Colorado River: Full-Day Rafting with BBQ Lunch

Colorado River: Full-Day Rafting with BBQ Lunch – An Exciting Day in Arizona

This full-day rafting adventure on the Colorado River combines scenic water, gentle rapids, and a tasty BBQ lunch for an immersive outdoor experience. Priced at $138 per person and lasting 7.5 hours, this tour offers a balanced mix of excitement and relaxation, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With 5.5 hours on the water, you get plenty of time to enjoy the river’s cinematic landscapes, including both thrilling rapids and peaceful stretches for swimming or simply floating.

The tour is led by knowledgeable guides from Canyon Country River Adventures, and it includes all necessary equipment and safety gear. Though not suitable for wheelchair users, it remains accessible for children ages 5 and up, provided they meet the weight and chest size requirements. The highlight is the exclusive riverside BBQ lunch at the Red Cliffs Lodge, where you’ll enjoy freshly grilled food in a scenic setting—an experience that elevates the entire day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Full-day adventure lasting 7.5 hours with 5.5 hours on the river
• Includes a hot BBQ lunch at a secluded riverside ranch
• Option to paddle rafts or kayaks based on preference and conditions
• Scenic drive along one of the West’s most beautiful highways
• All safety gear and equipment supplied, including US Coast Guard-approved life jackets
• Flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Scenic Drive to the Colorado River Starting Point

The journey begins with a picturesque drive along a renowned West Coast highway that showcases the striking natural beauty of the region. This drive sets the tone for a day filled with views of towering cliffs, rugged landscapes, and cinematic scenery that have made the Colorado River famous in film and photography. It provides a perfect introduction to the landscapes you will encounter while rafting.

This initial leg helps build anticipation for the water adventure ahead, making the entire experience feel like a true exploration of the American Southwest. The drive is comfortable, with transportation included if the pickup option is selected, ensuring a seamless start to the day.

Navigating the Colorado River’s Mild Rapids and Calm Stretches

Once on the water, you’ll encounter a mix of mild rapids such as Onion Creek and White’s Rapid, which deliver just enough excitement without being overwhelming. These sections offer a fun splash of adventure, especially for those new to river rafting.

Between the rapids, you’ll drift through calmer stretches of the river, perfect for cooling off with a swim or simply enjoying the peaceful landscape. This balance of activity and relaxation ensures a varied, engaging experience that appeals to all levels of paddlers and water lovers.

Choosing Your Rafting Style: Paddle Rafts or Kayaks

Guests can select their preferred method of adventure with options for participatory paddle rafts or two-person inflatable kayaks. The choice depends on personal preference and the weather conditions on the day. The paddle rafts allow for group participation, with guides leading the way, while the kayaks provide a more active, sporty challenge.

This flexibility means everyone can tailor the experience to their comfort level or sense of adventure. Guides are there to assist and ensure safety, whether you’re paddling in a raft or maneuvering a kayak.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exclusive Riverside BBQ Lunch at Red Cliffs Lodge

A major highlight is the lunch stop at a private riverside ranch, exclusive to Moab Adventure Center guests. Here, a hot BBQ buffet is served under the shade of a pavilion, offering a hearty meal of burgers, chicken, hot dogs, or veggie patties.

Sides include fresh salads, and for dessert, giant cookies. Drinks such as lemonade and iced tea complement the meal perfectly. The setting at Red Cliffs Lodge provides stunning views of the river and surrounding cliffs, making the lunch a memorable part of the day.

Resuming the River Journey After Lunch

Post-lunch, the tour resumes with continued rafting downstream, facing White’s Rapid shortly after. The guide leads the group through the remaining stretches of the river, balancing gentle floats with moments of fun rapids.

The return journey offers more scenic views and the chance to reflect on the day’s adventures. The entire water experience concludes with a return drive back to the starting point, leaving you with plenty of great memories.

All Necessary Equipment and Safety Gear Provided

The tour includes lifejackets approved by the US Coast Guard, which must be worn at all times on the water. The equipment provided ensures safety and comfort throughout the 5.5 hours spent rafting.

Guests are advised that the activity is suitable for children 5 years and older and must meet specific size and weight requirements, including a chest size under 52 inches and a minimum 50 pounds weight.

Logistics and Group Size

This tour offers an easy, well-organized experience with options for pickup if selected, making transportation hassle-free. The group size typically remains manageable, with guides providing individual attention and clear instructions.

The tour is designed for a balanced mix of water excitement and scenic downtime, making it perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo adventurers seeking a memorable day on the Colorado River.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

While suitable for most beginners and casual paddlers, wheelchair users are not accommodated due to the physical nature of the activity. All participants should be prepared for a full day of outdoor activity, including some walking and paddling.

The duration of 7.5 hours includes transfers, so plan accordingly for a full and active day in nature.

What Sets This Tour Apart

The combination of scenic driving, gentle whitewater, and a delicious riverside BBQ makes this adventure stand out. The inclusion of food, safety gear, and optional paddling styles adds to the value. Plus, the Red Cliffs Lodge lunch stop offers a scenic and exclusive setting, elevating the experience beyond just water-based fun.

This tour appeals most to those seeking a full-day outdoor adventure with a mix of excitement, relaxation, and great food in an iconic southwestern landscape.

Final Thoughts on the Colorado River Rafting Tour

This full-day Colorado River rafting tour provides a well-rounded experience, especially with its hot BBQ lunch and scenic landscape. The 5.5 hours on the water combined with the drive and stops create a satisfying balance of activity and downtime.

While not suited for wheelchair users, it remains accessible to most young adventurers and outdoor lovers. The guides’ knowledge, safety equipment, and flexible options contribute to a dependable, enjoyable adventure. For those wanting a day of water fun with memorable scenery and a delicious meal, this tour offers solid value at $138.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children 5 years and older can participate, provided they meet the size and weight requirements.

What should I wear for the rafting trip?
Participants must wear the US Coast Guard-approved life jackets provided. Comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for water activities is recommended.

Can I choose between paddling and kayaking?
Yes, guests can opt for participatory paddle rafts or two-person kayaks, depending on their preference and weather conditions.

Is pickup included?
Pickup is available if the option is selected during booking; otherwise, you will need to meet at the starting location.

How long is the total activity?
The full tour lasts 7.5 hours, with 5.5 hours spent on the river. The rest includes transportation and stops.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, the BBQ lunch buffet with sides, cookies, lemonade, and iced tea is included, served at the riverside ranch.

Is this tour suitable for those with physical limitations?
Wheelchair users are not able to participate due to activity requirements.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of scenic drive, mild rapids, relaxing floats, and a scenic BBQ lunch at a private ranch makes this a memorable, well-rounded outdoor adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby