Our Guides
2021 Guides and Staff
Carl Dec
Owner | Guide
Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.
Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, WFR, AAIRE Pro 1
Jason Thiemann
Manager | Right-hand man
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. An avid hiker and mountain climber, he’s climbed over 600 mountains and scrambled through countless canyons. He spends his winters avoiding cold and snow, usually on remote, nameless peaks 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, WFR, CPR
Mary Eden
Guide: Climbing | Indian Creek Crack Camps | Owner, Big Beauty Pitches Productions
Mary Catherine Eden, a Kentucky transplant, moved to Moab and fell in love with the rocks, canyons, and desert life. Originally an endurance horse trainer, she turned into a rock climbing fanatic! Mary is currently an AMGA Rock Guide Apprentice training for her Advanced Rock Guide course. Her favorite kind of climbing involves long days with scenic summits, unique Indian Creek splitters, and crazy wide cracks. If she isn’t in a canyon or climbing a route then you’ll most likely find her delving into climbing photography. After volunteering for the National Park Service for six months, Mary discovered her love of guided walks and entered the guiding industry. She is stoked and excited for every new season!
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Brian Johnson
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering | Raft Guide Trainer
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 Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Charbo
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering | Climbing and Canyoneering Manager | Climbing and Canyoneering Guide Trainer
Born in the suburban oasis of Long Island, New York, Charbo has called Utah home for five years now. To quote his horoscope in the local paper, Charbo is an “Original Idea Machine” that will keep you laughing on rock, rivers, and canyons.
Charbo’s passion for rediscovering familiar places keeps bringing him back to Moab year after year.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, 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, and hanging out with friends. When he’s not on the river, he spends his time in Tempe, Arizona, studying business at Arizona State University.
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, WFR, CPR
Kenzie Knippers
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Born in Oklahoma and raised in Arizona, Kenzie currently attends Arizona State University, studying Marketing. Kenzie is an extremely easy-going person but will probably make friends with your dog before introducing herself. In her spare time, she enjoys a steep hike, climbing some rock, or a day at the lake. Overall she is most proud of her ability to catch on quickly to new activities, as well as her work as a Catalina Island Marine Institute counselor.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Hunter Corliss
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Originally from Sudbury, Massachusetts, Hunter is very interested in taking in the beauty of the outdoors with his camera. He is most passionate about rock climbing, ice climbing, and skiing, and he is always happy outside on a sunny day!
An accomplished photographer, he has won a Scholastic Art & Writing Gold Key award for his work.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, ACA Swiftwater Rescue, WFR, CPR
Chase Wehrenberg
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Born and raised on the plains of western Oklahoma, Chase has always longed to live, work, and play in the mountains. His wife and fur baby have finally committed to the great state of Utah in 2021. His passion for the outdoor recreation industry started in college, and after graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma, he worked as a guide in Yangshuo, China. He has also been honing his passions and skills as a backpacker and growing his professional and recreational outdoor experience. Some of his greatest accomplishments include placing in Horseshoe Canyon’s “24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell,” a climbing competition; completing a thru-hike of the Colorado Trail in 2020; and serving his wife with a well-cooked meal as often as possible. When he is not at work, you can find him climbing with friends, exploring landscapes, or relaxing somewhere by a fire.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Dan Lundgren
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Originally from Sandy, Dan grew up skiing, sailing, and climbing across the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains of Utah. In 2013, he moved to Vancouver, Canada, where he was able to pursue his passion for the outdoors while completing his degree in Natural Resource Conservation at the University of British Columbia.
Dan has navigated through the Lofoten Islands of Norway by sailboat while skiing and climbing throughout the fjords of the Arctic along the way. He has also explored the interior and coastal mountain ranges of British Columbia by ski and has eaten 50 chicken wings in one sitting.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Jonathan Vickers
Guide: Climbing and Canyoneering
Jon makes a living by splitting his time between guiding, filmmaking and coaching climbers at Momentum Indoor Climbing. Though he is an all around outdoorsman, rock climbing became an addiction that dominates most of Jon’s professional and free time. He spends most of his year rotating between various disciplines of rock climbing and trying to mix work and play whenever possible.
Jon is both a skilled guide and visual storyteller with years of leading others and working in rocky and other dynamic outdoor environments. He enjoys every moment he can spend in the outdoors and strives to better himself with every passing season, whether it involves movement coaching, guiding or storytelling.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, WFR, B.A. News Editorial, M.A. Science of Journalism, Licensed Utah River Guide
Eli Ward
Guide: Rafting
Eli is an energetic and adventurous guide with a passion for excitement. He enjoys traveling, rock climbing, adrenaline rushes, and anything that takes him to the outdoors. He has a passion for experiencing new things; he is a true “people person” and loves connecting with new faces.
Among other endeavors, Eli has participated in RAGBRAI and several other adventure races.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Abigael Snyder
Guide: Rafting
After finishing her undergrad studies in Santa Cruz, California, Abigael set off to explore the U.S. Her travels brought her to Moab, where she immediately fell in love with the rocks, river, and people. Being in nature is the ultimate experience for Abigael, and she’s always down to learn new skills to connect deeper with the natural world. When she’s not climbing rocks and swimming in the river, you can usually catch her in the ceramics studio drinking tea and throwing bowls, or in a meadow strumming her guitar.
Abigael is an easy-going person who is excited about sharing new adventures with good people!
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR
Adam Jones
Guide: Rafting
Storytelling and enthusiasm are at Adam’s core. As a guide, there’s nothing he loves more than leaving others with a tale they’ll never forget and exposing them to the amazing flora, fauna, geology, and history of the area.
When not on the job or adventuring in Moab, Adam’s been seen swimming with penguins in South Africa, free-soloing waterfalls in Costa Rica, and cliff jumping in Guatemala. He’s been to nearly every state in the US, loves traveling, and has an incessant drive for self-improvement. One day, Adam hopes to start his own adventure guiding business in the Pacific Northwest.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
David Carpenter
Guide: Rafting
David is a born outdoorsman from Golden, Colorado! With his first rafting trip at 12 years old, David was practically raised by the river. Although a rafter at heart, David is also a whitewater kayaker and canoeist, as well as a hiker, backpacker, and soon-to-be climber. A first-season guide, David has previously worked as a wilderness ranger in the Sierra National Forest, where he discovered a passion for helping other people find their adventures in the great outdoors, a passion which he currently brings to the river every single day.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, EMT, CPR
Ethan Young
Guide: Rafting
Hailing from San Francisco, Ethan grew up exploring the beauty of Marin County and Yosemite and is thrilled to be moving to Moab to call the Southwest desert home this summer. Ethan discovered his passion for the outdoors as a guide for George Washington University’s outdoor leadership program. He has led trips all along the Appalachian Trail and in the Grand Canyon and Death Valley National Park.
When not on the river, you can find Ethan on the rock wall or going on a long hike. Ethan loves meeting new people from around the world and creating a bond that only happens in the outdoors.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR
Gabe Madsen
Guide: Rafting
A Utah native, Gabe was born and raised in Ogden as a free-range child, spending most of his time exploring canyons, rock climbing, and playing in the snow along the Wasatch Front. He has spent the last few years working and traveling throughout the country, looking for the next adventure. He now enjoys spending time playing with his rescue puppy, Ivy; hitting up Old City Park for some disc golf; and hangdogging it at Wall Street.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR
Haley McBride
Guide: Rafting
Born in Fort Collins, Colorado, Haley has been a lover of the outdoors her entire life. She is currently attending Brigham Young University and studying Environmental Public Health. The Rocky Mountains are where she feels the most at home hiking, swimming, or backpacking, but during the summers, Moab gives her a fix of desert, river, and red rock beauty. Her most exciting outdoor adventures have been fishing on the Amazon River, tubing in Mozambique, and skydiving in Moab. Haley is easy-going and friendly and loves to talk about books, public health, or what beverage you would be if you were a beverage (she would be a peanut butter smoothie).
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR
Hannah Bernier
Guide: Rafting
Hailing from Arizona, Hannah spent her childhood mountain biking and hiking in the Sonoran Desert. She moved to Texas in 2018 to attend UT Austin, where she studies international relations and Portuguese with a focus on environmental history. But she loves the grand landscapes of the Southwest best, whether it be from the top of a climb or the middle of a river. If she’s not driving on the I-10 between Austin and Phoenix you can find her climbing at the crag, baking pastries, or planning the next great adventure.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Hannah Lacey
Guide: Rafting
Originally from northern California, Hannah is a student at the University of Utah, majoring in environmental studies. She’s an easy-going person who loves connecting with people and experiencing new things. You can usually find her hiking, climbing, skiing, swimming, or eating ice cream. She fell in love with Moab three years ago and has been looking for an excuse to live there ever since. Hannah was a California State Park Lifeguard the past four summers, and she’s very excited to trade in her buoy for a paddle. She is stoked for this season and the new adventures ahead!
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR
John Addington
Guide: Rafting
John was born in San Diego, California. At the age of ten, he moved across the country to North Carolina, where he grew up swimming, fishing and paddling around Lake Norman. After obtaining a B.S. in Environmental Science from Western Carolina State University, he spent two summers guiding on the Nantahala, and enjoying all of the beauty of western North Carolina.
In his spare time, he loves nothing more than going on long backpacking trips, and he’s hiked the equivalent of half of the Appalachian Trail in sections. He loves the outdoors and has decided a life outside is better than any day in the office.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR
Jordan Nelson
Guide: Rafting
Jordan hails from the great state of Wyoming with a major love for the west. When she’s not living a river rat-esque life that makes her mother cringe, you can find her climbing, whitewater kayaking, backcountry skiing, or working as a legal assistant for an immigration law firm.
Jordan has previously raft guided in Wyoming (coining the term “river cowgirl”) and prides herself on her backcountry culinary skills (ask her about her brownie scramble). Jordan’s first love—and hopefully not her last—is the river, which she is so stoked to share with y’all! Yeehaw and let ‘er buck!
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Kelly Ikin
Guide: Rafting
Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Kelly spent the first few years of her life traveling the world, and she’s continued the trend as an adult by visiting 6 continents by the age of 22. If anyone is visiting Antarctica soon, Kelly would love to tag along!
Other than rafting, Kelly spends most of her free time playing with her rescue puppy, Ivy; hiking the trails in Moab; or climbing at Wall Street. She loves to forage plants and is passionate about protecting wildlife, learning about the river, and eating vegetables! If you see her, make sure to ask her to give her best “YeeYee!”
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR
Madi Ware
Guide: Rafting
Born in Salt Lake City, Madison has grown up loving the outdoors of Utah. When she’s not songwriting, she’s working out and hanging out with friends and family. Madison is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy at Utah State University, but she loves living in the Moab heat during the summer.
Fun fact: Madi earned the nickname “Little Mermaid” because once she’s in the water, it’s hard to get her on dry land again. Madi’s dream career is to one day become a touring musical artist, so come help her write songs on your adventure. As Tina Turner put it, we’ll be “rolling on the river.”
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR
Michelle Valdes
Guide: Rafting
Michelle was born and raised in Moab and loves it dearly! She just finished a Bachelor’s degree in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah in Writing and Rhetoric and is back home to enjoy the warmth and outdoors. She loves to ski, hike, run, and head down the river. She is so excited to share her love of Moab with everyone who comes to visit!
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR
Tate Tomlinson
Guide: Rafting
Tate discovered her love of water early in life. She spends her time paddle boarding, wake surfing, skiing, touring, and of course rafting. Having grown up all over the world she has seen some incredible landscapes, but none have her heart like the Moab desert. When she’s not studying Parks, Recreation, and Tourism at the University of Utah you can find her in the mountains climbing, camping, or skiing. Tate is always up for an adventure and is stoked to share her love of the outdoors with new people all summer!
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR
Rock Guides and Instructors
Carl Dec
Owner | Guide
Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.
Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, WFR, AAIRE Pro 1
Adam Morrisett
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Adam has been part of the Red River Adventures crew since April 2010. Right from the start, Adam showed the initiative it takes to be a great guide and trip leader by hiring and adding himself to our roster of guides.
A canyoneer and river junkie, addicted to good music and great friends, we are lucky he hired himself. In the winter, his days are spent riding Wasatch Powder, with nights in the cab of a groomer building features at Brighton.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, ACA Swiftwater Rescue, WFR, CPR
Mary Eden
Guide: Climbing | Indian Creek Crack Camps | Owner, Big Beauty Pitches Productions
Mary Catherine Eden, a Kentucky transplant, moved to Moab and fell in love with the rocks, canyons, and desert life. Originally an endurance horse trainer, she turned into a rock climbing fanatic! Mary is currently an AMGA Rock Guide Apprentice training for her Advanced Rock Guide course. Her favorite kind of climbing involves long days with scenic summits, unique Indian Creek splitters, and crazy wide cracks. If she isn’t in a canyon or climbing a route then you’ll most likely find her delving into climbing photography. After volunteering for the National Park Service for six months, Mary discovered her love of guided walks and entered the guiding industry. She is stoked and excited for every new season!
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Brian Johnson
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
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 Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Charbo
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering | Climbing and Canyoneering Manager | Climbing and Canyoneering Guide Trainer
Born in the suburban oasis of Long Island, New York, Charbo has called Utah home for five years now. To quote his horoscope in the local paper, Charbo is an “Original Idea Machine” that will keep you laughing on rock, rivers, and canyons.
Charbo’s passion for rediscovering familiar places keeps bringing him back to Moab year after year.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, 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, and hanging out with friends. When he’s not on the river, he spends his time in Tempe, Arizona, studying business at Arizona State University.
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, WFR, CPR
Kenzie Knippers
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Born in Oklahoma and raised in Arizona, Kenzie currently attends Arizona State University, studying Marketing. Kenzie is an extremely easy-going person but will probably make friends with your dog before introducing herself. In her spare time, she enjoys a steep hike, climbing some rock, or a day at the lake. Overall she is most proud of her ability to catch on quickly to new activities, as well as her work as a Catalina Island Marine Institute counselor.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Hunter Corliss
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Originally from Sudbury, Massachusetts, Hunter is very interested in taking in the beauty of the outdoors with his camera. He is most passionate about rock climbing, ice climbing, and skiing, and he is always happy outside on a sunny day!
An accomplished photographer, he has won a Scholastic Art & Writing Gold Key award for his work.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, ACA Swiftwater Rescue, WFR, CPR
Chase Wehrenberg
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Born and raised on the plains of western Oklahoma, Chase has always longed to live, work, and play in the mountains. His wife and fur baby have finally committed to the great state of Utah in 2021. His passion for the outdoor recreation industry started in college, and after graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma, he worked as a guide in Yangshuo, China. He has also been honing his passions and skills as a backpacker and growing his professional and recreational outdoor experience. Some of his greatest accomplishments include placing in Horseshoe Canyon’s “24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell,” a climbing competition; completing a thru-hike of the Colorado Trail in 2020; and serving his wife with a well-cooked meal as often as possible. When he is not at work, you can find him climbing with friends, exploring landscapes, or relaxing somewhere by a fire.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Dan Lundgren
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Originally from Sandy, Dan grew up skiing, sailing, and climbing across the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains of Utah. In 2013, he moved to Vancouver, Canada, where he was able to pursue his passion for the outdoors while completing his degree in Natural Resource Conservation at the University of British Columbia.
Dan has navigated through the Lofoten Islands of Norway by sailboat while skiing and climbing throughout the fjords of the Arctic along the way. He has also explored the interior and coastal mountain ranges of British Columbia by ski and has eaten 50 chicken wings in one sitting.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, 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.
Certifications: Certified Ski Guide, Assistant Rock Guide, Apprentice Alpine Guide, Pharm.D.
Jonathan Vickers
Guide: Climbing and Canyoneering
Jon makes a living by splitting his time between guiding, filmmaking and coaching climbers at Momentum Indoor Climbing. Though he is an all around outdoorsman, rock climbing became an addiction that dominates most of Jon’s professional and free time. He spends most of his year rotating between various disciplines of rock climbing and trying to mix work and play whenever possible.
Jon is both a skilled guide and visual storyteller with years of leading others and working in rocky and other dynamic outdoor environments. He enjoys every moment he can spend in the outdoors and strives to better himself with every passing season, whether it involves movement coaching, guiding or storytelling.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, WFR, B.A. News Editorial, M.A. Science of Journalism, Licensed Utah River Guide
Amos Whiting
Guide and Instructor: AMGA SPI courses and exams, AIARE 2
Owner, Aspen Expeditions | IFMGA Mountain Guide
Amos is a full-time mountain guide, AMGA Instructor pool member, SPI provider, and AAIRE instructor. Amos has been a lead instructor on SPI courses since 2008. He also provides AAIRE instruction for Red River Adventures.
Certifications: IFMGA, AAIRE level Yoda, WFR
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, WFR
Canyoneering Guides
Carl Dec
Owner | Guide
Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.
Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, WFR, AAIRE Pro 1
Adam Morrisett
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Adam has been part of the Red River Adventures crew since April 2010. Right from the start, Adam showed the initiative it takes to be a great guide and trip leader by hiring and adding himself to our roster of guides.
A canyoneer and river junkie, addicted to good music and great friends, we are lucky he hired himself. In the winter, his days are spent riding Wasatch Powder, with nights in the cab of a groomer building features at Brighton.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, ACA Swiftwater Rescue, WFR, CPR
Brian Johnson
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
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 Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Charbo
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering | Climbing and Canyoneering Manager | Climbing and Canyoneering Guide Trainer
Born in the suburban oasis of Long Island, New York, Charbo has called Utah home for five years now. To quote his horoscope in the local paper, Charbo is an “Original Idea Machine” that will keep you laughing on rock, rivers, and canyons.
Charbo’s passion for rediscovering familiar places keeps bringing him back to Moab year after year.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, 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, and hanging out with friends. When he’s not on the river, he spends his time in Tempe, Arizona, studying business at Arizona State University.
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, WFR, CPR
Kenzie Knippers
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Born in Oklahoma and raised in Arizona, Kenzie currently attends Arizona State University, studying Marketing. Kenzie is an extremely easy-going person but will probably make friends with your dog before introducing herself. In her spare time, she enjoys a steep hike, climbing some rock, or a day at the lake. Overall she is most proud of her ability to catch on quickly to new activities, as well as her work as a Catalina Island Marine Institute counselor.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Hunter Corliss
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Originally from Sudbury, Massachusetts, Hunter is very interested in taking in the beauty of the outdoors with his camera. He is most passionate about rock climbing, ice climbing, and skiing, and he is always happy outside on a sunny day!
An accomplished photographer, he has won a Scholastic Art & Writing Gold Key award for his work.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, ACA Swiftwater Rescue, WFR, CPR
Chase Wehrenberg
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Born and raised on the plains of western Oklahoma, Chase has always longed to live, work, and play in the mountains. His wife and fur baby have finally committed to the great state of Utah in 2021. His passion for the outdoor recreation industry started in college, and after graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma, he worked as a guide in Yangshuo, China. He has also been honing his passions and skills as a backpacker and growing his professional and recreational outdoor experience. Some of his greatest accomplishments include placing in Horseshoe Canyon’s “24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell,” a climbing competition; completing a thru-hike of the Colorado Trail in 2020; and serving his wife with a well-cooked meal as often as possible. When he is not at work, you can find him climbing with friends, exploring landscapes, or relaxing somewhere by a fire.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Dan Lundgren
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Originally from Sandy, Dan grew up skiing, sailing, and climbing across the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains of Utah. In 2013, he moved to Vancouver, Canada, where he was able to pursue his passion for the outdoors while completing his degree in Natural Resource Conservation at the University of British Columbia.
Dan has navigated through the Lofoten Islands of Norway by sailboat while skiing and climbing throughout the fjords of the Arctic along the way. He has also explored the interior and coastal mountain ranges of British Columbia by ski and has eaten 50 chicken wings in one sitting.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Jonathan Vickers
Guide: Climbing and Canyoneering
Jon makes a living by splitting his time between guiding, filmmaking and coaching climbers at Momentum Indoor Climbing. Though he is an all around outdoorsman, rock climbing became an addiction that dominates most of Jon’s professional and free time. He spends most of his year rotating between various disciplines of rock climbing and trying to mix work and play whenever possible.
Jon is both a skilled guide and visual storyteller with years of leading others and working in rocky and other dynamic outdoor environments. He enjoys every moment he can spend in the outdoors and strives to better himself with every passing season, whether it involves movement coaching, guiding or storytelling.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, WFR, B.A. News Editorial, M.A. Science of Journalism, Licensed Utah River Guide
Ice Guides
Carl Dec
Owner | Guide
Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.
Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, WFR, 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.
Certifications: Certified Ski Guide, Assistant Rock Guide, Apprentice Alpine Guide, Pharm.D.
Ski Guides and Instructors
Carl Dec
Owner | Guide
Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.
Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, WFR, 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.
Certifications: Certified Ski Guide, Assistant Rock Guide, Apprentice Alpine Guide, Pharm.D.
Amos Whiting
Guide and Instructor: AMGA SPI courses and exams, AIARE 2
Owner, Aspen Expeditions | IFMGA Mountain Guide
Amos is a full-time mountain guide, AMGA Instructor pool member, SPI provider, and AAIRE instructor. Amos has been a lead instructor on SPI courses since 2008. He also provides AAIRE instruction for Red River Adventures.
Certifications: IFMGA, AAIRE level Yoda, WFR
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, WFR