Physical Requirements for a Rafting Trip

You'll need to step into and out of rafts from shore, sometimes on uneven or slippery surfaces. Good balance, mobility, and the ability to follow your guide's directions are important.

Riverside camps are set up on natural terrain, which may include sand, rocks, slopes, and uneven ground. You'll walk between the rafts, your sleeping area, meals, and bathroom facilities.

River trips involve exposure to sun, heat, wind, rain, and changing temperatures. Most days include time to relax, but several days of outdoor activity can be tiring, especially in hot weather.

Some trips include short walks or longer hikes to viewpoints, waterfalls, historic sites, or other places of interest. The terrain and difficulty vary, and some activities may be optional depending on the trip.

Life jackets are required while rafting. You should be comfortable wearing one, able to follow instructions, and prepared for the possibility of entering the water unexpectedly. Your guides will explain important rafting procedures before you begin.

Many guests with existing medical conditions enjoy rafting trips, but it's important to consider how your condition could affect you in a remote outdoor setting.

River trips involve changing temperatures, uneven terrain, and several days away from everyday conveniences. A condition that's well-managed at home may require additional consideration when medical care is several hours away.

If you have a heart condition, mobility limitation, recent surgery, or another health concern, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider before booking. Our team can also explain the physical demands, environmental conditions, and remoteness of the trip you're considering so you can make an informed decision.

Guides are trained in wilderness first aid, and some have additional emergency-response qualifications. They carry satellite communication equipment to help coordinate assistance when needed.

However, rafting trips travel through remote areas where medical facilities may be several hours away or longer. Satellite communications aren't always reliable, and an evacuation may require a helicopter. Weather, daylight, canyon terrain, and available landing areas can all affect how quickly help can arrive.

These limitations are an important part of planning a wilderness adventure. If you have a condition that could require urgent medical attention, we encourage you to discuss it with your healthcare provider and our team before booking.

Western River Expeditions does not permit guests to participate in rafting trips during pregnancy, regardless of how early or far along the pregnancy is.

Our expeditions take place in remote areas where advanced medical care may be hours away or, in some circumstances, unavailable until the following day. Physical activity, heat, and changing river conditions add considerations that make rafting during pregnancy unsuitable under our participation policy.

If you're planning a rafting adventure for a future date, our team is happy to help you explore your options.

Some food allergies can be accommodated, but we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. River kitchens use shared equipment to store, prepare, and serve food, so cross-contact with allergens is possible even when precautions are taken.

If you have an allergy that could cause difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis, or another life-threatening reaction, please contact our office before booking. We need to understand your specific allergy and its severity to discuss whether the trip can accommodate your needs.

Guests with severe food allergies are required to bring at least two EpiPens.

Yes. Vegetarian alternatives are available for many meals when requested at least two weeks before your trip.

Depending on the menu, options may include veggie burgers, tofu, portobello mushrooms, vegetarian pasta sauce, hummus, and vegetable dishes. Whenever practical, meat is served separately so vegetarian guests can enjoy more of the regular menu.

If you have specific preferences or need additional options, you're welcome to bring a limited amount of supplemental food. Guides can help store these items, but river kitchens cannot accommodate separate meal preparation.

Please contact our office at 801-942-6669 if you'd like to discuss the menu before your trip.

Yes. Gluten-free alternatives are available for many common menu items, including bread, pasta, pancakes, hamburger buns, bagels, and snack bars. Other options may include corn tortillas and gluten-free cereals.

However, meals are prepared in shared river kitchens where ingredients, utensils, and cooking equipment may come into contact with gluten. We cannot guarantee a gluten-free environment.

If you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, please contact our office before booking to discuss whether your dietary needs can be accommodated.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate vegan or kosher diets on our river trips.

Limited kitchen space, shared cooking equipment, and buffet-style meal service prevent us from meeting the specific preparation requirements of these diets.

If you're considering a trip and have questions about available food options, please contact our office before booking.

Many river meals offer options that do not contain dairy, but we cannot guarantee that every ingredient or prepared food will be dairy-free.

Items such as breads, cake mixes, desserts, sauces, and snacks may contain milk ingredients or whey. Product brands and ingredients can also vary between trips.

If you avoid dairy, please let us know in advance and review individual food items with your guides. Guests with significant dairy sensitivities are encouraged to bring supplemental snacks and other foods they know they can eat.

For severe milk allergies, please also review the information above about food allergies and cross-contact.