Most Popular Options for Getting to Moab, Utah:

1. Direct Flight - Daily flights into Moab are available through Great Lakes Airlines www.flygreatlakes.com. Book a shuttle from airport to Moab (we can book this for you) & rent a jeep or a car at Thrifty Car Rentals to get around.
   
2. Flight to Nearby Airport & Rent a Car - You can fly direct, fly to a nearby airport such as Salt Lake City, Utah (nearest) and rent a car to drive to Moab. See mileages below.
   
   Travel Time to Moab, Utah
   from Closest Major Airports:
   Salt Lake City, Utah ............... 1 hr flight
   Salt Lake City, Utah ................ 4 hr drive
   Denver, Colorado ................... 6 hr drive
   Las Vegas, Nevada ............... 8 hr drive
   Mileage Finder
   
   See all available options for getting to Moab »
   
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After you have made your reservations with us, please call and request Western River Expedition's special discount rate at any of these properties.
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A. The following chart summarizes all departure and return times to and from Moab, Utah and suggests common travel options.

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Men’s Clothing and Women’s Clothing

• Two-piece rain gear - a must for unpredictable summer thunderstorms.
  See recommended women’s rain gear. See men’s raingear.
• 2 pair shorts
  See all women’s shorts. See all men’s shorts.
• 2 swimsuits - most women find a sports top & swim shorts most convenient. See recommended women’s sports top, women’s swim shorts, men’s swim trunks.
• 1 pair long quick-drying nylon pants - zip-off, convertible pants work very well, and save space by doubling one pair of shorts and pants.
  See recommended women’s convertible pants. See men’s convertible pants.
• 2-3 lightweight, quick-drying shirts
  See all women’s shirts, tops and tankinis. See all men’s shirts.
• 1 long-sleeved quick drying shirt for sun and insect protection
  See recommended women’s shirt. See recommended men’s shirt.
• Lightweight, comfortable camp clothing. Women may want to consider a sarong. They’re a great swimsuit cover-up and create a fun way to "dress up" a bit in camp.
  See all women’s pants, shorts and sarongs. See all women’s t-shirts and shirts. See all men’s shorts & pants. See all men’s t shirts and camp shirts.
• Moisture-wicking underwear & socks
  See women's underwear & socks. See men’s underwear & socks.
• Sturdy sport sandals and/or shoes that can get wet, dry quickly and are sturdy enough for hiking. (Please make sure your shoes or sandals are broken in and that you bring socks in case of blisters.)
  See women’s sport sandals and shoes.See men's sport sandals and shoes.
• Lightweight fleece jacket for nights and mornings or to wear under rain gear in cooler weather. See women’s fleece jackets. See men’s fleece jackets.
• Sun hat with security draw cord or hat clip to attach to life jacket or shirt
  See women’s sun hats. See men’s sun hats. Women should also consider a headband. These work well to control hair in windy weather.
• Neoprene or nylon gloves. These neoprene or nylon gloves will help protect your hands while gripping ropes on the boat which can often be rough and sandy.

Personal Travel Accessories

• Plenty of Waterproof sun block and sunscreen lip balm (a must)
• After sun body lotion with Aloe Vera or similar after-sun ingredients
• Biodegradable soap and shampoo in small bottles
• Sport water bottle or hydration system for hikes. Be sure to bring a small carrying case or fanny pack if you choose a water bottle.
• Headlamp or flashlight & extra batteries (headlamp recommended)
• Insect repellant (small container)
• Sunglasses with retainer
• Camera and carrying case or accessory bag (NOTE: online post-trip photo sharing will be available for those with digital images. Be sure we have your correct email address on file so we can email your login information after your trip.) You may also want to take some disposable waterproof cameras.
Small camp pillow
• Carabiner(s) (perfect for keeping personal items and water bottles nearby)
• Toiletry Kit with essential items
• Feminine hygiene products
• Small towel and washcloth
• Disposable moist towelettes
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Small pack of tissue
• Personal medications
• Cash, credit card and photo ID (You'll want to take some cash with you on your trip for gratuities for your guides - generally 5 - 10% of trip cost)

Optional

• Area guide book and/or river map. See Canyonlands River Guide.
• Pen and paper or small journal or notebook
• Marker to label drinks. Consider wrapping a couple feet of duct tape around your pen or marker. This works great to fix broken sandal straps, luggage handles or for any other unexpected repairs.
• A few clothespins and small piece of rope for drying clothes

NOTE
All of these items should be packed in a soft "duffle-style" bag, approximately 24" x 12" x 11". This will ensure that all of your gear will fit into your river dry bag. See our recommended duffle bag from Columbia®. Get this bag free when you purchase "The Works."

See Packing & Travel Tips »

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A: On the river, it's important to be prepared for all types of weather. Although the weather on Cataract Canyon is warm and sunny for the most part, Mother Nature will occasionally surprise us with a renewing rainstorm or cooler temperatures. Temperatures can vary, but the following chart shows average temperature and precipitation for the months of March through October. Water temperatures range from 60-75° in the spring and summer.
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A: If you must cancel any reservation, the information and reasons regarding the cancellation must be received in writing. The cancellation fee will follow the formula in the box below.

Our cancellation policy applies in every instance and there will be no exceptions for any reason. Western River Expeditions will not issue any refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. Western is not responsible for any expenses incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. If you are concerned about the possibility of having to cancel, we strongly suggest you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your vacation investment.

Some of the most difficult situations we have had to deal with concern making a "win/win" out of a situation when a guest needs to cancel a few days before a trip because they broke their leg, an elderly parent suddenly gets sick, or some other catastrophic event requires cancellation. In these situations, we generally do not have time to refill the space. Yet, we have already spent considerable time, money, and energy preparing for your trip: scheduling vehicles, flights, drivers, guides and equipment, purchasing food, etc. Because of our short season and very limited number of available seats, we cannot afford the financial loss that cancellations cause. Therefore, in deciding whether or not to buy this insurance, consider the investment you are making in your vacation and whether or not you could afford the loss if you did have to cancel.

For only $7.00 per $100 of coverage, this insurance provides reimbursement of all applicable tour costs associated with your cancellation according to policy details. Please see policy order form for coverage details. You can also purchase more comprehensive coverage to insure travel delays, baggage loss and other travel-related issues. A policy order form will be enclosed with your confirmation packet. You may also print this insurance order form or order cancellation insurance online. Again, we highly recommend you purchase insurance to protect your investment as our cancellation policy will appy in every instance. Western River Expeditions assumes no financial responsibility for personal injury, emergency evacuation, or equipment lost or damaged in any way.

Transfers »
Trip and date transfers 60+ days prior to trip departure and within the current year will incur a $50 per reservation service charge. Trip and date transfers 60+ days prior to departure that are transferred into the following year will incur a $100 per person service charge. Once a trip has been transferred, no refunds will be issued. Transfer dates, reasons and information is required in writing. No refunds or transfers will be allowed within 0 to 60 days of trip departure for any reason.
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During the pre-trip planning process, we often receive a number of questions related to choosing which trip is best for you, the nature of a river trip, what to expect during the trip, and what degree of physical conditioning is required for a river trip. While we have found that we can accommodate a wide range of abilities on all of our rafting trips, the better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy yourself.

Our primary concern is for you and your fellow guests to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. If you are concerned about any of these requirements, please call our friendly staff to further discuss which trip is right for you. Our Acknowledgement of Risk Form will more fully describe some of the inherent risks involved in these activities. We look forward to having you join us on the adventure of a lifetime.

A typical day will include rafting for a few hours at a time, stopping for scenic side-canyon hikes, bathroom breaks, lunch and possible swimming opportunities. Visiting with new-found friends and learning river lore and geology from our well-trained guides adds to the enjoyment of each day.

After a full day of learning and fun we arrive in camp. Guests will be allowed to find their favorite campsite and then return to the rafts for the famous “fireline” - the way we load and unload rafts. Your help in passing the gear off the boat is greatly appreciated, however if you have physical restrictions or limitations that would prohibit you from participating you are not required to help.

The first evening in camp, the guides will give a demonstration on how to easily assemble the cots and tents and will be available to help you if you need additional assistance. Western River provides cots, tents, sleeping bags, sheets, camp chair and water-proof gear bags for all guests. You’ll have no need to worry about bringing any of your own camping equipment.

While you relax at the river’s edge, your guides will prepare dinner. Every night is different, but the menu may include items such as grilled chicken breast, steak with sautéed onions, pasta or fresh fish.

At night, whether you choose to sleep in your tent or under the vast canopy of stars, the fresh night air and the rhythm of the river will lull you to sleep.

Each morning, your guides will prepare a delicious breakfast. You’ll have a chance to enjoy eating before returning to your campsite to take down your tent and cot and pack up your belongings in your dry bag. After bringing your bag down to the boats, guests participate in the fireline once again and you are off on another fun-filled day of adventure.

While a river trip is a participatory experience, the rewards are endless. The setting and pace of a rafting adventure gives you something you don’t find in other vacations. On a Western River Expedition, you will quickly discover why so many are calling this “the best vacation of their lives.” It’s the combination of drifting over tranquil pools of water under the shadows of towering rock formations, the exhilaration and thrill of rolling waves and crashing whitewater, the exploration of seldom-seen waterfalls and Native American history, the peaceful moments of reflection as you gaze up at the star-studded sky, and the fresh feeling of renewal as the morning sun slowly filters through winding canyons. All this provides an indescribable sense of belonging. A sense of oneness with yourself and those around you. A sense of adventure, reflection and renewal. Come discover the difference.