Our Guides
2022 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, AIARE Pro 1
Jason Thiemann
Manager | Co-owner
Born and raised in Nebraska, Jason moved to Moab in 2005 after graduating college. Since then he’s spent much of his time exploring the deserts and mountains of the West. He’s climbed over 600 mountains and scrambled through countless canyons, from Death Valley to the high peaks of Colorado and California. He spends his winters chasing the sun and avoiding cold and snow, usually in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.
Certifications: History nerd, political junkie, literature snob
Charbo
Boatyard Manager | Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
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
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
Raft Guide Trainer | 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
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
Kenzie Knippers
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Born in Oklahoma and raised in Arizona, Kenzie is a graduate of Arizona State University. 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
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, WFR, CPR
Noah McKelvin
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Originally from Colorado, Noah could be described as an even-keeled old soul. As a kid, Noah fell in love with all facets of the outdoors, from getting to the summit of over 100 desert towers to alpine climbing in some of the bigger mountain ranges of the world.
Although he enjoys the high adventure in climbing, he also enjoys time spent on the river and canyoneering. Noah has lived and breathed the outdoors for his whole life. Previously a first responder, he made the transition into guiding due to the burning desire to share his passion of the outdoors with others.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, EMT, CPR
Connor Sobol
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Connor has been enjoying the outdoors for most of his life, through the Boy Scouts and personal travel experiences. He fell in love with rock climbing in high school, at a dingy bouldering room in Evanston, Illinois. It wasn’t until a trip to Sinai in the Middle East that he climbed outside for the first time. A few years later, he made the move to Salt Lake City and truly found his love for climbing and the outdoors.
Connor has traveled to many climbing areas over the past five years, ranging from desert to alpine environments. He enjoys all forms of climbing, from bouldering to aid, and he’s excited to share that passion with his guests!
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Alex Miller
Guide: Rafting
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Alex has developed a major love for the outdoors in Utah. She is currently studying Psychology and PRT at the University of Utah. When she isn’t in school, Alex spends her time backcountry skiing, climbing, backpacking, and kayaking. She also really enjoys painting when she has the time!
Alex is planning on a career in recreational therapy, and loves working and connecting with people in the outdoors! Shes always up for an adventure and is so stoked to be running rivers in Moab this season.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR
Bre Hopkins
Guide: Rafting
Bre loves to be outside. You can find her backpacking, climbing, hiking, kayaking, dirt biking, snowboarding or sitting in her hammock with a good book. She loves to travel, and will be graduating from Utah Valley University this December with a bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation Management. When she’s not outside, you can find her quilting with her grandma; playing with her dog, Denali; growing wildflowers; or learning how to make sushi with her husband.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Claire Cruz
Guide: Rafting
Claire grew up exploring the great outdoors of Idaho and moved to Salt Lake City for the mountains… and school! Studying Geology and GIS at the University of Utah, Claire is happy to answer all your rock-related questions. Moab has some of the most unique and stunning geological formations!
Off the river, you’ll find Claire rock climbing, backcountry skiing, backpacking, mountain biking, oil painting, or in search of good pad thai.
Claire is open-minded, easy-going, and always stoked for an adventure!
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, AIARE 1, WFR, CPR
Hudson Smith
Guide: Rafting
Hudson has loved the outdoors since he was a young kid, hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail near his home in Maryland. He is currently studying for a degree in education, and is planning on a career in Outdoor Adventure Education.
Hudson is the lead guide for his university’s outdoor leadership program. He enjoys rock climbing, ice climbing, caving, and running. He has been a rock climbing instructor in northern New Mexico, and he can’t wait to run the rivers in Moab!
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFA, CPR
Lily Crowell
Guide: Rafting
Lily grew up in Utah, spending most of her weekends mountain bike racing in Moab. Her passion has slowly moved from the trail to the river. She is a biology student at the University of Utah, with an emphasis in genetics! In the winter you can find her backcountry skiing, and she’s always finding new and exciting vegetarian recipes. Lily is a go-getter and a great conversationalist. She is so excited for this season, the red rock, and meeting new people.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFA, CPR
Lucas Greer
Guide: Rafting
Raised in Seattle, Lucas grew up hiking, biking, and skiing all around the Pacific Northwest. His passion for spending time in nature led him to Utah State University, where he currently studies Outdoor Product Design and Development. Lucas hopes to help develop the next generation of outdoor gear and loves to sketch, prototype, and sew his various ideas.
Among other things, Lucas has canoed through Labyrinth Canyon, worked at Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Colorado, and bike toured across the Alps from Dresden, Germany to Rome. He is at his happiest when out exploring with his camera in hand.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR
Luke Lacey
Guide: Rafting
Luke grew up in Northern California, but he quickly caught the bug to live on the road and has been in search of adventure ever since. When he’s not climbing an obscure peak on River Road, you can see him reading in his hammock, or writing at one of Moab’s many coffee shops. He is studying film at the University of Utah, and loves to tell stories and jokes that will equally entertain and make you laugh. Venmo: Lukelacey08
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR
Makayla Hunick
Guide: Rafting
Makayla was born in American Fork, Utah. She has spent many years traveling overseas and across the United States. With much curiosity and excitement for the outdoors, she continues to explore the world. A lot of her free time is spent snowboarding, hiking, camping, climbing or anything water-based.
She’s in for any outdoor adventure, taking photographs any chance she gets. Adventure is in her blood and passion for nature is in her soul.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Meredith Murdock
Guide: Rafting
Born and raised in the great state of Montana, Meredith has grown up with a love and appreciation for the outdoors. She loves to hike, fly fish, and boat. She is also working on her undergrad, majoring in Environmental Science at Brigham Young University.
When she is not in school, you can find her playing tennis, spending time with friends, or curling up with a good book—her favorite is And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie! She has experience meeting and appreciating many new cultures and people and has spent extended time abroad in India.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR
Ryan Clarke
Guide: Rafting
Ryan grew up in southeast Idaho and spent his summers playing in the Tetons. He now attends Utah Valley University, where he is studying Outdoor Recreation. His hobbies include rock climbing, rafting, skiing and generally being out under the sun.
Ryan has a natural affinity for story-telling and thinking up jokes so ridiculous they’ll make anyone’s eyes roll.
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR
Samantha Stringham
Guide: Rafting
Samantha is a senior at Utah State University, studying English literature and biology. She coaches high school water polo for schools across Cache Valley. When she manages to find time away from studying, she enjoys hiking and cross-country skiing in Logan Canyon.
Likes include being outside, eating chips, wearing sandals unseasonably, the color green, and reading scholarly works about Jane Austen. Dislikes include being sweaty, William Shakespeare’s The Taming of The Shrew, cooked fruits, wearing pants, and the words “bureaucracy” and “semantics.”
Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR
Sophia Nielsen
Guide: Rafting
Sophia loves lacrosse and any water sport. When she’s not on the river, she’s often jumping off rocks or bridges to get back into a river. She owns not just a dedicated paintball outfit, but an entire paintball wardrobe. She loves cooking—but not cleaning up—delicious food. Sophia will be studying outdoor product design at Utah State.
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
Charbo
Boatyard Manager | Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
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
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
Raft Guide Trainer | 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
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
Hunter Corliss
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Originally from Sudbury, Massachusetts, Hunter has lived and worked in Moab for several years. He is passionate about rock climbing, ice climbing, and skiing. After being introduced to climbing in the Adirondacks, these days he enjoys long adventure routes and crack climbs.
In addition to climbing and canyoneering in Moab, Hunter is pursuing his Rock Guide certification through the American Mountain Guides Association.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AIARE Pro 2, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Kenzie Knippers
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Born in Oklahoma and raised in Arizona, Kenzie is a graduate of Arizona State University. 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
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, WFR, CPR
Noah McKelvin
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Originally from Colorado, Noah could be described as an even-keeled old soul. As a kid, Noah fell in love with all facets of the outdoors, from getting to the summit of over 100 desert towers to alpine climbing in some of the bigger mountain ranges of the world.
Although he enjoys the high adventure in climbing, he also enjoys time spent on the river and canyoneering. Noah has lived and breathed the outdoors for his whole life. Previously a first responder, he made the transition into guiding due to the burning desire to share his passion of the outdoors with others.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, EMT, CPR
Connor Sobol
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Connor has been enjoying the outdoors for most of his life, through the Boy Scouts and personal travel experiences. He fell in love with rock climbing in high school, at a dingy bouldering room in Evanston, Illinois. It wasn’t until a trip to Sinai in the Middle East that he climbed outside for the first time. A few years later, he made the move to Salt Lake City and truly found his love for climbing and the outdoors.
Connor has traveled to many climbing areas over the past five years, ranging from desert to alpine environments. He enjoys all forms of climbing, from bouldering to aid, and he’s excited to share that passion with his guests!
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
Charbo
Boatyard Manager | Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
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
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
Raft Guide Trainer | 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
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
Hunter Corliss
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Originally from Sudbury, Massachusetts, Hunter has lived and worked in Moab for several years. He is passionate about rock climbing, ice climbing, and skiing. After being introduced to climbing in the Adirondacks, these days he enjoys long adventure routes and crack climbs.
In addition to climbing and canyoneering in Moab, Hunter is pursuing his Rock Guide certification through the American Mountain Guides Association.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AIARE Pro 2, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, CPR
Kenzie Knippers
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Born in Oklahoma and raised in Arizona, Kenzie is a graduate of Arizona State University. 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
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, WFR, CPR
Noah McKelvin
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Originally from Colorado, Noah could be described as an even-keeled old soul. As a kid, Noah fell in love with all facets of the outdoors, from getting to the summit of over 100 desert towers to alpine climbing in some of the bigger mountain ranges of the world.
Although he enjoys the high adventure in climbing, he also enjoys time spent on the river and canyoneering. Noah has lived and breathed the outdoors for his whole life. Previously a first responder, he made the transition into guiding due to the burning desire to share his passion of the outdoors with others.
Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, EMT, CPR
Connor Sobol
Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering
Connor has been enjoying the outdoors for most of his life, through the Boy Scouts and personal travel experiences. He fell in love with rock climbing in high school, at a dingy bouldering room in Evanston, Illinois. It wasn’t until a trip to Sinai in the Middle East that he climbed outside for the first time. A few years later, he made the move to Salt Lake City and truly found his love for climbing and the outdoors.
Connor has traveled to many climbing areas over the past five years, ranging from desert to alpine environments. He enjoys all forms of climbing, from bouldering to aid, and he’s excited to share that passion with his guests!
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
