Desolation Canyon - Green River in Moab
Moab, United States

Desolation Canyon - Green River

Outty Ranking 58 5.0 · 4 traveler reviews96 hoursFrom $1597

Pick your date

Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Loading live availability

Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.

From, per person$1597
View availability on Viator

Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.

Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

58/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Desolation Canyon - Green River worth booking?

Desolation Canyon - Green River is a 96-hour experience in Moab, United States, from $1597 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
58 / 100
Rating
5/5 (4)
Duration
96 hours
From
$1597 per person

Desolation Canyon is perhaps our most popular family river vacation. A less-known national treasure, Desolation is one of the most scenic, historic and colorful waterway areas on the western rivers. Its brightly colored

What you get

    About this experience

    Desolation Canyon is perhaps our most popular family river vacation. A less-known national treasure, Desolation is one of the most scenic, historic and colorful waterway areas on the western rivers. Its brightly colored formations are monuments to the force of Mother Nature. Wildlife thrives: you may see mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, or waterfowl and desert birds, along with yucca, sage, numerous cacti and wildflowers. Huge cottonwood trees over untouched beaches offer exquisite campsites. Feel the power of the river pull as your oar or paddle raft drifts along the calmer sections of the Green. Desolation Canyon has an abundant supply of rapids; over 60 overall on this 84-mile trip. The trip includes a scenic charter flight from Moab to the trip's put-in site at Sand Wash.

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional guide
    • All taxes, fees and handling charges
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
    • Breakfast
    • Beverages
    • Local taxes

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Alcoholic drinks

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Moab

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Options you can book

    • 4 Day, 3 Night

      Spend 4 days and 3 nights exploring the Green River through Desolation Canyon

    • 5 Day, 4 Night

      Spend 5 days and 4 nights exploring the Green River through Desolation Canyon

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Adrift Adventures

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
    • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

    Photos

    Desolation Canyon - Green River in Moab, photo 2Desolation Canyon - Green River in Moab, photo 3Desolation Canyon - Green River in Moab, photo 4Desolation Canyon - Green River in Moab, photo 5Desolation Canyon - Green River in Moab, photo 6Desolation Canyon - Green River in Moab, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    4 verified traveler reviews for Desolation Canyon - Green River. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    4
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    lisapI9281VH · July 2024

    Fabulous Six-day, five night, River expedition.

    This was an incredible trip. The guides were the best we have ever known or seen. Each of these young people had so much energy, hustle, knowledge, strength, and fun personalities. We felt as if we were treated like royalty. The meals were nutritious and very delicious. Also, the guides set up and took down camp quickly and efficiently. They guided the rafts expertly across many challenging rapids. In the end, we felt like those young river guides were part of our family. This was an experience we will always remember and an adventure we will never forget. Thank you Adrift Adventures and especially the river guides, Wes, Kia, Porsche, and Turner. It was a wonderful six days! Joe and Lisa

    Response from the operator: Thank you!

    via Tripadvisor

    36coreys · July 2019

    Highly recommended for everyone in the family!

    Back story: Our family has done one day rafting trips and we go camping. We figured we would try combining them into one memorable trip, so we did the 4 day Desolation Canyon Trip and would say that it is great for everyone! It was even better than we all thought it would be. From the beginning, Adrift was easy to work with...getting questions answered about the equipment and finicky eaters. Once we arrived in Moab, we checked in with Myke at the office and he provided dry bags and explained that the equipment was already on its way to the let in point. It was an easy and smooth check in experience that still allowed time to explore Moab. The next morning, two adults, two newly minted teenagers and another double digit kid started what would turn out to be a phenomenal 4 days that exceeded all expectations. After driving to the Moab Airport, we boarded a 6 seater (yes!) flight that would take us over the beautiful landscape of Moab so we could get to our put in point. The Green River was in view and we got a sneak peek of where we would be rafting. Once back on ground, we met our amazing guide, Everett. He got us loaded in the raft and we headed down the river. Everett was the linchpin to the memories we created and the good time we had on the trip. His focus was twofold; first and foremost the safety of everyone in the raft and then us having a fun tim. He has tons of experience on this section of the river, and this knowledge was shared with us through stories and things pointed out on hikes. The kids didn't realize they were learning something, but talking afterwards it was great to hear how much they retained. On the water, Everett took us through fun rapids (Class II and IIIs) that I think everyone would find fun. When in stretches between rapids, we had the green light to swim in the river and the kids loved floating along effortlessly. On land, Everett, Zach and Kat (two other guides on other rafts) made us feel at home. They worked to set up the kitchen, prepare tasty lunches and dinners and pointed out some easy hikes for us. Menus are different each trip, but first day, my family opted for sandwiches, day 2 was chicken caesar salad wraps and day 3 was taco salad wraps before traditional deli meat sandwiches on day 4. First night dinner was ribs with tortellini and vegetables, day 2 was chicken fajitas and the last night was steak with asparagus and potatoes. We took hikes to see petroglyphs, old mining homes and some unbelievable views in general. One big question Adrift answered, but still didn't make sense until on the trip was the bathroom. Away from camp, there was a toilet set up that gave privacy and views of the river and canyon walls. The simple system also make is clear if the bathroom was open or in use. Our family is already looking to do another multiday rafting trip, perhaps Cataract Canyon with Adrift, but in the meantime, Adrift will undoubtedly provide you and your group the best experience in Desolation Canyon.

    via Tripadvisor

    goldgraphix · July 2018

    Beautiful scenery, professional guides

    I was among a group of local friends who chose Adrift to support our Desolation Canyon trip. Our three guides, Charlie, Johnny, and Ian were fun, knowledgeable about the canyon and the river, were great cooks, and really had good chemistry. They expertly navigated our boats through almost historically low water levels, and did a good job selecting campsites. The equipment was first rate, as well. I would highly recommend doing a whitewater trip with Adrift!

    via Tripadvisor

    WayneBelcher · June 2018

    Desolation and Gray multi-day trip

    I have been using Adrift Adventures for over 20 years for the daily rafting they offer - Fisher Towers and Westwater Canyon. ALL of these have been excellent, well organized, and professional with great boatman providing safe and enjoyable passage down the river. Last week (June 10-13, 2018), I took my first multi-day trip with Adrift through Desolation and Gray Canyons on the Green River. Was it AWESOME! Zach, our boatman, was excellent. I cannot say enough good things about him. We did not have an assistant guide/swamper and Zach did a HUGE amount of work in leading hikes, rowing, pointing out interesting features, etc. He was friendly, had an amazing attitude, knowledgeable, and extraordinarily professional. The food was nutritious, plentiful, and excellent. I was always completely stuffed after every meal. Zach led us on several hikes over our 4 days on the Green River, mainly to look at petroglyphs and old pioneer ranch buildings. Adrift Adventures is a GREAT guiding service out of the Moab area. They are HIGHLY recommended.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    96 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon
    Price range
    $1597 to $1680
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 58

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
    Review evidence (18% weight)22
    Booking momentum (14% weight)11
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)53
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Desolation Canyon - Green River: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Moab.

    How much does Desolation Canyon - Green River cost?

    +

    Prices start at $1597 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Moab usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Desolation Canyon - Green River take?

    +

    Plan for about 96 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Moab is not rushed.

    Is Desolation Canyon - Green River worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable family friendly in Moab, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Desolation Canyon - Green River?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Desolation Canyon - Green River suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 96-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Desolation Canyon - Green River?

    +

    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Moab can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Moab and add a light layer if any part of the 96-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Desolation Canyon - Green River start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Moab within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Moab?

    +

    Moab is the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands: sunrise arch tours, 4x4 runs on Hell's Revenge, Colorado River rafting, canyoneering and dark-sky stargazing. Park entry timing systems change often, so we weight tours that handle reservations for you. On Outty we rank every Moab experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include HIGHLY RATED U-DRIVE Moab Hell’s Revenge UTV Off-Road Adventure, BEST! Hell's Revenge U-Drive 4X4 Tour in Moab +Dinosaur Tracks!, 5-STAR Moab Hell's Revenge UTV U-DRIVE TOUR + DINO TRACKS. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Moab?

    +

    April to May and September to October, avoiding peak summer heat. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Moab?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Desolation Canyon - Green River.

    Pick your date