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AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course

AMGA SPI

The American Mountain Guides (AMGA) Single Pitch Instructor course is the first in the sequence of climbing instructor and guide training programs. This is a great way to transition from a capable recreational climber to an effective climbing instructor. This Single Pitch Instructor course is intended for recreational climbers who are already proficient in both top-rope and lead climbing. Since 2008 we have constantly provided the very best in Single Pitch Instructor courses to students.

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Why Choose Red River for SPI training?

  • Red River Adventures has been providing Single Pitch Instructor training longer than any other Utah guide service
  • We are local with locations in both Moab and Salt Lake City
  • The best lead instructors

AMGA SPI Course offerings

Course Pre-Requisites

  • You are at least 18 years old
  • You have a genuine interest in rock climbing and instructing novices on single-pitch crags
  • You have at least 12 months of prior climbing experience
  • You are an active climber with traditional lead climbing experience
  • Have trad lead climbed a minimum of 15 graded rock climbing routes (any grade)
  • Are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 while on a top rope

The prerequisites listed above are absolute minimums and most candidates exceed the requirements. Without having at least this amount of experience you are unlikely to play a constructive part in the course or be able to make the best use of the training. If you are unsure of your skill levels we suggest a day with one of our Certified Single Pitch Instructors to evaluate and enhance your skills and experience prior to SPI Program enrollment.

AMGA SPI Course Salt Lake City, Utah
2025 DATES
May 16th

This courses will be led by Derek DeBruin.
$700

Book online now!

AMGA SPI Exam offerings

Assessment Pre-Requisites
You meet the SPI Assessment Pre-Requisites if:

  • You have successfully completed an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course.
  • You have trad lead climbed a minimum of 40 rock routes. A large number of these should be at 5.6 grade and on a variety of rock types.
  • You are capable of comfortably leading 5.6 traditional routes (leader placing protection).
  • You will demonstrate your leading ability on a variety of routes on the assessment.
  • You are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 while on a top rope.

The SPI Assessment can be taken directly following the SPI Course if the candidate successfully completed the course and meets the Assessment pre-requisites. However, it is highly recommended that the SPI Course candidate takes time practicing and consolidating the skills learned on the course before assessment (6-12 months).

AMGA SPI Exam Salt Lake City, UT
2025 DATES
5/31

$475

Book Online now!

Visit these links for more information on the AMGA and complete details on the Single Pitch program.

Rock Climbing Photo Gallery

Reviews

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 are so proud that this has garnered over 3,000, 5-star reviews 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 100,000+ kids and adults on our rafting, climbing, canyoneering and skiing trips 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 your day, including scheduling of guides, drivers, and ensuring that our equipment is always in top-notch condition. Make a reservation as soon as you know when you want to adventure 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 best 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 your trip.
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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!

We will clearly outline what we will provide and let you know what you need to bring. Generally, all necessary group equipment for you to take part in our trips is included. RRA provides avalanche safety equipment, skis, splitboards, poles, and ice climbing boots. 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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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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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. 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

SPI required gear

  • Climbing equipment:
  • UIAA/CE approved Climbing Helmet
  • UIAA/CE approved Climbing Harness with belay loop
  • Climbing shoes or approach shoes in which you can climb up to 5.7
  • Standard “lead climbing rack” such as, stoppers/nuts, SLCD’s, tri-cams, etc.
  • Assorted 24” and 48” runners (must have one 48” runner)
  • 10 or more non-locking carabiners
  • 3 or more “HMS/Pearbiners”
  • 6 or more locking carabiners, (the more, the better)
  • Belay/rappel device, such as the “Reverso”, “ATC”, etc.
  • Releasable locking belay device, such as the Petzl “GriGri” or Trango “Cinch” belay devices
  • 2 Prussic loops (1m of 5mm Nylon Accessory Cord)
  • 2 cordelettes (5m of 7mm Nylon Accessory Cord)
  • One 60m “single” rope (9.5-10.5mm) suitable for leading and top roping
  • One static or “semi static” (gym line) rope 10-11mm, 30m+, for setting up anchors and fixed lines

Additional equipment is the responsibility of the participant. The course will be run regardless of weather. Be prepared for full days in the field and variable weather conditions.
Red River Adventures does not provided camping or climbing equipment.


Most of our adventures can be booked by clicking the Book Now! button for the trip you want.

For those trips that do not open a calendar, call 1-435-259-4046 or Email us!.

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

We accept:

Accepted Credit Cards

Full Day & Half Day Trips

Payments
  • A deposit of 50% is due at the time of reservation.
  • 7 days prior: 100% of the trip total is due and will be charged to the card on file.
Cancellation
  • 8 days or more prior to departure: Full refund!
  • 7 days or less to departure: 100% of the trip total is nonrefundable and cannot be rescheduled.

Large Groups (14 or more)

Payments
  • A deposit of 50% is due at the time of reservation.
  • 14 days prior: 100% of the trip total is due and will be charged to the card on file.
Cancellation
  • 15 days or more prior to departure: Full refund.
  • 14 days or less to departure: 100% of the trip total is nonrefundable.

Clinics, Courses, and Exams

Payments
  • A deposit of 50% of the total is due at the time of reservation.
  • 30 days prior: 100% of the trip total is due and will be charged to the card on file.
Cancellation
  • 31 or more days prior to start: Full refund.
  • 30 days or less to departure: 100% of the trip total is nonrefundable.

International Trips

Payments
  • A deposit of 50% is due at the time of reservation.
  • 120 days prior: 100% of the trip total is due and will be charged to the card on file.
Cancellation
  • 120+ days prior to departure: 10% of the trip total is nonrefundable.
  • 119 - 60 days prior to departure: 50% of the trip total is nonrefundable.
  • 59 days or less to departure: 100% of the trip total is nonrefundable.

Trip Insurance

Insure Your Trip

We highly recommend using a credit card with trip protection or purchasing travel insurance. Popular credit cards with trip coverage include:

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred / Reserve
  • Capital One Venture X
  • Amex Platinum
  • BOA Premium Rewards

If your credit card doesn’t cover trip protection, consider these travel insurance providers:

  • Allianz
  • World Nomads
  • Travel Guard
  • Tin Leg

Travel insurance can cover your activity, course, clinic, or your entire trip — often at a reasonable cost. Regardless of your trip’s length or size, it’s smart to protect yourself from unforeseen changes.

⚠️ Note: Cancellations or changes for ANY reason are subject to our cancellation policy and will only be refunded as outlined. Please protect your investment by insuring your trip!


Weather Policy

Weather is part of the dynamic environment we operate in. Conditions may not always be ideal.

  • If RRA determines conditions are suitable: No refunds if you choose to cancel/discontinue.
  • If RRA deems conditions unsafe: We may shorten the route, change the venue, or cancel the remainder of your trip.

Refund Breakdown for RRA-Ended Trips

  • Less than halfway complete: 50% of the trip fee is charged.
  • Halfway or more complete: Full trip fee is charged.

General Policies

Red River Adventures (RRA) reserves the right to cancel any trip due to weather, insufficient bookings, or other circumstances beyond our control. We will make every effort to reschedule. If a reschedule isn’t possible, bookings canceled by RRA will receive a full refund.

Alcohol

Full and Half 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!

Jason Kallas
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Jason Kallas
July 15, 2025

Our family had a great time canyoneering. We rappelled twice and hiked through some amazing landscapes. The biggest drop was Morning Glory at 120 ft. Nate, at Red River, was a terrific guide, made it fun and took good care of us. Our rappels are something we'll be talking about for years to come. If you're looking for a fun adventure in Moab, we'd highly recommend Red River Adventures.

Dianna MacPhee
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Dianna MacPhee
July 15, 2025

What a great time! Nate was amazing, encouraging, and professional. Loved every minute.

Hypnotlze
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Hypnotlze
July 15, 2025

Great trip. Great views. Great guide (Erin). Probably my favorite activity in Moab. A well-run outfit; book now!

Cathy Coulter
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Cathy Coulter
July 15, 2025

We had an awesome trip down the Colorado River. Red River adventures were great! The check in process was really easy and organized. Our tour guide was friendly and fun! We got to swim multiple times and even played some fun games on the tube. We just picked them out of the list of tours but so glad we did! I would highly recommend Red River Adventures.

Hayden Miller
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Hayden Miller
July 15, 2025

Guide was chill and shit. I had a good time.

Nathan Wolfe
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Nathan Wolfe
July 15, 2025

Jenna was an excellent river guide. Very friendly. We all enjoyed the casual vibe and conversation with her. Highly recommended!

Bryan Garbellano
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Bryan Garbellano
July 14, 2025

Had an amazing experience on the Colorado River with our Guide John. I highly recommend this experience, especially if it’s your first time to Moab.

Kelsie Foster
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Kelsie Foster
July 14, 2025

I did the Chamisa Canyon canyoneering trip with Nate this morning. He was knowledgeable, safe, fun, and has such a calming demeanor - Everything I was hoping in my guide while doing something that made me nervous! The trip was well worth it. Definitely challenging physically and mentally at times. There was some technical scrambling, different rope techniques for canyoneering, and then the 90ft rappel. Red River as a company was professional and had easeful operations. Highly recommend.

Rafael Vargas
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Rafael Vargas
July 14, 2025

It was very fun ran enjoyable thank you for the experience

CJ Artus
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CJ Artus
July 14, 2025

We had a great experience! Our guide Erin was amazing and her jokes were great!

Noah Sublette
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Noah Sublette
July 13, 2025

The staff at Red River were great! We took the half day trip and had a wonderful time. Our guide, Savannah, was personable and accommodated our group at every turn. We appreciated everyone involved with our experience, including Dave!

J.E. Hawk
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J.E. Hawk
July 13, 2025

Had a blast. Our guide John was a lot of fun. Will hit you up again our next trip to Moab.

michael richards
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michael richards
July 13, 2025

Staff was amazing, our personal guide Jenna was knowledgeable and told the best dad jokes... lol the whole experience was top notch! Thanks for a great day!

Kathy Stigall
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Kathy Stigall
July 12, 2025

We had an awesome time with Red River Rafting. Our guide, Sebastian, was fun and friendly and took great care of us. If you are looking for a rafting company in Moab, search no farther!

Lisa Hawk
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Lisa Hawk
July 12, 2025

Great rafting 1/2 day trip. All 3 guides were awesome. John was in charge of our raft and was funny, personable and skillful. Highly recommend booking with Red River.

Jennifer Thompson
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Jennifer Thompson
July 11, 2025

Everything about this organization gets an A+. From my first outreach where I was met with friendly communication and excellent customer service (this was not the case in all of my Moab excursion interactions), to every moment of the trip, this was an awesome experience. Nathan was a great guide. He was knowledgeable, pointing out things along the way to teach and inform. He was super friendly, offering to take photos of the group in great spots. And he was fun! The trails were beautiful. I felt safe in my rappelling. He even gave some town recommendations on the way back. Awesome experience. Can't recommend enough!

Jeff Smith
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Jeff Smith
July 11, 2025

My wife, daughter, and I had a great experience with our guide and our group. The half day morning trip was the perfect amount of time for us. The thrill of this experience is the beauty of the canyon, swimming in the Colorado, and meeting other travelers.

Ty S
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Ty S
July 11, 2025

We took two excursions with Red River Adventures. The Bow and Arrow canyoneering trip and the Fisher Towers full day rafting trip. Everything ran smoothly and the guides are awesome!! Highly recommend!!

Sarah Cantrell
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Sarah Cantrell
July 9, 2025

fun environment and loved the guides. Made it very fun

Dominique Grecian
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Dominique Grecian
July 8, 2025

Excellent day out with the family!

Mike Florczak
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Mike Florczak
July 7, 2025

Great driver, great guide who was super friendly, great explanations, swam in river, awesome time!

McKenzie Barnes Platt
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McKenzie Barnes Platt
July 7, 2025

Fun time with a great guide!

John Coleman
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John Coleman
July 6, 2025

Aaron our guide was great! The family loved our trip. So glad we did the full day vs the 1/2 day. (Tip- don’t call a raft trip that ends 2:30-3:00 a “full day” trip)

Trevor Massey
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Trevor Massey
July 6, 2025

Jenna was our guide and was wonderful. The trip was great, we moved a good pace and finished on time. The lunch was really nice and simple. Everyone one in my group thoroughly enjoyed it as well. Thank you.

Charles Songy
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Charles Songy
July 5, 2025

Good place to take a rafting trip with. All of the staff was very friendly and helpful. Our guide, John was great! Kept us going and also engaged us in conversation. Rapids were a little less strong, but that's nothing that they have control over. A great experience!

Courtney Bonthuis
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Courtney Bonthuis
July 5, 2025

What a great first experience white water rafting! Jenna was fantastic and the whole crew was funny yet professionals. Our three boys loved it and can’t wait to go again!

Michelle Hall
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Michelle Hall
July 5, 2025

Super friendly staff, our guide Savannah was kind and informative. Such a beautiful rafting journey! We were graced with a wonderful 4th of July experience, as Red River really knows how to do it right.

K 3102
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K 3102
July 5, 2025

The river was a bit mild that day. So we enjoyed the picturesque scenery as we padd)ed. It was a beautiful cloudy day so we saw many herons, 3 otters playing, 2 American bald eagles, and a family of mountain goats on the red rocks way above us. The guides were great... and funny! MKHtravel

Cathy Hollister
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Cathy Hollister
July 4, 2025

I have been whitewater rafting for 42 years. This river trip was wonderful! The rapids are very mild. The scenery is unsurpassed! 😍 I chose this full day float as a special way to experience the beautiful red rock, we spotted River Otters and Bighorn Sheep! The bus driver and guides were all fun and engaging, while totally professional. When I return to the area, I will do this again with Red River.

Morgan Turley
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Morgan Turley
July 3, 2025

Great experience! John was our guide and he was such chill dude. Seamless experience, would recommend!

Ethan Busch
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Ethan Busch
July 3, 2025

Really fun and the hosts were nice and very funny I’d recommend it

John Lucas
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John Lucas
July 3, 2025

Anna and the group of guides, fhe bus driver and everyone at Red River did a great job and I highly recommend Red River. We did the 6 hour trip with lunch and it was outstanding

Ronald Dunleavy
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Ronald Dunleavy
July 3, 2025

We did a half day Green River rafting adventure. Jenna was awesome! Trip was informative, entertaining and fun! Highly recommend! Red River Rocks!

Shane Donnelly
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Shane Donnelly
July 3, 2025

Our guide Emily was funny and awesome. Highly recommend booking with this company.

Sophie Squirrell
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Sophie Squirrell
July 1, 2025

I had a really wonderful time doing a half day rock climbing experience. Carl was an expert guide and explained everything really clearly as I was a beginner. I felt very safe and Carl was a great coach with made me get the most out of the experience. I will never forget the great view from the top. I would highly recommend using red river adventures

Suzie Simon
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Suzie Simon
July 1, 2025

Sam was a great guide!! Would definitely recommend. Would like to have more white water

Elizabeth Chingren NE-Omaha
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Elizabeth Chingren NE-Omaha
July 1, 2025

Our guide Nathan was great! He was so patient with the little boy in our group who was so scared on the big repel. We all made it out alive 😂 He pointed out interesting sites and taught us about the plants along the way.

Kendall Lyons
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Kendall Lyons
June 30, 2025

Awesome company and great river guides! Very satisfied with this company!

L M
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L M
June 30, 2025

Shout out to Sam! She was our guide for the afternoon and we had a blast! She was very professional and informative about the area as well as keeping us all safe. Thank you, Sam and Red River Adventures for a fun river experience. 😃🛶

Renee Anderley
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Renee Anderley
June 30, 2025

We did the Bow and Arrow Canyoneering trip. We had Nathan as our guide and the experience was fantastic. It was a highlight for my 3 teenagers.

Mark Loucks
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Mark Loucks
June 30, 2025

The family and I absolutely had a fabulous time. The folks at Red River Adventures are all friendly, witty, and fun. A big shout out to our guide Jena who made this a wonder morning float, very knowledgeable, professional and fun. we were in good hands. Would recommend Red River to anyone and would definitely do another adventure with them.

Trip Segars
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Trip Segars
June 29, 2025

A relaxing float down the river, with lots of in the water time. Our guide, Jon, made it really enjoyable.

Sean Miller
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Sean Miller
June 29, 2025

The guides were great, engaging, kind, and cute their presentations and directions. Loved our time with Genna, Savannah, Monarch Butterflies, and BIG HORN SHEEP!!

Kelly K
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Kelly K
June 29, 2025

Great staff! Fun, professional, informative. Safe transport. Great driver. Well maintained equipment. Fun experience!

Clare Ashford
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Clare Ashford
June 28, 2025

We had a wonderful time on the Colorado River! Our guides were knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Our 10 yr old loved it and said he can’t wait to go back. I would recommend this trip to any families visiting Moab!

Crystal Anderson
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Crystal Anderson
June 27, 2025

This trip was amazing and perfect for our first time river rafting! The guides and other staff were super helpful and pleasantly entertaining!! I would highly recommend Red River Adventures to all ages and am all-around super impressed!

Aris Burcham
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Aris Burcham
June 27, 2025

Sam is an amazing guide and I had a lovely time. Thanks so much for the great afternoon adventure!

Jeremy Lindgren
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Jeremy Lindgren
June 27, 2025

Emily was an amazing guide! Very knowledgeable and super fun! Would definitely recommend!!

Paul Larsen
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Paul Larsen
June 27, 2025

Great rafting trip! Guide was fantastic and knew a ton of interesting facts about the river, wildlife and things to see. Will be back for sure!

Jacque Lake
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Jacque Lake
June 26, 2025

Red river company was wonderful! Zero complaints and the guides were great but the actual route only hit level two and the rapids are far apart. Nothing the company could do to change that and all the team was excellent and respectful, kind, genuine and will make you laugh.