People know a lot of things about the Dolores River. You may know it’s in the southwest area of Colorado. You might be aware that it flows about 250 miles from the San Miguel River, runs through the La Plata Mountains into plunging canyon depths, past the town of Dolores, through Paradox Valley. Finally, at Moab, it connects with the Colorado River. You may also assume that snow melt raises the river level in the spring too. But, did you know that by mid-summer, the river drops and its flow becomes a mere trickle?

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You’re riding the river under the perfect blue sky. It’s as good as life gets! But, only if you’ve made a few basic preparations, like taking the kinds of clothes and other river gear you need to bring. That can be the difference between a beautiful day of white water rafting at Moab and an uncomfortable, shivering and/or sunburned episode. So, good job doing your research by reading this information on what to wear rafting. Way to prepare for a great time out on the river!

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Moab, Utah, is one of the world’s most famous rock climbing destinations. With seemingly countless options of monumental sandstone towers rising into the sky from the desert floor, the surreal landscape calls out to everyone with a desire for a climbing adventure. Ranging from the easiest to the most difficult, Moab desert towers offer many climbing routes for novices and seasoned climbers alike.

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The Moab area of southern Utah features some of the world’s most wondrous scenery and spectacular natural features on the planet. The experience of traversing the rugged and exotic Great Basin terrain surrounding Moab is something travelers remember forever. Interested in learning more about Moab before you embark on your exciting journey to the national parklands of southern Utah. Here are 20 fun facts you may not have known about Moab and this mesmerizing region of North America:

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There’s a lot to do in preparing for a trip to tour Utah’s parklands. As you’re getting ready for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to visit the world-famous Arches National Park, it can help to gather some essential information. So, here are some helpful answers provided by Red River outback Utah tour guides to frequently asked questions about visiting Arches park:

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The weather at Arches National Park does not shift as much as at parks in the more northern areas of the country, but the seasonal changes do become part of the experience for Utah visitors. Naturally, the heat in the parks farther north is less intense than in Arches during the hottest part of summer, from early July through mid-August. On the other hand, in winter, Utah’s gorgeous Arches park is not as cold as the parks farther north. So, what’s the best time of year to visit Arches National Park in Utah? (more…)

In the canyonlands of southern Utah lies the picturesque town of Moab, a traveler’s base for many extraordinary adventures that can be had nearby. A top reason to visit in this amazing part of the country is to explore the great abundance of rock art that the area holds. Many of our Moab canyoneering trips feature up close viewing, additional information about the sites and views of lesser known, hidden panels. Book a Moab canyoneering guide to see everything from dinosaur tracks, petroglyphs, and stunning arches up close and personal with a certified guide. The ancient rock artworks date from as early as 5500 BC. Here’s some information about some of the most popular rock art sites in this part of Utah and where to find petroglyphs in Moab.

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Whether you’re planning for a half-day or multi-day Moab river rafting trip, your family will enjoy the float even more if everyone is fully prepared. Here at Red River Adventures, we want your family to get the most out of your Moab rafting trip with us. Here are some things you should know as your family plans your next float trip with us. (more…)

Whitewater rafting looks thrilling in the videos and pictures. It is a great recreational activity ideal for families at any skill level. Take in the breathtaking panoramas from Utah’s splendid rivers, in the expert care of your Red Rivers Adventures expert Moab river rafting guide. Below are some basics that are helpful to know on your first-time whitewater rafting in Moab, Utah.

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Here’s our shortlist of favorite restaurants in Moab Utah

Zax

Enjoy hearty food in a relaxed atmosphere at Zax in Moab. Choose from a huge selection of local Utah beers, take a walk on the wild side with the Pickle Fries appetizer, then dig into the famous Zax Burger loaded with bacon and avocado. They have extensive patio seating to take in the views, and are conveniently located on Main Street.

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If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure with the whole family, look no further than Moab, Utah. With world-renowned hiking and biking trails, stunning red rock formations, and plenty of activities for kids, Moab is a great destination.

Guide to Visiting Moab with Kids

Here’s a list of some excellent Moab family adventures, facilities, leisure activities, hotels, and dining options to help you build your itinerary for family fun and comfort. Choose a guided tour for family hikes in the Moab wilderness areas and leave it to your guide to make sure you don’t miss any exciting points of interest in Utah’s natural wonderland.

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The splendor of Moab’s Great Wilderness draws thousands of nature lovers and adventure seekers to Utah every year. With its amazing hiking trails and breathtaking views, Moab is an unparalleled destination for nature lovers. The world-class terrain is something you will want to explore again and again!

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Wondering if Moab is dog friendly? You’ve come to the right place. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure with your four-legged friend, look no further than Moab, Utah. With its abundance of wide-open spaces and pet-friendly accommodations, Moab is the perfect place to explore with your pup. Here are a few tips to help make your trip as enjoyable as possible for both you and your furry friend. From dog friendly Moab, Utah hikes to dog friendly Moab restaurants this is your ultimate guide to dog friendly areas in Moab.

Moab, Utah Dog-Friendly Hikes

Local laws require dog leashes at all times, and they require you to keep your dog on marked trails. The hiking trails inside the national parks are off-limits for dogs, but there are Moab dog-friendly hikes within a short drive from downtown. Many hikes offer stunning arches and other geological formations that make Moab such a popular destination. Here are some great areas to hike with your dog near Moab:

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Moab Activities for Kids and the Entire Family

There is nothing better than spending time in the great outdoors enjoying Moab activities for kids and the family. If you plan a family-friendly vacation, consider visiting Moab, Utah to experience a range of exciting adventures and landscapes. Moab is famous for its rock formations, national parks, and dinosaur fossils. The place is nature at its best and presents perfect scenery to take away the grind of a hectic life. Here are the must-do activities you can do with kids of any age in Moab, UT during a family vacation.

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Ah the weather. Ask me if I thought that I have to be a weather forecaster when I started Red River Adventures and my answer would have been a resounding NO. That however is not the case. I am constantly asked about the weather. From the “what’s it like in (month you’re visiting Moab here) to will it rain tomorrow? As it turns out, the weather is a large part of what I talk about. I’ve got to admit that my weather geekiness goes quite deep and back in fact to my childhood. I grew up on the East Coast and surfed. Weather systems are what makes waves in the east, so early on when not in the water I could be found watching the Weather Chanel and listening to the NOAA radio for the latest updates. Now that I ski, climb, and raft weather plays a huge role in what I do and when.

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Do you like to ski, snowboard, or snowmobile? Are you interested in getting into the backcountry skiing? If you answered yes, it is in your best interest to take an avalanche class. Being injured, or worse, maybe avoidable with proper avalanche training.
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One of the best ways to experience Moab is on a Moab rafting expedition. The white water rafting options on the Colorado River present a magnificent scenery adjacent to the Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. You could experience spectacular wildlife sightings during your Moab white water rafting trip. Our experienced guides at Red River Adventures can help you spot elusive wildlife making it an experience of a lifetime.

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If you are looking for a way to encourage team-building among your family members, friends, or coworkers, then this might take an extraordinary experience. One possible option is whitewater rafting. This is a fun, challenging, playful, and unique group activity that can help you bring everyone closer together. Most teams have gone through traditional team-building activities such as activities around a table or in a multi-purpose room. These can be awkward, frustrating, and boring. This is where whitewater rafting from Red River Adventures in Moab, Utah, can help you and your team come closer together! How can white water rafting Moab help you improve your teamwork?

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Be sure and check out this 3 minute look into what powder skiing and travelling through Hokkaido is all about.

We’ll be retuning each January. Check out out our Japow page for details.

Thanks to Black Diamond, Blue Ice, Smith and Dakine for the support!
This would not be possible without the endless stoke and talent of Pat Clifford, PCEDITS.com

We retuned to Hokkaido in January 2019 and it could not have been better. Unbelievably deep snow, great people, food and culture combine to make the trip something to remember for a lifetime.

Thanks to Black Diamond for the support and Pat Clifford, PCEDITS.com for shooting and countless hours in front of the computer to pull together this edit.

Here’s a glimpse of the good times and amazing scenery that makes our Indian Creek climbing clinics so special.
Video by Big Beauty Pitches.

January 24th, 2019 will be remembered as the deepest day that most had ever seen!
Here’s a look at what Japow is all about!

Great for everyone 6 to 60! The Fisher Towers section of the Colorado River is the one day rafting trip to do!

A one minute short that takes you to the heart of our Morning Glory/Ephedra’s Grotto canyoneering trip.

A quick look at what our wonderful riverside lunch stop.

A short but in-depth look into the Colorado River and what it is to be a river guide.

A one minute video with highlights from a day of moab whitewater rafting on the Colorado River through the Fisher Towers section.

The Fisher Towers section of the Colorado River is by far the most popular Moab rafting trip. More people laugh, splash and swim their way down this 14 mile piece of the Colorado River than any other stretch. The longer I am in this business the more I come to appreciate just how great a trip it is.
Close to Moab the trip couldn’t feel more remote. Stunting scenery, rapids that are fun but not scary, great riverside beaches and a variety of plants, animals and geologic wonder make this the perfect way to spend a day in Moab.

Everything about this trip just feels right. What I mean by that is this. Right about the time you would wish for something new or different to happen it does. The ride to the put-in, at about 30 minutes, is perfect. The speed with which we get rafts on the water and people into them, perfect. The rafting before we get to lunch, the lunch stop, the rafting after lunch, the spacing of the rapids, the changes in scenery and the drive back to town, all are just right. Not too long, not to short. With water temps during the summer months in the 70’s there is no better place to spend a hot day than laughing, splashing and swimming down the Colorado River!

I have had the opportunity to run most of the 1 day rafting trips in the West. Each time I do I hold the experience up to our beloved Fisher Towers section and compare the trips. Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado all have rivers that are unique and fun. But what I have realized is that although some may have bigger rapids, few if any are more perfect in time and variety than what we have here in Moab.

Come run this gem with us and you’ll see what I mean!

Carl,
Owner RRA

We couldn’t be more happy about our 2014 Tripadvisor award. Our past guests say it best. Great guides, incredible trips and memories that last a lifetime are all a recurring theme in our online reviews. Thanks to those that adventured with us and took the time to tell others.

There are few places on earth that I enjoy as much as the beautiful mountain town of Ouray. Incredible scenery, friendly people, natural hot springs and, of course ICE!
The Ouray Ice Park is an amazing place to climb. Join RRA for a weekend of Ice Climbing in this world famous venue. All equipment is included through generous support from Petzl.

Here’s the details as always call with further questions or to reserve a spot.

Ouray Colorado! – Clinics

Mid-winter clinic
February 1 & 2

• Difficulty – Easy to Hard | WI2-WI5
• Days – 2
• Minimum age – Varies
• Venues – Ouray, CO
• Meets – 7:30
• Dates – Feb 1-2
• 1 Person $350

Join Red River Adventures for a weekend of Ice Climbing, fun and friends. Ouray, Colorado is one of our favorite places in the world and we couldn’t be more happy to introduce you to this special place. The weekend will feature climbing on a variety of different ice routes and the will be the option to explore the world of mixed climbing and learn about Ice Protection and anchoring. Level of climbing and/or instruction is tailored to your level of experience. All technical equipment is supplied through our sponsors. Lodging and transportation are the responsibility of the participant.

Climb Like a Girl – Ice
February 8 & 9

• Difficulty – Easy to Hard | WI2-WI5
• Days – 2
• Minimum age – Varies
• Venues – Ouray, CO
• Meets – 7:30
• Dates – Feb 1-2
• 1 person $375

RRA is proud to work with Carolyn Parker and her Climb like a Girl program. Carolyn is an AMGA certified rock guide and founder of CLAG and Athena Fit. We have been CLAG’ing for almost a decade in Moab, Indian Creek and Ouray. This weekend clinic is always a highlight of the winter. Incredible climbing, the highest caliber instruction and a real sense of community all combine to make these weekends special.All technical equipment is supplied through our sponsors. Lodging and transportation are the responsibility of the participant.

*Guided by Suntoucher Mountain guides.

We are happy to share the news that TripAdvisor has named Red River Adventures a certificate of excellence winner for 2013.

Since 2007 our customers have been sharing their thoughts about our incredible trips on TA. 7 years, over 200 hundred reviews and 5 stars later we couldn’t be more happy to have received the recognition from the site itself.

A great way to spend 1 minute. Watch and be inspired.

We recently had the pleasure of spending some time with the talented artist and returning guest, Cynthia Martin. She joint us last year on a Moab rafting trip. Impressed with the Fisher Towers section she returned this spring to pass some time hiking and Rock Climbing in the Moab area before returning later this August with a group of friends. She is best now as a comic book artist and  illustrator. I couldn’t be more happy that she took the time to do this piece.

We’ve been working on video of our adventures and here’s preview of what we’ve got for our Morning Glory Canyoneering trip.

This spring we were tapped to help Sperry put together some video for the new Son-R shoes. This video shot on the Fisher Towers section is the result.

We are in our 5th week of operations for the 2011 season and it has been fantastic. It’s starting to warm and the Colorado and Dolores rivers are rising.  Utah rafting near Moab is already off to a great start.

So far this season our returning guides have busy. We have had rock climbing clients summit Ancient Art, rafters enjoy our Fisher Towers overnight and day trips and rapelled through our Morning Glory Canyoneering route. The rest of our full time staff of 17 is slowly returning from winter’s spent exploring skiing, grooming, rafting in warmer locations, mushing dogs and seeking higher education. Guides re-training is the first week in May and after that it is full tilt adventure.

So on this Easter Sunday I just wanted to take a second to wish everyone out there who might see this a happy Easter and a great summer.

After a bumpy start with a very cold wet November and a warm and dry December the Utah Ice season is finally off and running.

I spied this at the very bottom of Little Cottonwood Canyon and hadn’t ever remembered it forming. A quick look at Mountain Project yielded no information. I knew that another nearby small flow had been FA’d in a recent winter. Protected by some mixed climbing I thought we might have a shot at doing a new route.

I had a partner lined up for Saturday so Friday afternoon I hiked to the ramps that led to the base of the pillar.  There were no other tracks and on my way out I covered mine. There were still a few hours of daylight left and I didn’t want to get scooped.

6AM is always a tough time to get out of a warm bed. Especially to go hike in the dark and stand in the cold but the sunrise found us at the base of the rock and within a short mixed pitch to the base of the Ice.

Easy but insecure slabs went down fairly easily and I was at the base.

Nate lead the pillar of beautiful yellow ice to the trees that we planned on rappelling from and……. that had slings from a previous ascent.

No new route but a fine adventure on new (to us) ice and a great way to start the day.

I just got the first 2011 stream flow forecast and things are looking great. The drainages that provide water for our Utah rafting trips received 150% of average snowfall in December which means that even if we have an abnormally dry month stream flows will be at least normal. If we stay in this storm track the forecasters are talking run off levels not seen since 1997, way above normal.

What does this all mean.
First, our Dolores River trip will be incredible April thru early June. The Dolores is one of my favorite river runs. Technical rafting in a desert setting is not the norm. The Dolores serves this kind of rafting up in buckets.
Second, the Fisher Towers will be incredibly fun and really big. Don’t let this put you off. This section is easily customizable buy simply either missing or hitting the big features encountered along the way.
Third, Cataract Canyon will be huge in May and June. One of natures spectacles, the rapids on this trip are some of the biggest in N. America.

No matter if you have 1 day or a week we have a trip for you and it looks like this is going to be a year to remember.

Well after years of thinking about and now months of development our new site is live. There’s still some work to do but the majority of the heavy lifting is complete. Clean and easy to navigate with lots of photos of our great Moab rafting, rock climbing and canyoneering trips I am super excited about the launch.

Here’s some good news. The NPS has begun offering online reservations for the Fiery Furnace hike. One of the best ranger led activities I have ever done. No one better to see this magnificent area with than a NPS ranger. The ranger I went with was studying the Fiery Furnace for a PHD.

To see a description and book online check out recreation.gov

This hike is a great one to combine with a day of Moab rafting or rock climbing.

We are scheduled to kick off 2010 operations in less than a month. Call now to reserve your adventure. (800) 259-4046

This is a photo of my girl. Emma getting it done at the Kids Wall, Ouray, CO. 1st Ice Climb ever.

This past weekend we got to return to one of my favorite places, Ouray. A quintessential mountain town with unpaved streets, cool architecture, Hot Springs and great Ice Climbing make this a place I miss the moment I leave.

It’s always great to play in the snow that will become our summer time play ground, the Colorado River.

The Moab rafting season is right around the corner. Pray for snow!

Well that sure was a quick 2 months. A blur of rafting, climbing and canyoneering with people from all over the world. What a season we and Moab have been having.
I just want to take 2 seconds to say, thanks to those that have shared an adventure with us so far in 2009 and come on down to those who are thinking about it.

The river is still at levels that we didn’t even see in some of the worst dought years and the scenery that surrounds our rock and canyoneering routes is spactacular as always.

Our 2009 guides are doing a fantastic job, keeping people safe, sharing what they know about the sports we do and the area in which we do them. I’ve heard more than a few times this season that the time spent with Red River Adventures was the very best of the entire vacation.

This past weekend myself, Landon, Chelsea and our good friend tommy went out for a quick lap of our wonderful Morning Glory Canyoneering route.

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Well that’s it. Winter’s over.

It might be snowing where you are and admittedly is cold here but winter’s over.

Our first booked trip is for March 31st which means that the 2009 rafting season starts in only a few weeks. To be ready for the 31st means that we start NOW!

Getting boats out, cleaning gear, making changes and improvements all the things that have to be done behind the scenes start now.

I know I keep saying it but this summer should be good. March 1st numbers are above average, 115% of normal, and with more snow predicted water levels should be great.

Reservations are ahead of last year and we’ve already sold out several dates in June and July.

With new rock climbing and canyoneering options guided by the same great people that take you rafting there’s no need to look anywhere else for Moab Adventure.

Longing for some warmer temps, long routes and easy climbing to shake out the cobwebs from a long winter I put together a last minute plan to head to Red Rocks for some fun.

3 days, 3 or 4 routes with an estimated 25+ pitches all under 5.9 were on the menu.
What unfolded was not in the plan at all.
Day 1
Rain.

This although pretty is not something you want to see before heading out for a day of desert rock.

We did mange to get in a two pitch climb during the only break in the clouds.

But then this moved in and we were shut down for good.

You might ask? What next. Well, being well trained and forward thinking outdoor professional we had of course brought along all the things you might need in an emergency. Food, water and adult beverages all laid in for just such a situation. Obviously there was only one thing to do, hit the emergency supplies, hard. Later deciding that shelter was in order we headed to the Bonnie Springs Ranch for food and beverages that didn’t come from a cooler. After much food and drink, meeting Bonnie and seeing freinds who live in Vegas it was time to go, they were closing. Closed a bar in Vegas…enough said.
Pitch tally 2

Day 2
Not so much….and no pictures.
After a rather long nap in the Pine Creek parking lot which prompted quite a bit of conversation among some of the other visitors to Red Rocks we managed to get off at the crack of 1PM. We hiked to what we were sure would be an empty Cat in the Hat to find a party, only slightly more lazy than us, just leading off on pitch 2. We decided to head up. Ooppss. Climbing hurt much more than hiking and with a pinch of hot afternoon sun I, well, I wasn’t feeling “tip top”.
After catching the party above at the bottom of pitch 3 we decided to call it a “DAY”. Down we went. Pitch tally 4.

Day 3
This is what we came for.

** Video Missing – Would Not Transfer**

Steep and fun, classic Red Rocks face climbing, steep jugs, 580′ of a rock climbing “powder run”.
These 5 pitches would have been worth the drive.
Pitch tally 10.

The trip didn’t unfold the way I thought it would but it will be one I remember for ever.

I just got the Colorado River basin Forecast report for January.
The mountains up stream of Moab are at 125% of normal snowpack. This is fantastic.
I know that we’ve got plenty of time for it to stop snowing or for it to get warm and for the snowpack to go away but for now it’s more snow on Jnauary 1st. than any time since 1997.

Moab rafting is gonna be good, let’s hope.

My 4th of July vacation happened in the early hours of July 6th. I went to Big Cottonwood Canyon, Mule Hollow wall and linked Down, Dirty, Doublecrossed, 5.7 430 feet and Implorien 5.9 200 feet.

Up at 5:30 AM, meet Dan at 6 on the route by 7AM after about a mile and 1200 vertical feet of approach.
 

Sunrise happened some time during the first or second pitch. Beautiful rock and views of Stairs Gulch for the next hour or so keep us content and make the “evil StairMaster” approach worth it. 2 and a half double rope rappels gets us back to the ground. A short walk and we are heading up again on Implorien. More great stone and a trail of bolts gets us to the top and we rap. Back on the ground again we suck down some water, eat an apple and run out to the car.
 

6 pitches, 4 rappels, 2 miles, 2400 vertical feet of up and down approach and 4 hours and 27 minutes and we are back at the car. 4th of July celebration complete.
 

For the grade I don’t think that rock climbing in the Wasatch gets much better.

Well spring has sprung and summers right around the corner. The melt has started and the Colorado is running high. Here’s a recent photo of the Class II Rocky Rapid.
The BIG hit. We’re havin fun now.

Wait a minute, that doesn’t look right!

I hope this answers the question, “will it be exciting enough”.

NOTE: **No humans were hurt in the rafting of this river.**

On the 27th of April the 2008 crew of Red River Adventures embarked on a 3 day Utah rafting trip that was fantastic. 13 of the Riverpeople launched at Gateway, Colorado for the 2008 kick off Dolores river run. Along the way we discovered that you can fly into Gateway, new pictographs, and that Charlie can fly but doesn’t land so well

We’ve all been told that playing with matches is a no no. Hell, I’ve told my daughter that within the last month.

Now, courtesy of some children camping along the Colorado River at Dewy Bridge campground Moab has a concrete example and spectacular pictures of what happens when that rule is broken.
In early April a brush fire was started that subsequently engulfed the historic Dewey Bridge.

No longer will the Moab rafting community get to look out at the bridge that Mr. Dewey, a self taught engineer, built. So know that when driving in on senic byway 128 you think to yourself, didn’t there used to be a bridge there? that there did indeed and your not going crazy.

Well it’s starting to happen. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t hear a story related to how much snow is in the mountains or possible spring time flooding.
Now the good people at the Dolores Water Conservancy have released their forecast for the 2008 season. In a word, WOW.

They are going to release water for all of April and May and with planned releases of 3000 cfs+ in May. The rafting on the Gateway section should be fantastic. There hasn’t been releases of this much water for this long a period of time in many years.

Everyone at Red River Adventures is incredibly excited about the upcoming 2008 season and running the Dolores in particular. Smaller than most of the classic desert rivers this incredibly scenic and remote river offers technical rafting at it’s best.

Here’s something that I have recently stumbled upon, the Dirt Bag Diaries. Check it out. Fitz Cahall podcasts stories of life, travel and climbing. Quiet, genuine stories that rise above the deafening roar of all that this hyper connected world is.

This american life for anyone who has ever gotten first chair, earned thier turns, tied in or stood at the top of a rapid they’ve never run.

Carl on a Class V powder day!!!

That was a quick month and a half. It’s amazing how fast time goes by when it snows almost every day and the ice climbing is as good as it has been in a decade. It’s been snowing like the old days. 14′ of glorious, river swelling snow fell in the Wasatch range between December 20th and January 10th. Some locations in Colorado have already recieved more snow this year than all of last.

Most of the Riverpeople have been out in the white stuff taking advantage of the water in the mountians before it melts and makes our rapids.

Pray for snow!!!!!