Cataract Canyon

Colorado River

Please Note! We no longer run this section of river but have left the page up for informational purposes.

Check out our Fisher Towers trips.

“Cat” offers some of the biggest whitewater in the world during the end of May and early June. An adventure seekers delight. This canyon is truly one of nature’s spectacles. Later in summer water levels drop making this trip through Canyonlands National Park paddle raft friendly and accessible for anyone 10 years or older.

Cataract Canyon – 2, 3, 4 or 6 day Motorized | Oar trip

  • Class – IV/V – Class V in big spring run-off
  • Days – 3 or 6 days
  • Length – 100 miles
  • Number of Rapids – 31
  • Minimum age – 10, 12 in high water
  • Meets – 7 am Moab
  • Cost – Varies

Launch Dates – While we don’t run this section ourselves we are happy to discuss the trip, other outfitters and your options.

Cataract Canyon Photo Gallery

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Reviews

FAQ

Online reviews - 5 Stars

Why Choose RRA? - 20 years of doing it right! Since 2003, when rafting operations began, we have gone on to expand our operations into rock and ice climbing, canyoneering, guided ski touring, travel trips and outdoor education. We have hosted over 85,000 guests and spent over 110,000 days in the field! We are so proud that this has garnered 5-star rankings across all online review sites. Land or water our clients rave about the quality of our guides, the depth of their knowledge, their ability to teach and most importantly, how incredibly fun each is. We believe our past guest's comments make the decision easy!
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Your Safety is our number #1 concern

Since we started this journey in 2003 we have safely hosted 85,000+ kids and adults and spent over 100,000 days rafting, climbing, canyoneering and skiing in Utah and around the world. RRA guides are at a minimum state licensed, insured and hold first aid and CPR certifications. Many of our river guides hold additional certifications in swift water rescue and whitewater instruction. Many, though not all, of our rock, ice, ski and canyoneering guides are AMGA trained or certified for the terrain they guide..
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Quality Equipment

When running trips quality equipment is paramount. RRA replaces its equipment on a regular basis. This ensures all the gear required to keep you safe and having fun is in top-notch shape.
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Reputation

RRA has earned the reputation of a professionally ran, top quality guide service. We are a tight knit family run business. Once you adventure with RRA we guarantee you'll be back for more.
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Do I need a reservation

YES! To guarantee space on the trip of your choice, we recommend reservations, especially on holidays and summer weekends. In order to provide the type of trip the we have become known for we do limit the number of people on a launch and we do fill up. In addition a lot goes into the planning of a river trip, including scheduling of guides, drivers, packing lunch for full-day and lunch trips and ensuring that our equipment is always in top-notch condition. Make a reservation as soon as you have a good idea of when you want to raft with us and you'll avoid disappointment. Feel free to call us about reservations at any time @ 1-877-259-4046 or email.
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About Age Limitations

Youth Rate = 15 years and younger!
Adults = 16 years and up!
All participants on river trips are required to wear a Coast Guard approved floatation device (PFD). For Fisher Towers trips we use an age limit of 5 and kids must weight at least 40 Lbs. On Climbing and Canyoneering trips the limit is 8 years of age. Ask yourself, what kind of previous outdoor experience has the child had? Use your considered judgment on the child's preparedness. On the other end, folks well into their 70's have adventured with us.
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Which Trip to Choose

We are thrilled to have the ability to offer such a wide variety or trips. We also realize that this can create confusion. We are a fantastic resource and look forward to helping you choose the trip that is perfect for you and your group. Please feel free to call or email with any questions you might have, we love to help. Often after a brief conversation with one of our staff the the answers become clear.
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Where do we park/leave our things

There is plenty of secure parking on site at our offices. Valuables can be locked in your vehicles and will be perfectly safe for the duration of your trip. In addition we are more than happy to store anything that you may be extra concerned about in our offices while you are on the river.
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Are there bugs

Thankfully there are usually very few to no bugs on our trips. The we travel through some of the driest terrain on the planet so there is generally no standing water for bugs to breed in. At the same time the current in the main river section is too swift to allow for breeding. This being said sometimes there are gnats or mosquitoes.
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What to Bring

Red River Adventures tries to make your trip with us as easy as possible! What to bring is clearly outlined on the "what to pack" tab for each of our trips. We provide most, to all, necessary equipment for you to take part in our rock climbing, canyoneering and river trips. This includes all rock climbing and canyoneering equipment, boats and boating equipment, safety equipment, life jackets, guides, food, beverages, camping and kitchen equipment. In addition you are welcome to bring, or we can provide at NO ADDITIONAL COST, camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags and inflatable mattresses. You simply bring your own personal clothing and gear. We will provide trip specific lists to assist you in bringing the right things.
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What the Weather is Like

Be prepared for hot (75-110 F degrees) weather during June, July, and August. You can expect cooler temperatures (55-90 F degrees) during April, May, September, and October. August is usually the wettest month (short-lived but intense thunder showers).
April 73|42 May 84|50 June 85|58 July 101|64 Aug 98|63 Sept 89|53
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About Swimming and Fishing

Swimming is as much a part of a great river trip as whitewater and cooking out. Guests are more than welcome to swim on all our river trips. There is no better place to be on a hot summer day than swimming alongside one of our rafts. Catfish and Carp are plentiful in the Colorado and Dolores Rivers.
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What Risks Are Involved

Red River Adventures has an unblemished safety record. We personally screen and train our employees vigorously each year. Each of our guides receives extensive instructions on safety, swift water rescue and first aid training. Our Climbing and Canyoneering guides are highly trained and many are AMGA certified. Our trips take place in rugged, remote "wilderness" settings. You should be in good general health to participate. Non-swimmers can go and are more than welcome. We provide Coast Guard approved life jackets for your safety.
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Beverages

We supply plenty of drinking water.
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Alcohol Policy

Full and 1/2 Day Raft Trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to a scheduled trip. Multi-Day Raft Trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during time on the river. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to river time. Alcohol may be consumed, in camp, on multi-day trips. Climbing/Canyoneering trips. Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips.
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Charter and Group Rates

Red River Adventures offers a group rate discount of 10% to groups of 10 or more. Additional rates reductions are available for school, club, church, or special-interest groups on some trips. We are happy to, when ever possible, customized trip lengths and itineraries. Please contact us for help in arranging your charter trip or for group rate information.
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What To Pack

Please have your personal gear packed into the smallest duffel or day pack possible. These will then be packed into one of our overnight dry bags the morning of your trip. We provide a waterproof river bag for your day use items. We realize this list may seem small. However, in our years of experience these items are all that are needed for a comfortable and safe trip.

  • Water Bottle
  • Bathing suit or similar
  • Sandals or Watershoes
  • Shorts
  • T- Shirt
  • Light Jacket or fleece
  • Hat (if you wear them)
  • Sun block
  • Sunglasses Camera
  • Toiletries/Meds
  • Small pillow (Airline type)
  • Headlamp or flashlight

*Depending on the forecast you may want to include these items:

  • Warm Hat Fleece Pants
  • Socks|Shoes
  • Rain gear

GENERAL

  • Please NOTE!!!! There is a time change from AZ to UT. We are 1 hour ahead of AZ.
  • Water to refill your bottles is always available. Lemonade is available with lunch.
  • There is plenty of secure parking on site. Valuables are safe in your vehicle.
  • A credit card will prove handy for balances, t-shirts, ice cream, etc
  • At the end of all trips, we will return you to your starting location.
  • Guide gratuities are customary.

Book

Reservations

Option #1 - Most of our Adventures can be booked by clicking the "Book Now" button for the trip you want.

Option #2 - For those trips that do not open a calendar Call 1-435-259-4046
or Email us through our Contact Page

Reservations are HIGHLY recommended! Many dates sell out far in advance!
A refundable payment is due to guarantee reservation.

Book Now!

Accepted Credit Cards

Cancellations

Full & Half Day Trips

  • 50% deposit due at time of reservation.
  • Balance is due and will be charged 7 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellation/changes made 7 days prior to departure are FREE!
  • Cancellation, partial or in full, within 7 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.

Full & Half day - Large Group (14 or more)

  • 50% deposit due at time of reservation.
  • Balance is due and will be charged 14 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellation/changes made 14 days prior to departure are FREE!
  • Cancellation, partial or in full, within 14 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.

Clinics, Courses, and Exams

  • 50% deposit due at time of reservation.
  • Balance is due and will be charged 30 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellation/changes made 30 days prior to departure are FREE!
  • Cancellation, partial or in full, within 30 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.

International trips

  • A refundable deposit of 10% is required to hold space.
  • 120 days - 50% is due and will be charge to the card on file.
  • 60 days - 100% is due and will be charged to the card on file.
  • Cancellation 60 days prior to departure are FREE. A full refund will be given.
  • Cancellation, partial or in full, within 60 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.

Europe

  • A non- refundable deposit of 25% is required to hold space.
  • 90 days - Balance is due and will be charged to the card on file.
  • Cancellation, partial or in full, within 90 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.

Please Note: RRA recommends you insure your trip!

We HIGHLY recommend purchasing trip insurance. Please use Tin Leg or similar to insure your trip, course or clinic if you are not protected by your airline, credit card, or another third party.

Purchasing travel insurance no matter the size or length of your trip will protect against loss in the event of an unforeseen, or last-minute, change in circumstances.

Cancellations or changes for ANY reason, including Covid-19, inside our established cut-offs will not be refunded or rescheduled. Please consider protecting yourself by insuring your purchase!

General

RRA reserves the right to cancel any trip due to weather, insufficient bookings or any other circumstances beyond our control at anytime. RRA will make every effort to reschedule the date. Bookings that are unable to be rescheduled or are cancelled by RRA will receive a full refund.

Weather

Weather is part of the dynamic environment in which we operate. We may experience conditions that you do not consider ideal. If we determine that conditions are suitable for the activity you have booked and you instead wish to cancel/discontinue the trip, we will, whenever practical, end the trip at your request with no refund. If conditions are such that RRA deems it unwise to continue, we reserve the right to alter the itinerary, which may include, but may not be limited to, shortening of route or length of trip. We may also change venue or cancel the remainder of your trip. If, at time of cancellation, the trip is less than 1/2 complete, we will charge 50% of trip fee. If the trip is between 1/2 and completed, a full trip fee is charged.

Alcohol

Full and 1/2 Day Raft Trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to a scheduled trip. Climbing/Canyoneering trips. Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips.

River Rafting Reviews and Red River Adventure Testimonials!

Ashley Jenson
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Ashley Jenson
December 7, 2024

I’ve taken my Aiare 1 and a rescue course with red river adventures and both classes were amazing. The instructors do a fantastic job. I felt heard and every question I had was answered. I highly recommend taking a course with these guys, you’ll really walk away with a lot.

Gracee Dalton
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Gracee Dalton
December 6, 2024

Amazing guides who are very well educated and informative. Great learning experience.

Mike Schirf
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Mike Schirf
November 26, 2024

My wife and I had the pleasure of joining Carl and his amazing team of guides last year in Japan. On top of being extremely knowledgeable of the area and where to find the best snow they are all amazing humans which made the trip that much more special. It was a dream trip and we would do it again in a heartbeat.

Megan Caravello
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Megan Caravello
November 11, 2024

We did rock climbing just outside salt lake City, at big cottonwood canyon. Carl was a super guide. We had never rock climbed, and Carl have us great intro instructions then we climbed up two rocks, that were challenging and fun. Would highly recommend

Cynthia Svendsen
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Cynthia Svendsen
October 20, 2024

We had an amazing trip to Greece for rock climbing with these folks. Carl, Tonya, Mary, and Sam did a wonderful job being well organized, providing thoughtfully executed guiding, and good vibes all around. Couldn't have asked for a better week with this crew.

Timour Kamran
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Timour Kamran
October 14, 2024

Fantastic day out with Jon!

Andy Ballard
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Andy Ballard
October 3, 2024

John was a consummate professional. He got my boys up their first multi-pitch climb in Big Cottonwood Canyon on an ultra classic line. I really appreciated his ability to make this memorable experience happen. Super friendly and I would not hesitate to use him again and recommend to my friends.

Clinton Woods
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Clinton Woods
September 7, 2024

Did the full day fisher towers trip. It was very well ran and enjoyable. Took some younger kids and overall was a great experience thanks to red river.

Amber Striegel
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Amber Striegel
August 29, 2024

The trip was beautiful. The scenery is breathtaking. But if you are looking for rapids, this may not be the tour for you, at least not this time of year. The water was quiet and at times it felt like we weren’t moving. Definitely more of a float than rafting. It’s perfect for those who want to relax and not have a workout.

Jan Moore
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Jan Moore
August 29, 2024

We enjoyed our rafting trip down the Colorado River. Our guide, Jake was very personable and informative. We would recommend Red River Adventures for anyone seeking a fun and enjoyable time.

Taylor Davis
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Taylor Davis
August 28, 2024

Incredible experience with an even better canyoneering guide, Cage! This excursion had some of everything, the hiking, petroglyphs, 4 separate rappels. Cage made the trip very memorable for each of us and made us feel safe and comfortable during the challenging rappels. We highly recommend this tour guide and company!

Maile Christensen
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Maile Christensen
August 25, 2024

Great trip down the river. Fun guides and beautiful scenery!

Keith Grim Sleeper
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Keith Grim Sleeper
August 25, 2024

Jordan was awesome

Elodie ROSENCHER
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Elodie ROSENCHER
August 21, 2024

Superbe expérience de rafting. Toute l équipe a été très réactive et a fait de son mieux pour que notre excursion soit la plus réussie et confortable possible (modification de réservation, bateau personnel pour notre famille)! Notre guide était à l a fois très professionnel et sympathique. Toute la famille a passé un très bon moment. Merci!

jonathan otis
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jonathan otis
August 20, 2024

Such a wonderful experience for my family. John was very friendly and professional. Would recommend 100%. We can’t wait for another opportunity to climb with John again.

Amber Thompson
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Amber Thompson
August 19, 2024

Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable and so patient. We had a 12 year old and 73 year old in our group and our guides were awesome with them. We had a great time!!

Sal Sapien
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Sal Sapien
August 18, 2024

I was unsure about rafting down the colorado river. Jake was our guide and I could not have asked for a nicer guide. Jake told us some history of the area, and told us about the rapids before we came to them. We had so much fun that my wife and I are talking about doing another rafting trip down the Colorado River. Thank You Jake.

Evan Stuart
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Evan Stuart
August 18, 2024

Knowledgeable and kind guide, Cage, made it a really fun experience

Laura Greenwald DDS
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Laura Greenwald DDS
August 15, 2024

This was a great half day trip on the Colorado river. Communication was awesome and our guide, Liz, was great! She was full of info about the river, the area and rafting! Thanks for the awesome experience.

Andre Reas
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Andre Reas
August 14, 2024

What we liked: Well organised, entertaining guides (especially during the bus drive) and friendly atmosphere. Not much white water during our 1/2 day tour (class 1/2) in July 2024. Still fun for beginners though, we got to jump in the water two times :-)

Roy Blair
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Roy Blair
August 14, 2024

First off 5 ⭐'s for Maggie, our river tour guide. She was very sweet and knowledgeable at her job. Red River Adventures made our rafting experience easy and very memorable. I would definitely recommend them for your rafting while in Moab Utah!

Jaimee Kennedy
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Jaimee Kennedy
August 13, 2024

Went rafting on the Colorado river and it was incredible. The guides were very knowledgeable and personable. Shoutout to Keira and Will for being the best guides ever.

Maria Velasquez
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Maria Velasquez
August 13, 2024

We had Maggie as our raft guide, she made our experiences one to remember. She was kind and genuine. She made the tour very interesting, she had a lot of knowledge. You can tell she loves her job. Red River made it very easy to book and had very clear and easy instructions. Thier staff was friendly and made out experience fun.

Hayley Daye
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Hayley Daye
August 13, 2024

My father and I booked a last-minute half-day rafting excursion as we were passing through Moab this past weekend, and were so happy with our decision! Even though we were not in season for optimal rapids (only Class I-II in early August), we had an amazing time out on the river. The calmer water even allowed us to take a swim in the Colorado during our excursion. Our guide, Charbo, was extremely knowledgeable about the area and kept our group entertained the entire ride. All the guides were professional and fun, and we loved the entertainment provided by them on the bus ride to and from the boat launch. We could have easily done the full-day trip if our schedules had permitted! Highly recommend going with them for all rafting or otherwise outdoorsy excursions in Moab. We will definitely book again next time we are in town.

G B (Dionysos)
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G B (Dionysos)
August 13, 2024

Very nice experience with three amazing guys (Jack, Grace and.. sorry I forget her name). Smooth rafting and swimming in the Colorado ended the day 🫶🏻

Melissa Oppenheim
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Melissa Oppenheim
August 12, 2024

What a great way to spend a hot morning in Moab! Red River made everything seamless without a lot of wait time to get setup. The location of rafting was magnificent and the guides were awesome, keeping things lively and interesting, from the bus ride to safety. Emily was a lot of fun guiding our particular raft. Can’t wait to ski some pow in Japan with Red River in January !!!

Tracy Field
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Tracy Field
August 11, 2024

August river rafting is fun and chill with the class 1 & 2 rapids. Our guide, Jake, was awesome. We want to come back in June for class 3 rapids. The guides are knowledgeable and funny. Super fun.

Ricardo J. FASANA
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Ricardo J. FASANA
August 10, 2024

Fantastic River Rafting for the whole Family

Dennis Lembeck
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Dennis Lembeck
August 10, 2024

Ontzettend leuke tour. Alles gaat heel relaxed. Eerst met de bus 40 minuten. Tijds de rit worden we geëntertaind door een van de gidsen. Raften niet heftig of zwaar. Wij hadden Savannah als gids. Heel vriendelijk. Top activiteit! We deden halve dag, achteraf hadden we misschien voor hele dag gekozen.

Heather Smith
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Heather Smith
August 10, 2024

We had so much fun on the river! Maggie and Liz and the rest were great guides and had so much information on Moab to tell us. They were fun and provided us plenty of opportunities to get in the water and float and we had a blast!

David Johansen
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David Johansen
August 9, 2024

Kids loved it! So much fun!

Gaige Redd
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Gaige Redd
August 9, 2024

Excellent guides, super friendly. We had a great time.

Colleen McGuire
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Colleen McGuire
August 9, 2024

Such a great experience with a wonderful crew of guides. We enjoyed the entertaining bus ride, the clear rafting direction , and the great stories from our guide.

Kendra Kormos
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Kendra Kormos
August 9, 2024

I took my boys white water rafting for their first time & they LOVED it. Our guide, Kiara, was very knowledgeable about the area, was funny, kind & made the trip so much more fun. We’d love to come back & do it again with her!

Debbie Hauser
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Debbie Hauser
August 8, 2024

We had so much fun. Husband and I in late 50s, average shape, with 18 year old son. Adam was the best guide. He took care that I was always ok and he was so positive. Would 100 percent recommend Bow and Arrow Canyoneering with Adam.

Gaëtan Martens
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Gaëtan Martens
August 7, 2024

Took a half day rafting trip. The camaraderie and banter between the guides made for a fun experience, whilst still being a professional outfit. Shoutout to Emily for being our amazing guide.

Dawn Wolf Spector
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Dawn Wolf Spector
August 6, 2024

Great service! Liz was an amazing tour guide. She knew so much about Moab, the river, and rafting in general. I highly recommend.

Frank Mitzschke
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Frank Mitzschke
August 5, 2024

Great tour, great guys, great day

Dina Love
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Dina Love
August 2, 2024

Liz was an amazing rafting guide. She was an awesome paddler. And as an extra bonus, she is super intelligent and is extremely knowledgeable about the land and ecology we passed as we floated the river. Our bus driver was an awesome driver!!! And the other guides gave us fun tour guide info on the way to the float and back to the office. We did the all day float. Lunch was provided. It was healthy and satisfying after a day on the river.

Trudy Troxell
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Trudy Troxell
August 2, 2024

Liz was just amazing we really enjoyed our trip. She educated us the whole trip down the river. Great people skills!

Thomas Nguyen
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Thomas Nguyen
August 2, 2024

Emily was a great guide. The whole process was seamless.

Christopher Kratovil
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Christopher Kratovil
August 1, 2024

Our family of six with limited rafting experience very much enjoyed the 1/2 day Fisher Towers tour with Red River Adventures. A wonderful all around experience. Red River is a very professional operation with courteous and knowledgeable guides. Even our ten year old frkt comfortsble enough to get out of the raft and swim.

Jenni Katzer
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Jenni Katzer
July 31, 2024

I had a wonderful multipitch climb in Little Cottonwood Canyon. John was informative and kept me safe. Fingercracks, slabs, amazing scenery and weather. I would do it again tomorrow if I had an opportunity. .

Julie Trembley
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Julie Trembley
July 29, 2024

Amazing experience at a great price! Staff is super knowledgeable and helpful. Definitely recommend!!

Kari Denning
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Kari Denning
July 28, 2024

We are here on vacation from Indiana and went on our guided half day tour this morning and we had the absolute best time! All your workers were great from person who met us to talk to us, our bus driver but our guide Sharbo (spelling?) was amazing! He was full of information and answered all our questions and was tons of fun! My son Brayden thought he was awesome and wanted to be by him on the raft all day! We have nothing negative to say and would recommend everyone to give you all a try!! And if you get Sharbo as a guide you are bound to have a fun, exciting and informative trip!! 😊

Alyssa Harvey
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Alyssa Harvey
July 27, 2024

Such a great experience! The entire staff was amazing. Our guide Savannah was the best. We love it. Highly recommend.

Kate Fyda
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Kate Fyda
July 27, 2024

Our family of 6 had an amazing time! The weather was perfect and our guide was hilarious. It was the perfect way to see the beauty of Moab. My kids loved being able to get out of the raft and float down the river where it was allowed. I would highly recommend Red River for rafting in Moab.

Tammy Laterveer
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Tammy Laterveer
July 26, 2024

Went on a canyoneering adventure with Cage. It was just the 5 of us, and it was Ana amazing adventure! 2 fun repels into the canyons, and a scenic hike back out. Cage was the best guide! Highly recommend.

David Muirhead
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David Muirhead
July 25, 2024

Red River Adventures! We went white water river rafting and we had Maggie as our guide. She was very helpful and polite. You get to go swimming in some spots if you would like to. You get to make a lot of great memories. Red Water River rafting keeps you occupied for the bus ride. They point out cool things. We had a amazing time, I would definitely do this again! 5/5 stars! Thank you! -Ella Muirhead

Emma Gilliland
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Emma Gilliland
July 24, 2024

Absolutely fantastic experience with Red River Adventures in Moab! Our guide, Maggie, was exceptional. Her knowledge of the area and enthusiasm made the trip unforgettable. The scenery was breathtaking, and the rafting was both thrilling and enjoyable. Maggie ensured we were safe and comfortable throughout the journey, and her storytelling added a unique touch to the adventure. The whole team was professional and friendly, making the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. Highly recommend Red River Adventure and be sure to ask for Maggie as your guide – you won't be disappointed! Five stars all the way!