float Moab Daily - Colorado River
( 0 Votes )
RATING: Class II-III
LENGTH: 4-6 Hours
SEASON: Any, best in Spring through Fall
NOTES: No permits are needed for this stretch. The current river flow can be checked on the USGS Site ( http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/nwisman/?site_no=09180500 ).

Hype:

Likely the most floated stretch of river in Utah, the Moab Daily is a class III section of the Colorado River near Moab. The 14 mile section is extremely popular with families, locals, and guiding companies. Although class III, this is a float that is beginner friendly. The rapids, 6 in the 14 miles, with several smaller riffles and wave sections, are all separated by long stretches of flat water. This gives beginners a chance to re-group after each short rapids section.

Hardcore river rafters may find this section boring. If your looking for extreme river rafting, look elsewhere. If your looking for a casual day out, with exquisite scenary, this is a good choice. It is busy on weekends in the summer, but both the put-in and take-out offer ample parking. Although a shuttle is helpful, hitchhiking is also a good option.
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Photos:

Approaching one of the rapidsCastleton Tower - Center RightRiver scene near Hittle Botom

Videos:

( or download the video directly )

( or download the video directly )

My History:

I've floated the daily 3 times over the years, in June, July, and August. All were great floats, although earlier in the season (June) when the water is higher is a little more fun. I last floated the section in June of 2010, with river flows a bit over 10,000 CFS.

Comments:

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Comments (1)
Fun day out.
1 Saturday, 10 July 2010 18:37
ffelix
This is a very scenic, easily-accessed river stretch.

Class III is a bit of a stretch--probably Class II is a better description. The only thing that can flip a raft is the hole in White's, & that only at rather high water.

At very high flows [above maybe 25k cfs] this is a much better ride than narrow & heavily access-controlled Westwater Canyon. At low flows, it can be slow & bony, but it's still a good way to beat the desert heat.

Fortunately, as you mention--& unlike much of the Colorado River--there are many, many possible put-in/take-out combinations available. You can even put in & take out at the same spot in some cases, which is handy for quick play-hole sessions for beginning kayakers.

You can also camp & continue on via scenic flatwater to the Moab bridge, Goldbar, Potash or even the Confluence if you arrange a jetboat return.
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