Utah Rafting

Rafts Used by Western River Expeditions

Whether you’re planning to run the big whitewater of the Colorado River through Grand Canyon or Cataract Canyon or if you'd prefer to take it easy on the more mild rapids found on Utah’s Green River, Western River has the perfect fleet of rafts to take you there. Since we match the size of our rafts to the size of the whitewater, you are guaranteed to have fun ride. We pride ourselves in always maintaining the most advanced and up-to-date equipment in the industry so that you can feel safe and confident when you raft with Western River Expeditions.
 Vaseys Paradise in Grand Canyon

Ride big whitewater on western's patented J-Rig raft

Bigger rapids demand bigger rafts, such as Western's patented J-Rig. Where the Colorado River carves through Cataract Canyon earlier in the summer and on our Grand Canyon 3 Day, Grand Canyon 4 Day and Grand Canyon 6 and 7 Day trips, J-Rigs are the vessel of choice for maximum excitement and safety. Environmentally friendly, quiet 4-stroke motors power these rugged rafts specially built for Western.

Western's J-Rig Raft

Named after Western’s founder, Jack Curry, the “J-Rig” is a patented craft offering the most flexible and comfortable ride on the river. If you’re a thrill seeker, you can sit up front where the waves hit hardest, or ride aft for more protection. There are plenty of calm sections along the river where you can move freely around the boat and trade seating positions throughout the trip.

A Whitewater “gusto” seating with safety lines
B “Adventure” seating atop food coolers
C Padded seating atop dry food storage boxes
D Storage area for guest luggage and trip equipment
E Ice water and lemonade coolers
F 4-Cycle outboard motor provides quiet propulsion with low emissions
G Extra motors and spare parts
H First aid supplies and satellite phone
I Compartmented neoprene rubber tubes have 20 separate air chambers and are capable of supporting 66,000 lbs.
J Cold beverage drag bag keeps drinks accessible throughout the day
Experience whitewater fun in an oar boat
Western matches its boats to the challenges of its rivers. On the Green River, Westwater, Salmon River, Snake River, Cataract (later in the summer) and half to 2-day Colorado River trips, guides adeptly maneuver five-passenger rowboats. These specially designed boats are "self-bailing" which means that you'll never touch a bail bucket, except for an impromptu water fight!

Western's Oar Rig

On the oar rig, Western’s guides adeptly maneuver four to six passengers. These specially designed 18-foot boats offer a comfortable ride and are “self-bailing” which means that any water that comes into the raft immediately flows back out.

A Ice water and cold lemonade
B Guest seating
C First aid kit
D Guest gear bags
E Guide seat atop coolers
F Throw bag
G Oars
H Dry food storage box
I Personal storage boxes or bags
J Storage for tents, cots, kitchen stoves, tables
K “Flip Lines” designed to flip a boat over in the rare event of an overturn
L Bucket for boat rinsing... and water fighting
Join the camaraderie of a paddleboat
On select Westwater, and Cataract, Main Salmon, Middle Fork Salmon, Snake River and half to 2-day Colorado River trips trips*, you can join the spirited crew of a paddleboat with your group or some of your new friends. When you're ready to kick back and relax, simply return to your oar boat, stretch out in the sun, and let the guide do the work. *Depending on water levels.

Western's Paddle Raft

Western also has paddleboats which provide “hands-on” excitement in conquering the waves with a spirited team of 6 to 8 rafters. Paddlers need not have any prior experience as Western’s guides will provide ample instruction and ensure everyone’s success.

A Ice cold water
B Guest seating
C Seating for smaller children or guests not wanting to paddle
D Guide seat
E Self-bailing floor instantly flushes out any water from the boat
Paddle your own inflatable kayak
For many people, being active and learning new things are an important part of an outdoor vacation adventure. On select Green River, Salmon River, Snake River and half to 2-day Colorado River trips, two-person inflatable kayaks let you challenge the rapids on your own.* When you're ready to kick back and relax, simply return to your oar boat, stretch out in the sun, and let the guide do the work. *Depending on water levels.

Western's Inflatable Kayak

Also known as a “duckie” or “duck,” these two-person inflatable kayaks let you challenge the rapids on your own. They also provide a peaceful and relaxing way to recline and gaze up at the spectacular scenery in the calm stretches of river. If you’ve never paddled before, acquiring some basic paddle skills with the help of a guide takes only a few minutes. Inflatable kayaks are available throughout the trip and guests can take turns enjoying the ride.

A Comfortable backrests provide support while paddling
B Self-bailing floor instantly flushes out any water that comes into the boat
CKayak paddles make maneuvering the boat easy