Best Rafting Trips in the West

First Time River Rafting?

If you've never experienced a rafting trip or slept outdoors, relax, you are like many of our guests. Western River Expeditions makes it easy to have an unforgettable adventure whether this is your first time rafting or you're a veteran river runner. Here are some common questions:

Is Previous Rafting Experience Required?
with Western River Expeditions has been designed to be comfortable and accessible to most anyone.

What if I Don't Have Much Experience with Camping?
If you are at all nervous about camping in the outdoors, rest assured, Western River will make your camping experience carefree. Your guides will prepare all your meals and provide you with comfortable cots, roomy tents, sleeping bags and sheets. All you need to bring is a duffle bag of personal belongings.

What if I'm Nervous About Whitewater?
Western River Expeditions offers a broad range of , some with calm rapids and others with much larger whitewater. Western also offers a broad selection of rafts so you can choose to paddle your own craft, ride in boat with a guide at the oars, or ride aboard Western's patented "J-Rig," a large, motorized boat with seating up front for the more adventurous or aft for more protection. Although any Western River rafting trip is fine for a first time experience, many guests are more comfortable starting out with a shorter rafting trip on calmer water. See our list of trips below for recommended first time rafting trips. Your guides will also show you how and where to hold on in the rapids and make sure you are well taken care of for your entire vacation.

What is a Typical Day Like on the River?
After meeting your guides you will be given a trip orientation that will include how and where you can sit on the rafts, how to hold on, and safety precautions while on the river.

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 find their favorite campsite and then return to the rafts for the famous “fire line” - 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.

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 chairs and waterproof 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 a delicious steak dinner complete with sautéed mushrooms and onions plus delicious side dishes and dessert. 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. In the 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 fire line once again and you are off on another fun-filled day of adventure.

How is a Rafting Trip Different From Other Vacations?
The setting and pace of a gives you something you don’t find in other vacations. On a rafting trip, you’ll find the absolute escape from the hectic world around us – completely free of distractions. You’ll eliminate the constant decisions about where to go, what to do, and where to eat each day of your vacation. On a , you’ll experience the pinnacle of relaxation as you drift 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 natural wonders 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. A time to hear your own heart beat. On a Western River Expedition you will quickly discover why so many are calling this “the best vacation of their lives.”

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us or see our frequently asked questions page. We'll make sure to help you find the perfect trip.

Phone: (866) 904-1160
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Learn more about river rafting
» Photo gallery of river rafting trips
» Choosing a rafting company
» Common questions about rafting
» Read comments from other guests
» River rating scale / whitewater class system

Cataract Canyon Rafting TripRelaxing at the rivers edge after a day of raftingMiddle Fork Salmon River Rafting TripGrand Canyon RaftingDily side hikes lead to waterfalls and other interesting sites

Dinner on a Western River TripWhitewater ThrillsOverlook on a Green River Rafting Trip

Recommended "First Time" River Rafting Trips

Colorado River - Southwest Sampler

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Grand Canyon Rafting and Ranch

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Green River Rafting Trip

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