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

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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

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 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. 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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