Western River Expeditions

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Veteran Western River Expeditions’ Guide Shares What She Wished She Knew Before Her First Raft Trip

Details: Released on Wednesday, 21 February 2024 10:20

SALT LAKE CITY, February 21, 2024 – She claims it to be one of her life’s biggest ironies. While her parents first met while guiding rafting trips, she never ran a river herself until she turned 20.

Then, training to be a professional river guide for Western River Expeditions, Hailee Houston learned a great deal that first year. Now, five years later, she claims that river water courses through her veins.

With experience and history under her belt, Hailee is wise beyond her 20-something years when it comes to ways of rivers and how best to enjoy being on the water. In her recent blog on the Western River Expeditions website, she details what she wished she knew that first time rafting. She shares overlooked strategies that can yield huge benefits when it comes to comfort and safety on a river adventure.

Packing essentials

Bring disposable wet wipes so you don’t have to carry around a damp washcloth. You’ll feel refreshed if you feel clean and sand-free when crawling into your sleeping bag.
Pack sufficient sun protection in the form of sunscreen, a hat, a quick-dry sun hoodie, and loose clothing that covers your upper and lower body. For her, a sarong comes in handy.
Be sure to bring a lightweight rain jacket to don before entering the fun of splash-filled rapids or braving a late-day thunderstorm.

Staying healthy

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, whether the sun is shining or not, whether you’re on the water or on dry land. Monitor your body and moods. Grumpy and down can signal hydration issues. In dry climates, you may perspire without even noticing it.

Going with the Flow

You’re on vacation,and your inclination may be to sleep in. Forget it. Wake-up time on the river can be as early as 6 a.m. Your guides are already up, making breakfast and planning the day for your enjoyment. They want to get on the river before other groups of rafters; they want to get to the next riverside camping site before it is occupied so you will have more leisure time to swim and hike. Don’t resist; get with the program.

Bring an Open Mind

Weather, river conditions,and unexpected issues revealed by other participants on your trip all have the potential to harbor stress. But this is your vacation but also the vacation of everyone around you. Rise above; accept challenges; be a team player, empathize with others,and meet each current with an open mind.

For more of Hailee’s blog please see https://www.westernriver.com/blogs/stories/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-my-first-river-trip

With over 60 years of experience orchestrating rafting trips for novices up to experts, Western River Expeditions is the “go to” rafting company. Due to an unusually heavy winter snowpack, favorable conditions this year for rafting well into late summer are as good as they get.

Following are Western River Expeditions’ suggestions for the best trips for beginners to experience an unplugged escape into the wilderness – and to beat the heat – while drifting and splashing over cool waters.

Desolation Canyon/Green River 5-Day Adventure is ideal for families with children as young as five. There are weekly departures June through August, with space still available for 2024. The 5-day/4-night adventure begins and ends in Moab, Utah, and includes a scenic flight that lands atop a dramatic desert plateau where the group begins a short descent on foot to the river put-in. Then comes the voyage through class II-III rapids over 88 river miles. The per person rate for adults (age 16 and up) is from $2,085 and for youth (age 5-15) from $1,335. For details see https://www.westernriver.com/desolation-canyon

Grand Canyon 3-Day Expedition travels a river distance of 89 miles over class II and III rapids with two nights spent camping under the stars along the river. The per-person rate for adults and for youth (minimum age 9) is from $1,895. For details, see https://www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-river-trip

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2024-25 catalog, questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/

Day Trips on the Colorado River from Moab, Utah offer ways to accommodate a rafting excursion, be it for a half or full day while in Moab. Each program offers guests a choice of a paddle boat, with everyone manning a paddle or two-person inflatable kayak. The rate for each trip includes a complimentary flip-top water bottle, snacks, transportation to and from the river, complimentary hotel pickup available upon request, lifejackets, rafting equipment, and guides. See https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/moab-river-rafting (from sister company Moab Adventure Center)

About Western River Expeditions

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting, and international multi-sport trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. In 2023 it was chosen by the readers of USA Today 10Best as the #2 rafting company in the nation. The company is also the proud recipient of the "Best of State" award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for the past twenty consecutive years (2004-2023).

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Media Contact:

For inquiries, interviews and photos please contact Widness & Wiggins PR:

Sara Widness: 802.234.6704 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dave Wiggins: 720.301.3822 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Rafting with Western River Expeditions Along the Legends of Desolation Canyon Considered the West’s Top Family Trip

Details: Released on Wednesday, 07 February 2024 11:07

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, Feb. 7, 2024 – The granaries where ancient Indigenous Americans stored crops of corn are scattered around Utah’s Desolation Canyon. But the Fremont didn’t know about the reserves of oil and coal under their feet.

Until recent history the Osage had no knowledge of oil reserves on their lands to the east on the Great Plains where once the buffalo roamed.

In 2024 these tribal stories intersect. Here’s how.

One contender in the Academy Awards (March 10, 2024) is Killers of the Flower Moon, a story set in the early 1900s concerning oil, greed, murder and the Osage.

Were Academy Awards handed out for this country’s best family river rafting adventure, Western River Expeditions bets that Utah’s Desolation Canyon 5-Day Trip would win hands down. This journey traverses a National Register of Historic Places cited for connections to ancient peoples, to surviving outlaw hideouts filled with stories of past adventures, and to the remnants of lost dreams testified by abandoned ranches and homesteads.

An example of an abandoned ranch is Rock Creek Ranch built in the 1930’s, today exhibiting the remains of small, huddled cabins near a freshwater spring used to irrigate the land. Western River Expeditions’ guests can still enjoy fruits from an edible mulberry tree.

Contrary to its name, Desolation Canyon is anything but desolate, except for the fact that it is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s largest Wilderness Study Area in the Lower 48. Nearly 291,000 acres comprise the area that includes deep systems of canyons, some up to a mile deep. There are no roads, no towns and no cell service.

Desolation Canyon was carved over millennia by the 730-mile Green River that is spawned by glacial melts on the Continental Divide in the wilds of northern Wyoming. The Green, flowing for 450 miles through Utah, is less strident than the Grand Canyon’s rollicking Colorado River. Instead of the world-class rapids on the Colorado River, whitewater on the Green River is playful, marked along the rafting course by over 60 family-friendly Class I-III rapids. The minimum age for this trip is just 5 years old.

Hailee Hughston is a second-generation river guide for Western River Expeditions. She has made a study along the 88 river miles of this canyon, affectionately dubbed “Deso”. She shares with guests her findings about locales and what’s known about the Fremont and still extant Ute tribes who subsisted along the Green River that provides water to this desert region. She shares stories of rugged farmers and famous outlaws. Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch found that the rugged terrain here offered a perfect hideaway. Everyone, in some way, depended on the water flowing through the canyon. See: https://www.westernriver.com/blogs/stories/highlights-of-desolation-canyon

Hailee writes: “A short hike from the river, thousands of Fremont petroglyphs can be found hidden throughout. The Fremont people inhabited the land from around 600 to 1200 A.D., living as semi-nomadic and moving with the change of the seasons. As we show respect to the relics of ancient inhabitants, it is even more important to respect the present native inhabitants who still claim the land. The Ute/Ouray tribe owns the land spanning the left side of the river.”

Supported by stories of real people around the river, Hailee introduces 40 million years of geologic history: “towering stepped walls boasting wild rock formations and the shades of green (a switch from yellow) that seem out of place in a desert setting. These vertical monuments that rival the Grand Canyon offer precarious refuge for pinyon pine and juniper, bighorn sheep, black bear, and even wild horses.”

Over 60 named class two and three rapids thrill boaters, and the gradual increase in size and difficulty of rapids make it an ideal place for beginner to intermediate boaters to develop their skills. Many rapids reflect the passion for this region’s lore: Little Wild Horse, Wire Fence, Moonwater, Steer Ridge, Three Fords, Range Creek, Firewater, Trail Canyon, Saleratus, Coal Creek, Poverty and Rattlesnake.

On this journey guests choose how adventurous they want their on-water time to be. They can team up as paddlers in two-person inflatable kayaks or sit back in a guide-powered oar boat and watch the world go by.

As with all Western River Expeditions’ itineraries, all the ingredients for host-prepared hot and fresh meals (sourced from local farmers and producers) and for deluxe camping on sandy beaches come with the thrill of rafting and with guided exploratory hikes along the river route.

The 2024 trips are scheduled to begin in June and continue through August. The adventures begin and end in Moab, Utah. Guests will experience a trip highlight on day one, where a morning flight over the canyons of the Green River lands guests atop a desert plateau. From here, the choice is a hike or van ride to the river’s edge, a float down calm waters and majestic canyons, and the first night of camping on the banks of the Green River.

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2024 catalog, questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.

For more details on this trip please see https://www.westernriver.com/desolation-canyon

About Western River Expeditions

Western River Expeditions is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).

Western River Expeditions was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. In 2023 it was chosen by the readers of USA Today 10Best as the #2 rafting company in the nation. The company is also the proud recipient of the "Best of State" award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for the past nineteen consecutive years (2004-2022).

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Media Contact:

For inquiries, interviews and photos please contact Widness & Wiggins PR:

Sara Widness: 802.234.6704 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dave Wiggins: 720.301.3822 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Follow Western River Expeditions:

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Western River Expeditions Promises the Moon and Stars Plus Free Rafting to Group Organizers

Details: Released on Tuesday, 09 January 2024 11:06

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, Jan. 9, 2024 – Remember that long-ago song: “The best things in life are free”? On a Western River Expeditions’ rafting adventure, the freebies include the moon and stars and eye-popping vistas of the vast West.

Plus, if you happen to be the lucky soul who organizes a group trip that checks all the boxes for this company’s group charter requirements, you can take in the whole experience – for free!

Western River Expeditions is accepting group charters now for longed-for rafting trips in 2024 for river canyon destinations in Southern Utah. These include 2 to 5-day expeditions through the world-renowned Desolation Canyon and Cataract Canyon as well as multi-adventure packages in Moab, Utah.

The company stresses that the early bird who organizes and books private/exclusive river trips and combination charters gets the best choice of departure dates and destinations. Plus,they reward group organizers with complimentary passage if they meet departure quotas that come with each trip.

Once the itinerary and departure date are selected, Western River Expeditions provides private Direct Group Booking Links for any kind of groups: friends and family reunions, women-or guys-only, corporate retreats, those sharing a common interest like photography, geology, yoga, painting, and creative writing. The list is endless. User-friendly links also come with supplemental trip information, all designed to make the organizer’s task stress-free. Each group member uses this private link to sign up and pay for their own reservation.

When the trip organizer has turned a group over to the experienced staff, his/her goal then is to get enough people on board to meet the requirements leading to complimentary passage for the organizer. While anticipating the river rafting adventure, the group organizer may want to arrange for custom/personalized t-shirts, hats or other keepsakes that can be ordered through Red Rock Outfitters. They can custom embroider t-shirts and hats as desired. https://redrockoutfitters.com

“A private charter is a great option for groups ranging from extended family to corporate to non-profit. The benefit of going with your own group is the promise of building deeper bonds through shared adventures with family, co-workers, or others. Western River Expeditions offers one of the few travel experiences that allows everyone to be doing the same thing at the same time in an extraordinary place - with absolutely no distractions. It’s an unbelievable experience that keeps group organizers returning year after year with new groups.” says Brandon Lake, co-owner and CMO.

Following is a short list of adventures available; each awards a complimentary space when a specific minimum quota is met:

Desolation Canyon, Green River: 24 booked earns organizer space - https://www.westernriver.com/desolation-canyon A five-day Desolation Canyon adventure is a favorite with families (ages 5 and up) and youth, school and church groups.

Cataract Canyon, Colorado River:29 booked earns organizer space - https://www.westernriver.com/cataract-canyon-rafting. This four-day adventure is recommended for couples/adult and corporate groups.

Southwest Sampler: 24 booked earns organizer space - https://www.westernriver.com/moab-utah-vacation-sampler. For four days, guests river raft, explore Arches National Park and fall in love with the moon and stars.

Details on these and other group charters are found at https://www.westernriver.com/group-rafting-trip. For questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.

About Western River Expeditions

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Media Contact:

For inquiries, interviews and photos please contact Widness & Wiggins PR:

Sara Widness: 802.234.6704 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dave Wiggins: 720.301.3822 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Follow Western River Expeditions:

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WesternRiverExpeditions

On You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/bestraftingvacations

Western River Expeditions Opens 2025 Reservations on November 28, 2023, On the World’s Most Coveted Rafting Trip

Details: Released on Thursday, 02 November 2023 13:01

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, Nov. 2, 2023 – The scramble for seats on the world’s most coveted river rafting vacations begins on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 6 p.m. Mountain Time (5 p.m. Pacific, 7 p.m. Central and 8 p.m. Eastern), announces Western River Expeditions.

This annual event will attract adventure lovers, domestic and international, who yearn to bag a seat on a coveted river rafting expedition through Arizona’s Grand Canyon.

“On Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. we’ll be taking reservations for river rafting itineraries that begin in 2025 as early as April and continue through the month of September,” explains Brandon Lake, co-owner and company CMO. “We encourage anyone interested to visit https://www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-raft-trips-2025 and join our email list for updates and reminders.”

This is the widely anticipated opportunity to secure reservations now for what many rafting aficionados consider one of the world’s ultimate river rafting experiences. These early bird booking dates are expected to secure reservations for up to 90 percent of Western River Expeditions’ 2025 Grand Canyon vacations inventory. Historically demand outpaces supply, and within hours of the reservation window opening, many departures are sold out. For trip details, please see visit Western’s Grand Canyon Rafting page.

“People ask us why we are taking reservations now for 2025; why not just focus on 2024?” says Lake. “Due to these high-demand trips, we must look two years ahead. Western’s 6- and 7-Day Grand Canyon trips for 2024 are sold out, and space is very limited in the upcoming season for shorter departures of 3 and 4 days. Travelers interested in possibly rafting the canyon in 2024 are still urged to call Western’s sales office. Because people book so far in advance, cancellations do happen. Getting your name on the waitlist is advised.”

The river rafting season on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon runs from April into September. The longer 6- and 7-day trips with the thrills of class III-V rapids are open to guests as young as 12. The minimum age is nine for 3- and 4-day trips that come with class II-III rapids. Western’s exclusive J-Rig raft provides accessibility for all levels of rafters on even the largest whitewater rapids in the Grand Canyon. Rafting trips include plenty of hiking in side canyons that allow access to waterfalls, slot canyons, native ruins, rock art, and geologic wonders that the 5 million or so casual hikers from the rim will simply never see.

For details on the trips, Western River Expeditions offers complimentary Expedition Guides in PDF format (https://www.westernriver.com/expedition-guide). The comprehensive guides include river maps, overviews, full itineraries, camping and weather information, details on physical requirements, packing lists, and more.

Grand Canyon trips are always in high demand and fill quickly. To protect the Canyon and maximize one’s enjoyment of nature, the National Park Service closely regulates the number of rafting participants traveling through the Grand Canyon each year, creating space limitations and a scramble for reservations.

For those who are flexible and perhaps miss the boat on Grand Canyon reservations, two lesser-known options to rafting the Grand Canyon include a four-day trip through Cataract Canyon, often referred to as the “The Grand Canyon’s Younger Sister”.

“Utah’s Cataract Canyon, located deep within Canyonlands National Park, is near enough in scale, appearance and proximity to the Grand Canyon that it works the same kind of magic one will find in the Grand herself. Just a short distance upstream on the Colorado River System, this is hands down the best alternative to a Grand Canyon rafting vacation,” explains Lake.

“If you’re planning to travel with kids, an option that families often enjoy even more than Grand Canyon is a spectacular five-day family-oriented journey down Desolation Canyon on the Green River in Utah. This is a mellower but equally breathtaking rafting experience. Like Cataract, it also departs from Moab, Utah, and because it is lesser known, it has good availability for 2024,” he adds.

To access Grand Canyon reservations or obtain a copy of Western River Expeditions’ annual catalog, call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.

About Western River Expeditions

# # #

Media Contact:

For inquiries, interviews and photos please contact Widness & Wiggins PR:

Sara Widness: 802.234.6704 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dave Wiggins: 720.301.3822 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Follow Western River Expeditions:

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WesternRiverExpeditions

On You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/bestraftingvacations

Western River Expeditions Will Reveal Their 2025 Grand Canyon Rafting Departures In Early December 2023

Details: Released on Thursday, 05 October 2023 13:01

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, Oct. 5, 2023 – In 2023 nature graced the Rocky Mountain West with perfect rafting conditions in the Colorado River's majestic canyons of Utah and Arizona. Those who had the foresight to book months in advance were rewarded with an unparalleled rafting experience through the iconic Grand Canyon.

However, as Brandon Lake, co-owner and CMO of Western River Expeditions, points out, "Every silver lining has a cloud. Last-minute surges in interest this summer surpassed our expectations, and, unfortunately, we couldn't accommodate everyone." While some rafting enthusiasts managed to schedule for 2024, availability is already sparse for next year.

To meet this soaring demand, Western River Expeditions will unveil its 2025 rafting dates in early December 2023, offering three-, four-, six- and seven-day Grand Canyon trips. For seasoned rafters, this is an eagerly anticipated annual event. Historically, most departures are snapped up within hours of the booking window's opening.

Lake advises, "Our six- and seven-day expeditions fly off the shelf. Mark your calendars for our December booking date to be announced in mid-November, and be poised to book your adventure online the moment we open reservations." He further recommends having alternate dates and considering shorter trips or the less-traveled Cataract Canyon Expedition.

For those who need a nudge, Western River Expeditions has curated the "Seven Surprises of a Grand Canyon Trip" to amplify the allure:

The Cadillac of the Colorado: Navigate the Grand Canyon on Western’s exclusive J-Rig, the only large raft on the Colorado River with forward-facing seats. Guests can opt for the thrilling "gusto" seats or the adventurous "buckin’ bronc" seats. Discover the J-Rig experience here: https://www.westernriver.com/river-rafts.
Spectacular Side Hikes: Bask in the Grand Canyon's splendor as you explore thundering waterfalls, secluded grottoes and ancient Native American traces.
Unparalleled Relaxation: The rhythmic flow of the river, coupled with an all-inclusive experience, ensures total relaxation. Just bring your essentials, and our guides will handle the rest.
Gourmet Delights: Our meals, which have even impressed French critics, are more than just sustenance; they're a culinary journey.
A Deep Dive into History: Engage with the Canyon's rich history through ancient ruins, breathtaking vistas, and tales of explorers like Major John Wesley Powell.
Digital Detox: Embrace the disconnection and enjoy nature in its purest form, surrounded by like-minded adventurers.
Stellar Vistas: Marvel at the starry night sky, enveloped by the Grand Canyon’s awe-inspiring walls.

The river rafting season on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon runs from April into September. The longer six- and seven-day trips with the thrills of class III-V rapids are open to guests as young as 12. The minimum age is 9 for three- and four-day trips that come with class II-III rapids. Western’s exclusive J-Rig raft provides accessibility for first-time rafters on even the largest whitewater rapids in the Grand Canyon. Rafting trips include plenty of hiking that allows access to waterfalls, slot canyons, native ruins and geologic wonders that the five million or so casual day visitors atop the rim will simply never see.

Grand Canyon trips are always in high demand and fill quickly. The National Park Service regulates the number of rafting participants traveling through the Grand Canyon each year, creating space limitations. However, there are comparable (but perhaps lesser known) rafting destinations throughout the West such as Cataract Canyon and Desolation Canyon in Utah. For families wishing to experience a river rafting trip, Desolation Canyon is arguably one of the best family rafting adventures on the planet.

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ annual catalog, questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.

About Western River Expeditions

# # #

Media Contact:

For inquiries, interviews and photos please contact Widness & Wiggins PR:

Sara Widness: 802.234.6704 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dave Wiggins: 720.301.3822 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Follow Western River Expeditions:

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WesternRiverExpeditions

On You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/bestraftingvacations

Western River Expeditions Sees Surge in Last-Minute Bookings For 2023 Rafting Adventures

Details: Released on Thursday, 24 August 2023 10:31

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, Aug. 24, 2023 – Since mid-July, Western River Expeditions has experienced a 60 percent increase in last-minute bookings when compared to last year. Two of the biggest movers have been Western's Cataract Canyon and Desolation Canyon trips. These are four and five-day trips, respectively.

Brandon Lake, Co-Owner and Chief Marketing Officer of Western River Expeditions says, "With our longer four and five-day rafting expeditions, guests have generally planned their trip ahead for months or even years. This is still the case with the vast majority of our guests, but since mid-summer, we are seeing more guests than ever book our longer four to seven-day trips and they’re doing this up to a week before departure!”

Lake attributes these unprecedented last-minute requests to

● News of epic winter snow pack predicted great water late into late summer; this may have delayed some in making plans.

● An absence of forest fires and hazy skies in the Rocky Mountains this year.

● The need to digitally disconnect.

● The advantages of the later (September) season with fewer children, cooler days, the dry climate and off-season lodging rates.

With just a few seats remaining across several departures before the season finishes, Western hopes the last-minute booking trend continues.

As this exceptional rafting season begins to wind down, the good news is that there is still some availability in late August and September for, among others, enjoying the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon in the heart of Canyonlands National Park. Here’s a list of 2023 last-minute adventures that still have some availability. The four and five-day itineraries are on rivers in Utah, Idaho and Oregon.

September 5 & 12: Utah’s Cataract Canyon 4-Day Expedition https://www.westernriver.com/cataract-canyon-rafting

September 6: Idaho’s Main Salmon 5-Day Expedition https://www.westernriver.com/main-salmon-river

September 12 & 17: Oregon’s Rogue River 4-Day Lodge to Lodge https://www.westernriver.com/rogue-river-lodge-trip

August 25 and September 2 & 17: Idaho’s Snake River Hells Canyon 5-Day Expedition https://www.westernriver.com/hells-canyon

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2023 and 2024 catalogs, questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.

About Western River Expeditions

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting, and international multi-sport trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. In 2023 it was chosen by the readers of USA Today 10Best as the #2 rafting company in the nation. The company is also the proud recipient of the "Best of State" award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for the past nineteen consecutive years (2004-2022).

# # #

Media Contact:

For inquiries, interviews and photos please contact Widness & Wiggins PR:

Sara Widness: 802.234.6704 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dave Wiggins: 720.301.3822 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Follow Western River Expeditions:

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WesternRiverExpeditions

On You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/bestraftingvacations

What Makes Utah’s Cataract Canyon So Unique Among River Trips?

Details: Released on Thursday, 13 July 2023 13:49

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, July 13, 2023 – Western River Expeditions, the recognized guru when it comes to rafting western rivers, is letting the cat out of the bag. Cataract Canyon, the section of the Colorado River that flows through the heart of Canyonlands National Park may be the nation’s premier river trip in terms of excitement and diversity.

Here’s why.

In the spring, with runoff from mountain snowpack, the rapids hold the distinct honor as the biggest whitewater in North America. As the snowmelt subsides, so do the rapids, sort of.

In high water season Western usually uses its patented J-rig craft. It's a big boat, thirty-seven feet long and about sixteen feet wide, with a thirty-horse power motor on the back. In peak spring runoff from May through June, J-rigs are the best for comfort, power, and mobility.

Once the water drops, paddle and oar boats are utilized putting participants closer to the water and action. Most experienced guides say paddle boating Cataract Canyon is one of their favorite river experiences.

After river rafters have grown accustomed to paddling through relatively serene waters at the start of the trip, there comes a real wake-up call. Each participant is called upon to come together as a team to maneuver themselves and their boat through rollicking class lII-V rapids that have been lurking in the distance on this 100-mile river trip.

Says Jeff, one of the company’s veteran river guides, “Paddle boating in Cataract Canyon is where the guest has more of an opportunity to be truly a part of the experience, and where you feel every single wave and it’s so fun. Every wave makes you feel like you are on a wild roller coaster ride.”

He adds, “Another thing that is just completely unique to Cataract Canyon is the bonding that one feels, the bonding that happens between the passengers and crew. We experience everything together and thru challenges and triumphs we can really get to know each other and create relationships that go far beyond the four days we share.”

He goes on to explain, “What’s been very special for me is to see the transformation that the outdoors has on people. I’ve seen these places; I’ve experienced them; they changed me first and now bringing people here to see them change confirms to me how special a Western River Expedition through Cataract Canyon is.”

Cataract Canyon was formed by the confluence of two of the West’s largest rivers, the Green and the Colorado, just south of Moab, Utah. In this majestic setting called “The Confluence,” Cataract Canyon begins. Bolstered by the Green River, the Colorado Riverdoubles its force and carves a deep, 100-mile-long chasm through the center of Canyonlands National Park. Over this 100-mile course, guests experience class III-V whitewater. On land, there are ample opportunities to explore waterfalls (on early-season trips) and Native American ruins and pictographs.

Most of the Colorado River flowing through Cataract Canyon is not restrained by dams. This contrasts with the flow of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon where the water level is regulated by the Glen Canyon Dam. This spring’s exemplary snowpack feeding the river is promising greater-than-ever adventure returns when it comes to the play of the rapids and longevity of the season.

Western River Expeditions offers two versions of a rafting adventure through Cataract Canyon:

Cataract Canyon Express 2-Day Adventure at $895 per person for adults and youth (12+) engages high-speed, custom rafts to rapid journey through the Colorado River’s legendary 100-mile Cataract Canyon in just two days. There are plenty of splashes through class III-V rapids. For details see https://www.westernriver.com/cataract-canyon-express

Cataract Canyon 4-Day Expedition at $1,825 for adults and $1,325 for youth (10-15) is a more leisurely four-day rafting journey over 100 river miles combing the beauty of Canyonlands National Park with on-river thrills through class III-V rapids. Guests conclude this adventure with a stunning flight over Canyonlands National Park on their return to Moab. The trip includes the pleasures of camping under the stars and dining on freshly-prepared meals. For details see https://www.westernriver.com/cataract-canyon-rafting.

Other rafting trips on the Colorado River and neighboring Green River in Utah are also expected to have excellent higher water levels this spring and summer. They include five-day trips through Desolation Canyon on the Green Riverand full-day trips into Westwater Canyon on the Colorado Riverjust upriver from Cataract Canyon.

Although Western River Expeditions’ rafting adventures on iconic rivers in the West have been in greater demand than ever this summer, there is still time to grab one of the last spots on a Cataract Canyon or Desolation Canyon trip for 2023.

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2023 catalog, questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.

About Western River Expeditions

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting, and international multi-sport trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. In 2023 it was chosen by the readers of USA Today 10Best as the #2 rafting company in the nation. The company is also the proud recipient of the "Best of State" award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for the past nineteen consecutive years (2004-2022).

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Media Contact:

For inquiries, interviews and photos please contact Widness & Wiggins PR:

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Western River Expeditions Picks Five Perfect Introductory Escapes for First-Time Whitewater Rafting Vacations

Details: Released on Wednesday, 21 June 2023 11:51

SALT LAKE CITY, June 21, 2023 – You’re reading stats about record-breaking snow packs in the Western mountains that are creating a feeding frenzy for river rafters.

Suddenly you’re tempted too. But since you’ve never rafted a river before, where does one start?

Western River Expeditions, the gurus of all things rafting on rivers, has a hand-picked list of the best trips to consider for first-time rafting.

“We’re expecting excellent river flows to continue from now through the end of our season in September,” said Brandon Lake, co-owner and CMO. “I can’t imagine a better year to experience the absolute escape and digital disconnect that comes with a fully catered rafting vacation.”

But he cautioned not to wait too long to make reservations because some departures are filling up as everyone is booking their summer adventures for 2023.

Western’s top recommendations for first-time rafters looking for a multi-day adventure are (for complete descriptions see https://www.westernriver.com/first-time-whitewater-rafting):

Cataract Canyon Express 2-Day Adventure at $895 per person for adults and youth (12+) engages high-speed, custom rafts for a rapid journey through the Colorado River’s legendary 100-mile Cataract Canyon. You’ll raft from Moab, Utah to Lake Powell in just two days. There are plenty of splashes through class III-V rapids with a night of deluxe camping. For details see https://www.westernriver.com/cataract-canyon-express

Cataract Canyon 4-Day Expedition at $1,825 for adult and $1,325 for youth (10-15) is a more leisurely four-day rafting journey over 100 river miles combing the beauty of Canyonlands National Park with on-river thrills through class III-V rapids. Off-river hikes include explorations of ancient Native American ruins and pictographs. Guests conclude this adventure with a stunning flight over Canyonlands National Park on the return to Moab. The trip includes the pleasures of camping under the stars and dining on chef-prepared meals. For details see https://www.westernriver.com/cataract-canyon-rafting

Desolation Canyon/Green River 5-Day Adventure is ideal for families with children as young as five. There are weekly departures June through August, with some space still available for 2023. The 5-day/4-night adventure begins and ends in Moab, Utah, and includes a scenic flight that lands atop a dramatic desert plateau where the group begins a short descent on foot to the river put-in. Then comes the voyage through class II-III rapids over 88 river miles. The per person rate for adults (age 16 and up) is from $1,955 and for youth (age 5-15) from $1,255. For details see https://www.westernriver.com/desolation-canyon

Main Salmon River 5-Day Trip is an adventure that channels rafters on a 1,200-foot drop in 89 miles through class II-IV rapids on Idaho’s blue-green waters known as the “River of No Return.” The per person rate for adults (age 16 and up) is from $1,980 and for youth (age 6-15) $1,625. For details, please see https://www.westernriver.com/main-salmon-river

Grand Canyon 3-Day Expedition (in 2024) travels a river distance of 89 miles over class II and III rapids with two nights spent camping under the stars by the river. The per person rate for adults and for youth (minimum age 9) is from $1,750. For details see https://www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-river-trip

About Western River Expeditions

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting, and international multi-sport trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. In 2023 it was chosen by the readers of USA Today 10Best as the #2 rafting company in the nation. The company is also the proud recipient of the "Best of State" award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for the past nineteen consecutive years (2004-2022).

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Media Contact:

For inquiries, interviews and photos please contact Widness & Wiggins PR:

Sara Widness: 802.234.6704 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dave Wiggins: 720.301.3822 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Follow Western River Expeditions:

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WesternRiverExpeditions

On You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/bestraftingvacations

This Year's Top Solo Travel Adventure

Details: Released on Wednesday, 31 May 2023 10:59

SALT LAKE CITY, May 31, 2023 – You’ve had a bee in your bonnet for some time now. Reports on how great the mountain runoff will be this year keep making news. You want to go on an adventure, a river rafting trip. But the effort of organizing it with friends and/or family seems daunting.

“I think I’ll just do this solo,” you declare.

Leaning into Western River Expeditions’ expertise when it comes to all things rafting and rivers, you find yourself on and off the water sharing laughs and thrills with assorted new friends. The gathering isn’t a couple’s night or a family play date; rather this is a “we’re all in this together” camaraderie encouraged by Nature herself.

A plus side of traveling solo is being able to secure room on the raft when there’s no space available left for couples and small pairings. Solo can be a bonus when trying to wiggle onto coveted trips through the Grand Canyon. Once slotted in, however, the sense of solo vanishes among new friends, including the guides, who are all sharing the awe of majestic scenery and star-filled skies.

Many solo guests report traveling single liberated them from the roles and expectations that may have subconsciously bound their natural curiosity back home. It also gave them the security of traveling with a group of like-minded people.

“After hearing tales of Lava and Hermit rapids and ‘riding on the front,’ I booked a Grand Canyon trip with Western River Expeditions. None of my friends were interested, so I just signed up solo. From the moment I arrived, I was never alone,” said Sallie, a guest from California.

For stories from travelers who launched themselves solo on a Western River Expeditions adventure, please see https://www.westernriver.com/best-solo-travel-experiences

Following are Western River Expeditions’ most popular trips with solo travelers.

In Arizona, Grand Canyon 3-Day River Trip: Think two nights on the river, a helicopter ride into the canyon, whitewater rafting with ample class II – III rapids, incredible meals, a jet boat ride and easy access from Las Vegas. The Grand Canyon 3-day river trip is a popular introductory experience for solo travelers. Anticipate possible sightings of the elusive Blue Heron, rare California Condors, Big Horn sheep and soaring hawks and eagles. Departures are April through September. The rate is from $1,750.

In Arizona, Grand Canyon 6 or 7-Day Vacation: This extended river journey descends deeper into geologic time while exploring the first 188 miles of the Grand Canyon. Guests experience world-class whitewater including legendary Lava Falls, Hermit, Crystal, and more. More than 60 class III – V rapids provide thrills aplenty. Off the river are hikes to waterfalls and Native American sites through astounding side canyons. Departures are April through September. The rate is from $3,345.

South of Moab, Utah, Colorado River 4-Day Cataract Canyon: This adventure over four days and three nights explores Canyonlands National Park on the Colorado River that winds through stunning sandstone sculptures while encountering some of the best whitewater in North America. Think class III – V rapids where the Green and Colorado Rivers meet in a majestic setting called “The Confluence.” This is where Cataract Canyon begins, a deep 100-mile-long chasm through the heart of the National Park. Departures are from May through September. The rate is from $1,825.

In Idaho,theMiddle Fork of the Salmon River coursing through the remote and rugged mountains of central Idaho is a legend among river runners who appreciate boundless class III - V rapids. Designated as a National "Wild & Scenic River," this fast-paced trip has incredible hikes, hot springs, whitewater and scenery. This pure, clear, free-flowing river drops 3,000 feet over its 100-mile course through the remote and spectacular River of No Return Wilderness, the largest Wilderness in the lower 48 states. Departures are June through August. The rate is from $2,990.

About Western River Expeditions

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting, and international multi-sport trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. It has been named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company is the proud recipient of the "Best of State" award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for the past nineteen consecutive years (2004-2022).

# # #

Media Contact:

For inquiries, interviews and photos please contact Widness & Wiggins PR:

Sara Widness: 802.234.6704 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dave Wiggins: 720.301.3822 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Follow Western River Expeditions:

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WesternRiverExpeditions

On You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/bestraftingvacations?