Western River Expeditions Taking Reservations Starting Nov. 15, 2018, for 2020 Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

Western River Expeditions is taking reservations as of Nov. 15, 2018, for river rafting adventures in 2020 on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. 

For those chomping at the bit to get on a raft in 2019, the company advises that its Grand Canyon programs are already sold out; however Western River can take bookings now for comparable river rafting trips for the 2019 season on whitewater rivers through Cataract Canyon (Colorado River) and Desolation Canyon (Green River). 

“We’re experiencing significant increases in the number of people booking rafting trips further out and in the number of private charters that take over an entire trip departure,” said Brandon Lake, CMO of Western River Expeditions. He explained that Western River is bound by the permits granted to them. These permits limit the number of guests that can travel with them each year. “This number doesn’t change, but guest demand for what is essentially a limited opportunity does.” 

To book a 2020 Grand Canyon rafting trip, visit westernriver.com at 8 a.m. Mountain Time on Nov. 15, 2018, to secure spots. The Western River reservation team will also be ready to assist with phone reservations. Call toll-free 866-904-1160 or 801-942-6669. 2020 reservations will require a $500 per person non-refundable deposit. 

Those who can’t wait until 2020 may want to consider experiences similar to the Grand Canyon that also combine spectacular scenery with wild whitewater. Western River Expeditions points out that a four-day Cataract Canyon Rafting Adventure doesn’t play second fiddle to the Grand Canyon. It’s just a different section of the river and as remarkable in its own way. 

“Utah’s Cataract Canyon, deep within Canyonlands National Park, is near enough in scale, appearance and proximity to the Grand Canyon that it works the same kind of magic found in the Grand herself. Just one canyon upstream on the Colorado River in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park is hands down the best alternative to a Grand Canyon rafting vacation,” said Lake. 

South of Moab, UT, where the Green and Colorado Rivers meet in a majestic setting called "The Confluence," Cataract Canyon begins. Expanded in size and now fortified by the waters of the Green, the Colorado River carves a deep chasm through the red rock heart of Canyonlands National Park. During spring runoff, the ride can rival the most legendary whitewater anywhere in the world. The remainder of the year river rafters are treated to fun Class III-IV rapids interspersed with calm stretches ideal for a swim under spellbinding canyon walls and geologic formations. Ample time is allotted for side canyon hikes and exploration of ancient Native American sites. The adventure ends with a scenic flight over Canyonlands on the return to Moab’s Canyonlands Field Airport. See: https://www.westernriver.com/cataract-canyon-rafting 

Farther north from the confluence, Utah’s Desolation Canyon was carved by the 730-mile Green River, born from glacial melts on the Continental Divide in the Wyoming Rockies. The Green has created such rare and unique universe that “Deso” has been named to the National Register of Historic Places. The Green’s whitewater promises soft adventure thrills over 60 fun-filled Class II and III rapids. The fun begins with a scenic flight from Moab to the top of a remote desert plateau. Winding through a wilderness of twisted mountains, dramatic cliffs and towering mesas carved by an ancient inland sea, the river reveals stories that stretch back over 40 million years in geologic time as guests paddle and splash 88 river miles. 

Calling this “the ultimate, back-country family river trip,” Jason Taylor, an operations manager who oversees all of Western River Expeditions’ trips in Utah, noted that the five-day program is appropriate for children as young as 5. It’s also a great river trip for extended families and first-time rafters. For more details please see https://www.westernriver.com/desolation-canyon. 

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2019 catalog, questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/. 

About Western River Expeditions

Western River Expeditions is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/). 

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting, and international multi-sport trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. It has been named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company is the proud recipient of the "Best of State" award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for fourteen consecutive years (2004-2017).