eroded landforms. There are even dinosaur tracks in the rocks, reminders of days when the great creatures wandered the sand dunes of a long-vanished desert.
For those who don’t mind an additional two hours, it is 6 more glorious miles to Potash. You will continue around Amasa Back, the large mesa on river left, with the Potash factory on the right. The canyon widens beyond this point, revealing the sheer cliffs below Dead Horse Point State Park. This is really an amazing sight to see! Your take-out will be on river right at the Potash Boat Ramp.
In all, the calm water, extraordinary scenery, and close proximity to Moab make this stretch one of the most desirable flat-water day floats in the area and exclusively offered by Moab Rafting and Canoe Company (although, this has received such rave reviews by our guests that others are now showing interest!).
The desert is a lesson in extremes, depending on the time of year you are traveling. The one predictable element you can rely on in the springtime, is the afternoon up-canyon winds. Water levels fluctuate seasonally. Be aware that during high water, you will have powerful water, currents, and strong eddies, and your travel time can be much faster. When the river is low, sandy beaches make for good rest stops. Boaters can paddle, enjoy a picnic lunch on a sandy beach, and go for a swim in the river during the warm months. Summer thunderstorms can build quickly and usually accompany storm fronts with high winds (galelike). From day & night, temperatures can be extreme. They range from 100+ degrees in the summer, to sub-zero in the winter. Drink plenty of water along the way and put on that sunscreen and lip balm.
We are proud to say that Moab Rafting and Canoe Company is the only outfitter specializing in day trips on this section of Colorado River!
*ALL SINGLE DAY TRIPS WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR 2021 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. *
Self-Guided Flat Water Canoe Trip Summary:
Half Day Trip:
- Class: I, no rapids
- Put-in & meeting location: Moab Boat Ramp
- Take-out: Gold Bar Recreation Site/Campgrounds
- Mileage: 11 miles
- Trip length: Half day approximately 5 hrs. on the water, depending on water flow, less time during high water
OR
Full Day Trip:
- Class: I, no rapids
- Put-in & meeting location: Moab Boat Ramp
- Take-out: Potash Boat Ramp
- Mileage: 17 miles
- Trip length: Full day approximately 7 hrs. on the water, depending on water flow, less time during high water
***At low water, it may be impossible to take-out at Gold Bar Recreation Site for our Half Day Trip, so the put-in would be at Big Bend Campground and the take-out at the Moab Boat Ramp (Bridge). Most of the time, the Potash option is still available and the shorter, Big Bend trip has limited availability. No worries, folks…it’s ALL breathtaking out here!!***
Alternate route during low water, Half Day Trip:
- Class: I, no rapids
- Put-in & meeting location: Big Bend Recreation Site/Campgrounds
- Take-out: Moab Boat Ramp
- Mileage: 9 miles
- Trip length: Half day approximately 3 ½ -4 hrs., depending on water flow
Canoes are the vessels that we use to tour our rivers. WE DO NOT RENT RAFTS, KAYAKS, INFLATABLE KAYAKS, OR STAND UP PADDLEBOARDS.
We reserve the right to alter the river trip due to water flow, or lack thereof, or any other unforeseen circumstances.
Self-Guided Day Flat Water CANOE Trip Includes:
Canoe rental (tandem and/or solo), PFDs (Personal Floatation Devices, a.k.a. life vests), Paddles, Emergency Throwing device, Bail bucket, Whistle, Copy of the River map, AND Shuttle from the take-out back to your vehicle at the put-in (Moab Boat Ramp)
On the morning of your Self-Guided Day Canoe Trip, we will meet you the Moab Boat Ramp (at your pre-arranged reservation time). The access for the Moab Boat Ramp is on the North side of the Colorado River (across the river from town). When you are crossing the Moab Bridge going North heading out of town on Hwy 191, you will make an immediate right as soon as you are at the end of the bridge. It can be confusing and look like there is nowhere to turn, but there is a paved road at the very end of the bridge, so make a right turn and drive down to the boat ramp and park your vehicle.
You will complete some paperwork (Acknowledgement of Risk Form(s), Rental Agreement, etc.) and have a brief river safety and map talk. Then, you will unload your canoe(s), take off and enjoy the scenery, and be picked up at your take-out at the pre-arranged meeting time, where you will load your canoe(s) and then be shuttled back to the Moab Boat Ramp to your vehicle. All times are based on availability and water flows during the season, but we launch ONCE A DAY ONLY in the earlier part of the morning (usually 8 or 8:30am, but you will be given your time at booking), so please book your reservation at least 24 hrs. ahead of time.
NOTE: If you are late by 15 minutes or more, we may not be able to put you out on the trip that day.
*We strongly advise against traveling to and from Moab on the date of your trip, as we have found it difficult for customers traveling to make it to their pre-arranged reservation on time.
What you should wear:
- Shoes that have ankle support and can get wet (Flip-flops do not work so well.)
- Quick dry top and bottom, hat, and long sleeves for sun protection, if desired
- Rain gear (optional, but top & bottom are good gear to always have)
What you need to bring:
- Plenty of drinking water and/or any other beverages for the day and any snacks or lunch you may want to enjoy along the way. (A cooler will fit in the canoe. You may bring your own or rent one from us.)
- Sunscreen, a hat, a wristwatch or time keeping device, a camera (at your own risk), sunglasses with safety strap, insect repellent, lip balm, and you are good to go!
Trip Planners & Considerations:
- In a “normal, non-COVID year,” our River Season is March 1st to October 31st.
- You will have different concerns depending on the time of the season you are traveling. Water levels fluctuate seasonally and from year to year. There is not much shade in the desert so if you have an issue with the sun, this is not the trip for you! You will be on the river…you may get dirty, wet, sandy, and muddy!
- You will have to pay attention to river mileage and your travel speeds. Services are mostly non-existent. With a Self-Guided Trip, it is up to you to know your own abilities.
- April to June (for the most part): In the afternoon, up-canyon winds are an almost daily occurrence, with an early-afternoon take out this will help to minimize the time spent paddling in the wind (however, winds can happen here any time of the day!).
- May and June (for the most part): During “high water,” your travel time can be faster, so you should know how to paddle in river currents and strong eddies.
- March, April, mid-July to October: When the river is low, the sand islands come out.
- You are required to check that you have all necessary equipment such as PFDs, throwing device, bail bucket, whistle, and paddle(s) with a spare, before we can take you to the put-in.
Leave no trace of your stay. You must pack out everything you pack in! Visit: lnt.org
*By state law, all who go out on the river must be a minimum of 40 pounds in weight. Additionally, children 12 years and younger must always wear a PFD on all Utah State waters.
DAY TRIP PRICING
# of Tandem (2-person) Canoes:___ x $115 ($120 to Potash, for more experienced paddlers or those who want more time on the river) = ___
# of Solo (1-person) Canoes:___ x $65 ($70 to Potash) = ____
Additional “Rider” (Child) in the Tandem Canoe:___ x $20 ($30 to Potash) = ___
(When two people are paddling the canoe, you can have ONE child rider, however, their weight should not be over 90 pounds.)
MRCC is one of the few, if not, the only outfitter that allows your dog to join you on your canoeing river trip!
# of Dogs:___ x $10 = ____
We also have a bench seat for rent for an additional “Child” Rider in a tandem canoe at $10 a day.
TOTAL # OF CANOES:___________
ADD’L RENTAL GEAR: $__________
CUSTOMER FEE PER TRIP: $_____________
DOG FEE PER TRIP: $_____________
SUBTOTAL: $____________
UT TAX (8.75%) & FEES: $____________
BALANCE DUE: $____________
YOU MAY NOT SHUTTLE OUR CANOES.
SHUTTLES ARE NOT PRIVATE! If you would like a private shuttle, you must pay for each seat in the 15 Passenger Van(s).
Personal Boat Transportation Rates
In addition to the shuttle charges for individuals and their gear, fees are charged for the handling and transport of each boat that is not rented from Moab Rafting and Canoe Company.
| Personal Boat Type | Price |
| Canoe, Sea Kayak, Inflatable Kayak or SUP ($45) | How many ____ x $45= $_____ |
We are a small company that books up throughout the season because of our service, expertise, and dedication in offering our specialized trips. Prices are fixed per group size reservation, so please no discounts or haggling.
We reserve the right at any time to change prices, products, policies, and services without prior notice.
RESERVATIONS:
Feel free to call or email us for date availability. We will be more than happy to email a trip packet with more information and a worksheet for you to complete and return. We will ask for credit card to process the reservation. RESERVATIONS ARE NOT BOOKED UNLESS WE HAVE A VISA OR MASTERCARD ONLY ON FILE. We DO NOT ACCEPT CHECKS.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
The full amount of your trip is due and will be charged to your Visa or Mastercard only given at the time of booking. If you cancel within 14 days of your trip, you will receive a refund less $20 per person booked. CANCELLATIONS WITHIN 3 DAYS OF YOUR RESERVATION WILL NOT RECEIVE A REFUND. Regarding the possibility of having to cancel, we strongly suggest you purchase Trip Cancellation Insurance to protect your vacation investment, as there are NO EXCEPTIONS OUTSIDE THE CANCELLATION POLICY.
Again, over the years of booking trips, we have to say we know the river. But, every trip is different. The time of season, water levels, weather the day you have booked for, and much more make the river fun all of the time!
- ALL TRIPS GO OUT in rain, snow, sleet, shine or extreme heat! We are in the high desert and our weather is extreme! SAFETY FIRST: The only time we may cancel a trip is for our Self-Guided Day Canoe Trips due to extreme WIND. It is our policy to reserve the right to cancel any trip at the last minute for any reason. Should this occur, no money will be exchanged. If conditions allow, we can/will postpone for a few hours or to the next day.
**MRCC’S Policy: BE NICE OR LEAVE…River trips are supposed to be fun, right?! We go out of our way to be exceedingly nice and, therefore, reserve the right to refuse service and trips (now AND in the future) to those who do not follow our policies and who are rude, disrespectful or abusive to our staff, company, and/or equipment.
Our customers are welcome to park their vehicle in our lot for the duration of their trip.
NO CAMPING OR SLEEPING IN VEHICLES ON THE PROPERTY!
Moab Rafting and Canoe Company is the only company in town that is a dog-friendly, river trip company!
Moab Rafting and Canoe Company is licensed in the State of Utah as a River Outfitter and Livery Company.