Full-Day Rafting Adventure with BBQ Lunch

Imagine cruising along the Colorado River, surrounded by towering red rock canyons that have starred in countless movies. For around 7 hours, you’ll join a guided raft trip with Moab Adventure Center for a day packed with gentle rapids, spectacular scenery, and a mouthwatering BBQ lunch by the river. With reviews praising this tour at a perfect 5.0/5 and a 97% recommendation rate, it’s clear this trip hits the sweet spot for most travelers.

What we love about this adventure is the balance of excitement and relaxation: paddling through mild rapids like Onion Creek and Rocky Rapid keeps the adrenaline going, while the calm stretches give you time to unwind and soak in the views. Plus, the lunch at Red Cliffs Lodge—a hearty buffet of grilled burgers, chicken, hot dogs, and veggie patties with sides and cookies—is a real highlight.

One potential consideration is that the tour is best suited for those with a moderate physical fitness level. If you’re looking for wild white-water thrills, this might not satisfy; instead, it offers a scenic, family-friendly way to connect with the river. Perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a laid-back yet adventurous day in the heart of Moab.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of gentle rapids and calm float stretches makes it accessible for all ages.
• Stunning scenery from canyon walls and movie-famous stretches of the river.
• Guides are praised for their energy and knowledge, making the trip fun and informative.
• Hearty BBQ lunch at Red Cliffs Lodge adds great value and a relaxing break.
• The tour only requires moderate physical fitness, suitable for most travelers.
• Limited group size (max 32) ensures a personalized experience.

The Full Experience: What You Can Expect on This River Trip

This full-day rafting adventure sets off from the Moab Adventure Center at 9:00 am, with a scenic drive up one of the most beautiful highways in the West. As you leave the town behind, you’ll already start to feel the anticipation build. The drive itself is a visual treat, winding through red rock formations and open vistas that foreshadow the spectacular sights ahead.

Launching onto the Colorado River

Once at the river, your guides—like Jess, Mason, Anna, Oscar, or Izzie—will equip you with a life jacket, helmet, and paddles, and give a quick safety briefing. The rafts are stable, spacious, and perfect for family groups or first-timers. As you push off, you’ll immediately notice the canyon’s grandeur, with cliffs towering on either side.

Navigating the Mild Rapids

The trip involves mild rapids, such as Onion Creek and Rocky Rapid, which are manageable but lively enough to get your heart racing. Several reviews mention how guides like Spencer and Ethan keep the mood light and fun, encouraging participation and tossing in some interesting stories about the canyon’s geology and history. The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge transform the ride into more than just a float; it becomes a storybook adventure.

Long, Calm Stretches

Between rapids, you’ll find long, peaceful sections where you can float lazily, often with only the sound of the water and the occasional bird call. It’s a perfect moment to cool off by jumping in the river or simply enjoy the stunning red rock walls and blue sky. One reviewer even enjoyed swimming in the river to beat the heat, describing it as a highlight.

The Riverside BBQ Lunch at Red Cliffs Lodge

As the tour reaches its midway point, you’ll stop at the iconic Red Cliffs Lodge, nestled beside the river and famous for its movie history and scenic views. Here, you’ll kick back in the shade and indulge in a hot BBQ buffet. The lunch includes options like grilled burgers, chicken, hot dogs, or veggie patties, complemented by side salads, cookies, lemonade, and iced tea.

The reviews rave about the lunch, with many calling it “substantial,” “delicious,” and “plenty.” However, a few noted that on some days, issues like propane shortages could affect the experience, so it’s worth knowing that sometimes the lunch might be slightly affected by logistics beyond the tour operator’s control.

Final Stretches and Return

After lunch, the trip continues with more gentle paddling and floating. You might get a chance to swim or jump into the river, adding some playful moments to the day. The trip concludes back at the starting point, typically around 4 pm, after a full 7-hour adventure that leaves you feeling both invigorated and relaxed.

Why This Tour Is Worth Your Time

This rafting experience has received glowing reviews, most notably because of the friendly, energetic guides—who make safety, fun, and storytelling their priorities. Guests frequently mention guides like Jess, Mason, Anna, Oscar, and Izzie, highlighting their ability to engage everyone, share fascinating insights, and keep the trip lively.

Another standout is the beauty of the scenery. The canyon walls, towering over the river, are the kind of sight that sticks with you long after you leave Moab. The fact that many movies have been shot here underscores the cinematic quality of the landscape.

Value-wise, the $138 per person price includes transportation, equipment, a guided experience, and the BBQ lunch, making it a well-rounded and convenient package. Guests report that the experience exceeds expectations, especially considering its affordability for a full day of adventure.

However, the trip might not suit thrill-seekers craving white-water adrenaline as it focuses more on a scenic, family-friendly float with mild rapids. Also, travelers should be prepared for moderate physical activity, including paddling and possibly swimming, so it’s best for those with decent mobility.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience Most?

Travelers looking for a relaxed yet adventurous day will find this trip perfect. Families with children, first-time rafters, or anyone wanting to see Moab from a different perspective will value the stunning vistas and easygoing pace. It’s also a great choice for those who love a delicious, hearty meal in a beautiful setting, combined with the chance to cool off in the river.

If you’re after a fun, scenic adventure that balances mild thrills with plenty of time to appreciate the landscape, this is a solid pick. It’s ideal if you appreciate good guides, authentic local scenery, and a well-organized tour that offers excellent value for money.

FAQs About the Full-Day Colorado River Rafting Tour

Is this tour suitable for kids? Many reviews mention families with children enjoying the trip, especially since the rapids are mild and the pace is relaxed. However, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level and be comfortable with boats and some water activity.

What should I bring? The tour provides lifejackets and equipment, but it’s best to wear comfortable clothing suitable for getting wet. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are also recommended, as well as a towel and change of clothes for after the trip.

How long is the actual rafting portion? The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, with the rafting itself including several rapid sections and calm stretches, plus the stop for lunch.

What is included in the price? The cost covers transportation, rafting gear, guides, and the BBQ lunch at Red Cliffs Lodge. Guests also receive a free insulated flip-top bottle valued at $20.

Is the lunch buffet vegetarian-friendly? Yes, it includes veggie patties alongside grilled meats, salads, and cookies, catering to different dietary preferences.

What if the weather is bad? The tour requires good weather and will be canceled or rescheduled in case of poor weather conditions, with full refunds or alternative dates provided.

Do I need to book in advance? Given the tour’s popularity and an average booking window of 26 days, it’s best to reserve at least a few weeks ahead to secure your spot.

Final Thoughts

This full-day rafting trip offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, manageable adventure, and hearty food, all guided by enthusiastic, knowledgeable guides. The stunning canyon views, playful rapids, and relaxing float stretches make it an ideal way to experience the Colorado River without the adrenaline overload.

For travelers who enjoy authentic landscapes, good company, and a relaxed pace, this tour delivers in spades. It’s especially suited for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a memorable day in Moab that combines nature, fun, and delicious food.

If you’re after a high-value experience that captures the essence of Moab’s rugged beauty with plenty of comfort and good humor, this rafting adventure is a smart choice. Just remember to book early, wear your sun protection, and prepare for a day packed with unforgettable views and friendly guides.

This review is based on a comprehensive look at available tour features, guest reviews, and practical insights, aiming to help you decide if this adventure fits your Moab itinerary.