SALT LAKE CITY, UT, April 2, 2012– They who hesitate may miss the boat. That’s the word from Brian Merrill, CEO of rafting pioneer Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/).
Why the rush?
Bookings on one rafting adventure, the Green River through Desolation Canyon, are up 53 percent over the same time last year. This means the door is closing on the possibility of shoppers getting the reservation dates they want on high-energy rivers in Utah and Idaho.
Family trips http://www.westernriver.com/trips/familyadventures/ are in especially high demand this year, says Western River Expeditions. This is partly due to the fact that through social media and word-of-mouth the company is becoming well known for kid-friendly adventures offering a special menu for children and a dedicated River Jester who leads game, nature exploration and other activities. A selection of boats, paddle boats and kayaks provides hands-on action for all ages. All programs include all equipment needed, meals, expert guides and river access shuttles from gateway city.
Suggested family trips for ages five to 15 include:
Utah Rafting: Green River through Desolation Canyon. Four and five-day trips over 84 river miles begin and end in Moab, UT. The per person rate (including charter flight) for four days for adults is $1295, for ages 5-15 $850; for five days for adults is $1450, for ages 5-15 $950. Four-day departures are May 24, 30, June 2, 4, 8, 16, 22, 24; and five day departures July 1, 7, 10, 18, 26. Winding through a remarkable wilderness of twisted mountains, dramatic cliffs and towering plateaus carved by an ancient inland sea, this is one of America’s favorite rafting trips. Guests fly roundtrip from Moab to a desert plateau where white water over 60 fun-filled rapids beckons. http://www.westernriver.com/trips/green/
Utah Rafting: Colorado River Rafting. The rate for a four-day sampler, per person, for adults is $615 and for ages 5-15 $515. This trip begins and ends in Moab, UT. Departure dates are May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Aug 3, 7, 14, 21, 28. Surrounded by the immense red rock playground known as Moab, this Southwest sampler provides just the right amount of adventure for multi-generational families. Two nights are spent at the Gonzo Inn, just a block from Moab Adventure Center where mix-and-match challenges adventures include an off-road Hummer Safari in Arches National Park. A two-day raft trip on the Colorado River concludes the fun with night three spent in an all-inclusive beach camp under the stars. http://www.westernriver.com/trips/southwest/
Idaho Rafting: Lower Salmon River Canyons Family Magic. Especially suited to younger families, the trip floats through four canyons (Green, Cougar, Snowhole and Blue), exploring the last 53 miles of the Salmon River before its waters join the mighty Snake River for 21 miles on its way to the Columbia. Children will enjoy sandy camping beaches, playful inflatable kayaks, lots of swimming and crafts and games. This five-day trip per person for adults is $1475 and for ages 5-16 $1285. Departure dates are July 11, 18, 25, Aug. 1, 8. 15, 22, 29. This trip begins and ends in Lewiston Idaho. http://www.westernriver.com/trips/salmon-river-canyons/
WesternRiverExpeditions
Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) 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, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah rafting, and Idaho rafting trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. Today it pursues a “guiding green” philosophy and belongs to some of the top environmentally conscious organizations in the world: Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association, American Rivers, Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, Utah Rivers Council, America Outdoors, and National River Cleanup Week. See: http://www.westernriver.com/whywestern/environment.php
The company was honored as the 2011 recipient of "Best of State" through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program. This is the eighth consecutive year Western River Expeditions has earned this distinction. In 2009, Western River Expeditions was named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine.
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