About Us
GROUNDED IN TRAINING ELEVATED BY EXPERIENCE
Our Story
From Local Roots to Global Adventures
Red River Adventures started with a simple idea: to share the rivers, canyons, and mountains we loved with people who might love them too. What began as a small local guide company has grown into a team of passionate professionals who lead a range of trips, including white water rafting in Utah, guided Utah rock climbing, Utah ice climbing, Moab, Utah canyoneering tours, backcountry skiing, and much more!
Every trip we lead is shaped by years of experience, world class training, local knowledge, and the drive to make your experience unforgettable. From first-timers to seasoned explorers, we bring our best for every guest, every day.
WHY RED RIVER ADVENTURES
Your Adventure, Our Obsession.
Expert guides with deep local knowledge
Small groups for more personal, authentic experiences
Guides who prioritize safety and always keep it light
Trips tailored to your goals, experience, and skill level
Gear and logistics handled so you can focus on the fun
A company that cares deeply about the places we play
OUR PROMISE
Adventure with integrity, safety, and heart.
We promise to deliver more than just a trip — we deliver memories, growth, and connection. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities, and we’ll treat the land and community with respect every step of the way.
Whether you’re here to push your limits or simply soak in the beauty, we’re committed to providing an experience that’s authentic, fun, and expertly guided. Because at Red River Adventures, adventure isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are.
Guides you can trust. Experience you can feel.
WHY CHOOSE RED RIVER ADVENTURES: OUR GUIDES!
Carl Dec
Owner & Guide
Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit a career on Wall Street and in NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife
Jason Thiemann
Co-owner
Born and raised in Nebraska, Jason moved to Moab in 2005 after graduating from college. Since then, he’s spent much of his time
FAQs
Since 2003, when Moab rafting operations began, we have gone on to expand our operations into Utah rock climbing and Utah ice climbing, Moab canyoneering, guided backcountry skiing in Utah, International travel trips, and outdoor education. We have hosted over 125,000 guests! We are so proud that this has garnered 5-star rankings across all online review sites. Land or water, our clients rave about the quality of our guides, the depth of their knowledge, their ability to teach, and most importantly, how incredibly fun each is. We believe our past guests’ comments make the decision easy!
We have operations in:
- Moab, Utah – Rafting, climbing, and canyoneering
- Salt Lake City / Wasatch Mountains – Backcountry skiing, avalanche courses, climbing
- International Destinations – Skiing in Japan, Switzerland, British Columbia, and climbing in Greece, Italy, and beyond
In Moab, we are located at 1140 South Main Street, 84532.
In Salt Lake City, we meet guests at a variety of locations depending on the trip and lodging.
You can book directly online through our website redriveradventures.com, or call our office at 435-259-4046.
Yes. All trips require advance reservations. This ensures we can provide the right number of guides, permits, and equipment for your group.
We welcome adventurers ages 5 and up! Age requirements vary by activity — rafting trips are great for families, while climbing and skiing trips may have higher age and skill requirements. Check each trip page for details.
Nope! Many of our trips are designed for beginners and first-timers. We also offer advanced courses and expeditions for experienced adventurers. Our guides tailor each trip to your ability level.
Each trip page lists details, but generally, RRA provides:
- Professional, certified guides
- All necessary technical equipment (rafts, climbing gear, avalanche gear, etc.)
- Safety instruction and trip orientation
- Permits and logistics
Guests typically bring personal clothing, snacks, water, and any rental gear not included.
Yes! Our team includes AMGA-certified climbing and ski guides, AAA-certified avalanche instructors, AIARE course leaders and instructors, as well as other highly trained and experienced outdoor professionals.
Adventure always carries risk, but safety is our top priority. We use high-quality equipment, maintain small guide-to-guest ratios, and employ guides with advanced certifications and years of field experience. We constantly monitor weather in summer and produce a daily avalanche forecast to mitigate risk for our winter activities.
Each trip has its own packing list, but common items include:
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Water and snacks
- Sturdy shoes or boots
We’ll send you a trip-specific packing list after booking.
Weather and water conditions can affect trips. We monitor forecasts closely and may adjust start times, routes, or itineraries for safety. If we cancel a trip due to weather, you’ll be offered a reschedule or refund.
Yes! We specialize in custom group trips — from corporate outings and school programs to family reunions and private guided adventures. Contact us to design your custom experience.
Yes, but activities vary by season:
- Spring–Fall: Rafting, canyoneering, climbing in Moab; rock climbing and instruction in the Wasatch; international climbing trips
- Winter: Skiing, splitboarding, avalanche education in the Wasatch Mountains and international destinations
Yes! Adventure makes the perfect gift. Gift certificates can be purchased online or by calling our office.
Tips are never required but are always appreciated. If you feel your guides provided an excellent experience, gratuities of 15–20% are customary in the outdoor industry.
- Phone: 435-259-4046
- Email: Carl@redriveradventures.com
- Address: 2910 McClelland Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84106


