Canyonlands by Night & Day

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canyonlands river tours

2 Hours Guided UTV Tour in Moab Utah

canyonlands river tours

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Canyonlands by Night & Day - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Rafting group camp set up at night in Canyonlands National Park.

Canyonlands National Park Rafting & Hiking

Group white water rafting in Canyonlands National Park.

Canyonlands Tours with OARS

If you are considering a national park vacation but don’t have time to deal with all the necessary logistics, or you’re looking for an experienced outfitter, OARS offers all-inclusive guided river trips in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park. Visiting the park with OARS includes multiple days of rafting and hiking through the heart of the Canyonlands on the Green and/or Colorado River , culminating with a wild ride through the rapids of Cataract Canyon . Every multi-day trip through Canyonlands includes the top-notch service of our professional guides, healthy, hearty, and deliciously prepared meals, and snacks, as well as quality equipment. O.A.R.S. Canyonlands, Inc. is an authorized concessioner of Canyonlands National Park

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Adventures in Canyonlands

river running through a canyon.

Cataract Canyon Whitewater Rafting

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 9 (12 – 16 during high water)

A group of hikers walk along a desert trail on an OARS Stillwater and Cataract Canyon hiker trip

Stillwater & Cataract Canyon Hiker

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 12

Two yellow rafts and a dory make their way downriver on an OARS John Wesley Powell Retrace trip

John Wesley Powell Retrace

Location: Utah & Colorado Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 16

canyonlands river tours

Colorado River Rowing Clinic

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Challenging Minimum Age: 18 (16 with parent/guardian also in the class)

This was our first multi-day rafting trip and it was incredible. The guides were outstanding! These guys worked around the clock to make sure we were well fed and having a blast. Highly recommend booking this trip through OARS. After seeing other outfitters on the river, it was clear that the experience you receive with OARS is second to none. Can't wait to do it again. 2022 OARS Cataract Canyon guest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions?

Where is Canyonlands National Park?

Located just outside of Moab, Utah , Canyonlands is found within the geologic region of the Colorado Plateau. The park is essentially composed of five unique areas: the Island in the Sky District in the northern part; the Needles District in the southeastern portion; the Maze District, which is the least accessible district; Horseshoe Canyon, which contains some of the most significant rock art in North America; and the Colorado River and its tributaries, which are corridors providing relatively easy access to some of the park’s most remote backcountry areas.

Canyonlands is generally accessed from airports in Salt Lake City (4 hours), Grand Junction, Colorado (2 hours), and Moab (.5 hour).

When is the best time to visit Canyonlands?

Though Moab can be crowded from April through October, the most popular seasons to visit Canyonlands are spring (April through May) and fall (mid-September through October), when daytime highs average 60 to 80 degrees F and lows average 30 to 50 degrees F. For river trips, which offer an escape from the crowds, the most popular season is generally throughout summer. This high-desert region can experience wide temperature fluctuations, sometimes over 40 degrees F in a single day. OARS Utah rafting and hiking trips run from spring through summer and into fall.

What is the whitewater like in Cataract Canyon?

Cataract Canyon rafting in between mid-May and mid-June often offers massive Class IV+ rapids. Snowmelt from the Rockies yields big runoff and some of the country’s most renowned whitewater. It’s Canyonlands National Park for the adrenaline junkie, and the minimum age for trips jumps to 16. For the rest of the season, the rapids still offer a major rush, but they’re more suitable for adventurers as young as 9. Though Cataract does offer some of the country’s largest whitewater , all rafting trips through this area begin with 75 miles of flatwater.

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River running through Canyonlands National Park.

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2282 Resource Blvd. Moab, UT 84532

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Moab Adventure Center

Moab Jet Boat Dinner & Light Show

For a night to remember and the finishing touch on a perfect day, come along and enjoy a Cowboy-style Dutch Oven dinner and a slow-moving evening boat ride on the Colorado River. This is by far one of the most unique sound and light shows in the world and has been hailed by many as the “highlight of our vacation.” The Canyonlands area is unlike any other area in the world making this boat ride one of the most unique features in the world.

The evening begins with a Dutch Oven dinner served in the dining room, overlooking the Colorado River. After an hour of dinner, guests load a flat-bottomed jet boat named the Moab Queen II and head up river with a guide at the front of the boat pointing out things of interest. Once the boat has reached the turn around spot, the formal part of the evening begins with 40,000 watts of light illuminating the canyon walls and bring them to life. Stories about the formation, creation and history of the area are illustrated with cowboy and Indian tales. The show is choreographed with lights, sounds, music and narration as you drift back to the dock.

Evening jet boat tours will meet at 1861 N Highway 191, Moab, UT 15 minutes prior to departure. Call ahead for exact times.

  • Dutch-oven dinner included
  • 1 Hour Dinner, 2 Hour show
  • Dutch Oven Dinner
  • 2 Hr Light Show
  • Guide/Pilot

Meeting Location: Canyonlands by Night - 1861 North Hwy 191

  • Departure Times: Times vary depending on sunset.

Season: April - October

canyonlands river tours

Reviews for Canyonlands by Night Tour

The stars at night, are big and bright, deep in the heart of moab, a night on colorado river moab, utah.

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Sun Divider

Other Ways to Explore Moab

Moab Hummer Tours

Slickrock Safari Hummer Adventure

Discover the exhilaration of this incredible off-road excursion in the world's most serious 4x4.

  • Duration: Approximately 2 hrs
  • Departure Times: 7:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM
  • Season: February-November

Arches National Park Sunset Tour

Arches National Park Sunset Discovery

See Arches National Park at its best- during sunset! Take this scenic bus tour and see all the best sights from the comfort of our tour bus. With easy walking paths as the primary focus of the sunset tour, it's perfect trip for all ages.

  • Duration: Approximately 4 hrs
  • Season: Year Round

Moab Zip Lne

Ultimate Zip Line Adventure

Glide over the sandstone fins and gaps above Moab with a series of zip line cables and bridges.

  • Duration: Approximately 2.5 hrs
  • Departure Times: 11:00 AM
  • Season: March - November

Sun Divider

What to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Our Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience.

Moab Insders Guide

What to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Not unlike your own personal Jiminy Cricket, (minus the worries of the little guy getting smooshed) the Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience.

Expedition Guide

Navtec Expeditions Moab, Utah 1-800-833-1278

Calm Water Cruise

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Meander Canyon, Colorado River calm water

Calm-water cruise $152 Adult & $142 Youth

Rhib cruising on Colorado River

We stop to see rock art and structures from ancient cultures. Listen for Canyon Wrens as we float under Dead Horse Point. Take a short walk to a petrified forest millions of years old. Cruise around the Goose Neck of the Colorado to views of Canyonlands only seen from the river. Then we turn around to see it from the other angle.

Call us toll free 1-800-833-1278

Trip Details:

Half-day calm water tours depart at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM from NAVTEC Expeditions. Our office is located at 321 N. Main Street in Moab, UT. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in. The trip is 5 hours long and operates March through October. All ground transportation is included. Reservations are recommended, certain trip minimums apply .

First-timer’s guide to Canyonlands National Park

Lauren Keith

May 10, 2024 • 9 min read

Hiker in Canyonlands National park in Utah, USA; Shutterstock ID 1234931752; your: Melissa/Yeager; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: Friday around the planet May 20

The incredible views in Canyonlands National Park are worth spending time with, and you could even have them to yourself © My Good Images / Shutterstock

A mind-boggling glimpse into layers upon layers of Earth’s planetary past, Canyonlands National Park is Utah's largest – and least visited – national park, even though part of it sits a short distance away from Arches National Park, a 40-minute drive from the town of Moab .

Canyonlands’ meandering cliffsides are stacked with thousands of feet of tie-dye-colored rocks that reach so far down, their sheer vertical walls make it difficult to see their powerful aquatic creators: the serpentine Colorado and Green Rivers. Overlooks into this grand expanse are accompanied by even more natural wonders: curious needles of rock emerging from the desert floor and geological anomalies that scientists have yet to fully figure out, as well as beauty created by the human hand in the form of ancient structures and Native petroglyphs.

The Colorado and Green Rivers form a Y-shape that divides Canyonlands National Park into four separate districts: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze and the rivers themselves. The three land-based districts are inaccessible to one another from within the park, meaning that long drives are required to see each of them. Island in the Sky is the most visited district because of its proximity to Moab and the entrance to Arches National Park , both about 30 miles from the visitor center.

Ready to explore Utah’s wild side? Here’s a first-timer’s guide for making the most of your visit to Canyonlands National Park.

When should I go to Canyonlands National Park?

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Canyonlands National Park, but these seasons are also the busiest – though that’s a relative term compared with the other "Mighty 5" national parks in Utah. May is generally the busiest month at Canyonlands (particularly over Memorial Day weekend at the end of the month), followed by April and October.

Temperatures in this national park vary wildly – even as much as 40ºF in a single day. Canyonlands has few trees and little shade, so visiting in summer can be dangerously hot. During these arid months, the thermometer often rises past 100ºF by the afternoon, so it’s best to set off on hikes as early as you can. Winters are extreme in the opposite direction, and the temperature can plunge far below freezing. January is the least busy month at Canyonlands.

A view through the Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park at sunrise

How much time should I spend at Canyonlands National Park?

At a push, Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district can be seen in half a day, but it’s worth dedicating far more time to this awesome park. If you have only a day to spare, you could whizz through Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park from Moab, spending half a day at each.

Start at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center and weave your way along the mesa-top scenic drive, pausing at viewpoints along the way. Worthy stops include Shafer Canyon Overlook, where you can watch Jeeps crawl down the switchbacks of Shafer Trail; Mesa Arch Trail, an easy half-mile round-trip hike to a 27ft-long rock arch on a cliff edge; and the too-humbly-named Grand View Point, one of the Southwest's most sweeping views, where the road ends.

If you want to visit the other districts of Canyonlands National Park, you’ll need more time. From Island in the Sky, it's a two-hour drive south to the Needles through Moab – and that’s just enough time to arrive, not to explore. The Maze district is the most remote and requires a 4WD vehicle and self-sufficiency. Many travelers stay in this area for a minimum of three days. Rafting on the rivers is also a multiday adventure, best arranged with adventure tour operators in Moab.

Is it easy to get to and around Canyonlands National Park?

Yes, it is easy to get to and around some parts of Canyonlands National Park – if you have a car. None of Canyonlands’ districts have public transportation or shuttle services.

The Island in the Sky district is the easiest to reach because of its proximity to Moab (about 30 miles away), but you’ll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to explore off the paved roads.

The Needles district is also easy to reach, but it receives only half as many visitors as Island in the Sky because it's further from the interstate – but still only a 1½-hour drive from Moab – and there are fewer roadside attractions (but most are well worth the hike).

The Maze district is the remotest area of Canyonlands National Park and requires self-sufficiency, navigational know-how and a suitable 4WD high-clearance vehicle to explore.

A woman backpacking past stone cairns on the Joint Trail in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, Monticello, Utah

Top things to do at Canyonlands National Park

Island in the Sky is all about the views, and you'll comprehend distance in new ways standing on the 6000ft-high mesa that drops precipitously on all sides, providing some of the most captivating vistas in the country. Nearby Dead Horse Point State Park , on the same highway that heads to the national park, is another spectacular place to survey the scene.

Island in the Sky has a few worthwhile hikes, including seeing Mesa Arch at sunrise, which makes it glow a fiery red. Upheaval Dome is a must for geology nerds; scientists still aren’t quite sure what caused this crater. For drivers with high-clearance 4WD vehicles, the scenic Shafer Trail and Potash Road make classic Canyonlands adventures.

The Needles district – named for the spires of orange and white sandstone that appear to grow from the desert – is so different from Island in the Sky that it's hard to believe they're part of the same national park. Get among these bizarre formations by hiking the Chesler Park Loop, an 11-mile route across grasslands, past towering red-and-white-striped pinnacles and through slot canyons, some only 2ft across.

If you don’t have time for a full-day hike, check out cowboy artifacts and historic Native pictographs on the Cave Spring Trail or see if you can spot tiny water organisms in the small, rain-filled pools on the Pothole Point Trail.

Exploring the Maze is all about getting off-grid, and rafting the Colorado and Green Rivers promises another beautiful perspective on the remote corners of Canyonlands National Park.

My favorite thing to do at Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands boggles the mind with its unending vistas from Island in the Sky, but on my most recent trip to this national park, I wanted to feel closer to the canyons and understand more of this land’s Native history. Horseshoe Canyon is nicknamed the "Louvre of the Southwest" for its huge panels of pictographs painted many millennia ago, and it’s one of the most impressive collections of rock art in North America.

The highlight is the 200ft-long Great Gallery, where an astonishing 80 human figures were painted in brown, red and white on a huge rock wall between 2000 BCE and 500 CE, though they might be older. I gasped when I spotted the haunting 7ft-tall figure at the center of the scene, known as the Holy Ghost. This type of art is called Barrier Canyon style (the former name of Horseshoe Canyon), and the meaning of the figures isn't fully known. Similarly styled clay sculptures found in the area date back more than 7000 years, meaning that this rock art could be twice as old as the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.

The Horseshoe Canyon hike – and the drive to get to the trailhead – aren’t for the faint of heart. Reaching the start of the hike requires driving for at least an hour on dirt roads that can be extremely rutted and washboarded. If the weather has been good (i.e. not rainy), you can usually make it in a standard sedan – I did it in a Nissan Altima – but find out about road conditions before you set off. My car wasn’t particularly pleased with the journey, and the undercarriage got a sand bath for several miles.

The Great Gallery lies at the end of a 7-mile round-trip hiking trail that descends 780ft from a dirt road, built by the Phillips Petroleum Company in 1929 to supply its oil wells. Plan on six hours. National park rangers lead guided hikes most weekends in April, May, September and October. Check Canyonlands’ online park calendar for specifics, but otherwise, no park rangers are present on site.

Horseshoe Canyon is possible to visit as a long day trip from Moab, but it means spending at least five hours in the car to get there and back. The towns of Green River and Hanksville are closer to Horseshoe Canyon than Moab, but they are both still more than an hour’s drive.

A snow-covered tent after dark in the Utah desert.

How much money do I need for Canyonlands National Park?

The standard entrance pass for Canyonlands National Park costs $30 per vehicle, and it’s valid for seven days. If you’re visiting more national parks on a road trip through Utah and beyond, it’s worth buying the America the Beautiful pass for $80. It's valid for a year at all national parks and federal recreation land across the country for one vehicle or four per-person entry fees – arguably one of the best travel deals available.

Island in the Sky has a campground ($15 per night), as does the Needles ($20 per night). Both districts and the Maze have backcountry camping areas, which require a $36 overnight backcountry permit , plus $5 per person per night. The permits, bookable on recreation.gov , are bought up far in advance in the busy spring and fall seasons.

What is the closest city to Canyonlands National Park?

Moab is the closest town to Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district, about 33 miles away. The town of Monticello is closest to the Needles district, about 55 miles south of Moab.

The Maze and Horseshoe Canyon are more remote, closer by road to Capitol Reef National Park than Arches National Park and Moab. Look for supplies and accommodations in Green River and Hanksville or stock up in bigger cities on the way in.

Where’s the best place to stay near Canyonlands National Park?

If you don’t want to camp, you’ll find cozy places to stay in the gateway towns near the entrances to Canyonlands National Park. For the Island in the Sky district, stay in Moab, which has lots of hotels lining its main street. Field Station is one of our favorite spots in town for its motel-turned-minimalist-mod vibes and adventure ethos.

In Monticello, closest to the Needles, Grist Mill Inn is a delightful B&B housed inside a former 1930s flour mill. Staying in Green River slightly shortens the journey to Horseshoe Canyon if you’ve previously been to Island in the Sky or Moab. Skyfall Guestrooms offers just three waterside spots next to the town’s namesake river, and the interior decor is inspired by natural formations nearby: Goblin Valley, Book Cliffs and Crystal Geyser.

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Canyonlands By Night & Day

Canyonlands Self-Guided Trips by Canoe/Kayak/Raft With Jet Boat Shuttle

Self-guided flat water river trip into canyonlands national park.

For Green River vehicle put-in and take-out,  click here !

Canyonlands By Night & Day is an authorized concessioner of Canyonlands National Park.

Adventure Description

Canyonlands National Park is known for its remote back-country solitude. Paddling on the calm waters that cut through the interior of the Park is one of the best ways to experience the privacy of this flat water wilderness at your own pace. We can help you organize and outfit your canoe/kayak camping trip down the Green River or Colorado River through Canyonlands, including jet boat shuttle.

Adventure Level

This is a self guided trip and requires canoe and camping skills. When you think Moab Utah camping, don’t rule out this possibility. The river current is a help but paddling is required. Excellent guide maps are available.

  • Backcountry – Flat water (no rapids)
  • Knowledge of packing and camping
  • Excellent hiking opportunities

The Big Picture

Your personalized Canyonlands self-guided trips will start and end at the Canyonlands By Night & Day office in Moab, Utah. We will transport you, your personal gear, canoes/kayaks/or rafts from the office using our shuttle vehicles and trailers. Your return trip is a jet boat shuttle from the Confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. Your private expedition can last anywhere from three days to longer depending on the launch site you choose.

Your Skill Requirements: This backcountry expedition requires outdoor skills that are essential on a self guided trip; camping basics, map reading, boat maneuvering, meal planning, and an understanding of the rules and regulations. Below are some excellent resources.

Rules and Regulations

(canyonlands by night & day does not get your permits for you, you must do this yourself. you are also solely responsible for knowing the laws governing boating in utah. please see all the links below…).

Paddling on the Green River or the Colorado River requires a permit. You must obtain the permit(s) at least 2 weeks prior to your arrival. Follow these links for permit information:

National Park Service  (required for any trip entering Canyonlands) BLM Permit  (required if starting at Green River State Park or Ruby Ranch) Utah State Boating Laws  (rules apply to any waterway in Utah)

Backcountry Rules

Canyonlands By Night has adopted the Leave No Trace ethic to keep these areas wild and scenic for future visitors. Basically, it means to leave everything as it was when you found it. We offer the following link so you may do otherwise:  Leave No Trace .

No pets are allowed in the Park.

Please see below for details on all rental equipment we have available.

We do charge an additional boat fee to transport your own canoe, raft or kayak ; However, we do not charge if you rent canoes from us. We also rent other canoe related gear.

Helpful Hint:  A large car wash sponge helps keep your vessel clean during the trip.

Toilet Systems

Your toilet system should be designed to empty into a sewer system in the same way that recreational vehicles discard refuse. Pack your toilet so it is readily available for day use as well as campsite use. Soiled feminine hygiene products should be stored in a zip-lock bag and carried out in your garbage.

We have toilet systems available for rent if you do not have one. Our toilets are custom made for durability, ease of use and comfort. A real toilet seat attaches for camp use! The seat is removed and a separate lid seals the container for transportation. We clean the toilet after your trip. Toilet paper is not included in our rental (please note that when using our toilet we require toilet paper to be kept in a separate bag like a zip lock and not placed in the toilet.  Remember to bring zip locks!)

Helpful Hint: Throwing Wag Bags into regular trash disposal is against the law and bio-hazard. Grand County has five approved Wag Bag Disposal sites:

  • Canyonlands Solid Waste Authority Transfer Station, 2295 S. Highway 191
  • Southeast Utah Health Department, 575 Kane Creek Blvd.
  • Lions Park, north side of the intersection of Highways 191 and 128
  • Grand County Transit Hub, south side of the intersection of Highways 191 and 128
  • Wastewater Reclamation Facility, 1070 W. 400 North

For updated sites, hours and rules visit Discover Moab’s new Poop in Moab page at discovermoab.com/poop 

A fire pan is required in Canyonlands National Park and the surrounding BLM lands regardless of whether or not you plan on having a fire while camping on the river. Fire pans must be at least 12″ in diameter with a 2″ lip. Bring your own wood or collect driftwood or down and dead tamarisk. The ash of a fire is deposed of with your trash. We have fire pans available for rent.

Helpful Hint:  Sprinkle a couple of cups of water in your fire pan to cool ashes in the evening and put everything in with your trash the morning before you depart your beach.

Chose to meet at our office at 8:00am MT or 2:00pm MT for orientation then to start loading your gear. Loading should be complete within one hour from the time of your arrival. The drive to any of the Green River boat ramps will take approximately an hour to an hour and a half. The drive to either of the Colorado River boat ramps takes about 30 minutes.

On the last day of your trip, you will be picked up by a Canyonlands By Night jet boat shuttle boat between the Confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers and Spanish Bottom at 11:00am MT. Your vessels and equipment will be loaded onto the jet boat and you can enjoy a leisure ride upstream in comfortable style. The jet boat, still with gear inside, is brought all the way back to the Canyonlands By Night office in Moab, Utah. Plan on arriving back to Moab around 1:00pm MT (Don’t make travel plans for the same day in case of any emergencies or problems with weather or boats).

Mileage Schedule

Use the mileage schedule below to plan your self-designed Green River or Colorado River canoe, kayak, or raft trip. 15 to 20 miles per day is the average distance made in a canoe in about 6 hours of leisure paddling. Water levels and weather can have an effect on the actual distance made each day. Add enough time for hiking and exploring.

Helpful Hint:  In warmer weather an upstream wind is common. This generally occurs in the afternoon so break camp early and get on your way.

Canoe-Map

Trip Highlights

  • Self-Designed / Self-Guided camping vacation
  • Bring your own boat or rent one from us!
  • Flexible length: 3 days or longer
  • Privacy & solitude on up to 120 miles of Canyonlands flat water
  • Fitness Level: Good to average. Hiking is available throughout the canyon. Desert rivers are warm from about mid-June to mid-September.

Who Should Go

Almost anyone; experienced paddlers, novice paddlers, friends, and families. Those who enjoy the Boundary Waters or backpacking trips will find this a special treat. These sections of the river are all flat water (no rapids).

Dates Available

Contact our office  for reservation dates available.

Rentals Available

Canoe rentals:.

15′ Coleman Canoe  – $35+ tax per day

17′ Osaigan Canoe  – $40+ tax per day

16′ Mad River Explorer  – $40+ tax per day

16’9″ Old Town Discovery  – $45+ tax per day

Canoe Seat Backs

$3 for the 1st day and $2 every day after.

Toilet System

Large- $15 for the 1st day and $12 every day after +$30 Dump fee. Small- $12 for the 1st day and $8 every day after +$30 Dump fee. Kayak- $10 for the 1st day and $6 every day after +$30 Dump fee.

Dimensions:

  • Large: 18″ x 16″ x 16″ high – 64 uses
  • Small: 12” x 12” x 12” – 26 uses
  • Kayak: 13.5” x 10” x 8” – 14 uses

Large Dry Bags

$8 for the 1st day and $5 every day after.

5-gallon Water Jugs

$5 for the 1st day and $3 every day after.

55qt Food Cooler

$9 for the 1st day and $5 every day after.

Shuttle Fees

$289.00 + tax per Adult $173.50 per Youth 3 and under

These rates are round trip, from our office in Moab to your launch point, and the Jet Boat return to Moab.

In addition to all shuttle fees above for transporting people and their gear, the below fees are charged for the handling of boats not rented from Canyonlands By Night:

Solo Canoe: $35 Standard Canoe: $35 Inflatable Kayak or SUP: $25 Hard Shell Kayak $40 Tandem Kayak: $35

Rafts are charged these additional rates:

$1,130.00 for a raft less than 10′ $1,320.00 for rafts 11-12′ $1,510.00 for rafts 13-14′ $1,890.00 for raft 15′ to 16′ *NOTE: We cannot transport larger than a 16′ raft

A 20% deposit is due at the time of booking and is non-refundable.  Balance due the day of departure.

Cancellation Policy

We require a 20% non-refundable deposit to make each reservation. If you cancel before 48 hours then the deposit is forfeited. Any changes to boats, number of people, or cancellations within 48 hours are completely non-refundable and charged in full.

(435) 259-5261

Call for a reservation or use our trip inquiry form

Green River Boat Launch Areas

Colorado river boat launch areas, boat ramp information.

Green River State Park Ramp The road is paved all the way to this put-in. There is an entrance fee of $5.00 per person for day use. If you camp overnight, additional fees apply.  Warning : Very shallow at lower water levels 1700 cfs – 2000 cfs at the Highway bridge crossing of the Green River. Check  water flow .

Ruby Ranch Ramp The road is paved for the first 30 minutes, then turns to backcountry dirt roads. Ruby Ranch is private property and the owners charge a fee of $10.00 per boat and $5.00 per person.

Mineral Bottom Ramp The road is paved for the first 30 minutes, then turns to backcountry dirt roads. The last few miles the road becomes steep and narrow as it drops into the river canyon. The road becomes impassable during rain. No put in fee.

Moab Boat Ramp The road is paved. The ramp is located less than 2 miles from Moab, Utah.

Potash Ramp The road is paved. The ramp is located 17 miles from Moab, Utah

The Jet Boat Pick-Up  The Canyonlands jet boat will locate you on a beach between the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers and Spanish Bottom. Be prepared to pass your bundled equipment onto the jet boat at the designated pick up time. Remove all gear from your vessel and have your vessel clean. Vessels will be loaded onto the jet boat top rack for transport back to Moab. Our jet boat needs at least 5 feet of depth, 5 feet out to access the shore.

The Confluence and Spanish Bottom Below the confluence, the Colorado River can change personality. At this point, life-jackets are required for EVERYONE. There are eddies during various water levels. Also be prepared for a more powerful current. Four miles beyond the Confluence the rapids of Cataract Canyon begin. DO NOT ENTER THE RAPIDS.

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Best of the Canyonlands

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Best of the Canyonlands Guided Tour

7 Day US National Parks Tour from Denver to Las Vegas

7 days, 1 country and 9 cities

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6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners

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Descend from the Mile High City into the foothills of the Rockies and through the badlands, canyons, and arches rising from desert landscapes. From Arches and Canyonlands National Parks tours and a Be My Guest lunch experience at a family owned organic farm to the Grand Canyon, it’s the best-of experiences not to be missed.

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7 days itinerary trip from Denver to Las Vegas visiting 1 country and 9 cities

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Sightseeing highlights.

The Grand Canyon, Monument Valley

Discover Denver, Moab and Las Vegas

Visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Cameron Trading Post

See Delicate Arch in Arches National Park

Scenic Drive along Desert View Drive along parts of Route 66

View the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, Desert Viewpoint

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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

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  1. Sunrise over the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park, Utah #BeautifulNature #

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  2. Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park

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  3. Explore the Stunning Canyons of Canyonlands, Utah

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  4. Utah, le « road trip » chic au pays des canyons américains (avec images)

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  5. Canyonlands National Park Trip Planner

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  6. Canyonlands National Park, Utah.

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VIDEO

  1. Spin and Splash

  2. Confluence Trail Hike -The Needles District

  3. Ambient Hiking The Best Trail in Canyonlands National Park

  4. My Canyonlands: River Run

  5. Canyonlands

  6. Moab, Utah- Arches, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, Jet boat Tours and Hummer Tours

COMMENTS

  1. Canyonlands By Night & Day

    Canyonlands by Night and Day has been operating tours in the Moab area for more than 51 years! Vacations Created Especially for You. Canyonlands by Night & Day is a unique tour operator with a variety of packages for your Moab vacation. Moab, Utah—An Unforgettable Place. Our neighborhood is filled with some of the most wild and awe-inspiring ...

  2. Flatwater Trips

    Canyonlands River Tours: (800) 394-9978, (435) 259-5261. People interested in flatwater permits should make their upstream travel arrangements before contacting the park. Permits are plentiful—it's more likely that shuttle availability will be a limiting factor for your trip. The National Park Service does not operate a shuttle service.

  3. Canyonlands National Park Tours

    Experience an all-inclusive 4 day rafting journey through Utah's legendary Cataract Canyon just outside of Moab Utah. Exciting whitewater combined with the indescribable scenery of Canyonlands National Park make this the ideal river trip. Duration: 4 days. Departure Times: 7:30 AM. Season: May - September.

  4. THE 10 BEST Canyonlands National Park Tours & Excursions

    2. Canyonlands National Park Half-Day Tour from Moab. Experience the rugged terrain of Canyonlands National Park with 4-wheel drive transportation on a half-day tour from Moab…. 3. Arches and Canyonlands 4X4 Adventure from Moab. Combine two National Park 4X4 tours into one day. This combo includes the Shafer Trail, Arches, and a delicious ...

  5. 4X4 Tours

    Difficult- Climbing the Slickrock of Hell's Revenge and includes "Hell's Gate". $149. $109. 3 Hour Xtreme. Difficult- In our most popular tour we explore Hell's Revenge but include tons of obstacles! $186. $149. 5 Hour Xtreme. Difficult- You'll get the same 3-hour Xtreme experience but also get Fins N' Things!

  6. Canyonlands by Night & Day

    7:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Write a review. See all photos. About. When coming to such a beautiful area it's hard to choose a tour company because there are so many companies offering so many things. At Canyonlands By Night and Day, we pride ourselves in giving you the ultimate vacation by matching your needs with an excellent tour.

  7. Canyonlands National Park, Moab

    Discover the rugged beauty and ancient legends of Canyonlands National Park on a 4WD tour from Moab. Go off-roading in a sturdy Jeep to reach the Island in the Sky district and other remote areas, where the Colorado River slices through steep ravines and ancient Pueblo rock art decorates the sandstone cliffs.

  8. Commercial Guides

    The companies listed here are authorized concessioners of the National Park Service to conduct tours in Canyonlands. Guided trips are offered for mountain biking, four-wheel driving and river running. ... Canyonlands River Tours (Canyonlands by Night and Day) (800) 394-9978, (435) 259-5261: Canoe shuttles, Jet boat tours: Colorado Outward Bound ...

  9. Moab: Colorado River Rafting , Canyonlands National Park 2024

    This outdoor adventure combo from Moab takes you off-roading through Canyonlands National Park, followed by a guided rafting trip on the Colorado River. Your guide introduces you to the scenic natural wonders of Canyonlands' Island in the Sky by 4-wheel drive (4WD), including sections of the Shafer Trail and White Rim Road. Enjoy a buffet lunch before an afternoon rafting the white-water ...

  10. Moab: Colorado River Sunset Boat Tour with Optional Dinner

    Enjoy a romantic and relaxing 1.5-hour sunset cruise along the beautiful Colorado River. Admire the vibrant hues of the canyon walls as they change color against the sun. Listen to live commentary and learn about the geology and history of the Canyonlands area. Dine on a western style BBQ dinner at the riverside restaurant after the cruise.

  11. Canyonlands Rafting & Hiking Adventures

    Canyonlands Tours with OARS. If you are considering a national park vacation but don't have time to deal with all the necessary logistics, or you're looking for an experienced outfitter, OARS offers all-inclusive guided river trips in Utah's Canyonlands National Park. Visiting the park with OARS includes multiple days of rafting and hiking through the heart of the Canyonlands on the ...

  12. Take An Evening River Cruise In Moab

    All evening tours begin at the Canyonlands by Night and Day private boat dock, and are open to everyone ages four and up. All tours take you along calm sections of the Colorado River, and are suitable for most people. While the days in Moab can be warm, the evenings along the river can be cool so be sure to bring a jacket.

  13. Sunset Jet Boat Tour

    The sunset jet boat travels approximately 36 miles round trip while on the water. The jet boat portion takes an hour and a half, with dinner lasting an hour, for the total time of 2.5 hours. The tour departure varies with the sunset. You can call one of our friendly reservationists at 435-259-5261 to inquire about a certain date or refer to our ...

  14. Canyonlands National Park Half-Day Tour from Moab 2024

    Canyonlands National Park tour by 4WD from Moab. Visit the sheer sandstone mesa of Island in the Sky, which stands more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) tall. Stop at scenic lookouts with panoramic views of canyon country. Travel the rugged terrain of the Shafer Trail by 4WD. See examples of rock art from ancient indigenous Pueblo cultures.

  15. Colorado River Jetboat Tours » Moab Jetboat Tours

    Colorado River Jet Boat Fun Run. See the red rock wonders of the Colorado River bordering Canyonlands National Park while skimming over the water in comfort. Duration: Approximately 3hrs. Departure Times: 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM. Season: April - July* (*Dependent on water levels) ADULT (13+) $139. YOUTH (4-12)

  16. Rivers

    The Colorado and Green rivers wind through the heart of Canyonlands, cutting through layered sandstone to form two deep canyons. In stark contrast to the hot, sunny desert above, the river corridors are remarkably green, shady, and full of life. Both rivers are calm upstream of The Confluence, ideal for canoes, kayaks and other shallow water craft.

  17. Canyonlands by Night Dinner & Light Show

    Evening jet boat tours will meet at 1861 N Highway 191, Moab, UT 15 minutes prior to departure. Call ahead for exact times. Dutch-oven dinner included. 1 Hour Dinner, 2 Hour show. Whats Included: Dutch Oven Dinner. 2 Hr Light Show. Guide/Pilot. Meeting Location: Canyonlands by Night - 1861 North Hwy 191.

  18. NAVTEC Expeditions

    NAVTEC Expeditions scenic cruise on the Colorado River takes you by boat into Canyonlands. This calm water tour visits rock art, natural grottos, petrified wood, and floats beneath Dead Horse Point in Meander Canyon. ... Half-day calm water tours depart at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM from NAVTEC Expeditions. Our office is located at 321 N. Main Street ...

  19. Moab, Utah Canoeing Shuttles

    Canyonlands By Night & Day serves adventurous travelers by providing wilderness canoe shuttles. You enjoy the freedom and independence of a self-guided canoe wilderness float trip on the Green River or Colorado River while eliminating the worry of complicated shuttles and equipment transfer. Do it your way, but let our experience as self guided ...

  20. Guide to Canyonlands National Park

    A mind-boggling glimpse into layers upon layers of Earth's planetary past, Canyonlands National Park is Utah's largest - and least visited - national park, even though part of it sits a short distance away from Arches National Park, a 40-minute drive from the town of Moab. Canyonlands' meandering cliffsides are stacked with thousands of feet of tie-dye-colored rocks that reach so far ...

  21. Canyonlands By Night & Day Self-Guided Trips

    Your personalized Canyonlands self-guided trips will start and end at the Canyonlands By Night & Day office in Moab, Utah. We will transport you, your personal gear, canoes/kayaks/or rafts from the office using our shuttle vehicles and trailers. Your return trip is a jet boat shuttle from the Confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers.

  22. Canyonlands National Park Needles District by 4x4

    Hit the dusty trail on a 4x4 tour of Canyonlands National Park. Expert guides will take you to see the highlights of Utah's Chesler Park such as Elephant Hill, Devil's Lane, and Devil's Kitchen. There's also the option to take a 3-mile (4.8-km) hike on the spectacularly scenic Joint Trail. This full-day adventure is the perfect way to experience Utah's backcountry away from the crowds.

  23. Best of the Canyonlands USA Tour 2024

    6 nights. Meals. 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners. Itinerary. View day-by-day trip itinerary. Descend from the Mile High City into the foothills of the Rockies and through the badlands, canyons, and arches rising from desert landscapes. From Arches and Canyonlands National Parks tours and a Be My Guest lunch experience at a family owned organic ...