Why a Rafting Trip May Be the Best Vacation You’ve Ever Done

In a world dominated by screens, there’s something magical about unplugging and reconnecting with the natural world. Rafting trips with Western River Expeditions take you into the heart of nature—deep canyons, vast desert landscapes, and starry skies free from light pollution. Leave your devices behind and reconnect with your family, friends, or even yourself in a way that only nature can inspire.

Paul Mueller
"Great meals, beautiful starry evenings, and zero access to devices. A wonderful way to get back to the basics of life."

Brittany Olsson
"Every now and then (if you're lucky) you might visit a place that changes you. To say the canyon is a special place doesn't even begin to cut it. But the real magic is in the relationships forged and deepened. The escape from being tethered to technology adds the most amazing backdrop for a hard reset, reminding you of what matters most in this life.

Western River Expeditions is absolutely incredible; I wouldn't run the river any other way. Their guides are the best at what they do while also making your experience fun and carefree. I made new friends, saw old friends, and we all made new core memories on the river. It's a trip I'll never forget. Meanwhile... I'll be daydreaming I'm back on the river."

Whether you’re craving the heart-pounding rapids of Cataract Canyon or the scenic tranquility of drifting deeper into Desolation Canyon, Western River Expeditions offers something for everyone. For thrill-seekers, the massive waves of the J-Rig through the Grand Canyon promise an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Prefer a gentler pace? Try paddling calm stretches in a duckie (inflatable kayak), perfect for soaking in the sights and sounds of the canyon.

Rebecca Lubbers
"The rafting itself was varying degrees of exciting, thrilling (a couple of times a little scary for me lol), peaceful, relaxing, HOT, cold and amazing. The scenery was so incredible I often just sat and watched in wonder. While some of the rapids were "scary" I never once felt like I was in any danger whatsoever (as long as I sucked rubber when Mark yelled for us to do so, lol!)."

Think camping means sacrificing comfort? Think again. Western River Expeditions are known for their all-inclusive approach to wilderness luxury. We've been doing it since 1961. Gourmet riverside meals, high-quality camping gear, and guides who set up camp ensure you’ll enjoy the great outdoors without the stress of planning or packing. Imagine sipping coffee as the sun rises over the canyon walls, followed by a hearty breakfast prepared by your expert guides.

Laurie Wenner
"Western River Expeditions was fabulous in every way! The rafts were unbelievable in the amount of stuff they carried while allowing for our movement around the vessel and trading places from the pontoons to the ice chests to the back to fill up our water bottles. The choice of riding the rapids made for an exhilarating experience from the safety of the back, the view from the ice chests to the sheer terror of the pontoons. The guides are amazing in their care for the people as well as the environment. Their professionalism and friendly demeanor was a great balance. I am just astounded that they could also qualify as chefs. The food was delicious throughout! Being serenaded in the slot canyon was over the top! We loved the stories and insight into the canyon geology during the calmer waters too. Daniel made the uncomfortable task of dealing with human waste funny but serious too. It was so nice to land on a camp spot on the 'beach' and it be pristine except for footprints. No easy accomplishment with thousands of people rafting down the river every summer. Kudos to Western River for running a First-class outfit!"

Some of the world’s most iconic landscapes are only accessible by river. From the towering cliffs of the Grand Canyon to the dramatic beauty of Utah’s Cataract Canyon and Desolation Canyon, you’ll experience vistas that leave you speechless. It's big out West!

Rachel Eisenhart
"I've traveled a lot of places and have lots of favorites from across the globe. HOWEVER, the 6-day Grand Canyon trip has now surpassed them all. We lucked out on a lot of things that were outside anyone's control (weather, water clarity, etc.), but where Western takes over is the organization, expertise, and overall professionalism of the crew. The timing to get to various sites when least crowded was on point, and the campsites were excellent. Wiley, Newty, Mairead, and Joe were funny, engaging, and pushed this trip up to my favorite vacation ever. Seeing the Canyon from that vantage point will never get old, and knowing Western has the best group of guides on the river makes the decision in the future easy."

There’s something about shared adventures that bond people like nothing else. Whether you’re paddling through rapids with your family, sharing stories around the campfire, or marveling at a shooting star together, a rafting trip creates memories you’ll treasure forever.

Consider this review from Jeffrey Blum:
"The 13 members of our family on this excursion all agree we had a lifetime memorable and enjoyable experience together. It was a true bonding time. The many details required for a successful canyon rafting adventure, including transportation, outfitting, and daily activities, were amazingly thorough and carried out in a seamless fashion. Our guides were of course friendly, knowledgeable, and very professional. They were always looking out for our well-being."

A rafting trip isn’t just about the river—it’s about the people you’re with. Western River Expeditions and Moab Adventure Center guides are experts at navigating rapids, telling stories of the region’s history and geology, and making you feel like part of a family. Their passion for the river is contagious, ensuring every moment of your trip is unforgettable.

Kim Kraft
"Wow. This was one of the best experiences of my life. I have nothing to compare it to, but from my perspective, everything was top-notch. The guides were absolutely amazing young adults who made an effort to get to know all the participants, young and old. It was amazing to see a group of 19 strangers get to know each other and become friends."

There are few places on Earth where you can experience the raw, untamed beauty of deep canyons, mighty rivers, and towering red rock landscapes—all while being just a short flight (or road trip) from home. The American West is a global bucket list destination for a reason: nowhere else offers this unique blend of wild landscapes, legendary rivers, and vast, untouched wilderness. Travelers from around the world spend thousands just to step foot in places like the Grand Canyon, Cataract Canyon, or the towering formations of Arches National Park. These world-class adventures are practically in our backyard. It’s the rare chance to feel a million miles away—without needing a passport.