Our Guides

Carl Dec

Owner | Guide

Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.

Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Pro 1

Jason Thiemann

Manager | Co-owner

Born and raised in Nebraska, Jason moved to Moab in 2005 after graduating college. Since then he’s spent much of his time exploring the deserts and mountains of the West. He’s climbed hundreds of mountains and scrambled through countless canyons, from Death Valley to the high peaks of Colorado and California. He spends his winters chasing the sun and avoiding cold and snow, usually in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.

Certifications: History nerd, political junkie, literature snob

Adam Morrisett

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Adam has been part of the Red River Adventures crew since April 2010. Right from the start, Adam showed the initiative it takes to be a great guide and trip leader by hiring and adding himself to our roster of guides.

A canyoneer and river junkie, addicted to good music and great friends, we are lucky he hired himself. In the winter, his days are spent riding Wasatch Powder, with nights in the cab of a groomer building features at Brighton.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, ACA Swiftwater Rescue, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Brian Johnson

Raft Guide Trainer | Guide: Rafting, Climbing, Canyoneering, Ice

Straight out of Cazenovia, New York, Brian has a chipper old soul. Since he was a kid, he’s enjoyed spending all of his time scrambling rocks around New York. Since moving to Moab, he has developed a passion for climbing big sandstone rocks. Although a rock enthusiast, Brian fell in love with the water when he took his first trip down the Arkansas River in Colorado.

Brian is an all-around outdoor junkie and is always up for new adventures!

Certifications: AMGA Rock Guide, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Cage Vigil

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Cage was born and raised in Ogden, Utah, which has allowed him to cut his teeth in the Wasatch Mountains. Cage has spent the last four years guiding, instructing, and educating in the Ogden area, as well as other parts of Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. Cage has worked on rock, snow, and water, and loves sharing his passions with those that join him in the wilderness.

When he’s not working, Cage spends his time volunteering with search and rescue, climbing big rocks and mountains, and hanging out with his dog and family.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Swiftwater 1, SPRAT 1, MRT-2, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Charbo

Boatyard Manager | Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Born in the suburban oasis of Long Island, New York, Charbo has called Utah home for five years now. To quote his horoscope in the local paper, Charbo is an “Original Idea Machine” that will keep you laughing on rock, rivers, and canyons.

Charbo’s passion for rediscovering familiar places keeps bringing him back to Moab year after year.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Emily Larsen

Guide: Rafting

Born and raised in Bountiful, Utah, Emily has grown a special love for the outdoors. She loves doing anything outside and spends her time hiking, climbing, snowboarding and rafting. During the colder months, Emily can be found attending local concerts, playing the trumpet in an all-women’s jazz combo, and going to class at Utah State University.

Emily’s goal for the season is to navigate the rapids with the grace of a swan, the humor of a comedian, and the wisdom of a river sage.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR

Grace Bauer

Guide: Rafting

Grace was born in Wisconsin and raised in Frisco, Colorado. Grace’s biggest passion is traveling and learning new skills and activities. Grace loves doing anything outside, but has a good balance of down time activities too. She likes scrapbooking, reading, video games, and art.

She currently lives in her truck camper and travels around working seasonal jobs in different areas. It’s rare for her to stay in one place longer than a year. Grace’s goal this season is to learn as many dad jokes as possible.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Aid, CPR

Jake Glockner

Guide: Rafting

Jake grew up in Ohio, where he learned how to ski, climb, and whitewater kayak. Wanting to progress in his passions, he moved to the mountains of north-central Colorado. After college, Jake worked as an engineer for two years until leaving to pursue a career outside. He works as a ski coach for Winter Park’s competition center in the winters and as a climbing guide in the summers. No longer stuck in a cubicle, Jake spends his days smashing whitewater with friends, climbing Utah’s beautiful sandstone, and chasing snowstorms for powder skiing.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Jonas Jacobs

Guide: Rafting

Meet Jonas, a born-and-raised Seattleite who ended up in Moab for the same reason as our visitors—it’s awesome! An avid enjoyer of new experiences and all things outdoors, he spends most of his free time rafting, hiking, and climbing. Always ready for a conversation, he loves learning new things about people and places.

Jonas spends the majority of his time on the river, but during the off-season, he plans to return to the University of Utah to continue studying computer science.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR

Jordan Dullnigg

Guide: Rafting

Coming from the ‘burbs of Chicago, Jordan has settled in Ogden, Utah for the last 4 years for college at Weber State University, studying Special Education. Jordan has guided at the Weber State Outdoor Program for the last 4 years, working on rock, water and the adaptive climbing clinics.

When Jordan is not on the river, you can find her attempting to ski the powder of the Wasatch Mountains and reading.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

June Rust

Guide: Rafting

June was born in Talkeetna, Alaska, and transplanted to Salt Lake City as a nursing student. Her biggest love is alpine climbing, and she grew up on the confluence of three rivers. She’s loved her time on the Colorado River, and while she’s drawn to the sandstone climbing of the Southwest, she’s always down to get rowdy on the waves anytime.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, First Aid, CPR, Certified Nursing Assistant, NOLS Rock Climbing Graduate

Kenzie Knippers

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Born in Oklahoma and raised in Arizona, Kenzie is a graduate of Arizona State University. Kenzie is an extremely easy-going person but will probably make friends with your dog before introducing herself. In her spare time, she enjoys a steep hike, climbing some rock, or a day at the lake. Overall she is most proud of her ability to catch on quickly to new activities, as well as her work as a Catalina Island Marine Institute counselor.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Kira Langell

Guide: Rafting

Born and raised in San Jose, California, Kira spent her time running wild in the expansive redwood forests and catching waves on the Santa Cruz coastline. Kira migrated to Utah five years ago, and has since spent every free moment skiing, hiking, climbing, and rafting. Perpetually in pursuit of adventure, Kira is looking forward to spending her days exploring the Moab desert.

Kira has an affinity for ecology and evolution, and knows just about everything about Moab’s desert biome. If there’s anything Kira is good for, it’s strange and obscure animal facts.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, EMT, CPR

Liz Greer

Guide: Rafting

Liz grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, where she developed a deep love for whitewater and the outdoors. After graduating from George Washington University with a B.A. in International Affairs, she decided to pursue her passion for guiding full-time prior to going to grad school.

Following working on the Rio Grande and Chattooga River, a combined interest in whitewater and geology led her to Moab, where she’ll excitedly share every fact about rocks she knows if you’ll lend an ear. On her days off, you can find Liz crocheting, kayaking, and going for long runs on trail.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Maggie Groene

Guide: Rafting

Maggie is a born and raised Moab local, and her parents were lowering her down cliffs and getting her on the river before she could even walk. She just finished her first year studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Utah, and has loved getting to ski nearly three times a week (especially in the Wasatch backcountry). However, at heart she’s still a desert girl, and loves nothing more than being on slickrock out under a full starry sky.

She posts on Strava like it’s a full time job, will laugh at just about any joke (no matter how bad), and loves getting to share her hometown with people who love it just as much as she does.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Aid, CPR

Makayla Hunick

Guide: Rafting

Makayla was born in American Fork, Utah. She has spent many years traveling overseas and across the United States. With much curiosity and excitement for the outdoors, she continues to explore the world. A lot of her free time is spent snowboarding, hiking, camping, climbing or anything water-based.

She’s in for any outdoor adventure, taking photographs any chance she gets. Adventure is in her blood and passion for nature is in her soul.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Mary Eden

Guide: Climbing | Indian Creek Crack Camps | Owner, Big Beauty Pitches Productions

Mary Catherine Eden, a Kentucky transplant, moved to Moab and fell in love with the rocks, canyons, and desert life. Originally an endurance horse trainer, she turned into a rock climbing fanatic! Mary is currently an AMGA Rock Guide Apprentice training for her Advanced Rock Guide course. Her favorite kind of climbing involves long days with scenic summits, unique Indian Creek splitters, and crazy wide cracks. If she isn’t in a canyon or climbing a route then you’ll most likely find her delving into climbing photography. After volunteering for the National Park Service for six months, Mary discovered her love of guided walks and entered the guiding industry. She is stoked and excited for every new season!

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Molly Older

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Hailing from beautiful upstate New York, Molly landed in Moab to chase the desert sun. A lover of candy and crazy ideas, you can find her doing almost anything, as long as it’s outdoors. She enjoys new experiences and learning as much as she can!

Her biggest goals are to one day land a kickflip and to laugh as much as possible. She is always stoked to get on the river and rock and lives to share her passion of the outdoors with others.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Noah McKelvin

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Originally from Colorado, Noah could be described as an even-keeled old soul. As a kid, Noah fell in love with all facets of the outdoors, from getting to the summit of over 100 desert towers to alpine climbing in some of the bigger mountain ranges of the world.

Although he enjoys the high adventure in climbing, he also enjoys time spent on the river and canyoneering. Noah has lived and breathed the outdoors for his whole life. Previously a first responder, he made the transition into guiding due to the burning desire to share his passion of the outdoors with others.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, EMT, CPR

Savannah Jessop

Guide: Rafting

Savannah was raised in Sandy, Utah, where she spent most of her time in the Cottonwood canyons and swimming. After moving to St. George, she found that the red rock is where she’s meant to be. She’s a warm-weather lover with an affinity for clay and making people laugh. In her down time, you can find her in her ceramics studio or wandering around the desert and looking at rock formations.

Her goal this summer in Moab is to befriend the local ravens to follow her down the river.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Aid, CPR

Will Morgan

Guide: Rafting

Growing up in Salt Lake City, Will shares a fond passion for recreating outdoors. During the winter months, he loves to ski and board at Beaver Mountain and Alta Ski Resort. In the summer, he enjoys fly fishing, rafting, and paddle boarding up Logan Canyon and other canyons in northern Utah and Idaho. Will is a recent graduate from Utah State University, receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Technology Systems Product Development.

A few of Will’s goals for this summer are to bring to the river a bundle of energy, positive vibes, and excellent experiences. He also plans to be as informed as possible so he can provide relevant and up-to-date information for his passengers. He enjoys learning about geological features and the ecology of Southern Utah and Colorado.

Certifications: Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Aid, CPR

Carl Dec

Owner | Guide

Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.

Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, Wilderness First Responder, AAIRE Pro 1

Brian Johnson

Raft Guide Trainer | Guide: Rafting, Climbing, Canyoneering, Ice

Straight out of Cazenovia, New York, Brian has a chipper old soul. Since he was a kid, he’s enjoyed spending all of his time scrambling rocks around New York. Since moving to Moab, he has developed a passion for climbing big sandstone rocks. Although a rock enthusiast, Brian fell in love with the water when he took his first trip down the Arkansas River in Colorado.

Brian is an all-around outdoor junkie and is always up for new adventures!

Certifications: AMGA Rock Guide, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Cage Vigil

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Cage was born and raised in Ogden, Utah, which has allowed him to cut his teeth in the Wasatch Mountains. Cage has spent the last four years guiding, instructing, and educating in the Ogden area, as well as other parts of Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. Cage has worked on rock, snow, and water, and loves sharing his passions with those that join him in the wilderness.

When he’s not working, Cage spends his time volunteering with search and rescue, climbing big rocks and mountains, and hanging out with his dog and family.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Swiftwater 1, SPRAT 1, MRT-2, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Charbo

Boatyard Manager | Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Born in the suburban oasis of Long Island, New York, Charbo has called Utah home for five years now. To quote his horoscope in the local paper, Charbo is an “Original Idea Machine” that will keep you laughing on rock, rivers, and canyons.

Charbo’s passion for rediscovering familiar places keeps bringing him back to Moab year after year.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Kenzie Knippers

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Born in Oklahoma and raised in Arizona, Kenzie is a graduate of Arizona State University. Kenzie is an extremely easy-going person but will probably make friends with your dog before introducing herself. In her spare time, she enjoys a steep hike, climbing some rock, or a day at the lake. Overall she is most proud of her ability to catch on quickly to new activities, as well as her work as a Catalina Island Marine Institute counselor.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Mary Eden

Guide: Climbing | Indian Creek Crack Camps | Owner, Big Beauty Pitches Productions

Mary Catherine Eden, a Kentucky transplant, moved to Moab and fell in love with the rocks, canyons, and desert life. Originally an endurance horse trainer, she turned into a rock climbing fanatic! Mary is currently an AMGA Rock Guide Apprentice training for her Advanced Rock Guide course. Her favorite kind of climbing involves long days with scenic summits, unique Indian Creek splitters, and crazy wide cracks. If she isn’t in a canyon or climbing a route then you’ll most likely find her delving into climbing photography. After volunteering for the National Park Service for six months, Mary discovered her love of guided walks and entered the guiding industry. She is stoked and excited for every new season!

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Molly Older

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Hailing from beautiful upstate New York, Molly landed in Moab to chase the desert sun. A lover of candy and crazy ideas, you can find her doing almost anything, as long as it’s outdoors. She enjoys new experiences and learning as much as she can!

Her biggest goals are to one day land a kickflip and to laugh as much as possible. She is always stoked to get on the river and rock and lives to share her passion of the outdoors with others.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Noah McKelvin

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Originally from Colorado, Noah could be described as an even-keeled old soul. As a kid, Noah fell in love with all facets of the outdoors, from getting to the summit of over 100 desert towers to alpine climbing in some of the bigger mountain ranges of the world.

Although he enjoys the high adventure in climbing, he also enjoys time spent on the river and canyoneering. Noah has lived and breathed the outdoors for his whole life. Previously a first responder, he made the transition into guiding due to the burning desire to share his passion of the outdoors with others.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, EMT, CPR

John Lemnotis

Guide: Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Split Board, Ski

John began his life in the outdoors on the East Coast, learning to ski and snowboard on a small hometown hill, and eventually ditching class whenever possible to escape to the grey bird slopes of Vermont’s resorts. Despite the call of the mountains, John finished college with a Doctorate in Pharmacy and moved to Utah for the beautiful mountains and unrivaled snow quality. By 2015, John realized that Pharmacy wasn’t for him, and he began pursuing a full AMGA certification. In August 2022 John passed his last exam and became the 179th American to gain IFMGA certification.

Certifications: IFMGA Mountain Guide, Pharm.D., Wilderness First Responder

John Kear

Guide and Instructor: AMGA SPI courses and exams
Owner, Suntoucher Mountain Guides | IFMGA Mountain Guide 

John is a full-time mountain guide and AMGA Instructor pool member. John’s climbing, skiing and guiding encompasses nearly three decades of experience. After many years of professional guiding throughout North and South America as well as Europe, he set out on a new path: graduate school. John received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2015 and currently practices in Taos, New Mexico. He continues to share his experience, knowledge, and mastery of the mountains, both as an instructor team-member for the American Mountain Guides Association, and as the owner and head guide for Suntoucher Mountain Guides.

Certifications: IFMGA, Wilderness First Responder

Carl Dec

Owner | Guide

Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.

Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, Wilderness First Responder, AAIRE Pro 1

Adam Morrisett

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Adam has been part of the Red River Adventures crew since April 2010. Right from the start, Adam showed the initiative it takes to be a great guide and trip leader by hiring and adding himself to our roster of guides.

A canyoneer and river junkie, addicted to good music and great friends, we are lucky he hired himself. In the winter, his days are spent riding Wasatch Powder, with nights in the cab of a groomer building features at Brighton.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, ACA Swiftwater Rescue, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Brian Johnson

Raft Guide Trainer | Guide: Rafting, Climbing, Canyoneering, Ice

Straight out of Cazenovia, New York, Brian has a chipper old soul. Since he was a kid, he’s enjoyed spending all of his time scrambling rocks around New York. Since moving to Moab, he has developed a passion for climbing big sandstone rocks. Although a rock enthusiast, Brian fell in love with the water when he took his first trip down the Arkansas River in Colorado.

Brian is an all-around outdoor junkie and is always up for new adventures!

Certifications: AMGA Rock Guide, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Cage Vigil

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Cage was born and raised in Ogden, Utah, which has allowed him to cut his teeth in the Wasatch Mountains. Cage has spent the last four years guiding, instructing, and educating in the Ogden area, as well as other parts of Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. Cage has worked on rock, snow, and water, and loves sharing his passions with those that join him in the wilderness.

When he’s not working, Cage spends his time volunteering with search and rescue, climbing big rocks and mountains, and hanging out with his dog and family.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Swiftwater 1, SPRAT 1, MRT-2, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Charbo

Boatyard Manager | Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Born in the suburban oasis of Long Island, New York, Charbo has called Utah home for five years now. To quote his horoscope in the local paper, Charbo is an “Original Idea Machine” that will keep you laughing on rock, rivers, and canyons.

Charbo’s passion for rediscovering familiar places keeps bringing him back to Moab year after year.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Kenzie Knippers

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Born in Oklahoma and raised in Arizona, Kenzie is a graduate of Arizona State University. Kenzie is an extremely easy-going person but will probably make friends with your dog before introducing herself. In her spare time, she enjoys a steep hike, climbing some rock, or a day at the lake. Overall she is most proud of her ability to catch on quickly to new activities, as well as her work as a Catalina Island Marine Institute counselor.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Molly Older

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Hailing from beautiful upstate New York, Molly landed in Moab to chase the desert sun. A lover of candy and crazy ideas, you can find her doing almost anything, as long as it’s outdoors. She enjoys new experiences and learning as much as she can!

Her biggest goals are to one day land a kickflip and to laugh as much as possible. She is always stoked to get on the river and rock and lives to share her passion of the outdoors with others.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Noah McKelvin

Guide: Rafting, Climbing and Canyoneering

Originally from Colorado, Noah could be described as an even-keeled old soul. As a kid, Noah fell in love with all facets of the outdoors, from getting to the summit of over 100 desert towers to alpine climbing in some of the bigger mountain ranges of the world.

Although he enjoys the high adventure in climbing, he also enjoys time spent on the river and canyoneering. Noah has lived and breathed the outdoors for his whole life. Previously a first responder, he made the transition into guiding due to the burning desire to share his passion of the outdoors with others.

Certifications: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, EMT, CPR

Carl Dec

Owner | Guide

Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.

Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, Wilderness First Responder, AAIRE Pro 1

John Lemnotis

Guide: Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Split Board, Ski

John began his life in the outdoors on the East Coast, learning to ski and snowboard on a small hometown hill, and eventually ditching class whenever possible to escape to the grey bird slopes of Vermont’s resorts. Despite the call of the mountains, John finished college with a Doctorate in Pharmacy and moved to Utah for the beautiful mountains and unrivaled snow quality. By 2015, John realized that Pharmacy wasn’t for him, and he began pursuing a full AMGA certification. In August 2022 John passed his last exam and became the 179th American to gain IFMGA certification.

Certifications: IFMGA Mountain Guide, Pharm.D., Wilderness First Responder

Brian Johnson

Raft Guide Trainer | Guide: Rafting, Climbing, Canyoneering, Ice

Straight out of Cazenovia, New York, Brian has a chipper old soul. Since he was a kid, he’s enjoyed spending all of his time scrambling rocks around New York. Since moving to Moab, he has developed a passion for climbing big sandstone rocks. Although a rock enthusiast, Brian fell in love with the water when he took his first trip down the Arkansas River in Colorado.

Brian is an all-around outdoor junkie and is always up for new adventures!

Certifications: AMGA Rock Guide, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Licensed Utah River Guide, Wilderness First Responder, CPR

Carl Dec

Owner | Guide

Originally from New Jersey, Carl quit “Wall Street” and NYC and moved to Salt Lake City in September 1997 to, as his wife puts it, ski. After the first 100-ski-day winter, he discovered the many other outdoor activities that Utah has to offer. Climbing and kayaking quickly became passions, and in 2003, he started Red River Adventures and began rafting operations. Red River added climbing and canyoneering trips to the mix in 2005, followed by skiing trips in 2016. Carl climbs rock, ice, mixed, and alpine, ski tours, and rafts with equal vigor.

Certifications: Licensed Utah and Idaho River Guide, AMGA Rock Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA SPI provider, AMGA Apprentice Ski & Alpine Guide, Wilderness First Responder, AAIRE Pro 1

John Lemnotis

Guide: Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Split Board, Ski

John began his life in the outdoors on the East Coast, learning to ski and snowboard on a small hometown hill, and eventually ditching class whenever possible to escape to the grey bird slopes of Vermont’s resorts. Despite the call of the mountains, John finished college with a Doctorate in Pharmacy and moved to Utah for the beautiful mountains and unrivaled snow quality. By 2015, John realized that Pharmacy wasn’t for him, and he began pursuing a full AMGA certification. In August 2022 John passed his last exam and became the 179th American to gain IFMGA certification.

Certifications: IFMGA Mountain Guide, Pharm.D., Wilderness First Responder

John Kear

Guide and Instructor: AMGA SPI courses and exams
Owner, Suntoucher Mountain Guides | IFMGA Mountain Guide 

John is a full-time mountain guide and AMGA Instructor pool member. John’s climbing, skiing and guiding encompasses nearly three decades of experience. After many years of professional guiding throughout North and South America as well as Europe, he set out on a new path: graduate school. John received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2015 and currently practices in Taos, New Mexico. He continues to share his experience, knowledge, and mastery of the mountains, both as an instructor team member for the American Mountain Guides Association and as the owner and head guide for Suntoucher Mountain Guides.

Certifications: IFMGA, Wilderness First Responder