Jetting Down the Colorado

One of the great things about living in the Grand Valley of Western Colorado is the variety of nearby recreational activities.  Whether it’s hiking, hunting, fishing, biking, or boating it’s just a short trip from home.

And if you can’t find enough to keep you busy in Colorado, well then there’s our neighbor, Utah.

White water rafting is a big industry in both Colorado and Utah, but it’s never appealed to me. When I go on vacation I want to have fun, and white water rafting has always seemed a little bit too much like work, not to mention a little too wet. At the same time the river canyon scenery is unique, so what’s a guy like me to do? Then I found the answer.

A jet boat tour down the Colorado River from Canyonlands by Night and Day in Moab, Utah, seemed the perfect solution. 

The “jet” in jet boat is a little misleading. Jet boats are shallow draft motorboats, but when they get up to speed, cruising down the river with a skilled driver at the wheel, it feels like riding a rocket on water. The best part is passengers can sit back and enjoy racing down the river while staying completely dry.

To be fair there are several tour providers in Moab offering jet boat rides, but most require that you spend 15-30 minutes riding in a bus to get to a boat launch. Canyonlands By Night and Day has its own docks close to town so you spend all your time on the river where you should be.

It’s conveniently located near the junction of Utah Highways 128 and 191. Turn right off Utah 128 onto Utah 191. Canyonlands By Night and Day is on the left-hand side of the road as you cross over the river. Or, look to your right just before you get to town on Utah 191.

Canyonlands offers a variety of jet boat tours in different sized boats. They also offer activities such as 4x4 excursions, horseback rides, air tours of Arches National Park and Monument Valley, and traditional white water trips. (See www.canyonlandsbynight.com for a complete list of activities and prices.)

The four-hour and Sunset jet boat tours are taken in either 24- or 64-person boats – open on the sides, but with a windshield in front and canopy on top. The night tour is taken in a special, completely open-air boat called the Moab Queen II that seats 144.

The night tour starts at dusk and travels at a more leisurely pace down the river with a brilliant light show playing on the canyon walls accompanied by narration. There are no cameras allowed on the tour, however, so amateur shutterbugs wanting to document their trip will have to take another tour.

The four-hour tours start at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. and pull back into the docks at noon or 5 p.m. respectively. Along the way, enjoy beautiful scenery, a stop for a short hike to some Native American petroglyphs, a petrified forest and fossil seabed. Water, soda and snacks are provided.

I chose the Sunset tour. We departed at 5:30 p.m. and the driver took us down to a point from which we could see the Potash (potassium chloride) mining facilities before turning back. Other prominent stops on the river include vantage points of Poison Spider Arch and Jug Handle Arch along with some beautiful red-rock formations.

Upon arrival back at the dock at dusk, the fine employees at Canyonlands By Night and Day will have the trademark, piping hot Cowboy Style Dutch Oven Dinner waiting in the dining hall. This is a good time to meet fellow passengers and compare notes on the best parts of the tour. A perfect way to end the day.

Served buffet style, the dinner includes choice of barbeque pork, chicken, or beef for an entree. Also on the menu is a salad bar, choice of rolls, sweet baked beans, cowpoke potatoes, corn, choice of drink (coffee or fountain drink), and desert. For those who like to end the day with beer, wine, or spirits there’s a cash bar. Guests are welcome to go back for seconds or thirds. Trust me, you’ll want to.

Depending on the time of year a jacket or possibly coat is recommended for the night and sunset tours. No matter what time of year reservations are recommended, 1-800-394-9978.

Departure times of the sunset and night tours are subject to change. Tours may be cancelled due to inclement weather, especially for lightening. Plan to be at the Canyonlands office 30 minutes before departure to pick up your tickets. While waiting to board, take the opportunity to pick up a souvenir in the gift shop.

If taking the night or sunset tour you may be looking for a place to stay the night. I recommend Red Cliffs Lodge at mile marker 14 on the Moab River Road (Utah Highway 128).

The suites are quite roomy and immaculate with kitchenettes complete with microwave and minifridge. Castle Creek winery is on the premises and offers tastings daily. The lodge offers horseback rides, kayaking, wedding facilities, and the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage. Admission to the museum is free.

For information on room rates or any of the activities offered by the lodge, call 435-259-2002, or visit the lodge’s web site at www.redcliffslodge.com.

You may even decide to stay a few extra days and enjoy some of the other fabulous sites around the Moab area.

I did!