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Facts About the Dolores River in Moab Utah  

Facts About the Dolores River in Moab, Utah

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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What to Wear River Rafting in Moab, Utah  

What to Wear River Rafting in Moab Utah

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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Where To Go Rock Climbing In Moab, Utah

Where To Go Rock Climbing In Moab Utah

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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20 Facts About Moab You Probably Didn’t Know  

Facts About Moab You Probably Didn't Know


The Moab area of southern Utah features some of the world’s most wondrous scenery and spectacular natural structures. The experience of traversing the rugged and exotic Great Basin Desert terrain surrounding Moab is something travelers remember forever. It can be enriching to learn some interesting things to know 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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Arches National Park in 4 Seasons – Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Arches National Park in 4 Seasons - Arches National Park Weather

The weather at Arches National Park does not shift as much as at parks in the more northern areas of the state, 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…)

Some Of The Best Petroglyphs In Moab

Top Petroglyph Sites to Visit in Moab, Utah

In the canyonlands of the red rock area in southern Utah is Moab, a traveler’s base for many extraordinary adventures in the territory. One reason to spend time in this unusual part of the country is to explore the great abundance of Moab petroglyph sites. The ancient rock artworks date from historical periods as early as 5500 BC. Here’s some general information about some of the most popular rock art sites in this part of Utah and where to find petroglyphs in Moab when you arrive in the wilderness vicinity of each one.

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How to Get the Most Out of Family Whitewater Rafting Utah

Plan Your Moab, Utah River Rafting Adventure Today!

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…)

What You Need to Know for Your First Time White Water Rafting

What You Need To Know For Your First Time White Water Rafting

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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Our Favorite Places to Eat in Moab, Utah

Most Popular Places to Eat in Moab, Utah

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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Things to Do in Moab with Kids

Guide to Moab Utah with Kids - Contact Red River Adventures

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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Best Hiking Trails in Moab, Utah

Best Hiking Trails in Moab Utah

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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Tips for Taking Your Dog to Moab

Areas to Hike with Your Dog near Moab

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.

Dog-Friendly Hikes Near the National Parks

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 dog-friendly hiking areas around Moab. 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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5 Family-Friendly Activities in Moab, Utah

White water rafting graphic - Red River Adventures Moab Utah

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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Moab Weather And More

moab-utah-sky

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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4 Things You’ll Get From An Avalanche Class

Avalanche Course in Utah

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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Wildlife You Could See on Your Moab, Utah Rafting Trip

Desert Bighorn Sheep

One of the best ways to experience Moab is on a rafting expedition. The white water rafting options on the Green River present a magnificent scenery adjacent to the Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. You could experience spectacular wildlife sightings during your Moab 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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Team Building with a Group Rafting Trip in Moab, Utah

Group Rafting Trip in Moab, Utah

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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Skiing Hokkaido January 2020

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

Skiing Hokkaido, the hunt for Japow!

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.

Indian Creek Clinic

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.

Asahidake deep Japow!

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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!

Fisher Towers Rafting

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

Japow 2018!

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Moab Canyoneering through a guides eyes

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Moab Canyoneering – a short

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

Fisher Towers lunch stop, Moab whitewater rafting

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A quick look at what our wonderful riverside lunch stop.

Moab rafting through a guides eyes

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

Fisher Towers, a Moab rafting short

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

Moab Rafting – Fisher Towers

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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’ve done it again!

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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.

Ouray, Colorado Ice Climbing!!!

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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

Ouray-sign

Mid-winter clinic
February 1 & 2

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.
ouray-ice-clinic

Climb Like a Girl – Ice
February 8 & 9

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.

Black Friday Deal!

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BFFinal

Give the gift of adventure and save!
eGift cards available ONLINE
11/29 at 25% off!

Cards can be redeemed online or over the phone and NEVER expire.
Balances are tracked by our system and can be checked any time.

So what will it be? Another boring gift that gets lost in the shuffle
or fun and memories to last a lifetime!

Red River Adventures receives top honors.

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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.

Utah’s National Parks, 1 minute of great video

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

Feeling the Moab love.

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Rock Climbing Moab

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.

New Moab Canyoneering video

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

Moab Rafting with Son-R

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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.

Happy Easter!!!!

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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.

A fine Saturday morning.

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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.

Moab rafting is looking good.

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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.

New site, new Utah rafting season

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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.

Hiking Arches National Park, The Fiery Furnace

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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

Ice Climbing Ouray

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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!

Utah, Idaho Rafting… Huge Discount

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Red River wants you to join our good friends at the Sawtooth Adventure Company on thier final float through the Frank Church Wilderness this summer. You will experience fun rapids, huge sandy beaches, amazing food and complete relaxation only found on Idaho’s famous Salmon River.

In an effort to end the 2009 season with a bang we are offering the best summer travel deal around…..$795 per person ($300 off) includes:
4 night Wilderness Rafting Trip that includes all food, river & camp equipment, and amazing scenic flight over the largest wilderness in the lower 48.
Scenic charter flight back to Salmon at the end of the tripThe trip will meet at the Salmon, Idaho airport at 5 PM on Aug 20th.

You will be flown back to your vehicle via an amazing scenic flight on August 24th.Give us a call to take advantage of this unheard of travel deal

Being Green Aint Easy…

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Going to the grocery store was so much easier than it used to be.
It dawns on me today as I juggle 5 empty gallon water jugs, 5 lids and 2 re-usable shopping bags, wallet and a blackberry that I carry almost as much into the store as I do out of the place.

In my drive to be green I finally remembered the freakin tote bags and the water jugs that we reuse so we don’t clog the landfill and because we can’t drink the water that flows from the tap and I forget the shopping list.

Tough enough when I had to remember the list, everything on it and to grab all my bags as I left the store (come on you know you’ve left groceries you just bought behind) now I’ve got to have a check list of things to take TO the store.

Summer 09

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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.

Live Simply?

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Patagonia sells a T-shirt with the words “live simply” and pictures of seals and whales and such emblazoned on them for $30.
Does this strike anyone else besides me as ridiculous?

Living simply would not, by any measure, include buying $30 T-shirts.

RIP

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This is one of those posts that has been sitting on my hard drive, 0’s and 1’s, since last September. Two accidents in about as many months left me thinking about doing what we do. It’s been revisited, tweaked, but still hidden until now. Why? This last weekend we lost a Friend and an employee and now just seemed like the time to let this fly.

It’s a strange thing when someone you know dies. It a far stranger thing when someone your age who is vibrant, strong, and who has plans similar to you own dies. Stranger still is that around here this dieing happens, all too often, and while playing.

When I moved here in the late 90’s I did so with the pictures I’d seen and the stories I’d read in magazines filling my head. Wonderful stories of huge powder days, remote rivers and beautiful rock climbs all done with close friends. There were also stories of tragedy and loss. Stories of avalanches, mistakes made in very high places and of the undeniable power of water and our inability to breath it, all taking close friends and leaving the world a little more empty.

Both sides of this coin seemed so remote to me when I left the East to come here. The mountains were a far off place that I was sure I would visit like a tourist, observe and then likely leave. I couldn’t picture myself being a part that world and the culture that I’d so often read about.

I’ve been here 11 years now and in that short period of time have been witness to my own stories of both bliss and tragedy. Fortunately the, can’t wipe the smile from your face, great times I’ve gotten to experienced first hand. The wipe your mind clean sad times, still to this day, through one degree of separation.

I can remember the first time a close friend of a friend was killed while playing. I’d been in the mountains for 2 years and through a weird set of coincidences I met and become friendly with those very guys I’d read about while living “back East”. The stories of folks that filled the pages of the adventure mags had become people I knew and did things with.

It was one of these magazine worthy adventures that prompted the need for the first “slide show” that I would attend. An avalanche had occurred during an expedition to the mountains halfway around the world, two miles higher than were I currently sit writing this. Snow had moved and lives had been lost. My new friends had come home broken and I went in a show of support.

The Slide show is the mountain equivalent of an Irish wake. Folks get together and look at pictures of the lost friend and his or her exploits. Alcohol flows, stories are told and for a brief period I don’t think it hurts so much.

At first it was easy to disregard these occurrences, after all I’d only just arrived. I was still getting the lay of the land. I didn’t think of myself as a climber or a boater or a real skier. Since that night there have been many more slide shows. They are results of drowning, avalanche, misstep, equipment failure, poor judgment and poor luck all while playing. Pretty much the same story over and over. Tragedy always happening to someone I’d met but not really gotten to know. This made the loss real but somehow distant. I still felt like a tourist, observing from the outside, not really a part of the picture.

But now as time, and more people have passed I no longer feel like I’m am an observer. I realize I am part of this shrinking tribe yet I continue to play. As I sit here I can’t tell you exactly why I do so. I’m really not sure how I and others deal with the reality that playing can not only get you hurt but may actually kill you. A few have thrown in the towel. Most are still out there. Some have backed off, some continue on as hard charging as ever.

We’ve just lost another one. Someone I knew fairly well and I wonder if maybe, just maybe I should be watching the world series instead. Is it crazy to continue to do the same things that have been thinning my herd for a decade? Probably but if I or any of us stops isn’t it a bit like dieing anyway?

RIP.

Canyoneering Moab, Utah

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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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RIP Shane

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A friend emailed me a link yesterday. I got it while skiing. I knew it wasn’t going to be good.

Shane McConkey 1969-2009

RIP

Moab Rafting And Rock Climbing, Open For Business!

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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.

Moab Rock Guides In Red Rocks

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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.

Moab Rafting Is Going To Be Good

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The February snow pack numbers are in and things are looking great. The Colorado River basin is 123% of normal above Moab. Combine this with the fact the reservoirs are about 1oo% of average as well and we are virtually assured that the water levels on Fisher Towers and Cataract Canyon will be great, making for truly exciting Moab rafting trips.

The Dolores River basin is 116% of normal and reservoirs storage is 105% of normal. This is more than enough to count on this amazing river section to run at great levels in 2009.

It’s Early But This Is Great For Moab Rafting

Posted In: Blog

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.

River Rafting Reviews and Red River Adventure Testimonials!

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Michelle Harrison
April 20, 2023

We had a blast canyoneering the Bow and Arrow Canyon with Dan! He is a great well experienced guide. He is also super fun and patient. It was our first time canyoneering and we all loved it! We would highly recommend this trip to anyone!

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Jen Hocherman
April 18, 2023

This half day rafting trip was fantastic! We would absolutely recommend it! Our guide Dan was knowledgeable and had lots of interesting information to share along the way. We rafted through four sets of rapids, got soaked, and had fun!

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Makayla Taylor
April 17, 2023

Every part of this was amazing!! Dan was our tour guide and he was incredible! 100% recommend.

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Joyann McChesney
April 17, 2023

Great day, fantastic guides! Highly recommend.

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Alison Browning
April 12, 2023

We did Bow & Arrow route 2 adults, 2 middle schoolers. Kenzie was fantastic, especially with helping one child face fears on the big rappel. This is a great activity for adventurous families

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Adam Smith
April 10, 2023

We had an awesome experience! I took my 4 kids ages 9-16 on the Morning Glory canyoneering trip. Our guide Kenzie was awesome! The 2 rappelling spots of 90 & 120 ft in Grandstaff were amazing and the most memorable time for my kids in Moab. Thank you!

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Lisa reese
April 10, 2023

Carl was very easy to work with in planning your trip. All guides were fun, knowledgeable, and confident in their skills. I would recommend the Bow and Arrow as it has the most repels. The hike up and in was very scenic.

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Brandon Swenson
April 7, 2023

Honestly the best river rafting company group in Moab. They are local experts, the guide we had really gave us a good time out there. Next time we're in Moab we're comin back!

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George
April 3, 2023

Canyoneering was incredible! Our guide, Brian, was very knowledgeable about rappelling and the terrain. He made our group feel very safe the whole way. Highly recommended if you’re looking for an adventure!

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William Kellagher
April 2, 2023

I did the Rock of Ages Canyoneering trip today & it was AWESOME!! Brian was an amazing guide and the group I was with was great. The best day I had on my Moab trip! If you're afraid of heights like me, don't let that stop you from booking a trip. It was incredible day

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Brett Woodward
March 15, 2023

I took AIARE lvl 1 with Garth and Jeremy and I learned a ton and had a great time in the process, couldn’t ask for more!

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Jake Scheuerlein
March 15, 2023

Garth and Jeremy were fantastic instructors and I plan on taking my Level 2 first thing next season thru RRA.

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Antoine Rioux
March 7, 2023

Amazing experience! Our guide John understood very well our expectations for the day and chose safe options to have a lot of fun despite the considerable risk for avalanches (> 60 inches of snow in the last days).

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Nathan Dorfman
February 28, 2023

I could not be more satisfied with my AIARE 1 class with Red River Adventures and awesome instructors Jake and Garth. Engaging, educational and a ton of fun.

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Rebecca Raich
February 27, 2023

Great AIARE 1 class - instructors knew their stuff and were patient & professional. Class was pretty intensive, but I now feel like I can more safely adventure in the backcountry.

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hudsonm777
February 27, 2023

Highly recommend. Friend and I hired a guide for our first time ice climbing. Bryan was super knowledgeable and helped everyone grow and have a great time.

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Zoe Huish
February 27, 2023

Had my Avy 1 Course this weekend led by Garth Tino and Jake Scheinman. They were both fantastic instructors and people. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

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Nathan Hernday
February 20, 2023

Had an awesome time doing some ice climbing, guided by Jake. I was hoping to do as much learning as possible on gear and techniques, and he was fun and full of all the info that I was looking for. Jake and Red River Adventures are both highly recommended.

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Lisa Ryan
February 17, 2023

We just got done with our tour with Jake. It was amazing! He was very educational and also very helpful for our first time out! I would highly recommend Red River Adventures for any touring trip.

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Christine Patterson
February 14, 2023

Awesome experience with John in the backcountry. Perfect mix of fun runs and learning experiences. Definitely a day I won’t forget !

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Ben Romney
February 6, 2023

Did a one week guided ski trip in Hokkaido with Carl and local guide Mako. It was, without hyperbole, the best damn trip of my life. Skiing was phenomenal, followed by an amazingly relaxing, refreshing, and energizing onsen visit, then wonderful drinks/dinner, at a different spot every night for a great variety of Japanese cuisine. I honestly could t have asked for more.

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Steven Obrzut
February 4, 2023

Great, friendly, and knowledgeable

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Ema Waring
January 30, 2023

Brian J was a great guide for the beginner, full-day ice climbing tour in UT! Coming in with no prior experience, my party felt safe the whole time. It was a great workout and experience.

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Kyle W.
January 30, 2023

Brian was an amazing guide for our ice climbing excursion and Red River made the whole experience super seamless and easy. 10/10 would book again.

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Brian
January 29, 2023

The pow was legendary. The laughs were all time. One of the best trips of my life. Carl and co have it dialed.

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Austin McMullen
January 25, 2023

Amazing experience with Jake in my Level 1 course!

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Scott Conway
January 17, 2023

John and Adam lead us through the 3 day Avi 1 experience. It was very informative, well-managed and adaptive for the different skill levels of the class and accounting for the weather changes. I can not wait to take the next course with them.

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Sarah Clark
January 15, 2023

Great day in the mountains with a great guide

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Andrew Grimes
January 14, 2023

Really knowledge and professional guides. We had a super informative, well organized Avy1 class that was also a fun time. Thanks John and Adam!

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A Google User
January 10, 2023

Red River put on a great Avy AIARE 1 course. Great knowledgeable guides giving practical skills that can be used everyday we are planning to go into the backcountry.

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Mark Holbrook
January 10, 2023

Wonderful trip with them skiing in BC with Northern Escapes Heli skiing!

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Mark Sghiatti
January 9, 2023

Instructors were great. Super friendly and accommodating.

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Andrew Upton
December 30, 2022

Knowledgeable folks that are precise and efficient. Added a lot of fun to an avy 1 course while highlighting the dangers of the activity

Awesome experience. Carl was great at picking terrain to match ability and gave helpful tips /instruction

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Brian Cain
December 24, 2022

We took an avalanche rescue class in the Wasatch with Red River. Our guide, Jake, was awesome! Small group, great/welcoming educational environment, fun all around. Update: came back for AIARE 2 and I'd give another 5 stars if I could. Another small group size. Chris & Sam were gurus. Both Red River classes were like an AMA with the snow oracle.

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Ada S
December 21, 2022

Derek was a great guide, would highly recommend.

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Luke Counterman
December 21, 2022

Took the AIRIE-1 course through Red River Adventures. Our guides John, Jake, and Garth were fantastic. The layout of the three days worked very well. There was an emphasis on participation especially in mapping and pre-trip planning. Group size was small on field days, 5-6 people per instructor, which enhanced learning. Overall exceeded my expectations for the course and had a blast skiing in the Wasatch backcountry to boot.

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Max Valverde
December 15, 2022

Had an incredible avalanche one course. John, Jake, and Garth are true professionals and total legends in the backcountry. I’d learn from these guys, or go on a tour with them as guides any day of the week! Thanks again gents.

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Shawn Gordon
December 10, 2022

Great Avalanche Rescue course. A good refresher for the season. Highly recommend John as a guide! His help and advice doesn't end when the class is over.

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Jason L
December 10, 2022

John taught our avalanche rescue course and was fantastic. I am so much better prepared to respond in an emergency.

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Ashley Bovee
December 8, 2022

Red River Adventure is the place to go for an Avy course! The guides are extremely educated, fun, and it is clear they love what they do. They were able to answer all my questions and beyond. John and Jake did a great job with the course, leaving me with more confidence, but respect, in the backcountry than ever before.

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Pr3Historic
November 30, 2022

Kaya, Mary, and Spencer were the best guides one could ask for in every way

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Ellie Jacques
November 30, 2022

Had an epic time with Kaya, Spencer, and Mary at crack camp. HIGHLY recommend crack camp for other climbers who have been on a couple cracks but lack formal instruction in crack climbing. Staff was professional and RRA/Carl was super helpful and communicative.

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Anna Schapiro
October 23, 2022

We had a relaxing ride down the river in Moab with a guide who was extremely knowledgeable about the surroundings. Sadly Labor Day was the last day of the season for rafting. Keep that in mind!

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Bruce Whittemore
October 12, 2022

Ben was an awesome guide. He was great to hang with. Was safety conscious, and was extremely helpful. We would definitely enjoy climbing with him again

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David Zane
September 25, 2022

Unbelievably professional and skilled - amazing time

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Keilah Butler
September 7, 2022

Great guides, great experience! Thanks!

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Savannah Houle
September 6, 2022

It Was Absolutely Amazing, Had Such A Wonderful Time ! Loved Being Able To Swim And Enjoy The Views

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Joe Carissimi
September 5, 2022

Great full day tour!! Sarah was an awesome guide. Good time had by all. Highly recommend it.

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Nathan Moon
September 5, 2022

McKayla was an incredible guide, friendly, helpful and safety conscious. Thank you!