Colorado Riverway Recreation Area
Colorado Riverway Recreation Area
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8 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
311 reviews
Excellent
251
Very good
51
Average
9
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Tony K
Moreno Valley, CA735 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We drove down to Moab from I-70 just to drive Highway 128. It’s definitely a incredible drive along the Colorado River lined with really high red rock cliffs for miles & miles going north back to I-70. The canyon has many campgrounds along the Colorado River. It’s definitely a very scenic drive worth seeing !
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marv R
Ballwin, MO43 contributions
Aug 2023
We had visited the Arches NP on Sunday & were leaving town Monday morning when we noticed a walk bridge over the Colorado. We took a hike then decided to drive down the road by the river. It was a fantastic viewing experience.
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KateS
Hot Springs, Arkansas, United States4,832 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Worth about a half-hour of your time! Quick walk to & across the Colorado River on a well-maintained multi-use trail. We brought an ice chest of water & snacks, & sat in the shade for a bit, just enjoying the lovely views.
Written 23 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GARY P
Athens, AL7 contributions
Aug 2022
I love the drive along 129. I stayed 6 nights at Rustic Inn. It was a good place. Small, good pool, centrally located, clean and courteous. The drive to Castle Rock Valley along 129 was beautiful. That Loop back to Moab was great. I came into Moab from Cisco and through the river canyon on 129. Arches NP, Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands NP were well worth the trip. Potash Road was interesting particularly near sunset when all the rock climbers are out. You have to eat at the Sunset Grill and catch a sunset. Breakfast at the Moab Diner is very good. Lots of places to visit. Tom Till's gallery of photographs and many more shops.
I had a great time. I am planning to go back for 4 more days next year. I have to have my annual dose of red rock".
I had a great time. I am planning to go back for 4 more days next year. I have to have my annual dose of red rock".
Written 15 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jmegwr
Madison, CT13 contributions
Apr 2022
beautiful drive in an intense red canyon along the river. Some parking was full. I would camp there if I were camping tho I think no services.
Written 8 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
visitall50
New England705 contributions
Apr 2022
If you're heading east from Moab enjoy this route along the Colorado river. Gorgeous canyon cliffs and several pullouts to enjoy the scenery.
Written 18 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ctaylor0159
Tampa, FL139 contributions
Mar 2022
If you have extra time, turn off Main St onto Highway 128 and take a drive down the raod that hugs the CO river. There are many places to pull off and take pics and the views are amazing. To be so close to the CO River was cool. It's a two lane road and lots of places to camp on the river. I turned around at the Big Bend area but the road keeps going.
Written 2 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DannyWasserman
Virginia Beach, VA4,241 contributions
Nov 2021
We just left Arches National Park and heard of the Colorado Riverway area and wanted to check it out. This road traverses along the river and you get to see the sights and sounds of the Colorado and the pretty red mountains. Its a journey for all and should not be missed.
Written 1 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wijram
St. George, UT406 contributions
Oct 2021
Just north of Moab is a National Treasure. In a region blessed with many truly remarkable sites, the Colorado Riverways Recreation Area is unique. In my mind, at least, it is the single best place to decompress, to chill, to refresh. In an area known for its crowds, it is a place to find and enjoy tranquility in more ways than any other location offers.
There are actually two sections of the Area – that known as the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway (SR 128) and the Potash – Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway (SR 279).
The first, the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway (SR 128) is a roadway that runs along the river for about 44 miles. If you are thinking of just driving along it, taking photos as you go, (highly recommended), I would suggest you plan on it taking about 2 hours.
The first 13 miles, while the road hugs the river, are described as “spectacular” and I fully agree. After that point, the valley widens and the road is more distant. At the beginning of the route, a large BLM campground at river’s edge offers well-spaced and attractive sites for both tents and RVs. Further down the road, is Grandstaff Canyon which offers a wonderful hiking trail to Morning Glory Natural Bridge.
The Potash – Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway (SR 279) is about 13 miles long and takes about 1 hour. It provides, again, great views of the Colorado River, but adds the opportunity to see ancient rock art and dinosaur tracks. An afternoon tour is recommended because the red-orange sandstone cliffs along the river are particularly beautiful in the late afternoon sunset.
From my perspective, the drives are a MUST DO and the rest my be chosen!
Obviously, we recommend the Colorado Riverways Recreation Area MOST HIGHLY!
There are actually two sections of the Area – that known as the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway (SR 128) and the Potash – Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway (SR 279).
The first, the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway (SR 128) is a roadway that runs along the river for about 44 miles. If you are thinking of just driving along it, taking photos as you go, (highly recommended), I would suggest you plan on it taking about 2 hours.
The first 13 miles, while the road hugs the river, are described as “spectacular” and I fully agree. After that point, the valley widens and the road is more distant. At the beginning of the route, a large BLM campground at river’s edge offers well-spaced and attractive sites for both tents and RVs. Further down the road, is Grandstaff Canyon which offers a wonderful hiking trail to Morning Glory Natural Bridge.
The Potash – Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway (SR 279) is about 13 miles long and takes about 1 hour. It provides, again, great views of the Colorado River, but adds the opportunity to see ancient rock art and dinosaur tracks. An afternoon tour is recommended because the red-orange sandstone cliffs along the river are particularly beautiful in the late afternoon sunset.
From my perspective, the drives are a MUST DO and the rest my be chosen!
Obviously, we recommend the Colorado Riverways Recreation Area MOST HIGHLY!
Written 23 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L F
Fresno, CA65 contributions
Sep 2021
20 miles of driving, bike and walking trails along the Colorado River with jaw-dropping scenery. Don't miss the cool pedestrian bridge at the start of 128.
Written 11 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley T
Huntsville, AL241 contributions
Is there a specific spot we can let the kids play in the rocks/shallow water or is it all fast moving current?
Joel N
86 contributions
I do not think you should let the kids play in the water. The river appears to me to be too fast and I did not see any calm areas.
Travel_Addict_Cyprus
Michigan1,114 contributions
Hello, is it possible to do the Colorado Riverway if we are coming to Moab from Monument Valley or when leaving Moab to head towards Albuquerque? We are spending one night at Monument Valley, 2 nights at Moab (to spend one day in Arches and one day in Canyonlands), and then heading towards Albuquerque.
thank you in advance!
travel_addict_Cyprus
James_Willey
Delhi, IA51 contributions
The colorado riverway rund east from Moab or you can come from the east off of Interstate 70. You could do the drive as a day trip in about 3 hours from Moab to I-70 and then back to Moab. It is worth the time.
chipmunkey
Twentynine Palms, CA
What is the camping Loki, are there nice places next to the river to pitch a tent?
Joel N
86 contributions
Yes, there are many camping areas along the river.
Kimberly J
Eighty Four, PA9 contributions
What kind of camping accomodations are available?
YAYASister70128
Simi Valley, CA94 contributions
There are small campgrounds along the river, very bare bones, with pit toilets and I think a running water source. We stopped to use the toilet at one. As mentioned there are a couple really nice Dude Ranches up towards Castle Valley with lots of cabins and accomodations. I'm not sure under whose jurisdiction these campsites fall but no doubt the National Park Service or the National Forest Service, because it is a protected river. I would check with both of them for more information. You may also want to check with Dead Horse Point State Park which is in the area and overlooks Canyonlands National Park and the Colorado River. They have rustic campsites with great views. There is also an International Hostel in Moab, UT called the Lazy Lizard.
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Claim your listingCOLORADO RIVERWAY RECREATION AREA: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Colorado Riverway Recreation Area
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Colorado Riverway Recreation Area:
- Whitewater Rafting in Moab (From ₱6,038.11)
- Moab Canyoneering and River Stand Up Paddleboard Combo (From ₱11,633.06)
- Onion Creek 4x4 Jeep Adventure With Slot Canyon Hike (From ₱9,694.22)
- Half Day "Last Call" Moab Raft Trip (From ₱5,428.76)
- Colorado to Canyonlands Geology Airplane Tour (From ₱16,563.26)
- Hotels near Colorado Riverway Recreation Area:
- (3.58 km) Red Cliffs Lodge
- (6.30 km) Castle Valley Inn
- (11.35 km) Moab Springs Ranch
- (14.83 km) Desert Hills Inn , a Traditional Bed and Breakfast
- (12.72 km) Westside Flats
- Restaurants near Colorado Riverway Recreation Area:
- (12.51 km) Moab Garage Co
- (3.07 km) The Cowboy Grill Restaurant
- (12.49 km) Quesadilla Mobilla
- (12.35 km) Thai Bella
- (12.57 km) 98 Center Moab