Wildlife You Could See on Your Moab, Utah Rafting Trip

One of the best ways to experience Moab wildlife is on a Moab rafting expedition. The white water rafting options on the Colorado River present a magnificent scenery adjacent to the Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. You could experience spectacular wildlife sightings during your Moab white water rafting trip. Our experienced guides at Red River Adventures can help you spot elusive wildlife, making it an experience of a lifetime.

Mammals in Moab

At least 50 species of mammals are known to live in Canyonlands. Some animals, like kangaroo rats, mule deer, desert cottontails, black bears, desert bighorn sheep, and mountain lions, are common and have been seen by a large number of visitors. However, several desert animals are inactive during daylight hours or are wary of people, so sighting them during your Moab rafting trip can be a truly a special event.

Bigger mammals, like mule deer and mountain lions, need to cover more regions in order to locate food and water, and often migrate to nearby mountains during the summer season. About 80 percent of a mountain lion’s diet contains mule deer, so these animals are never ever much apart. Yet, unlike mule deer, mountain lion sightings are quite unusual.

Another animal that is distinctly adapted to life in the desert is the kangaroo rat. This rat eats plant matter, and you may see that they spend the hot daytime hours sleeping in a cool underground burrow.

Desert bighorn sheep can be found throughout the year in Canyonlands and are frequently spotted along the Westwater and Fishers Towers section of the river. Early mornings are your best chance, as they often come down to the river to drink. These animals wander the talus slopes and side canyons along the rivers, foraging on plants and climbing the high, rocky surface with ease. Seeing them effortlessly navigate steep cliff walls is a highlight for many guests. Once at risk of becoming extinct, the desert bighorn is currently making a tentative comeback that has actually been sustained by the Canyonlands’ healthy herds.

The black bear is an interesting fall visitor to Canyonlands. This will be a unique sight in the red rock canyons. Black bears usually follow river and stream corridors, like Salt Creek Canyon in The Needles, that flow from nearby mountains. These visits normally occur in late August and September when prickly pear cactus and hackberry trees bear their fruit. The bears return to the mountains before wintertime.

Rodents

Canyonlands’ warm climate and lack of water seem to favor little mammals. Due to their size, these animals are unable to migrate long distances, but it is much easier for them to locate shelter, plus they need very little food and water to live. If you are keen to spot rodents, there are around nine species of mice and rats alone. Beavers, the biggest North American rodent, are found along the Colorado and Green rivers. Considering that the rivers are too swift and broad to dam, beavers burrow in the banks of the river.

While they’re small and often elusive during the day, you might spot their tracks along sandy beaches or hear the rustle of a kangaroo rat after dark. These critters are an essential part of the desert food web, feeding predators like owls and snakes.

Birds that Live in Moab

Due to the diverse topography of Canyonlands, it is considered a hotspot for bird watching. Around 273 species have been seen in the park, including seasonal and year-round birds, as well as the ones that migrate. During summer, you will be able to sight turkey vultures and white-throated swifts circle above the canyons. While in winter, juncos and white-crowned sparrows forage around trees and shrubs.

In summer and spring, the rivers in the morning time are filled with birdsong, like yellow-breasted chats, blue grosbeaks, canyon wrens and spotted towhees. While rafting in Moab, you will be able to see the great blue herons often hunting for fish, and Cooper’s hawks deftly maneuvering through the trees beyond the riverbanks.

You may be lucky enough to see black-throated sparrows and western meadowlarks frequently in the grasslands. Whereas Pinyon jays, scrub jays, juniper titmice, and black-throated gray warblers will usually be seen in pinyon-juniper woodlands.

Moab Reptiles

During your Moab, Utah River rafting trip, expect to come across some reptiles, lizards, and snakes. These reptiles play an important part in the ecosystem. If you are visiting during the summer, you are sure to see lots of lizards. Lizards found here include the desert spiny, the colorful western collared lizard, and the northern whiptail. Most of the snakes found here are nocturnal and harmless. However, on your trip, you might sight the midget-faded rattlesnake. These snakes live in burrows and rock crevices and are mostly active at night.

Fish

The Colorado River and its tributaries are among the world’s most spectacular river systems. Around 54 species of native and non‑native fish inhabit the upper Colorado River basin. On your Colorado River rafting trip, you will be able to spot native fish like Colorado pikeminnow (formerly squawfish), flannelmouth sucker, and razorback, as well as humpback and bonytail chub—all of which have been listed as endangered species. According to the National Park Service, “In the past few decades, the Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, humpback and bonytail chub have all been listed as endangered species. Today, non‑native fish dominate the rivers… Carp and channel catfish are the most commonly seen.”

Moab Wildlife Sightings by Season

The wildlife you may encounter along the Colorado River varies throughout the year. Here’s a quick seasonal guide to help you spot the best animals during your Moab rafting adventure:

Spring:

• Mule deer grazing near riverbanks
• Desert bighorn sheep descending to drink water
• Migratory songbirds like Western tanagers and yellow warblers are nesting and singing
• Increased bird activity with vibrant colors throughout the canyon

Summer:

• Kangaroo rats and other nocturnal rodents are active at night
• Turkey vultures and white-throated swifts soar overhead during the day
• Bats emerge at dusk, creating a fascinating twilight show
• Wildlife is most active during early morning and late evening to avoid the heat

Fall:

• Black bears foraging on fruiting cactus and berries
• Migratory birds passing through the region, ideal for birdwatchers
• Cooler temperatures encourage more daytime wildlife activity
• Many animals are preparing for the coming winter months

Winter:

• Ground-foraging birds such as juncos and white-crowned sparrows are common along the river
• Visible animal tracks in sand or snow reveal nocturnal activity
• Quieter landscapes offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities
• Wildlife adapting to cold but still active in subtle ways

Don’t Miss Seeing Moab Wildlife on Your Next Rafting Trip!

If you are planning a day of river rafting Moab, Utah the experts at Red Rivers Adventures are sure to make your trip something to remember. We started Red River Adventures in 2003 with just three rafts and a van. We now offer a wide array of activities, including rock and ice climbing, canyoneering, guided ski touring, travel excursions, and outdoor education. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of serving more than 85,000 guests and accumulating over 110,000 days of unforgettable experiences in the great outdoors. We’re thrilled to share that our dedication has earned us top-notch 5-star ratings on all major online review platforms. We look forward to seeing you out on the river this summer!