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.

River Rafting Reviews and Red River Adventure Testimonials!

Madison Parsons
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Madison Parsons
June 8, 2026

The team at Red River were fantastic! Aiden was a wealth of knowledge and so kind. Very fun, experienced, and willing to do anything to get us down the river. We encountered some intense wind but it was still a blast. We would definitely recommend them!

Tom Cachaza
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Tom Cachaza
June 8, 2026

We had a blast. We took a half day raft trip on the Colorado river in Moab Utah. Mariam was our guide and she made the trip so much fun. There were 6 of us on the raft with her and we all hit it off well. Mariam was very competent in guiding the raft and the on the river and its features. The section of the river flows through magnificent red rock canyons carved by the river. It was not the most challenging rafting that we have done it was actually sedate with a few class one rapids but it was a relaxing experience with light hearted banter on the raft. We enjoyed it throughly.

Brian Halpin
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Brian Halpin
June 7, 2026

Organized, knowledgeable, personable and an organized outfit knows how to put together a fun adventure on the river!

Theresa Meister
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Theresa Meister
June 7, 2026

The water was a bit slow for what we had hoped for but Vjay was great. He told us many interesting things about the cliffs and surrounding area. He pointed out a pair of bald eagles also. We jumped in the water to cool off.

Darren Hooker
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Darren Hooker
June 7, 2026

Great times! The wind was crazy strong coming up the canyon but we powered through it! VJ was amazing!

Matt Kaderly
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Matt Kaderly
June 7, 2026

Highly recommend, our guide was so encouraging and the kids had a blast

Ryan Kramer
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Ryan Kramer
June 7, 2026

Excellent guides! Had a great time with a party of 14.

Tony Olson
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Tony Olson
June 6, 2026

Awesome experience, our guide Adam was great, patient, knowledge and friendly. Great with the kids and adults guiding and teaching them through the whole experience.

Chalise Estes
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Chalise Estes
June 6, 2026

Fantastic trip! Will def use them again. Great guides, esp Molly

Mike Seguin
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Mike Seguin
June 6, 2026

We had a blast Do it!

Lauren Fuller
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Lauren Fuller
June 6, 2026

Professional & Mary was great with my 6 year old who was nervous climbing!

Ryland Drollinger
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Ryland Drollinger
June 6, 2026

Best experience i’ve had ever! The tour guides were all super friendly and love taking you down the river showing you the amazing nature Moab has to offer! Love all the jokes even the dad jokes and had a blast!!! 💥

Clark Kegley
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Clark Kegley
June 5, 2026

Great tour, great staff! Dave, our bus driver was fantastic, Erin, our guide was equally terrific. The whole experience was excellent. Thanks for a great white water rafting trip!

Eddie Darrell
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Eddie Darrell
June 4, 2026

Our guide Ryan was great! We had an epic adventure mixed with epic views, slot canyons, and Awsome repels!

MJ Stew
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MJ Stew
June 3, 2026

We had a great time on the river with Molly. The river was a little low but she made the trip fun. She was an amazing guide with lots of great stories. We were such a great group she even promised us a free Canyoneering trip on our next visit hahaha

Ryan & Mary Felton
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Ryan & Mary Felton
June 3, 2026

Red River Adventures offered great raft ride down Colorado River all the guides were very knowledgeable about the area and well trained in taking us through the river. The rapid were pretty calm when we went but the guides kept it entertaining. We recommend Red River !

Mackenzie Katz
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Mackenzie Katz
June 2, 2026

Molly, our guide was amazing and so fun! I learned so much about Utah and Moab. The lunch was very good as well as the rafting, of course. Overall, excellent experience!

Lori Stegink
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Lori Stegink
June 2, 2026

Nice crew. Fun day.

Sarah Larson
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Sarah Larson
June 2, 2026

My family and I had a great time on our raft trip! Beautiful river, beautiful day and knowledgeable, friendly guides! My daughter said it was her favorite part of our Moab visit!

Todd
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Todd
June 2, 2026

What a fantastic trip!!! My whole family including my 16 & 19 yo loved it. Molly our guide was fantastic and the weather was incredible!

Crask Racing
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Crask Racing
June 2, 2026

This was a lot of fun. Aaron was our guide and was a ton of fun. The other guides, Molly and Seth, were also a lot of fun and they all interacted with the whole group all throughout the day.

DeNardo Lab
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DeNardo Lab
June 1, 2026

Great guides and a great set up. Ton of fun for my family!

K. Adam
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K. Adam
June 1, 2026

We had the best day. Our family of four couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Adam was knowledgeable, fun and put everyone at ease so we could relax and enjoy an incredible adventure. Exceeded our expectations.

Staci Williams
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Staci Williams
May 31, 2026

Enjoyable half day on the Colorado. Upon arrival staff was friendly and professional, bus ride was smooth, and drop off at the river was organized and easy. All guides were approachable, knowledgeable and fun. Dry bags and water bottles provided. Scenery along ride was gorgeous, river is calm and excellent for taking in views and for beginners. There were a few spots to swim. Easy,, fun morning for the entire family.

JoAnn Ortega
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JoAnn Ortega
May 31, 2026

Every guide was amazing. Very informative and great at making sure we didn’t miss any focal points. Dave the truck driver was also awesome. Highly recommend!

Goog Mail
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Goog Mail
May 30, 2026

Fun raft tour of Colorado River. Knowledgeable guide, top notch equipment, fantastic catered lunch.

Amber Kaleward
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Amber Kaleward
May 30, 2026

Professional, on-time, and fun. Our guide Marissa was informative, kept our raft playing a game and she didn't panic when we all went for a swim and the wind took her and the raft up river. :) Great experience!

Stephen K
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Stephen K
May 30, 2026

Great trip down the Colorado River! Guides were fun and easy going. Great way to see canyons and wildlife including Bald eagles that we were fortunate to see on our trip.

X-VP
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X-VP
May 30, 2026

This was our first rafting trip and we are extremely happy with the service Red River’s people provided. They were enthusiastic and entertaining, while keeping our safety and satisfaction a priority. We will definitely return for a full day trip next time.

Bryan Nagel
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Bryan Nagel
May 30, 2026

Our guide, Steph, was incredible. We had such a great time. He made sure everyone was safe the entire time, as well as being friendly and really made sure we were all having a great time. Would highly recommend for anyone looking for a great adventure and a new way to see the canyons.

Alison Berry
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Alison Berry
May 29, 2026

BEST ROCK CLIMBING EXPERIENCE EVER!!!!

Lawrence Powell
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Lawrence Powell
May 29, 2026

Went for the one day guided rock climbing adventure in Salt Lake City; couldn’t have been better! John was super informative, fun to be around, and made it a super interactive experience. 10/10 recommend for anyone both new to rock climbing or looking for a new adventure!

Brad Steffen
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Brad Steffen
May 29, 2026

Awesome job. Will recommend to friends. Thanks

Laura
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Laura
May 28, 2026

We had two awesome experiences with Red River Adventures. First, Liz led an amazing and informative Colorado River rafting trip we got to jump in on. We felt so fortunate to have her as our guide making our time together so fun and exciting as she grew up rafting. Second, we had the privilege of having Steph lead us in a rock climbing afternoon at Wall Street. He is so knowledgeable and skilled as a climber that he taught us so much about outdoor climbing we did not know. I highly recommend both Liz and Steph as your guides and I would recommend any adventure with Red River Adventures while you are in the Moab area.

Carolyn Burton
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Carolyn Burton
May 28, 2026

Our guide Liz was wonderful. A beautiful trip. Liz pointed out sights along the way. I highly recommend this trip.

Katherine Vaughan
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Katherine Vaughan
May 28, 2026

The full-day river rafting trip could not have more perfect for our group of four old friends. Check-in was easy, the bus ride to and from the river was fun. Our guides - Ainsley in our boat, as well as Aaron and Molly - were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and skillful. The lunch was superb. It was my first real river rafting trip, and thanks to this marvelous day, I can say it will not be my last! Highly recommend!

Darrell Shay
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Darrell Shay
May 28, 2026

We had and awesome tour guide. And great time going down the river. All the staff were excellent.

Dave Giles
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Dave Giles
May 28, 2026

Anna was great as our guide. Great staff and workable (friendly about making a change). Really enjoyed our trip with them!

Jessica Orchard
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Jessica Orchard
May 28, 2026

Had an absolute blast Canyoneering with Steph today! He took great care of us and made sure we stayed safe. Would highly recommend!

Marie Shay
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Marie Shay
May 28, 2026

Our guide was a lot of fun. It was a relaxing good time. Not a lot of rapids due to the river not providing them but definitely worth it!! Thank you Jake for the tour!!

Lucy Barna
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Lucy Barna
May 27, 2026

Absolutely superb experience! Top-notch guiding, every detail carefully planned and executed. Worth every penny and so much beyond that. With an extremely intimate guide/guest ratio, safety was kept priority at all times, which allowed me to feel safe and therefore brave enough to enjoy some real challenges, which is why I signed up for this climbing camp. The tone was well-set by the guides and support staff at the beginning of the weekend, ensuring the beautiful balance of all the right factors for us to get what we came for and to leave with a life-changing experience. I would highly recommend this to anybody looking to expand their climbing skill set, get guided access to Indian Creek’s best climbing routes, and also meet some great people! I definitely will be returning.

Michelle Holliday-Levy
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Michelle Holliday-Levy
May 26, 2026

What a great rafting trip we had this past week. Although the water was low (thank you drought) and we had a few 1 or 2 rapids (I mean - it's not Red River's fault that there weren't more rapids. Again - thank you drought), the overall trip was an exceptional experience. First our guide - Liz! Wow, wow, wow. So much information and so much fun! I can't say enough about what she shared regarding conservation, geology and history of the area. From safety to just plain fun and entertainment - I would definitely recommend this company for this experience

Coral Jones
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Coral Jones
May 26, 2026

Adam was great, he was pleasant when a friend called him old and another friend on the trip cried twice and had to be coaxed to go down the mountain. Great guide and great trip. (The water is very cold.)

Victoria Davis
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Victoria Davis
May 26, 2026

Ainsley and Molly were amazing guides!! We had so much fun on our full day trip and even really enjoyed the packed lunch! I would recommend this place for anyone visiting Moab

Rob Schaper
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Rob Schaper
May 26, 2026

Liz was amazing for the rafting trip. Liz recommended Steph as a climbing guide which we were fortunate to climb with the following day. Steph was safe and patient plus an incredible climber. Learned a lot and had the best time.

C D
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C D
May 26, 2026

Great family 1/2 day float! Professional and friendly staff! Give Red River Adventures a try for a relaxing afternoon on the river.

J A
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J A
May 26, 2026

Stef was an awesome guide and really made us feel comfortable and safe throughout the entire experience . Our family consisted of 2 29 year olds a 66 year old mom and 67 year old dad. Gotta say, I highly recommend. Trust your equipment, yourself and your guide - you can do it.

Sushant Mathur
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Sushant Mathur
May 26, 2026

We had the best guide in Ryan. We did the half day rock climbing tour and it was really well organized and the climbs were super fun. 10/10 highly recommended

jeff romero
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jeff romero
May 25, 2026

Loved the River adventure! The 5 hour tour went by fast. Moab is so beautiful with all the Red rock cayons. There's so much to look at. Bald eagles, lizards, rabbits, ducks and more. Liz our tour guide did an excellent job navigating the water and telling us about our surroundings. Highly recommend!

Christopher Haller
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Christopher Haller
May 25, 2026

Awesome guides, made everything very enjoyable!!