FAQs

Questions

(click on question to view answer)

1. Where do the trips begin and end?
2. What should I expect on the full-day Colorado River Guided Raft Trip “The Daily”?
3. What should I expect on the Self-Guided Day Canoe Trip on the Colorado River?
4. What should I expect on the Self-Guided Green River Canoe Trip?
5. What should I expect on the Guided Green River Canoe Tour?
   
6. What should I expect on the Guided San Juan River Rafting Tour?
7. What is cubic feet per second (c.f.s.) and why do I need to know?
8. What is this talk about mud?
9. Can we just go out on a Day Guided Rafting Trip for just a few hours?
10. How old or young can I be to go out on any of the rivers?
11. What kind of boats?
12. What is the classification of the rapids on The Colorado River?
13. What is the classification of the rapids on The San Juan River?
14. What kind of weather can we expect? Will it rain?
15. What personal equipment do I need for “The Daily” Colorado River Trip?
16. Should I bring a camera?
17. May I bring my own beverages?
18. What does MRCC supply on the Guided Day Rafting Trip on The Colorado River, “The Daily”?
19. What about gratuities?
20. When is my balance due and what if I need to cancel?
21. What about the “bathroom” while on the river?

Answers

1.) We meet at and end at our shop at 2480 South Highway 191, in Moab, Utah 84532.

• Exceptions: Day Trips (We meet you at the Put-In) and San Juan River trips where we will meet at the pre-arranged Boat Ramp.

(Other meeting plans, group put-ins/take-outs, campgrounds, etc. may be necessary, but you will be informed.)

2.) WE ARE CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING THIS PARTICULAR TRIP. 

The trip meets at our shop in Moab at a pre-arranged reservation time.  We will shuttle you to the river via Highway 128.  The drive is approximately 30 to 55 minutes to the put-in.  After launching the raft, sightseeing, swimming, and playing compose the majority of the day.  We will stop around noon for a beautiful riverside picnic lunch.  We will arrive at the take-out around 3:00 pm, returning to our shop.

3.) WE ARE CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING THIS PARTICULAR TRIP FOR 2021.

The trip meets at the Moab Boat Ramp at a pre-arranged reservation time, where you will park.  

The access for the Moab Boat Ramp area is on the North side of the Colorado River (across the river from town). When you are crossing the bridge going North heading out of town, 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 quick right turn and drive down to the Boat Ramp and park your car.**

After you unload your canoes from the trailer, you start your day of sightseeing, swimming, playing, and paddling the canoe.  We will arrive at the take-out at Gold Bar Recreation Site (time pre-arranged depending on river flow), you load the canoe(s), and are shuttled back to our shop (or, the Moab Boat Ramp, where your vehicle is parked, during the 2020 season).  The take-out at the Potash Boat Ramp (the 17-mile stretch) would require an additional 2-2 1/2 hours after Gold Bar.  You will need an sun hat, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, shoes that have ankle straps, sunglasses with safety strap, and clothes that you don’t mind getting wet, or swimwear.  Please feel free to bring plenty of water and/or any other beverages and any snacks or lunch you may want to enjoy along the way!

Canoe Flat Water Trip Summary:

Full day trip:

• Class: I, no rapids
• Put-in: Moab Boat Ramp
• Take-out: Potash Boat Ramp
• Mileage: 17 miles
• Trip length: approximately 7 hrs., depending on water flow, less time during high water

OR

1/2 day trip:

• Class: I, no rapids
• Put-in: Moab Boat Ramp
• Take-out: Gold Bar Recreation Site/Campgrounds
• Mileage: 11 miles
• Trip length: approximately 5 hrs., depending on water flow, less time during high water

***At low water, it may become impossible to take-out at Gold Bar Recreation Site for our 1/2 day trip, so the put-in would be at Big Bend Campground and the take-out at the Moab Boat Ramp where we will meet you and shuttle you upriver to Big Bend.  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 only, 1/2 day trip:

• Class: I, no rapids
• Put-in: Big Bend Recreation Site/Campgrounds
• Take-out: Moab Boat Ramp
• Mileage: 9 miles
• Trip length: 1/2 day approximately 3 1/2-4 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. 

4.) The trip meets at our shop in Moab, at 2480 South Highway 191, in Moab, Utah 84532, at a pre-arranged reservation time (depending on group size) for pre-river orientation to complete paperwork, discuss the river map (with purchase), rental equipment, and load your gear into our shuttle vehicle.  By 9:30 am, we will shuttle you to the river.  The drive is approximately 1 ½ + hours to the put-in, where you will unload and stage the canoe(s).  Then, you launch for days of paddling, sightseeing, swimming, and playing.

• This Self-Guided Trip requires a high level of responsibility and your due diligence in research, as you will be going into backcountry wilderness.  As navigator, you will have to pay attention to river mileage and your travel speeds.  You are your own captain!  The area is remote and services are non-existent.  Your group must be self-contained and self-reliant to deal with emergency situations.  Cell phone service is not available within the canyons.  If this is looking like too much responsibility, you should really start with a Guided Green River Canoe Trip.

• There are no designated campsites along the river.  You will be camping in backcountry wilderness…you will get dirty, wet, sandy, and muddy!  During late summer and fall, sandbars are usually plentiful and make ideal camps.

• Your group is responsible for knowing and adhering to all Utah boating and backcountry laws and river regulations.

• April to June (for the most part): In the afternoon, up-canyon winds are an almost daily occurrence (however, winds can occur at any time!).   An early camp will help minimize the time spent paddling in the wind.  Most people choose to get an early start and try to make camp by mid-afternoon.

• 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, July to October: When the river is low, the sand islands come out.

• Know if there is a current fire ban in effect, as this can impact your meals!  Have a back-up plan in place because it can be instituted at the last minute.

• You are required to check that you have all necessary equipment such as PFDs, emergency throwing device, bail bucket, whistle, fire pan, river toilet, and paddles with a spare, before we can take you to the put-in.

SHUTTLES ARE NOT PRIVATE! If you would like a private shuttle, you must pay for each seat in the 15 Passenger Van(s)!

Water
The BLM recommends 1 gallon per person per day of fresh drinking water, plus extra for cooking.  The simplest and surest source of clean drinking water is to bring lightweight, 5 gallon hard plastic containers. **YOU MUST PLAN TO PROVIDE ALL OF YOUR FRESH POTABLE WATER NEEDS (all water must be carried in…yes, really!)!**  DO NOT RELY ON FILTERING THIS WATER!  The river water is extremely silty (which clogs ups filters easily) and not considered drinkable without treatment.  This is not the clear mountain water that can easily be filtered, especially for the amount you need to keep hydrated in our desert environment.  This particular section of the Green River (through Labyrinth Canyon) is slower moving water, with run off from farms, uranium mines, and on and on.  However, this is a Self-Guided Trip, so consider yourself informed.  Factor in your food menu when calculating your water needs.  Account for meals that use water in preparation (dehydrated foods, pasta, etc.) and increase your water supplies, as appropriate.  Having a quality water filter and enough fuel to boil river water as a back up is a good idea, even if not used.

Food
When packing for a trip, you need to think about how many people are going to be on the trip and how many days your trip will be.  The summer heat plays a big part in what you bring and how much ice you will need.  You may want to think about pre-cooking some of your food beforehand.  Serve energy packed meals.  Breakfasts could be juice and hot beverages, fresh fruit, bagels and cream cheese, hot and cold cereal selections, or pancakes.  Lunches could be buffet style with sandwich makings, plus a high carbohydrate selection, like pasta salad. Trail mix and beef jerky are nice for snacking.  For dinner, it is a good idea to always have plenty of fresh salad or vegetables to go along with hearty main dishes such as Pasta Marinara, Teriyaki seafood kabobs, or chicken fajitas.  Or, if you are really low-maintenance, they make some great freeze-dried food these days!

Waste disposal
Due to the lack of rain in our desert climate, solid waste must not be buried as it can be in other terrain!  All solid human and pet waste must be carried out!  The National Park Service did a study on urination concluding that “the solution to pollution is dilution;” so, as we travel down river, we “pee” into the river or in the wet sand along the river.  Because of our concern for the impact that we contribute by being both users and outfitters on our favorite rivers, we rent portable river toilet systems (“groovers”) for all of our multi-day trips.  They are convenient and easy to use.  They are military grade, leak-proof ammo cans, convenient and easy to use with about 25 uses in a container, with a plastic sealable container inside the ammo can and a toilet seat that fits on top.  This professional, ECO-Safe Toilet System meets all requirements of the BLM, NPS, and USF and is the standard, most commonly used system in the river industry.  Thousands of people use this exact set-up every year.  We will go over their set-up and use with you before you launch for your Self-Guided trip.  ONLY poop and toilet paper go into this river toilet.  Feminine hygiene products and/or wipes should be packed out with your trash.  On Self-Guided Trips, **You will need to bring your own toilet paper.**  When feasible, place the toilet near the river’s edge to encourage urination in the river unless there is adequate groover volume to urinate in the toilet.  The number of containers needed is dependent on the number of people and the length of the trip.

Campfires
A fire pan is mandatory by law to have on your river trip (even if there is a fire ban in effect!) and is required for all wood or charcoal fires.  One will be provided for you with your boat rental.  This will replace the use of fire rings or pits.  To prevent scorching of the ground beneath the fire pan, elevate it slightly by placing it on several small rocks taking care that it is well balanced and will not tip over while in use.  All of your fires must be contained within the fire pan and all remains packed out.  Please make sure that your fire is completely extinguished with water before disposing of the ash and coals in a plastic garbage bag.  We would like to encourage you to bring a camp stove and use if for most, or all of, your cooking.  Dead and down wood provides habitat for many creatures and can add to the scenic qualities of campsites.  So, it is best to purchase firewood in town or we have some for sale as well.  Know if there is a current fire ban in effect, as this can impact your meals.  Have a back-up plan in place because a ban can be instituted at the last minute.

On your take-out day, you will need to arrive at the take-out around 1:00 pm.  The shuttle vehicle will arrive at approximately 1:30-2:00 pm  (or, another time if we fit you into our shuttle schedule) for you to load your gear.  Return time to our shop is approximately  3:30-4:00 pm in ideal situations. 

NOTE: Please be aware that if there is inclement weather such as rain, snow, ice, etc., Mineral Bottom road becomes impassable for shuttle vehicles (which means hiking down and back up the switchbacks with only as much gear/belongings that can be carried).  Your put-in location may also become inaccessible due to weather on the day of your launch.  Weather is only one of the many reasons that we strongly advise against traveling to and from Moab on your put-in and take-out dates.

All times are approximate, in the best of conditions.  We will do everything in our power to reach your group on the scheduled take-out time and day, however, in the remote backcountry, forces beyond our control can happen both with weather and road conditions.  We drive rough, rugged, unpaved roads (often in extreme temperatures) that can flatten tires, damage vehicles, and foil put-in and take-out plans.  This is why most outfitters do not drive these roads for this trip every single day as MRCC does!

Leave no trace of your stay. You must pack out everything you pack in! Visit: lnt.org

5.) For your GUIDED Green River Tour, we would love it if you can stop by the shop the day before the trip (after 5:00pm) to finish up any paperwork, settle the bill, drop off anything you may be bringing (i.e. drinks), along with picking up your dry bag, so that you can pack that the night before your trip.

The day of your trip, we meet at our shop in Moab at a pre-arranged reservation time.  We will shuttle you to the river via Highway 191, I-70, and a long, remote and rugged dirt road.  The drive is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes (if the road is great) to the put-in.  We unload canoes and gear, go over the safety talk, and launch on the beautiful river.  Sightseeing, swimming, hiking, and playing compose the majority of the days…and of course, we will make time for delicious meals and sleep!  Jumping to the last day of the trip…we will arrive at the take-out around 1:00 pm.  We unpack the canoes, have some lunch, load the canoes on the trailer and then return to Moab at approximately 3:30-4:00 pm.

6.) On the morning of your Guided San Juan River Tour, we will meet at a pre-arranged time at the boat ramp put-in where you will receive your dry bag to pack.  We load gear and go through the safety talk and then we’re on the San Juan River!  Sightseeing, swimming (depending on the time of year), hiking, and playing compose the majority of the day.  And, of course, there will be time for delicious meals and sleep!  One the last day, we will arrive at the take-out to load rafts and gear, have some lunch, and return to the boat ramp.

7.) C.F.S. is a way to measure the river flow.

• The Colorado River can run from 2,000 c.f.s. to 45,000+ c.f.s.  So, the time in the river season that you plan to take your trip will play a big part in deciding what section of the river you will want to do, along with the completion time.  At 5,000 c.f.s. and lower, 14 river miles will take over 6 hours; however, the same 14 river miles at 15,000 c.f.s. and higher, will take less than 5 hours.  C.F.S. will also play a part in how “big” the rapids will be.
• The Green River can run from 1,500 c.f.s. to 45,000+ c.f.s.
• The San Juan River can run from 300 c.f.s. to 20,000+ c.f.s.
• Spring run off, a.k.a. high water, is mostly in May and June, depending on the year.

8.) When the river comes up and goes down, the river bank makes for some mud…And mud is fun!  If you don’t like getting dirty, wet, sandy, and muddy, you should really re-think a river excursion!

9.) Now that you know about C.F.S. and the time to get to and from the river (about 2 hours), if the river is very high, it can and will be done.  Therefore, no couple hour trips with low water, just full-day trips.

10.) Look at weight: Infants and small children less than 40 pounds (due to PFD U.S. Coast Guard approved Life Jacket safety) cannot go on our river trips.  Or, if you answer NO to any of the following:

• Can you climb in and out of a boat without the assistance others, and/or unwilling to ask for help?
• Are you strong enough to hold on while in a moving or bouncing boat without being assisted by crew?

During spring run off & high water: Do you have the knowledge, strength, and skill to get to shore, get back into a boat, or self-rescue if you have fallen overboard, along with the strength and skill to grab and hold on in the rapids?  Do you have the knowledge, strength, and skill to survive a swim in cold, moving water or rapids always wearing a PFD?  The Colorado River can have very cold water and harsh changes in weather and river flows.

If you answered NO to any of the previous questions, then this trip on the Moab “The Daily” may not be appropriate for you to be safe and enjoyable.  Please do your part to ensure the safety of yourself and your group while playing on the river.

11.) On this section of the Colorado River, we use 12-18 ft. paddle rafts with everyone’s participation or an oar powered raft, where the guide & crew do all the driving.  You can try rowing also.  Smaller, inflatable kayaks can be requested in advance based upon availability, so you can get up close and personal with the waves.

12.) The rapids offer Class II white water, which is splashy fun for everyone.  This trip is perfect for first time rafters, families, and experienced boaters who want a wet and mild one-day experience.  At high water, in May and June, the rapids can potentially get very big.

13.) The rapids offer Class II AND UP white water, which is splashy fun for everyone.  This trip is a perfect guided trip for first time rafters, families, and experienced boaters who want to get wet.

•  A canoe trip on the San Juan River is a great trip, but not the best for first-time canoeists, as it is an advanced canoe trip.  In May-June, with high water, rapids can get very big for a canoe (and way fun!). WE NO LONGER RUN CANOES ON THE SAN JUAN RIVER!

14.) The Canyon Country is noted for fantastic (yet, unpredictable) weather.

• In the Spring and Fall, temperatures range from 60 to 85 degrees F during the day and 20 to 50 degrees F at night.
• During summertime, temperatures range from 85 to 108 degrees F during the day and 58 to 68 degrees F at night.  Despite being in desert country, it can rain out-of-the-blue on any day.  On a hot summer day, the best thing to do is be in & on the river.
• We recommend that you bring a rain jacket and bottom; on colder days, it might also protect you from getting too wet by the splashing water.  Bring plenty of sunblock, water, and a hat.

15.) Bring: a water bottle, sunblock, lip balm, hat, and sunglasses, preferably with a strap.

• Wear: shoes that have ankle support and can get wet, quick-dry top & bottoms, or shorts & t-shirt that can get wet, swimming suit (two piece works best), preferably a long-sleeved light, quick-dry shirt for sun protection, and bring rain gear.  For multi-day trips, navigate to the Packing List tab for a complete checklist.

16.) We encourage you to bring a camera to remember your river adventure.  To protect your camera, store it in two Ziploc bags or other protection.  On the river, dry bags will be provided by MRCC for easy access and storage.  We have found that disposable, waterproof cameras work well.

17.) Water and sport drinks are provided, however, you may also choose to bring soda or other beverages.  Let us know, so we can provide ice and cooler space.

18.) PFDs (Personal Floatation Devices, a.k.a. life vests), which are to be worn at all times, a dry bag to use for camera, glasses, etc., state of the art rafts and river equipment, transportation to and from the river, great guides, and a fantastic lunch on full-day bookings, are all included in your trip cost.

19.) You should never feel that a gratuity is automatically expected from you, but it is a great way to acknowledge excellent service.  Our crew works very hard to make each expedition a memorable and rewarding experience.  May we suggest $20 per client in your group per day for multi-day trips.  Feel free to tip more if your guide(s) far exceeded your expectation.

20.) To reserve: Feel free to call us or email the worksheet to reserve your boats, gear, and trip date.  At this point, we ask for a credit card (Visa or MasterCard only) to hold the trip date and gear, along with a $100 non-refundable per person deposit for Self-Guided Multi-Day Trips or a $250 non-refundable per person deposit for Guided Multi-Day Trips.  Inquiries and discussions do not constitute a booking.  Your trip dates are not held and will NOT BE BOOKED UNLESS WE HAVE A VISA OR MASTERCARD ONLY ON FILE.  We DO NOT ACCEPT CHECKS.  Please read below for applicable cancellation policy for your trip:

 

CANCELLATION POLICY:

We are sure that you have an excellent reason for cancelling, and we are very sorry to hear it, HOWEVER, below is our cancellation policy and you will be charged.

SELF-GUIDED MULTI-DAY Trips, Shuttles, Rental Equipment, ETC.:  A $100 non-refundable per person deposit is required to secure your trip date for Self-Guided Multi-Day Trips.  Due to the extensive planning of Multi-Day Trips for customers, it is not likely that we will be able to rebook your reserved dates if you cancel.  Also, we more than likely have had to turn others away for your booked dates. The full amount of your trip (including rental equipment) is due and will be charged to your Visa or Mastercard only given 30 days from the date of your trip.  CANCELLATIONS WITHIN 30 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.  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 will postpone for a few hours or to the next day.

SELF-GUIDED SINGLE DAY Trips: 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.  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 will postpone for a few hours or to the next day.

GUIDED Tours:  A $250 non-refundable per person deposit is required to secure your trip date.  Please contact us as early as possible if you need to make any changes.  The full amount of your trip is due and will be charged to your Visa or Mastercard only given 60 days from the date of your trip.  CANCELLATIONS WITHIN 60 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.  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 will postpone for a few hours or to the next day.

FRONT SHUTTLE SERVICE for the Colorado River (“The Daily”):  The full amount of your shuttle is due and will be charged to your Visa or Mastercard only given at booking 14 days from the date of your trip.  CANCELLATIONS WITHIN 14 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. 

**ALL Multi-Day trips go rain or shine!  This is not Disneyland!  There are inherent risks and dangers to any river trip, even calm, flat-water, and those are magnified by taking a trip in the backcountry.  YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED for rainstorms, wind, blazing sun, intense heat and cold, etc.  If this is looking like too much responsibility and YOU CANNOT HANDLE YOURSELF IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION IN LESS THAN IDEAL CIRCUMSTANCES, YOU SHOULD NOT BE DOING A SELF-GUIDED TRIP and really need start with a GUIDED Green River Canoe Trip.  The only time we may  cancel a trip would be for our Self-Guided Day Canoe Trips due to high winds.**

We reserve the right at any time to change prices, products, policies, and services without prior notice.

**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!

21.) The National Park Service did a study on urination: they call it “the solution to pollution is dilution.”  So, as we travel down river, we will  “pee” into the river or in the wet sand along the river.  Day trips on the Colorado River for “The Daily” have some BLM out-houses along the way.  For Guided or Self-Guided Multi-Day trips, we have a human waste disposal system.  All human and pet solid waste must be carried out!  Due to the lack of rain in our desert climate, solid waste must not be buried as it can be in other terrain!  Because of our concern for the impact that we contribute by being both users and outfitters on our favorite rivers, we have available portable river toilets, a.k.a. “groovers.”  They are military grade, leak-proof ammo cans, convenient and easy to use with about 25 uses in a container, with a plastic sealable container inside the ammo can.  This is the standard, most commonly used system in the river industry.  Thousands of people use this exact set-up every year.  We will go over their set-up and use with you before you launch for your Self-Guided Trip or when we get to camp for our Guided Tours.  ONLY poop and toilet paper go into this river toilet.  Feminine hygiene products and/or wipes should be packed out with your trash.  On Self-Guided Trips, please **bring your own toilet paper.**  This professional, ECO-Safe Toilet System meets all requirements of the BLM, NPS, and USF.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moab Rafting and Canoe Company is the only company in town that is a dog-friendly, river trip company!

We reserve the right at any time to change prices, products, policies, and services without prior notice.

Moab Rafting and Canoe Company is licensed in the State of Utah as a River Outfitter and Livery Company.