Moab is famous for its stunning red rock scenery and rugged outdoor adventures, but it’s also a surprisingly good place for BBQ. The town’s outdoor-centric vibe makes it a natural fit for memorable meals paired with nature. Our favorite experience is the Full-Day Rafting Adventure with BBQ Lunch, which combines the thrill of paddling through the Colorado River with a hearty grilled feast.
It’s perfect if you love a mix of adventure and good food. After all, what’s better than relaxing riverside after a day on the water?
While Moab’s landscape is its main draw, these tours show how you can also enjoy a genuine outdoor BBQ experience. Whether you prefer the scenic calm of a gentle river float or the excitement of paddling through mild rapids, there’s a tour for you.
Both options deliver a delicious BBQ lunch and plenty of opportunities to soak in the wild scenery. Keep reading to find out which Moab BBQ adventure suits your style best.
1. Full-Day Rafting Adventure with BBQ Lunch
This full-day rafting trip with Moab Adventure Center is a standout for combining scenic paddling with a satisfying BBQ lunch by the river.
The tour lasts about 7 hours and is suitable for most age groups, making it ideal for families or groups looking for a balanced day of activity and relaxation. The trip follows the Colorado River, winding through iconic red rock canyons that you’ve probably seen in movies.
The rafting itself features mild rapids that keep the adrenaline flowing without being too intense. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the area’s geology and history. The highlight is a riverside BBQ lunch at a ranch, where you can kick back and enjoy grilled burgers, hot dogs, and classic sides while taking in the peaceful river views.
Guests love the blend of adventure and comfort, often citing the friendly guides and scenic stops as major pluses. At $138 per person, this tour offers great value considering the full day of fun and food.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want a full day of outdoor activity with a delicious payoff. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a laid-back, scenic float with a tasty meal at the end.
2. Colorado River: Full-Day Rafting with BBQ Lunch
Ranked at number two, this full-day rafting trip offers a slightly longer experience—about 7.5 hours—that includes a scenic drive and a variety of paddling spots. It’s based in Arizona but shares the same majestic Colorado River scenery. The tour features gentle rapids and relaxing floats, making it suitable for beginners or those wanting a more leisurely water adventure.
One of the standout features is the exclusive riverside BBQ lunch at Red Cliffs Lodge, which is a beautifully situated ranch with views of the river and cliffs. Travelers can opt for paddle rafts or two-person kayaks, allowing some customization of the experience. The tour’s value is high at $138, especially considering the full day of water, wilderness, and a hearty grilled lunch.
Many report that the scenery here exceeds expectations and that the lunch stop is a highlight, with some noting it as “the best riverside meal they’ve had.”
Bottom line: This trip is best if you want a relaxed, full-day water adventure with options for a bit of self-paddling and a stunning lunch stop. It suits travelers looking for a mix of mild excitement and scenic downtime.
How to Choose Between the Best BBQ Experiences in Moab
When deciding which tour fits your style, consider your budget, time constraints, and what kind of experience you want. Both tours cost $138 per person and provide a full day of rafting and a BBQ lunch, but the first is based in Moab, while the second is in Arizona with a slightly longer duration. If you prefer staying in Utah and want a straightforward scenic float, the Moab-based trip is your best bet.
If you’re open to a scenic drive into Arizona and want a flexible paddling option, the second trip offers a bit more variety.
For active families or groups who love outdoor adventure with great food, both trips deliver. But if your priority is guided storytelling and a scenic journey with a relaxing lunch, the Full-Day Rafting Adventure with BBQ Lunch is hard to beat.
Conversely, if you’re looking for a more luxurious lunch stop with river views, the Colorado River: Full-Day Rafting with BBQ Lunch offers that along with the chance to choose paddle or kayak.
Final Thoughts
Both of these Moab BBQ experiences pair outdoor water fun with a satisfying grilled meal, making them ideal for active travelers who like to combine adventure with good eating. The Moab-based rafting trip stands out for its convenience and scenic beauty, perfect if you’re short on time or want to stay close to town.
On the other hand, the Arizona-based trip offers a slightly longer, more flexible day with options for paddling and a stunning riverside lunch at Red Cliffs Lodge.
If you’re planning your trip, consider your fitness level, whether you want a guided tour or more self-directed paddling, and your preferred scenery. Both tours book up quickly, so booking early is wise—especially in peak season. Whichever you pick, you’re in for a memorable day of water, wilderness, and great barbecue in the American Southwest.