Our Guides
2024 Guides and Staff
Carl Dec
Owner | Guide
Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.
Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Pro 1
Jason Thiemann
Manager | Co-owner
Born and raised in Nebraska, Jason moved to Moab in 2005 after graduating college. Since then he’s spent much of his time exploring the deserts and mountains of the West. He’s climbed hundreds of mountains and scrambled through countless canyons, from Death Valley to the high peaks of Colorado and California. He spends his winters chasing the sun and avoiding cold and snow, usually in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.
Certifications: History nerd, political junkie, literature snob
Adam Morrisett
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Adam has been part of the Red River Adventures crew since April 2010. Right from the start, Adam showed the initiative it takes to be a great guide and trip leader by hiring and adding himself to our roster of guides.
A canyoneer and river junkie, addicted to good music and great friends, we are lucky he hired himself. In the winter, his days are spent riding Wasatch Powder, with nights in the cab of a groomer building features at Brighton.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, ACA Swiftwater Rescue, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
Brian Johnson
Raft Guide Trainer | Guide: Rafting, Climbing, Canyoneering, Ice
Straight out of Cazenovia, New York, Brian has a chipper old soul. Since he was a kid, he’s enjoyed spending all of his time scrambling rocks around New York. Since moving to Moab, he has developed a passion for climbing big sandstone rocks. Although a rock enthusiast, Brian fell in love with the water when he took his first trip down the Arkansas River in Colorado.
Brian is an all-around outdoor junkie and is always up for new adventures!
Certifications: AMGA Rock Guide, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
Charbo
Boatyard Manager | Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Born in the suburban oasis of Long Island, New York, Charbo has called Utah home for five years now. To quote his horoscope in the local paper, Charbo is an “Original Idea Machine” that will keep you laughing on rock, rivers, and canyons.
Charbo’s passion for rediscovering familiar places keeps bringing him back to Moab year after year.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
June Rust
Guide: Rafting
June was born in Talkeetna, Alaska, and transplanted to Salt Lake City as a nursing student. Her biggest love is alpine climbing, and she grew up on the confluence of three rivers. She’s loved her time on the Colorado River, and while she’s drawn to the sandstone climbing of the Southwest, she’s always down to get rowdy on the waves anytime.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR, Certified Nursing Assistant, NOLS Rock Climbing Graduate
Kenzie Knippers
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Born in Oklahoma and raised in Arizona, Kenzie is a graduate of Arizona State University. Kenzie is an extremely easy-going person but will probably make friends with your dog before introducing herself. In her spare time, she enjoys a steep hike, climbing some rock, or a day at the lake. Overall she is most proud of her ability to catch on quickly to new activities, as well as her work as a Catalina Island Marine Institute counselor.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
Kira Langell
Guide: Rafting
Born and raised in San Jose, CA, Kira spent her time running wild in the expansive redwood forests and catching waves on the Santa Cruz coastline. Kira migrated to Utah five years ago, and has since spent every free moment skiing, hiking, climbing, and rafting. Perpetually in pursuit of adventure, Kira is looking forward to spending her days exploring the Moab desert.
Kira has an affinity for ecology and evolution, and knows just about everything about Moab’s desert biome. If there’s anything Kira is good for, it’s strange and obscure animal facts.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR
Makayla Hunick
Guide: Rafting
Makayla was born in American Fork, Utah. She has spent many years traveling overseas and across the United States. With much curiosity and excitement for the outdoors, she continues to explore the world. A lot of her free time is spent snowboarding, hiking, camping, climbing or anything water-based.
She’s in for any outdoor adventure, taking photographs any chance she gets. Adventure is in her blood and passion for nature is in her soul.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
Mary Eden
Guide: Climbing | Indian Creek Crack Camps | Owner, Big Beauty Pitches Productions
Mary Catherine Eden, a Kentucky transplant, moved to Moab and fell in love with the rocks, canyons, and desert life. Originally an endurance horse trainer, she turned into a rock climbing fanatic! Mary is currently an AMGA Rock Guide Apprentice training for her Advanced Rock Guide course. Her favorite kind of climbing involves long days with scenic summits, unique Indian Creek splitters, and crazy wide cracks. If she isn’t in a canyon or climbing a route then you’ll most likely find her delving into climbing photography. After volunteering for the National Park Service for six months, Mary discovered her love of guided walks and entered the guiding industry. She is stoked and excited for every new season!
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
Molly Older
Guide: Rafting
Hailing from beautiful upstate New York, Molly landed in Moab to chase the desert sun. A lover of candy and crazy ideas, you can find her doing almost anything, as long as it’s outdoors. She enjoys new experiences and learning as much as she can!
Her biggest goals are to one day land a kickflip and to laugh as much as possible. She is always stoked to get on the river and lives to share her passion of the outdoors with others.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Aid, CPR
Noah McKelvin
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Originally from Colorado, Noah could be described as an even-keeled old soul. As a kid, Noah fell in love with all facets of the outdoors, from getting to the summit of over 100 desert towers to alpine climbing in some of the bigger mountain ranges of the world.
Although he enjoys the high adventure in climbing, he also enjoys time spent on the river and canyoneering. Noah has lived and breathed the outdoors for his whole life. Previously a first responder, he made the transition into guiding due to the burning desire to share his passion of the outdoors with others.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, EMT, CPR
Ryan Clarke
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Ryan grew up in southeast Idaho and spent his summers playing in the Tetons. He now attends Utah Valley University, where he is studying Outdoor Recreation. His hobbies include rock climbing, rafting, skiing and generally being out under the sun.
Ryan has a natural affinity for story-telling and thinking up jokes so ridiculous they’ll make anyone’s eyes roll.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
2024 Rock Guides and Instructors
Carl Dec
Owner | Guide
Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.
Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, Wilderness First Responder, AAIRE Pro 1
Brian Johnson
Raft Guide Trainer | Guide: Rafting, Climbing, Canyoneering, Ice
Straight out of Cazenovia, New York, Brian has a chipper old soul. Since he was a kid, he’s enjoyed spending all of his time scrambling rocks around New York. Since moving to Moab, he has developed a passion for climbing big sandstone rocks. Although a rock enthusiast, Brian fell in love with the water when he took his first trip down the Arkansas River in Colorado.
Brian is an all-around outdoor junkie and is always up for new adventures!
Certifications: AMGA Rock Guide, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
Charbo
Boatyard Manager | Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Born in the suburban oasis of Long Island, New York, Charbo has called Utah home for five years now. To quote his horoscope in the local paper, Charbo is an “Original Idea Machine” that will keep you laughing on rock, rivers, and canyons.
Charbo’s passion for rediscovering familiar places keeps bringing him back to Moab year after year.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
Kenzie Knippers
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Born in Oklahoma and raised in Arizona, Kenzie is a graduate of Arizona State University. Kenzie is an extremely easy-going person but will probably make friends with your dog before introducing herself. In her spare time, she enjoys a steep hike, climbing some rock, or a day at the lake. Overall she is most proud of her ability to catch on quickly to new activities, as well as her work as a Catalina Island Marine Institute counselor.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
Mary Eden
Guide: Climbing | Indian Creek Crack Camps | Owner, Big Beauty Pitches Productions
Mary Catherine Eden, a Kentucky transplant, moved to Moab and fell in love with the rocks, canyons, and desert life. Originally an endurance horse trainer, she turned into a rock climbing fanatic! Mary is currently an AMGA Rock Guide Apprentice training for her Advanced Rock Guide course. Her favorite kind of climbing involves long days with scenic summits, unique Indian Creek splitters, and crazy wide cracks. If she isn’t in a canyon or climbing a route then you’ll most likely find her delving into climbing photography. After volunteering for the National Park Service for six months, Mary discovered her love of guided walks and entered the guiding industry. She is stoked and excited for every new season!
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
Noah McKelvin
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Originally from Colorado, Noah could be described as an even-keeled old soul. As a kid, Noah fell in love with all facets of the outdoors, from getting to the summit of over 100 desert towers to alpine climbing in some of the bigger mountain ranges of the world.
Although he enjoys the high adventure in climbing, he also enjoys time spent on the river and canyoneering. Noah has lived and breathed the outdoors for his whole life. Previously a first responder, he made the transition into guiding due to the burning desire to share his passion of the outdoors with others.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, EMT, CPR
Ryan Clarke
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Ryan grew up in southeast Idaho and spent his summers playing in the Tetons. He now attends Utah Valley University, where he is studying Outdoor Recreation. His hobbies include rock climbing, rafting, skiing and generally being out under the sun.
Ryan has a natural affinity for story-telling and thinking up jokes so ridiculous they’ll make anyone’s eyes roll.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
John Lemnotis
Guide: Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Split Board, Ski
John began his life in the outdoors on the East Coast, learning to ski and snowboard on a small hometown hill, and eventually ditching class whenever possible to escape to the grey bird slopes of Vermont’s resorts. Despite the call of the mountains, John finished college with a Doctorate in Pharmacy and moved to Utah for the beautiful mountains and unrivaled snow quality. By 2015, John realized that Pharmacy wasn’t for him, and he began pursuing a full AMGA certification. In August 2022 John passed his last exam and became the 179th American to gain IFMGA certification.
Certifications: IFMGA Mountain Guide, Pharm.D., Wilderness First Responder
John Kear
Guide and Instructor: AMGA SPI courses and exams
Owner, Suntoucher Mountain Guides | IFMGA Mountain Guide
John is a full-time mountain guide and AMGA Instructor pool member. John’s climbing, skiing and guiding encompasses nearly three decades of experience. After many years of professional guiding throughout North and South America as well as Europe, he set out on a new path: graduate school. John received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2015 and currently practices in Taos, New Mexico. He continues to share his experience, knowledge, and mastery of the mountains, both as an instructor team-member for the American Mountain Guides Association, and as the owner and head guide for Suntoucher Mountain Guides.
Certifications: IFMGA, Wilderness First Responder
2024 Canyoneering Guides
Carl Dec
Owner | Guide
Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.
Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, Wilderness First Responder, AAIRE Pro 1
Adam Morrisett
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Adam has been part of the Red River Adventures crew since April 2010. Right from the start, Adam showed the initiative it takes to be a great guide and trip leader by hiring and adding himself to our roster of guides.
A canyoneer and river junkie, addicted to good music and great friends, we are lucky he hired himself. In the winter, his days are spent riding Wasatch Powder, with nights in the cab of a groomer building features at Brighton.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, ACA Swiftwater Rescue, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
Brian Johnson
Raft Guide Trainer | Guide: Rafting, Climbing, Canyoneering, Ice
Straight out of Cazenovia, New York, Brian has a chipper old soul. Since he was a kid, he’s enjoyed spending all of his time scrambling rocks around New York. Since moving to Moab, he has developed a passion for climbing big sandstone rocks. Although a rock enthusiast, Brian fell in love with the water when he took his first trip down the Arkansas River in Colorado.
Brian is an all-around outdoor junkie and is always up for new adventures!
Certifications: AMGA Rock Guide, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
Charbo
Boatyard Manager | Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Born in the suburban oasis of Long Island, New York, Charbo has called Utah home for five years now. To quote his horoscope in the local paper, Charbo is an “Original Idea Machine” that will keep you laughing on rock, rivers, and canyons.
Charbo’s passion for rediscovering familiar places keeps bringing him back to Moab year after year.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
Kenzie Knippers
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Born in Oklahoma and raised in Arizona, Kenzie is a graduate of Arizona State University. Kenzie is an extremely easy-going person but will probably make friends with your dog before introducing herself. In her spare time, she enjoys a steep hike, climbing some rock, or a day at the lake. Overall she is most proud of her ability to catch on quickly to new activities, as well as her work as a Catalina Island Marine Institute counselor.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
Mary Eden
Guide: Climbing | Indian Creek Crack Camps | Owner, Big Beauty Pitches Productions
Mary Catherine Eden, a Kentucky transplant, moved to Moab and fell in love with the rocks, canyons, and desert life. Originally an endurance horse trainer, she turned into a rock climbing fanatic! Mary is currently an AMGA Rock Guide Apprentice training for her Advanced Rock Guide course. Her favorite kind of climbing involves long days with scenic summits, unique Indian Creek splitters, and crazy wide cracks. If she isn’t in a canyon or climbing a route then you’ll most likely find her delving into climbing photography. After volunteering for the National Park Service for six months, Mary discovered her love of guided walks and entered the guiding industry. She is stoked and excited for every new season!
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
Noah McKelvin
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Originally from Colorado, Noah could be described as an even-keeled old soul. As a kid, Noah fell in love with all facets of the outdoors, from getting to the summit of over 100 desert towers to alpine climbing in some of the bigger mountain ranges of the world.
Although he enjoys the high adventure in climbing, he also enjoys time spent on the river and canyoneering. Noah has lived and breathed the outdoors for his whole life. Previously a first responder, he made the transition into guiding due to the burning desire to share his passion of the outdoors with others.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, EMT, CPR
Ryan Clarke
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Ryan grew up in southeast Idaho and spent his summers playing in the Tetons. He now attends Utah Valley University, where he is studying Outdoor Recreation. His hobbies include rock climbing, rafting, skiing and generally being out under the sun.
Ryan has a natural affinity for story-telling and thinking up jokes so ridiculous they’ll make anyone’s eyes roll.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
Ice Guides
Carl Dec
Owner | Guide
Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.
Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, Wilderness First Responder, AAIRE Pro 1
John Lemnotis
Guide: Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Split Board, Ski
John began his life in the outdoors on the East Coast, learning to ski and snowboard on a small hometown hill, and eventually ditching class whenever possible to escape to the grey bird slopes of Vermont’s resorts. Despite the call of the mountains, John finished college with a Doctorate in Pharmacy and moved to Utah for the beautiful mountains and unrivaled snow quality. By 2015, John realized that Pharmacy wasn’t for him, and he began pursuing a full AMGA certification. In August 2022 John passed his last exam and became the 179th American to gain IFMGA certification.
Certifications: IFMGA Mountain Guide, Pharm.D., Wilderness First Responder
Brian Johnson
Raft Guide Trainer | Guide: Rafting, Climbing, Canyoneering, Ice
Straight out of Cazenovia, New York, Brian has a chipper old soul. Since he was a kid, he’s enjoyed spending all of his time scrambling rocks around New York. Since moving to Moab, he has developed a passion for climbing big sandstone rocks. Although a rock enthusiast, Brian fell in love with the water when he took his first trip down the Arkansas River in Colorado.
Brian is an all-around outdoor junkie and is always up for new adventures!
Certifications: AMGA Rock Guide, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR
Ski Guides and Instructors
Carl Dec
Owner | Guide
Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.
Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, Wilderness First Responder, AAIRE Pro 1
John Lemnotis
Guide: Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Split Board, Ski
John began his life in the outdoors on the East Coast, learning to ski and snowboard on a small hometown hill, and eventually ditching class whenever possible to escape to the grey bird slopes of Vermont’s resorts. Despite the call of the mountains, John finished college with a Doctorate in Pharmacy and moved to Utah for the beautiful mountains and unrivaled snow quality. By 2015, John realized that Pharmacy wasn’t for him, and he began pursuing a full AMGA certification. In August 2022 John passed his last exam and became the 179th American to gain IFMGA certification.
Certifications: IFMGA Mountain Guide, Pharm.D., Wilderness First Responder
John Kear
Guide and Instructor: AMGA SPI courses and exams
Owner, Suntoucher Mountain Guides | IFMGA Mountain Guide
John is a full-time mountain guide and AMGA Instructor pool member. John’s climbing, skiing and guiding encompasses nearly three decades of experience. After many years of professional guiding throughout North and South America as well as Europe, he set out on a new path: graduate school. John received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2015 and currently practices in Taos, New Mexico. He continues to share his experience, knowledge, and mastery of the mountains, both as an instructor team member for the American Mountain Guides Association and as the owner and head guide for Suntoucher Mountain Guides.
Certifications: IFMGA, Wilderness First Responder