Moab Daily - Hittle Bottom to Take Out Beach
Utah – US
- Class
- II+ to III
- Length
- 14 Mile(s)
- Gradient
- 5.15 FPM
- Put-in elevation
- 4,081 Feet
- Typical season
- January to December
Current Flow
1,580 CFS
Gauge height: 1.79 FT
Reading from Jul 10, 2026 11:00 PM
▼ -17.50/hr (12h) ▼ -8.75/hr (24h)
Hit some laps
- Primary gauge
- COLORADO RIVER NEAR CISCO, UT Gauge detail & alternatives Live gauge ↗ NOAA river forecast ↗
Recommended levels
| Minimum | 1,500 |
| Average | 4,000 |
| Maximum | 20,000 |
Recommended use
- Kayaking
- Rafting
- Canoeing
- SUP
- Packrafting
- Fishing
Struck-through craft are not recommended for this run.
Flow history — last 6 days
No gauge history recorded in the last 6 days.
Photos
Description
This is a great beginner run for all watercraft. At higher water flows the run gets pushier and more exciting. Even though the river looks tame, swimmers should be aware of strong currents. Always wear your lifejacket on this stretch of river.
Many commercial outfits run portions of this section. A lot of people put in at Rocky Rapid and float to take out beach. You can make the run from hittle bottom to take out beach in a day easily (even at low water).
The scenery is outstanding on this section. No permit is needed for private trips on the Moab Daily.
Rapids
| # | Rapid | Class | Recommended flow | Description | Scout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Onion Creek | II+ to III | —–— | This rapid occurs where the Onion Creek drainage enters the colorado river from the south. Run right of center. |
read and run |
| 2 | Professor Creek Rapid | II+ | —–— | Run right of center |
|
| 3 | Rocky Rapid | II+ to III | —–— | This rapid is surprisingly rocky. Run the main wave train that moves left to right. If you want to land at Rocky Rapid boat launch you will need to pull hard left into the left water channel at the bottom of the rapid. The river pools above this rapid so you will have plenty of time to scout your line from your boat and then position yourself accordingly. |
read and run |
| 4 | Castle Creek or Whites Rapid | II+ to III | —–— | When you see the Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge property this rapid will be around the corner. Run right of center. At lower water levels the left side is shallow and rocky. Kayaks could probably find a level anywhere. |
read and run |
| 5 | Salt Wash Rapid | II | —–— | ||
| 6 | New Rapid | III- to III+ | —–— | Arguable the biggest rapid on this stretch of the Colorado, and certainly flippable at larger flows above 25,000cfs. Follow the wave train to the left of river center for the bigger water. Frequent, strong eddy at conclusion of rapid on river left, especially at large flow levels. Rocky start to rapid at lower levels around 5,000cfs. |
Read and run. Distinct horizon at start of rapid so may need to stand beforehand to scout your line. |
Access
| Type | Name | Elevation | Camping | Water | Boat ramp | Vehicle access | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Put-In | Hittle Bottom | 4,081 Feet | No | No | Yes | All Vehicles | Roughly 23 miles up Highway 128 from Moab, UT. Put-In is on the north side of the road |
| Put-In | Rocky Rapid Landing | — | No | No | Yes | All Vehicles | This can be used as a put-in or take-out if you want to shorten or lengthen your Moab daily run. If you are taking out here you will have to pull left on rocky rapid to get into the left channel. |
| Take-Out | Take Out Beach Landing | — | No | No | Yes | All Vehicles | Just past Big Bend on highway 128 |
| Take-Out | Sandy Beach Landing | — | No | No | No | All Vehicles | This is another possible access point. There is no ramp but you can access the river from Highway 128 here. Not a bad option for kayakers. Especially if take out beach is crowded with commercial trips. |
| Take-Out | Moab Boat Ramp | 3,962 Feet | No | No | No | All Vehicles | Where Highway 191 crosses the Colorado river there is a boat ramp to the east on the north side of the river bridge. If you are near the bridge you will be able to see and figure out how to get to the ramp. |
Camps
No river camps added yet.
Permit
No permit is required, or permit info hasn't been added yet.
Fishing
No fish species have been associated with this run yet.
Points of Interest
External Links & Resources
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Community Run Notes
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