River Expeditions

On the Colorado River northeast of Arches and very near Moab, you can take one of America's most scenic—but not intimidating—river-raft rides. The river rolls by the red Fisher Towers as they rise into the sky in front of the La Sal Mountains. A day trip on this stretch of the river will take you about 15 miles. Outfitters offer full, half, or multiday adventures here. Upriver, in narrow, winding Westwater Canyon near the Utah–Colorado border, the Colorado River cuts through the oldest exposed geologic layer on Earth. Most outfitters offer this trip as a one-day getaway, but you may also take as long as three days to complete the journey. A permit is required from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Moab to run Westwater Canyon.

Outfitters and Expeditions

Canyon Voyages Adventure Co.. This is an excellent choice for rafting or kayaking adventures on the Colorado River—including the Fisher Towers section—or Green River. Don and Denise Oblak run a friendly, professional company with a retail store and rental shop that's open year-round. Most customers take one-day trips, but they also offer multiday itineraries, guided tours, and rentals. They also operate a great kayak school. Ask about stand-up paddleboarding, biking, and horseback riding, too. 211 N. Main St., Moab, Utah, 84532. 435/241--3846; www.canyonvoyages.com. From $65.

Holiday River Expeditions. Since 1966, this outfitter has offered one-day and multiday trips on the San Juan, Green, and Colorado rivers, including inside Canyonlands National Park. They also offer multisport trips, women's retreats, and bike adventures, including the White Rim Trail. 2075 E. Main St., Green River, Utah, 84525. 435/564–3273; 800/624–6323; www.bikeraft.com. From $210.