Our 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, 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

Anna Trevizo

Guide: Rafting

Anna grew up in the town of La Sal, a short drive from Moab. She moved to Logan, Utah in high school and currently attends Utah State University. She competes on Utah State’s lacrosse team along with another Red River guide, Sophia.

Anna has always had an itch for the outdoors and loves to go on adventures; she hopes to stay a busy bee and continue traveling in the future. She likes to read, journal, and take photos, and enjoys everything involved with crafts. One of her goals is to be decent at hacky sack!

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Aid, CPR

Emily Larsen

Guide: Rafting

Born and raised in Bountiful, Utah, Emily has grown a special love for the outdoors. She loves doing anything outside and spends her time hiking, climbing, snowboarding and rafting. During the colder months, Emily can be found attending local concerts, playing the trumpet in an all-women’s jazz combo, and going to class at Utah State University.

Emily’s goal for the season is to navigate the rapids with the grace of a swan, the humor of a comedian, and the wisdom of a river sage.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Aid, CPR

Erin Flaherty

Guide: Rafting

Born and raised in western Colorado, Erin found her way to Moab after a winter of cabin fever. She graduated with a degree in Microbiology and enjoys hiking, learning/sharing fun science facts (be prepared!) and laughing. She loves being on the river, and can’t wait to see everyone out there!

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Aid, CPR

Genna Duniway

Guide: Rafting

Genna has lived in Moab since 2011, and even though she no longer calls Moab home, her favorite place will always be on the river. She has grown up playing on the river (“The Daily”) and has rafted stretches of river all over the West. Currently, she lives in Salt Lake City and attends the University of Utah, studying English and Environmental Science. She loves skiing in the powder of the Wasatch with friends after class or hiking up to the surrounding alpine lakes for a cold plunge. You’ll find Genna knitting, reading, or out with friends when she’s not exploring outside.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Aid, CPR

Grace Bauer

Guide: Rafting

Grace was born in Wisconsin and raised in Frisco, Colorado. Grace’s biggest passion is traveling and learning new skills and activities. Grace loves doing anything outside, but has a good balance of down time activities too. She likes scrapbooking, reading, video games, and art.

She currently lives in her truck camper and travels around working seasonal jobs in different areas. It’s rare for her to stay in one place longer than a year. Grace’s goal this season is to learn as many dad jokes as possible.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Aid, CPR

Jake Glockner

Guide: Rafting

Jake grew up in Ohio, where he learned how to ski, climb, and whitewater kayak. Wanting to progress in his passions, he moved to the mountains of north-central Colorado. After college, Jake worked as an engineer for two years until leaving to pursue a career outside. He works as a ski coach for Winter Park’s competition center in the winters and as a climbing guide in the summers. No longer stuck in a cubicle, Jake spends his days smashing whitewater with friends, climbing Utah’s beautiful sandstone, and chasing snowstorms for powder skiing.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Liz Greer

Guide: Rafting | Raft Guide Trainer

Liz grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, where she developed a deep love for whitewater and the outdoors. After graduating from George Washington University with a B.A. in International Affairs, she decided to pursue her passion for guiding full-time prior to going to grad school.

Following working on the Rio Grande and Chattooga River, a combined interest in whitewater and geology led her to Moab, where she’ll excitedly share every fact about rocks she knows if you’ll lend an ear. On her days off, you can find Liz crocheting, kayaking, and going for long runs on trail.

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 leads a series of climbing camps in the spring and fall, and has been a guide on Red River’s international climbing trips in Sicily and Greece.

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, Climbing and Canyoneering

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 rock and lives to share her passion of the outdoors with others.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Nate Foulger

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Three phrases that describe Nate: adrenaline junkie, outdoor addict, and tacos. He enjoys riding dirt bikes, climbing boulders, surfing, and hanging out with friends.

When Nate was 14 years old, he rode the Tour de Tucson, a 100-mile race on a road bike, in six and a half hours. He is also a proud Eagle Scout and enjoys playing the guitar and singing campfire songs.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Sam Pinto

Guide: Rafting

Born and raised in Northern California, Sam has always enjoyed exploring the outdoors. After earning a degree in Biomedical Science and Microbiology and working in research, her love of nature led her to Moab, where she is spending the season as a raft guide.

When she’s not outside, Sam enjoys trying new recipes, learning new skills and traveling.

She is excited to meet new people and help make unforgettable memories on the river!

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Aid, CPR

Savannah Buchanan

Guide: Rafting

Savannah grew up all over the Salt Lake Valley with her family, finally settling in Taylorsville, Utah. She has had a passion for the outdoors since she was a kid and would never pass up an opportunity to go hiking in the mountains. After a friend dragged her to a rock climbing gym, she fell in love and worked as a belayer for around four years, which helped her realize her passion for sharing the outdoors with others.

She is currently a college sophomore at Southern Utah University majoring in Pre-Nursing but has many hobbies and side projects including art and ceramics. Savannah is always down for a good fun fact and loves learning new things. She is excited to see you on the river!

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Aid, CPR

Sebastian Blaise

Guide: Rafting

Sebastian was born in Moab, spent much of his childhood there, and still loves the area. He served several years in the United States Marine Corps, until 2023. Since then, he’s spent his time traveling around the country and experiencing the outdoors. He especially loves snowboarding and his motorcycle. He’s looking forward to a great season on the river!

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Aid, CPR

Sophia Nielsen

Guide: Rafting

Sophia loves lacrosse and any water sport. When she’s not on the river, she’s often jumping off rocks or bridges to get back into a river. She owns not just a dedicated paintball outfit, but an entire paintball wardrobe. She loves cooking—but not cleaning up—delicious food. Sophia is a student and member of the lacrosse team at Utah State University.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Aid, CPR

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

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 leads a series of climbing camps in the spring and fall, and has been a guide on Red River’s international climbing trips in Sicily and Greece.

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, Climbing and Canyoneering

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 rock and lives to share her passion of the outdoors with others.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Nate Foulger

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Three phrases that describe Nate: adrenaline junkie, outdoor addict, and tacos. He enjoys riding dirt bikes, climbing boulders, surfing, and hanging out with friends.

When Nate was 14 years old, he rode the Tour de Tucson, a 100-mile race on a road bike, in six and a half hours. He is also a proud Eagle Scout and enjoys playing the guitar and singing campfire songs.

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

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

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

Molly Older

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

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 rock and lives to share her passion of the outdoors with others.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Nate Foulger

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Three phrases that describe Nate: adrenaline junkie, outdoor addict, and tacos. He enjoys riding dirt bikes, climbing boulders, surfing, and hanging out with friends.

When Nate was 14 years old, he rode the Tour de Tucson, a 100-mile race on a road bike, in six and a half hours. He is also a proud Eagle Scout and enjoys playing the guitar and singing campfire songs.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

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

Guide: Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing

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

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