From Cornfields to Canyons – A Journey of Passion and Purpose

Joseph was raised on a hardworking family farm in Wisconsin, where the farm runs from sunrise to sunset, and community means everything. But somewhere between seasons of planting and harvest, a road trip west changed his life forever. The moment he first stood on the rim of a red rock canyon and glimpsed the Colorado River carving through the desert below, something clicked — a deep and lasting connection to the land and spirit of the Colorado Plateau.

Years of return visits, river trips, Jeep adventures, hiking & biking, and friendships with locals, would turn into an evolving dream; to trade tractors and harvesters for rafts and oar frames to share the magic of canyon country with others. That’s how Way to Moab was born — a company built on the same pride, honesty, and hands-in-the-dirt work ethic that Joseph learned back home.

Today, from his “mom and pop” boat shop in downtown Moab, Joseph leads a small but mighty team of passionate guides and true boatmen. They maintain a fleet of rafts and vehicles, ready every day to help guests from around the world experience “The Moab Daily” — a classic stretch of river offering thrilling rapids, towering canyon walls, and the peace that only comes from being on the water.

Whether you’re from Utah or across the globe, a first-timer or a seasoned paddler, we invite you to join us on a trip that’s more than just rafting. It’s about laughter, landscape, and leaving with a story worth telling.

From Joseph — “My Aunt Theresa first introduced me to the river in 2011. Since then, she has shared with me the “how to’s”, “what’s”, and the “why’s” of safely navigating life on the water. She is a wealth of knowledge with decades of river-boating experiences across all classes — a true Boatman (or ‘River Hag’ as she prefers). With her at my side and my family at my back, I’ve set out to offer guests visiting the Moab area a similar guided river experience. I officially retired from farming in 2025, and I now look forward to sharing the river with you.”

SO, where did Way to Moab come from…?

Established under new ownership in June 2025 by Joseph, Way to Moab carries forward a long and respected legacy on the Moab Daily section of the Colorado River. The business was previously built and operated by Michael and Susan, with significant involvement from their children. (Many thanks to them and their timing of this business.)

Prior to the “Way to Moab” name, the Bureau of Land Management permit was held by Bob Jones, who operated as Tag-A-Long Expeditions and guided trips on the Moab Daily beginning in the 1980s. Before Bob’s tenure, the permit originated with Mitch and Mary Williams, founders of Tag-A-Long Tours, marking an earlier generation of stewardship.

Joseph is now the fourth generation to operate under this permit, which traces its origins back to the 1960s. The Williams family’s roots in Canyon Country run deep—Mitch’s father played a key role in lobbying for the re-designation of Arches National Park, a formative moment that influenced Mitch’s lifelong commitment to helping others experience the landscapes of the American Southwest.

With more than sixty years of continuous operation, this permit represents one of the longest-running rafting traditions in Moab. Way to Moab is proud to continue that history under new ownership, honoring the past while guiding the next chapter forward.