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 Utah in 2005 after graduating college. Since then he’s spent much of his time exploring the desert Southwest and Rocky Mountains. An avid hiker, backpacker, mountain climber, and canyoneer, he’s climbed over 300 mountains and scrambled through countless canyons. He spends his winters avoiding cold and snow, usually in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.

Certifications: History nerd, political junkie, literature snob

Charlie Baughman

Boatyard Manager | Master Mechanic | Guide

If it’s broken, this man can fix it! A true Moab local, Charlie has the knowledge and skills to keep our vehicles running, boats inflated, and our clients happy. With over 25 years of river experience, Charlie has the record here at Red River for having over 1,000 runs on the Daily section of the Colorado River. Among other notable accomplishments, Charlie has navigated over 250 river miles of the Grand Canyon in an inflatable kayak–without flipping!

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR, Grease Monkey

Steph Buchanan

Boatyard and Kitchen Manager | Human Resources | Guide

Originally from New Hampshire, Steph moved to Utah to study Parks and Recreation and Communications at Utah State University. In her free time, she enjoys climbing, rafting, painting, and reading. She is also quite involved with the Utah State Outdoor Program, taking any chance she can get to lead a climbing route or guide a raft down the Snake River. She is most proud of the fact that she is part of the 4,000-footer club, having hiked the tallest 48 peaks in New Hampshire. She is good at not taking life too seriously!

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR

Jonathan Vickers

Guide: Climbing, Rafting

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

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

Mary Eden

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering | Manager | Social Media

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

Cadi Carlson

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Cadi is a Utah native, born and raised in Salt Lake City. While working at a ski resort, she came down to Moab for a visit and hasn’t left since! During her free time, she loves to climb anything from beautiful desert splitters to nasty off-width cracks, and she’s working toward bettering herself as a climbing photographer. She has recently taken a liking to slacklining and acroyoga. She has a very strong love for the outdoors and is willing to try anything that provides a beautiful view of the desert landscape that we live in!

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR

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

Mitch Moline

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Born and raised in the small town of Phelps, Wisconsin, Mitch grew up on his family’s lake resort. He played soccer all four years of high school, then found a love for rock climbing in college. He continued his outdoor education through a semester with NOLS, backpacking through the southwest for 80 days. Every fall and spring, Mitch and his father would drive to Moab to mountain bike, rock climb, and explore. Mitch made the move to Salt Lake City in May of 2018 to pursue his dreams of full-time fun: climbing, hiking, and snowboarding. He’s an easygoing guy who can live off of eggs, bread, rice, ranch, and Wisconsin cheese. You can find him at the Moab Brewery every Monday through Wednesday, eating wings, having a beer, and sparking up a good conversation.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR

Ashley Weiss

Guide: Rafting

Ashley is a fun-loving nature-nerd with a quirky sense of humor. Over the past three years, she has helped create and develop business processes for a startup e-commerce company. However, this Salt Lake native has always found an excuse to explore the beauty in her “backyard.” She began whitewater rafting at a young age, which naturally sparked her love for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. While she enjoys other activities, such as skiing, yoga, and rocking out at concerts, she always says there’s nothing better than a day on the water.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR

Nate Foulger

Guide: Rafting

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: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR

Seth Ward

Guide: Rafting

Seth is a laid-back guy just trying to have as much fun in this life as possible. He enjoys slacklining, unicycling and mountaineering in his free time. Being a guide is what he is currently most passionate about in life.

Seth has completed a month-long NOLS Mountaineering expedition and participated in (and won) a few adventure races. He has also enjoyed leading various trips for the University of Iowa outdoor recreation department.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR

Tessa Bates

Guide: Rafting

Originally from Heber City, Tessa is known around Red River as the Jill of all trades. From cleaning windows to organizing tissue donations, she has the experience to accomplish whatever is asked of her. Her favorite outdoor activities include snowboarding, canyoneering, and reading. One of her proudest accomplishments is completing a seven-day trek in the Himalayas during monsoon season and coming back unscathed.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR

Zac Nickman

Guide: Rafting

Originally from Salt Lake City, Zac enjoys doing anything outside, especially if it involves a raft and rapids. His passions include (but are not limited to) cooking, traveling, and watching the night sky. Zac is currently attending Utah State University, pursuing two degrees: one in Ceramics and another in Forest Ecology.

In his free time, Zac enjoys making things, cracking jokes, singing songs, and floating boats.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR

Brian Johnson

Guide: Rafting

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: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR

Calli Jo Levin

Guide: Rafting

A Moab local, Calli spent her childhood riding and training horses. Her education includes going to school for massage therapy and energy healing in Salt Lake City. She loves to travel, sing, climb, and do anything else outside.

She is proud to be a licensed massage therapist, advanced equestrian, and travel addict. She loves being a part of a person’s day when they experience something new, which is partly why she is such a great guide!

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR

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

Grace Ryan

Guide: Rafting

Grace is a San Francisco native who moved out to Utah about three years ago. She started trad climbing, rafting and backcountry skiing when she joined the Utah State University Outdoor Program, where she has been guiding for the past three years. She tries to spend as much time as possible playing outside with her dog. Her plans for the next year include playing on top of desert towers and skiing every month of the year.

She’s proud of hitting 50 days of skiing this season, and plans on getting to at least 60 by July. She has also been lucky enough to summit Ancient Art in Moab and Wolf’s Head in Wyoming.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR

Harris Hadziabdic

Guide: Rafting

Harris grew up in Salt Lake City, where he filled his days skiing, climbing and mountain biking. He came to Moab for the climbing, but fell in love with the river as well! On his days off, he enjoys listening to good music and riding his bike on slickrock.

Around Red River, Harris is known for having a hollow leg and eating everything in sight.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR

Hunter Corliss

Guide: Rafting

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: Licensed Utah River Guide, ACA Swiftwater Rescue, WFR

Josh Licata

Guide: Rafting

Born and raised in Temecula, California, Josh grew up on the football field; at one point, he was ranked third in the nation at running back. He’s a fun, easy-going, and laid-back outdoor professional.

In his free time, you can find Josh climbing in the desert or hanging ten out on the ocean. He’s a quick learner and a natural on the water!

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR

Kat Johnson

Guide: Rafting

Kat is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio but moved to Salt Lake City to attend Westminster College. This snowboarder, climber, poet, artist, and outdoorswoman cannot be tamed. When she’s not floating on the river or wrestling rocks, Kat loves to listen to good tunes, take naps and watch the Ohio State Buckeyes. Yew!

She’s great at snowboarding, climbing, being loud, waiting tables and preparing for law school.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR

Kenzie Knippers

Guide: Rafting

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: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR

Logan Seat

Guide: Rafting

Logan was born and raised in Salt Lake City and currently lives in Los Angeles, where he is studying Psychology at Loyola Marymount University.

He spends as much time outside as possible, whether it’s biking, hiking, skiing, running, climbing, or playing soccer. He loves music and has played the guitar since the first grade. Surrounding himself with the best friends possible and telling jokes is how he stays happy. He loves meeting new people and hearing their stories. Logan is here to have a great time and to make sure everyone else does too!

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR

Michael van Dijk

Guide: Rafting

A Utah native, Michael has had a wide variety of experiences. He spent two years “bee whispering” in Madagascar as a beekeeper; had more smiles than miles on the Appalachian Trail; and is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Social Work.

Michael has skateboarded Immigration Canyon in Salt Lake City, and also enjoys art, astronomy, and backcountry splitboarding in the Wasatch Mountains.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR

Rachel Money

Guide: Rafting

Rachel is a transplant from just about everywhere. She grew up moving around the United States and Europe and has continued traveling as an adult. She is passionate about conservation and connecting people to the environment, and feels most at home in a canoe or on a solid belay ledge.

During her off time, you can find her climbing long multi-pitch routes, slacklining, playing banjo (really loudly and badly), and spinning fire whenever safe and possible. She brings her stoke for adventure and the environment everywhere she goes, and you’ll always catch her trying to identify every bird, plant and mushroom she sees.

Rachel is a therapeutic hatha yoga teacher, gardener, chainsaw wielder, and invasive species destroyer. She is great with children and special populations, and is taking time off from school to gain field experience. Her current goals include working toward the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor certification.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR

Zhanna Rice

Guide: Rafting

Born in Kazakhstan, Zhanna came to the United States when she was five, and she’s been a Moab local ever since! Zhanna is very knowledgeable about the surrounding area, and in her free time, you can find her hiking the numerous hidden trails of the Moab desert. A perfect day for Zhanna involves taking three puppies on a long hike in the La Sal Mountains, and finishing it off with an all-you-can-eat buffet at ZAX Pizza.

In the winter, Zhanna is a world-class ski instructor in the Wasatch Mountains, near Salt Lake City.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR

Josh Surkes

Owner, Paddle Moab | Guide

Josh began working at Red River Adventures in 2008 after a brief stint in the “real world,” clad in a suit and tie. After many successful summers running whitewater, Josh, in conjunction with RRA, started Paddle Moab in 2012. Paddle Moab, Moab’s first and best SUP company, has quickly become the leader in small-group SUP trips and whitewater instruction. Josh, his wife Abbie, and their two children are happy to call Moab home year-round.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, ACA Swiftwater Rescue, WFR

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

Mary Eden

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering | Manager | Social Media

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

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

Mitch Moline

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Born and raised in the small town of Phelps, Wisconsin, Mitch grew up on his family’s lake resort. He played soccer all four years of high school, then found a love for rock climbing in college. He continued his outdoor education through a semester with NOLS, backpacking through the southwest for 80 days. Every fall and spring, Mitch and his father would drive to Moab to mountain bike, rock climb, and explore. Mitch made the move to Salt Lake City in May of 2018 to pursue his dreams of full-time fun: climbing, hiking, and snowboarding. He’s an easygoing guy who can live off of eggs, bread, rice, ranch, and Wisconsin cheese. You can find him at the Moab Brewery every Monday through Wednesday, eating wings, having a beer, and sparking up a good conversation.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR

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, Rafting

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

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

Mary Eden

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering | Manager | Social Media

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

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

Mitch Moline

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Born and raised in the small town of Phelps, Wisconsin, Mitch grew up on his family’s lake resort. He played soccer all four years of high school, then found a love for rock climbing in college. He continued his outdoor education through a semester with NOLS, backpacking through the southwest for 80 days. Every fall and spring, Mitch and his father would drive to Moab to mountain bike, rock climb, and explore. Mitch made the move to Salt Lake City in May of 2018 to pursue his dreams of full-time fun: climbing, hiking, and snowboarding. He’s an easygoing guy who can live off of eggs, bread, rice, ranch, and Wisconsin cheese. You can find him at the Moab Brewery every Monday through Wednesday, eating wings, having a beer, and sparking up a good conversation.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, WFR

Jonathan Vickers

Guide: Climbing, Rafting

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

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.

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