Western River Expeditions Seeing Record Travelers in 2021: New Video Campaign Expresses Why

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Released on Tuesday, 20 April 2021 11:07

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, April 20, 2021 – The 2021 river rafting season clock is ticking. Western River Expeditions reports that it is seeing a record number of travelers selecting overnight rafting trips as the vacation of choice this summer.

This company is in the enviable position of drawing people to wilderness destinations where experiences are authentic and meaningful.

“Due to the events of the past year, people are looking for more meaningful travel. More than ever before, our customers are seeking vacation experiences that provide a deeper way to connect with loved ones and share new experiences. They want to be in remote places that truly inspire and provide a complete escape from daily life,” said Brandon Lake,co-owner of Western River Expeditions.

As so many people in the world share this need, Western River Expeditions crafted a new video campaign featuring several videos that express the feelings that so many are seeking right now.

“Our new video series relays the sense of excitement, of awe, of tranquility, of discovering life-changing experiences and more meaningful vacations. You can’t come on the river and remain unchanged,” underscored Lake.

Those still in search of the perfect adventure this summer can check out the rush, awe, tranquility, and connection that await on some trips that are still available.

“As everyone seeks to find the most meaningful vacation, we also know our guests need to feel confident and comfortable traveling right now. We are continuing to communicate and follow all of our COVID-19 protocols and procedures until they are no longer necessary. Our guests appreciate that and find additional comfort in spending the majority of their vacation in the great outdoors as we make our way down the river through a pristine natural environment,” said Lake.

Trips that still have available space for the 2021 season are:

4 Day Cataract Canyon Rafting Adventure

5 Day Desolation Canyon Rafting Adventure

3 Day Grand Canyon Adventure

4 Day Westwater Canyon Rafting & Multisport Trip

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2021-2022 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 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 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 sixteen consecutive years (2004-2019).

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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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On Twitter:                https://twitter.com/WesternRiver

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On Pinterest:             http://pinterest.com/westernriver/

Best Pandemic Fatigue Antidote? Nature and Whitewater In Utah’s Desolation Canyon

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Released on Wednesday, 14 April 2021 11:46

SALT LAKE CITY, April 14, 2021 – Uncertainty has stalked us for a year now. Among its victims, say the pundits, are our children.

The experts also say that healing benefits are at our fingertips, if we only look outdoors.

Nowhere are Nature’s healing powers felt more profoundly than on water, the kind of water that eddies and ripples, wandering in an eternal dance downstream. For over 60 years, Western River Expeditions has specialized as Nature’s partner, offering guests the specialized expertise, matched with a pristine river environment to enable transformations in body and spirit.

“Reservations are up 37 percent over the same period last year for our premier family rafting trip,” reports Brandon Lake, co-owner of Western River Expeditions. “Families are clamoring to reinvent themselves in one of the most remote (no roads, no towns and no cell service) destinations in the continental United States. They are counting on us to deliver their first great trip back after hibernation for so long.”

This is Utah’s Desolation Canyon, 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 company’s proven and lauded health protocols are in place for this trip that welcomes families with children ages five and up. Fully 100 percent of this vacation takes place outside together. Transportation to the put-in is by small plane on a 40-minute flight over the desert plateau from Moab, Utah. Passengers are appropriately distanced on the aircraft and are required to wear masks on the airplane and in shuttle vehicles.

“Being able to travel and vacation in confidence will also assist the healing process – especially for parents,” Lake said. He explained that the rafting journey through Desolation Canyon is much more than rafting. The environment offers large beaches, swimming holes, outlaw cabins to explore, Native American sites, wildlife, fishing and great hikes. “It’s absolutely one of the best family vacations in the world.”

The Green is less strident than the Grand Canyon’s rollicking Colorado River. Whitewater on the Green is playful, marked by over 60 warm-water Class I-III rapids, packed with more than enough splash to excite all ages.

Western River Expeditions’ Desolation Canyon 5-Day Trip is offered June through August.Rates are $1,845 for ages 16 and up and $1,145 for ages 5-15 including airport transfer and flight from Moab, Utah, to the river, cots, tents, sleeping bags, chairs and water-resistant bags, all meals from between departure to return, guides, staff and equipment.

Highlights:

• exploring 88 river miles
• the option to paddle two-person inflatable kayaks
• or, relax in a guide-powered oar boat
• witnessing 40 million years of geologic history
• maneuvering 60+ fun-filled Class I-III rapids. One of the greatest features of this expedition is that the rapids are spread fairly evenly throughout the length of the trip so the action keeps it exciting all journey long.
• visiting famous Wild West outlaw hideouts. Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch found that the rugged terrain here offered a perfect hideaway.
• wondering about the past at now-derelict homesteads built of native materials
• getting to know an ancient culture that both foraged and planted corn from the 7th to the 13th centuries, leaving behind Fremont Native American petroglyphs
• hiking off-river with a seasoned guide well-versed in the region’s history and geology
• deluxe camping on broad, sandy beaches along the river bank
• enjoying host-prepared meals for both adults and children, with ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers
• sunbathing on and off the water shaded by ancient cottonwoods
• watching a Trip Jester entertain the children so parents have some down time

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

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2021 catalog, questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the recently enhanced website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.

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, 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 sixteen consecutive years (2004-2019).

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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 Twitter:                https://twitter.com/WesternRiver

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

On Pinterest:             http://pinterest.com/westernriver/

Pent-up Demand Driving Record Reservations for Grand Canyon Rafting Vacations

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Released on Tuesday, 23 February 2021 10:03

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, Feb. 23, 2021 – Western River Expeditions reports that despite pandemic-related closures for nearly half of its 2020 operating season, the company experienced surprisingly high demand for the Grand Canyon rafting trips it was able to operate.

“We feel very fortunate to have had many sold-out departures this past year,” said Brandon Lake, co-owner of Western River Expeditions. “And already in 2021 there are significantly more people booked than at the same time last year. Bookings are coming in at unprecedented rates, not just for Grand Canyon expeditions, but for Utah trips as well.”

However, Lake underscored the need to book as soon as possible for 2021 and for 2022. He advised checking online to determine the availability of a remaining handful of 2021 Grand Canyon departures, joining a waitlist for sold out departures, or checking back frequently for any cancellations.

2021 availability:

3-day Grand Canyon: 4/13, 4/27, 5/4, 5/10, 8/30

4-day Grand Canyon: sold out

6-day Grand Canyon: sold out

7-day Grand Canyon: 4/1, 4/5, 4/15

Still available in 2022:

3-Day Grand Canyon: Good availability April - September

4 -Day Grand Canyon: Good availability May – September

6 -Day Grand Canyon: 5/11, 8/23, 8/24, 8/27, 8/31, 9/14

7-Day Grand Canyon: 4/5, 4/11, 4/12, 4/20, 6/8, 9/7

For more details on Grand Canyon rafting please see https://www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-rafting. 

The three and four-day trips in the lower canyon are suggested for first-timers who often return later to do the longer 6- or 7-day trips which take place in the upper section of Grand Canyon.

Lake and his team have surmised that these are the forces driving this surge:

• Pent-up desire
• People wanting to travel again but doing it right by signing on for the top multi-day raft trip in the United States
• Counting on the healing forces of Nature blot out stress
• Going with trusted company that has shown protocols have been effective in safeguarding guests during the pandemic
• Checking off another life-list adventure
• Being able to travel domestically when most international travel options just aren’t available

If you are finding your desired dates sold out, Western River recommends two incredible, but lesser-known options to Grand Canyon. These include a four-day trip through Cataract Canyon, often referred to as the “The Grand Canyon’s Younger Sister” or a five-day family-oriented journey down Desolation Canyon on the Green River.

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

If traveling with children (as young as age 5), an option that families often enjoy even more than Grand Canyon is Desolation Canyon on the Green River, a mellower but equally breathtaking rafting experience. Like Cataract, it also departs from Moab, Utah and has good availability for 2021 and 2022.

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2021/2022 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 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 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 sixteen consecutive years (2004-2019).

# # #

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 Twitter:                https://twitter.com/WesternRiver

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

On Pinterest:             http://pinterest.com/westernriver/

Western River Expeditions Turns 2020 River Rafting Season Into Financial Success – Despite Pandemic

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Released on Tuesday, 17 November 2020 11:01

With 2021 Season Nearly Sold Out, 2022 Grand Canyon Trips Set to Go on Sale Dec.1, 2020 

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, Nov. 17, 2020 – Western River Expeditions was among the few travel businesses to see a fortunate outcome during the summer of 2020 rafting season. The pandemic shut down this river rafting company for 10 weeks during the busiest part of its season. Despite being confined to hosting river rafting guests for only 65 percent of its anticipated user days from June 16 through mid-September, most remaining departures were sold out.

So, who were Western River Expeditions’ guests in 2020?

“Our normal guest count includes over 10 percent non-domestic,” reports Trent Keller, Western River Expeditions’ Manager of Grand Canyon operations. Some of these international travelers deferred their reservations to 2021. Filling in the gaps were guests from North America who may have been on wait lists.

Domestic travelers also account for the bulk of 2021 reservations thus far. As of Fall 2020, Grand Canyon river rafting reservations for 2021 are almost sold out, with some limited availability for three and four-day vacations. Reservations for 2022 Grand Canyon raft trips are set go on sale Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, at 6 p.m. Mountain Time. As reservations are expected to fill quickly, the public is advised not to delay firming up 2022 plans now.

“Looking back at 2020, this was a phenomenally important year for our guests in that what we provided allows opportunities for them to escape from the world that has become uncertain and distressing,” says Keller. “The experience this year is one of an extraordinary expression of appreciation from our guests at being able to reconnect with families, with friends in a venue that seems to make sense. It’s been all about fresh air and sunlight.”

Throughout the foreshortened season, Western River Expeditions experienced zero positive COVID-19 tests among its 2,529 guests and staff. Keller attributes this to the company’s swift response in creating comprehensive protective protocols that were carried out throughout the season.

“Between Western River Expeditions and our clients at the Moab Adventure Center that offers day trips on the Colorado River, our protocols seem to have worked remarkably well, with recreational opportunities offered to over 26,000 guests,” Keller adds.

“What we’re finding is that our protocols are extremely effective. Visitors have come with an aware and respectful mindset toward others that has paid off in that the experiences we all so much need of leaving the world behind have made sense.” Keller says that for 2021 the company intends to follow the same practices based on evolving CDC guidance and common sense.

“We applied a conservative approach to the protocols affecting guest welfare and safety. Most of the actions we took were very minimal and grew out of our normal hygiene and safety protocols already in place for food-borne and communicable illnesses. As the pandemic evolves and understanding of it evolves, so will our protocols,” he adds.

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

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, 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 sixteen consecutive years (2004-2019).

# # #

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 Twitter:                https://twitter.com/WesternRiver

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

On Pinterest:             http://pinterest.com/westernriver/

Late Summer/Fall Departure Dates Available on Western River Expeditions’ Coveted Grand Canyon Rafting Vacations

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Released on Monday, 27 July 2020 10:51

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, July 27, 2020 – Art can be prescient. For example, did the musical group Styx know how spot-on their 1979 lyrics would be?

Take me down to my boat on the river

And I won’t cry out anymore

This is precisely what Western River Expeditions advocates as a panacea for the pandemic blues (song yet to be released).

Think: Your pipe dream is to raft the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. For the first time in years you’re free to travel in late summer or fall. This may apply to families who have just learned their children will be remote learning instead of returning to their brick-and-mortar classrooms.

Think: Western River Expeditions’ norm is advance-bookings-only for a year or so out on Grand Canyon trips. But cancellations from overseas clients are offering opportunities for river rafting trips still this season.

Here is a list of departure dates with openings:

Grand Canyon 6 Day: Aug. 4, 5, 12, 29, 30

Grand Canyon 7 Day: Sept. 2, 8, 9, 11

Grand Canyon 3 Day: Aug. 10, 16, 17, 23 and Sept. 6, 15

Grand Canyon 4 Day: Aug.1, 9, 10, 15, 16, 24 and Sept.3, 6, 7, 14

Moab, Utah - Cataract Canyon 4 Day: Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25

Moab, Utah - Desolation Canyon 5 Day: Aug. 5, 9

Moab, Utah - Southwest Sampler Package 4 Day:  Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25 

Western River Expeditions for nearly 60 years has operated five-star quality river rafting vacations. This year they are also applying their decades of professionalism to the challenges of assuaging concerns about traveling in the time of the pandemic. Strictly adhered to protocols have, to date, allowed thousands engage in river rafting vacations that have left pandemic cares behind. 

For more details on Western River Expeditions’ protocols please see https://www.westernriver.com/downloads/COVID-19-operations-plan.pdf

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2020/2021 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 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 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 and was recognized in 2019 as the Best Rafting Company in the World by the readers of USA Today 10Best. The company is the proud recipient of the "Best of State" award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for the past sixteen consecutive years (2004-2019).

# # #

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 Twitter:          https://twitter.com/WesternRiver

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

On Pinterest:       http://pinterest.com/westernriver/

Rafting During COVID - What's Changed?

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Released on Tuesday, 21 July 2020 09:58

Dear Friends,

Running the river under COVID protocols … what’s changed?

Western River Expeditions (https://www.westernriver.com/) is far enough into our 2020 river rafting season to make some observations about how our guests experience being in the canyons and running the rapids in the time of the pandemic.

After each trip, we have a detailed debriefing with our guides who report that the protocols we have in place are very well received. More than ever people are vocally grateful that they’re able to be out on the river, that we’re operating and that they’re getting some relief from the stresses of what life is like back home. There’s something about just being outside and forgetting about the world for a while that is healing.

Social distancing is easily achieved during most stages of an outdoor adventure. Guests notice very little difference between the way we normally operate and what we are doing now. For the staff, it has been a good exercise to scrutinize how we do things and come up with improvements. The result is an overall improvement to our product.

Before beginning operations, every aspect of the operation was reviewed and a comprehensive COVID-19 mitigation plan was created. Copies of the plan were proactively sent to the government agencies that regulate our tours including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and local health department. It was also shared with industry trade associations. The plan was well-received and, as the highest form of compliment, was used as a template or simply copied by many of these organizations.

Western’s management team spent a great deal of time researching and collaborating with many in the outdoor industry. Trent Keller, Vice President of Grand Canyon operations, states that “the goal is to help guests enjoy a trip with few barriers and the ability to live in the moment and enjoy the experience.”

Trent attributes our successful outcome to good research, common sense and a genuine concern for the safety of guests and staff. Following data sources and trend lines as well as getting up to speed on best steps and precautions were paramount. This meant outreach to transportation partners such as the aircraft and buses used to transport guests to and from the river. The foremost questions were: how to effectively sanitize surfaces and how to minimize airborne transmission, primarily during the transportation segments of these trips. 

Fortunately, Mother Nature does her part. Outdoors is the best place to be right now. Wind and heat do an amazing job of dispersing and killing the virus. Because trips also involve being inside vehicles and airplanes, surfaces are sanitized between uses, people are spaced out and everybody wears masks. A few weeks before arrival, guests receive a letter reminding them of the social responsibility that comes with communal group activities and asking that they review and then adhere to a check list designed to protect the common good throughout a shared experience.

The nature of outdoor adventures is that participants have a similar mindset. It is to share an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience. Trent reminds me that “all of our repeat guests come with a high level of trust in our company.” Now our goal is to earn the trust of those who are new to us.

This leads to conversations about risk assumption, which is inherent in everything we do. Yes, some clients are rescheduling for next year. In fact, we have a large waiting list already for 2022. But the terms and conditions of traveling with us now are being overwhelmingly accepted. People appear to be comfortable taking on this heightened new awareness.

When we get down on the river and into the canyons, we find that people are comforted by this chance to return to their roots, to each other, and to relationships with those with whom they’ve chosen to travel. People find what they seek. They are more open to each other. Those inclined to deeper philosophical connections discover these connections are more available than before.

The challenges of this pandemic are having an interesting effect on us as an organization. Even though we’ve been working from home, frequent online meetings and going through this common experience together have made us better as an organization and more appreciative of each other.

This appreciation also applies to our guests. We’re more conscientious as to guest needs and more grateful than ever for our guests. Gratitude goes both ways. The majority of our guests are happy and kind. We’re all thinking, “OK, we’re going to get through this together.” As challenging as it is, it’s really been quite wonderful.

Healing Together,

Brian Merrill

CEO of Western River Expeditions and the Moab Adventure Center.

Note to Media

Questions? Interview Requests? Please contact Brian at:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

or

Contact Widness & Wiggins PR:

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

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Western River Expeditions Celebrates First Trip of the 2020 Season - Reflects on Value of White Water to De-stress in Time of COVID

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Released on Monday, 22 June 2020 12:01

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, June 22, 2020 –Western River Expeditions announced that as of June 16 its river rafting vacations in the Grand Canyon are fully operational. This news comes after a several-month hiatus mandated by the National Park Service over COVID-19 concerns.

The company’s sought-after rafting vacations in the Grand Canyon normally begin as early as April. Reservations are coveted, with bookings at near capacity already for 2021.

With a 2020 season shortened by 10 weeks, Western’s team has been tireless in its efforts to accommodate this season’s bookings. Those who lost seats during April, May and the first half of June due to closures have been slotted into later departures or rescheduled for next year.

“Of the trips we’re able to run, most of our guests have stuck with us and we’ve been able to refill where there have been cancellations,” said Brian Merrill, Western River Expeditions’ CEO. “People who are coming are comfortable with travel and the precautions we have put in place.”

The first rafting trip Western hosted this year was on the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon, departing the week of June 7. Merrill met the guests at the end of their river journey and escorted them to an airstrip for a scenic return flight to Moab, Utah. This is headquarters for the company’s river operations for Utah.

“Groups are always pumped when they come off the river, but this group was especially excited,” observed Merrill. “They were gleeful, almost childlike in their enthusiasm for just being out there. They remarked just how great it was to get out and forget about everything going on in the world for a few days.”

Tending to new protocols and the concerns of 20 guests was, noted Merrill, “a bit stressful for the guides because they felt so responsible for everybody. But the guides began to relax when they sensed their guests were on board with what the guides were doing.”

Western employs some 70 guides for its Utah and Grand Canyon operations. Their work begins long before they reach the river.

“So much goes on behind the scenes to make it happen on the river,” said Merrill. “I tell our guides this is a kind of industrial job with lots of machines rolling around while packing up a 54-foot semi-trailer box truck that delivers what guests and guides require for several days or a week on the river.

This company with nearly 60 years of river rafting protocols under its belt, scouted, navigated and maneuvered around the unforeseen flash flood and high-profile rapids caused by the pandemic.

Getting a foothold in the river bank this year has been, to say the least, a challenge for this company. Losing 10 weeks of a rafting season that is only 22 weeks long is akin to a year-round business being shut down for a year. And once Western River Expeditions was able to operate, how to do so took weeks of planning and training around new procedures and protocols.

“Even though our river rafting model is already conducive to social distancing, sunshine, fresh air and remote wilderness, we were tasked with submitting operation plans to National Park Service boards, Bureau of Land Management and associations within our own industry,” Merrill explained.

Jason Taylor, Utah Operations Manager for Western River Expeditions, took a deep breath. He met up with this first group at the beginning of their adventure.

“There was no apprehension. People were excited to be on the trip. Almost everybody had read our COVID mitigation plan that we have developed. Regarding our protocols, they commented that we were doing what we said we were going to do and that they never felt at any time they were at risk,” said Taylor.

Now with approved COVID-19 protocols in place, Western underscores what some experts have said – that whitewater rafting may be the safest way for a family to vacation this summer – especially for those within driving range of Moab, Utah, where activities begin.

Vacations that embrace fresh air and the healing powers of nature can work wonders on pandemic-driven nerves.

Western River Expeditions for nearly 60 years has operated star-quality river rafting vacations. This year they are also applying their decades of professionalism to pandemic-related challenges. For more details on Western River Expeditions’ protocols please see https://www.westernriver.com/downloads/COVID-19-operations-plan.pdf

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2020/2021 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 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 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 sixteen consecutive years (2004-2019). 

# # #

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 Twitter:          https://twitter.com/WesternRiver

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

On Pinterest:       http://pinterest.com/westernriver/

Western River Expeditions Announces Official Re-Opening of River Operations on June 14 with Limited Availability on Previously Sold-Out 2020 Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

Details

Released on Tuesday, 02 June 2020 11:26

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, June 2, 2020 – With the official announcement from Grand Canyon authorities that river operations will again resume on June 14, many are looking to get a spot on an epic outdoor adventure this summer.

Snagging seats on 2020 Grand Canyon rafting trips was impossible just a few months ago.However, pandemic-driven cancellations by international travelers has opened up seats for some of Western River Expeditions’ 2020 departures. 

“Select departures June through September of 2020 now have limited availability,” said Brandon Lake, company CMO. “Normally last-minute inquiries would be directed to 2021 or even 2022 selections. This is an incredible opportunity for those who are making last-minute plans and feel like an outdoor adventure may be the best choice for a summer adventure this year.”

Vacations that embrace fresh air and the healing powers of nature can work wonders on pandemic-driven nerves. “On these iconic expeditions our guests immerse themselves in a remote world that provides a much-needed escape from civilization,” explains Lake. “A trip through the Grand Canyon becomes not only a celebration of the river and its untamed surroundings, but of life, providing a way to reconnect and refresh.”

This is Western River Expeditions’ promise for a true trip-of-a-lifetime far removed from the stress and challenges of today’s world. The more time spent on the river, the more the canyon reveals its sublime mysteries.

Western River Expeditions’ 6 or 7 Day Grand Canyon Rafting Vacation carries guests 188 river miles in custom-designed J-Rig rafts, maneuvering Class III-V rapids and each day descending deeper into geologic time, before a helicopter transports them back to the rim.

Their Grand Canyon 4 Day River & Ranch Tour and Grand Canyon 3 Day Lower Canyon Trip brings visitors down 100 river miles over Class II and III rapids. But first there’s a scenic helicopter ride to access the put-in. Guests on the 4-Day tour enjoy a pre-excursion overnight at Bar 10 Ranch on the North Rim of the Canyon, complete with horseback riding and optional ATV adventures.

Western River Expeditions for nearly 60 years has operated five-star-quality river rafting vacations. This year they are also applying their decades of professionalism to pandemic-related challenges. For more details on Western River Expeditions’ protocols please see https://www.westernriver.com/covid-19.

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2020/2021 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 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 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 sixteen consecutive years (2004-2019). 

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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 Twitter:          https://twitter.com/WesternRiver

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

On Pinterest:       http://pinterest.com/westernriver/

Six Decades of Professionalism Support Families Traveling in 2020 with Western River Explorations

Details

Released on Tuesday, 26 May 2020 10:06

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, May 26, 2020 – Where in the world – and how – will families vacation this summer?

Given months of pandemic-driven lock-down orders, stay-at-home summer vacation won’t be high on many lists. What will be attractive will be vacations that embrace fresh air and the healing powers of nature that can work wonders on family spirits and recovery.

Western River Expeditions (https://www.westernriver.com/ for nearly 60 years has operated top-quality river rafting vacations for individuals, families and friends. This year they are also applying their decades of professionalism to pandemic-related challenges. Here are some of many steps this company is taking to counter COVID-19 fears.

• Screening Employees: Every day before work, each employee must pass both a temperature and pulse oximeter screen, and then answer a detailed questionnaire.
• Screening Guests at Check-in: Guests exhibiting temperatures of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to travel with Western River Expeditions at the time they planned; instead, they will receive an “Adventure Credit” which allows the guest and any members of the group who were currently living at the same physical address during any of the 7 days prior to the trip to use the full paid value of their trip as a credit for a future trip at a later date.
• Screening while on Multi-Day Trips: All trip participants and guides will have a daily temperature and pulse oximeter checks and fill out a daily review of symptoms questionnaire.

In addition, there are new protocols in place should someone experience COVID-19 symptoms during a trip. In such case, steps will be taken to protect other guests from exposure during the remainder of that trip. There also will be protocols for toilet facilities, hand washing stations and social distancing (when feasible) as well as reduced number of guests per raft.

The company will also implement specific guidelines that address everything from life-jacket use and sanitation, to meal prep and service, use of shuttle vans, number of people per shuttle vehicle, sanitation of rafts, dry bags, cots, sleeping bags and all associated equipment. For more details on Western River Expeditions’ specific protocols please see https://www.westernriver.com/covid-19

Western River Expeditions hopes to still operate late spring and summer 2020 trips, subject to the easing of government-mandated closures. Three suggested trips ideal for families are:

• Desolation Canyon, a five-day trip through breathtaking Desolation Canyon and Gray Canyon on the Green River in central Utah. Trips are scheduled to departJune 7 through Aug. 12 with a minimum age of five years old. For details see https://www.westernriver.com/desolation-canyon
• Southwest Sampler, a four-day adventure that includes an off-road Hummer Safari, Arches National Park tour and overnight rafting trip as well as a stay at Moab's Marriott SpringHill Suites. Departures are scheduled May 26 through Aug. 26. If National Park closures affect the operation of the Arches National Park tour, guests will explore another stunning location in Moab. For details see  https://www.westernriver.com/moab-utah-vacation-sampler
• Grand Canyon, the three-day option still has some limited space on certain dates from June 21st through September. Conveniently departing and returning to Las Vegas, NV, this 100-mile journey is suitable for families with kids as young as nine. For details see: https://www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-river-trip

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2020/2021 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 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 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 sixteen consecutive years (2004-2019).

# # #

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 Twitter:          https://twitter.com/WesternRiver

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

On Pinterest:       http://pinterest.com/westernriver/

Virtual Rafting Tours Provide Connection and Stimulate Adrenalin During Pandemic Shutdown

Details

Released on Tuesday, 07 April 2020 10:47

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, April 7, 2020 – Sitting on the shoreline of life pretty much sums up where the world is at.

“As a pandemic runs its global course, immobilized though we may feel, we don’t have to respond like a deer in the headlights,” said Brandon Lake, CMO of Western River Expeditions headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. “Now is a great time to dream about future adventures and plan for the time when life returns to the new normal. This not only gives us something to look forward to, but I believe that exploring the outdoors with loved ones, when it’s safe to do so, will become an important part of our recovery process, providing people with a sense of connection, interaction and celebration.”

This active travel company specializes in rafting the rivers of the Colorado River Basin. But for the first time in Lake’s memory, the rafts are empty, sitting on the shoreline. On April 1, Grand Canyon National Park closed, including river operations through May 21, 2020. Resumption of river trips will be evaluated later in May pending current CDC guidance.

To accommodate clients whose trips have been delayed by the pandemic, Lake and his team have been able to re-allocate their allotted permit spaces on some trips in the Grand Canyon for departures later in the 2020 season. They are assisting people in solidifying changes in plans and looking to open slots for them later this summer and in 2021.

Lake said he is “confident we will be able to find an available date for clients disrupted by early season cancellations who are still interested in doing a Grand Canyon rafting trip.”

The company has posted its latest Covid-19 news and trip status on its website to keep the public up-to-date. See: https://www.westernriver.com/covid-19. 

Between now and when guests are able to re-embark on rafting adventures, Western River Expeditions encourages people to experience the Grand Canyon and other breathtaking locations via virtual tours. “We put these together before this all happened, but never thought we would be using them for accessing these special places in a time we would not be able to in person.”

See: Virtual Galleries in 360° Views

A few tips for optimal viewing:

1.View these on your big screen if you've got it.

2.Use your mouse/finger to drag the scene around and look wherever you choose.

3.Arrow buttons left or right OR the map will slide you to the next image.

4.Click on small white arrows in certain images, to explore deeper.

6 & 7 Day Grand Canyon Expedition

http://vr.trustedphoto.com/WesternRiverGrandCanyon6_7_Day/360tour.html

3 & 4 Day Grand Canyon Adventure

http://vr.trustedphoto.com/WesternRiverGrandCanyon3_4_Day/360tour.html

4 Day Cataract Canyon Adventure

http://vr.trustedphoto.com/CataractClassic/360tour.html

5 Day Desolation Canyon Adventure

http://vr.trustedphoto.com/GreenRiver5Day/360tour.html

With these 360° virtual tours the viewer is present, surrounded by the action of a river expedition in the comfort of their own home or office. Get lost in the moment and find oneself in a magnificent cavern. Tucked in a sleeping bag on the shoreline. Standing under a thundering side canyon waterfall. Viewing ancient Native American rock art. Running the West’s most famous rapids. And standing in line for a grilled salmon dinner topped off with warm Dutch-oven chocolate cake. The 360° technology is stunning.

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2020/2021 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 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 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 sixteen consecutive years (2004-2019). 

# # #

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 Twitter:                https://twitter.com/WesternRiver

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

On Pinterest:             http://pinterest.com/westernriver/