Moab Southwest Sampler Questions

A whitewater rafting trip can be both thrilling and challenging. Participation requires an appropriate mind set. The same qualities that make a river trip appealing to most people can present real difficulties to others. We desire to strike the appropriate balance between encouraging our guests to stretch themselves and making sure they are protected from harm.

The remoteness of the location, rugged terrain, and being outdoors 24 hours per day are a major part of the appeal. We take pride in our ability to accommodate a variety of disabilities and strive to make our trips as accessible as possible. However, a river trip is not for everyone. The last thing we want is for you to be miserable or to get injured. Your decision to participate should be carefully evaluated.

Guests enjoy a 4-hour guided scenic bus tour through Arches Natl Park. Areas of interest include Delicate Arch Vista, Balanced Rock, Devil’s Garden (possibility for short walks/hikes), and the Windows Section (short guided walk included).

We must be forthcoming about the specific challenges presented on a river trip for your safety and comfort. It is also vitally important that you disclose any physical, emotional, and mental conditions, limitations, or challenges you or your children may have. Likewise, it is important to be completely honest about the age and weight of children. Undisclosed medical or physical conditions might affect the safety and well-being of you and/or other participants on the trip. You must share this information with us in advance. We cannot guarantee your safety or the suitability of this trip. For a participant unable to meet these criteria, a river trip, particularly a multi-day trip, can be unpleasant, dangerous, or even fatal. For those who meet these criteria, these trips are often the best experiences of their lives. The difference is in determining your suitability for a trip, selecting the right trip for you, and arriving physically and mentally prepared to actively and joyfully participate in the experience.

We encourage you to carefully evaluate your overall physical, mental, and emotional condition concerning these environmental challenges. If you have concerns or questions about your physical condition, we recommend you consult your physician. If you have questions about the specific parameters of the rafting portion of the Southwest Sampler, please get in touch with our Western River Expeditions office at 800-453-7450 or 801-942-6669 for any other information you need to make this decision or to discuss any of this information in detail.

You need to be comfortable floating in the water while wearing a lifejacket and able to propel yourself through the water to assist in your own rescue should you fall out of the raft. Falling off the boat into the river or having your boat capsize is one of the inherent risks associated with rafting. If this happens, you will need the ability to self-rescue by swimming to the boat or to shore.

Each guest wears a lifejacket, which, if worn properly, is very effective at keeping you above water. However, if you are unable to swim, it can still be a threatening situation because the waters may be turbulent.

On the same trip, you may experience extreme cold, heat, wind and perfectly comfortable conditions. For this reason, we encourage our guests to bring everything from shorts to substantial rain gear. Because our trips are in the Desert Southwest, shade is often scarce, so adequate sun block lotion and sun protective clothing is a must.

Our meals on the river are served 'buffet or family style,' with any custom, per-person preparation limited to things like 'How would you like your steak cooked?' or 'Do you prefer your eggs scrambled or over easy?'

MEALS SERVED:

Day 1 (Tuesday)

• Dinner on your own after check-in at Springhill Suites

Day 2 (Wednesday)

• Springhill Suites hot breakfast buffet
• Catered lunch buffet at Springhill Suites. Rio Fresh Mex Pork (optional) salad
• Dinner on your own

Day 3 (Thursday)

• Springhill Suites hot breakfast buffet
• Lunch on the river: A sandwich buffet with various meats and condiments. Also included: peanut butter and jelly, fresh fruit, chips, and cookies.
• Dinner on the river: Crab dip with cream cheese, cocktail sauce, crackers, grilled chicken, green bean almondine, salad, and dinner rolls. Fresh baked Dutch oven frosted cake (during fire restrictions, dessert may vary)

Day 4 (Friday)

• Breakfast on the river includes blueberry pancakes, sausage links, maple syrup, fruit syrup, melon, and orange juice. Coffee, tea, and cocoa are also available.
• Lunch buffet at Red Cliffs Lodge: Grilled burgers, chicken, and hot dogs, along with a variety of salads.

Snacks may include Trail mix, Chex Mix, Cheez-Its, Ritz cracker sandwiches with cheese/peanut butter, and honey-roasted peanuts. Fresh fruit is also available upon request.

Substitutions for guests with SEVERE ALLERGIES

We take allergies very seriously. You must describe the exact details of any allergies you may have, including symptoms and severity. If you have an allergy that may cause difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis, or other severe and life-threatening reactions, please read the following points carefully. We want to ensure you know what we can and can't do for you in a wilderness setting. If you have a severe allergy, you must bring at least two Epi-pens on your trip. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with our Western River Expeditions office at 1-866-904-1160.

• All reasonable efforts will be made to avoid cross-contamination. We cannot guarantee that our products are free from allergens (including dairy, eggs, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and other allergens) as we use shared equipment to store, prepare, and serve them. For this reason, allergies to commonly used products such as onions, bell peppers, black pepper, garlic, or corn may not be accommodated, as most of these are present in the pre-made products we purchase. Please inform us about the exact severity of these allergies and whether they are anaphylactic or gastrointestinal.
• Peanut butter will be served on a separate table with disposable utensils. Guests with severe allergies may go through the line first before cross-contamination may occur. When preparing a salad with nuts, part of the salad will be set aside and covered before the nuts are added.
• Our policy is not to remove an ingredient from a trip when a guest is allergic to it.
• You are welcome to read food labels in the kitchen during meal preparation and check if you are allergic to any meal items.

Substitutions for VEGETARIAN GUESTS
Western River Expeditions can provide vegetarian alternatives for many items. Please see the notes below. If you feel you need more than this, you can bring additional options. Your guides will store any food you bring but will not be able to prepare it for you due to limitations of the kitchen facilities, such as the number of pots and burners.

• Black bean veggie burger patties or Portobello Mushrooms may replace chicken for dinner on the river.
• Peanut butter is always available at lunch, and hummus is provided for vegetarian guests. The meat will be served separately from other items whenever possible to maximize vegetarian guests' options.

Substitutions for GLUTEN-FREE GUESTS
Western River Expeditions will provide gluten-free alternatives for many items. Please see the list below and compare it with the standard meals for your trip. If you need more than this, you can bring additional options. Your guides will store any food you bring but will not be able to prepare it for you due to limitations of the kitchen facilities, such as the number of pots and burners. The backcountry often needs to provide ideal conditions to avoid cross-contamination. All reasonable efforts will be made to keep foods separate, but if your sensitivity is severe, we may be unable to accommodate you.

• Gluten-free bread- Replaces lunch bread, dinner bread, and bagels
• We can also provide lettuce wraps for lunch instead of gluten-free bread.
• Substitute granola and yogurt instead of pancakes.
• Gluten-free snack bars- Replace snacks containing gluten

If you prefer not to eat gluten-free processed foods, we will provide other options (e.g., lettuce wraps instead of bread and chocolate bars instead of gluten-free brownies).

Specific DAIRY information
Many of our meals have alternative options for avoiding dairy. Depending on your sensitivity, consult with your guides and review the brands' labels on your trip. We generally avoid cooking with butter; your guides will happily accommodate this if you check with them. Items to watch and avoid are:

• Some of our breads contain whey, but many do not.
• Several desserts are cake-like products that contain dairy.
• Some of our snacks.

If you are highly sensitive, we strongly advise bringing supplemental snacks, desserts, and other foods to ensure adequate food. We always have fresh fruits and vegetables available, and we will have ample storage, dry or refrigerated.

Specific NUT information
For our nut-free guests, we can make the meal without nuts and set aside a portion for you, and then we will add nuts for the rest of the guests. Please consult your trip leader at the beginning of your trip to address the severity of your allergy.

• PB&J will be served at the table for lunch on the river. If you have a severe nut allergy, please consult your trip leader, and we will set a separate table on which the peanut butter will be placed.
• Our snacks are made in a factory where nuts could contaminate them. You might like to bring some supplementary snacks to store for us in this area.

If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with our Western River Expeditions office at 1-866-904-1160. If there is anything else that you would like to bring with you, please feel free to do so. We will have ample storage, dry or refrigerated, available.

Guests should bring a personal sport water bottle with a carabiner to fill with cold water (supplied for Arches, Hummer, and the Raft and Camp) or low-calorie lemonade (supplied for the 2-Day Raft and Camp only). Guests are encouraged to drink plenty of liquids to stay well hydrated. If additional beverages are desired (soda, beer, other alcoholic beverages), guests may bring up to 6 cans or the equivalent thereof for the rafting trip. Containers should be unbreakable. They will be kept cold and accessible on the raft.

We bring a variety of snacks on every trip. As a general rule, snacks will be served mid-morning and mid-afternoon while traveling down river. If you would like to bring some of your own snacks, small, pre-packaged items are best. We can provide cold or dry storage. If you have special dietary needs, bringing some of your own snacks that work well for you is a great idea.

A non-refundable $250 per person deposit is required to secure your space. Deposits may be made by check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express).

We offer a 48-hour courtesy hold, no deposit required. Exceptions to this standard courtesy hold time are evaluated as to how many seats are still available and how close the actual travel date may be.

Payment in full is due 120 days prior to trip departure and is non-refundable. Payment may be paid by check (preferably) or credit card.

You may make partial payments by credit card or by mailing in a check, providing the full balance is paid 120 days prior to your trip. These payments may be made online through the 'Manage Payments' link in your order or by phone. For payments over $10,000 and for large international payments, a check or wire transfer is preferred. We reserve the right to cancel your reservation if full payment is not collected by the due date..

An initial non-refundable deposit of $250 per person is required to secure your space. Payment in full is due 120 days prior to trip departure and is non-refundable.

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 whether voluntary or caused by other circumstances. Western River Expeditions is not responsible for any expenses incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. Western River Expeditions assumes no financial responsibility for personal injury, emergency evacuation, or personal equipment lost or damaged in any way.

Depending on availability and advance notice, you may have the option to transfer your reservation to another date or trip for a transfer fee. This is not guaranteed, and availability and transfer policies vary between trips.

Trip or date transfers into the following season are not allowed.

If you are concerned about the possibility of having to cancel, you will find information about cancellation coverage at https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/insurance

Some of the most difficult situations occur when a guest needs to cancel a few days before a trip because of an injury, a family illness, or some other catastrophic event. 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, consider the investment you are making in your vacation and whether or not you could afford the loss if you did have to cancel.

Gratuities for guides are appropriate and greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for their professionalism and service. Gratuities would be offered proportionally throughout the trip as each activity concludes. A per-person guideline for gratuities on the Southwest Sampler package is as follows: Arches and Hummer Tours $10-$15, and $35-$45 for the river trip.

While we fully expect to operate each of our scheduled departures, there may be times when circumstances beyond our reasonable control cause us to be unable to operate a specific departure. These may include, without limitation, acts of nature, government restrictions, pandemic or illness, weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances. Please reference our full policy provided at the time of reservation.

Wait lists are available if the trip date you prefer is sold out. Also, we can suggest similar trips that may be excellent alternatives.

Southwest Sampler weekly trip dates begin on Tuesday. Trips run from June until late August each year. The following year trip dates are available to book at the end of the current season. We suggest reserving early, to guarantee date of choice.

If you are pregnant, you will not be permitted to go rafting. Our trips take place in remote wilderness settings where access to advanced medical care can be hours away (possibly overnight), and conditions such as extreme heat and vigorous activity can exacerbate discomfort and any known or unknown conditions.

Please remember that you will not always be pregnant, but the river will always be here. We do not believe it is worth the risk, no matter how early you are in your pregnancy. We think moms are special and hope you understand.

If you think there is a chance that you may be pregnant after making your deposit, you should take out cancellation insurance that would have coverage to cancel for any reason or plan to have someone take your place. We offer the name change option for you or anyone in your party for $50 per person

Twenty-seven is the maximum number of guests on a trip.

For the 2-Day rafting portion of the trip along a 20 mile spectacularly scenic stretch of the Colorado River, we take along a selection of oar boats, paddle boats, and inflatable kayaks:

Oar boats accommodate 4-6 guests, with 1 guide. Guide paddles

Paddle boats accommodate 6-8 guests, with 1 guide. Guests paddle with guide direction.

Inflatable kayaks (duckies) accommodate 1-2 guests. Guests paddle on their own.

Because each component of the Southwest Sampler is discounted when combined into the package, additional discounts are not offered.

Call us at 866-904-1163 to make your reservation or reserve online. We can email you a direct booking link to share your trip date. Alternatively, your group members may call and mention they are joining you. We add a group name (usually your last name) to each order, identifying all as part of the same traveling party.

Southwest Sampler pricing is based on double occupancy, so there is a lodging single supplement for solo travelers. This handpicked sampling of lodging and activities offers a wonderful travel environment for a solo traveler as well as a group.

Guests must be age 5 at time of travel. There are no exceptions to this age limit. Youth should weigh no less than 50 lbs. and must fit our Coast Guard approved life vest. There is no maximum age limit, but guests will want to consider the physical nature of the various outdoor activities.

Please see the “Food, Beverage & Dietary" question section above for meals served information.

For guests as young as age 5, our Southwest Sampler (two activities, an overnight rafting trip, lodging) and Green River trip (dedicated 5-day river trip) are excellent choices. Guests age 9+ may participate on our Grand Canyon 3 or 4-Day trips.

For 2-Day Raft and Camp portion of the Southwest Sampler, guests should bring sunscreen, sunglasses with retention device, hat, river clothes and camp clothes, sturdy river footwear, waterproof camera, toiletries, small pillow, and headlamp in a soft-sided duffel bag. Weather and water temperatures will vary throughout the season, so being prepared for a variety of conditions is important. It is better to take something and not use it, than not have it and need it. Carefully following our packing list will assure that guests will be prepared. Download and print your packing list here.

We recommend a two-piece rainsuit that can be used as needed. A wetsuit is cumbersome to take on and off when rafting. On this 20 mile Colorado RIver section, water temperatures are cold early season and will continue to warm as the season progresses, so this extra layer is not always critical to protect against cold water temperatures. But, weather conditions vary, and even in warm summer months we have had guests grateful they had the extra layer to put on during inclement weather.

Guests are not allowed to bring their personal life jackets or PFDs. We are subject to regulations promulgated by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and State Parks. All three agencies require that guests of commercial outfitters wear Type V Whitewater life jackets. Personal life jackets are usually meant for lake sports, and even Type III jackets, meant for kayaking or canoeing, are not acceptable for use by our guests. Fortunately, the newer types of Type V life jackets are very comfortable and float more than the typical personal jacket.

Fishing on the Colorado River is allowed, and requires a Utah State Fishing License. Fishing must be from shore while in camp, and is catch and release.

Guests should be dressed, ready to raft! Meeting place is in the SpringHill Suites by Marriott lobby, 1865 N Hwy 191, Moab, UT. Swimsuit (or sports bra and quick dry underwear for women) under quick dry shirt and shorts, water shoes or sandals, then brimmed hat and sunglasses with retention device. Don’t forget a water bottle with carabiner, sunscreen and lip balm to go in the day bag. Rain gear goes on the raft with you, so keep it handy.

The combination of sun and water demands adequate skin protection from sunburn. Plan to bring a plentiful supply of sunscreen, and 15+SPF lip balm to be reapplied throughout the day. A brimmed sun hat or baseball cap should have a retention device. Clothing items to consider include quick-dry long-sleeved shirts and long pants for additional coverage. Sarongs or bandanas (dipped in the river) provide sun protection and evaporative cooling effects. Plan to drink lots of fluids to keep hydrated.

What kind of camera you plan to use will determine if you need to carry extra batteries or will need to charge your camera. If a cell phone is used to take pictures, putting the phone in airplane mode should conserve enough battery for taking pictures on the river. We have found that most guests do not need to bring extra batteries unless they plan to take lots of photos. While taking pictures is an important part of capturing memories from your trip, we have found that most guests, while in camp, occupy most of their time reconnecting with family members and friends or meeting new people. They end up taking fewer photos than they had planned. We encourage each person to evaluate their specific needs for the trip and bring a device to accommodate those needs. We discourage bringing expensive cameras and equipment on the trip. Space is limited and there is always a chance it could get ruined in the elements of an outdoor adventure.

Drones are not allowed in National Parks or in the specific Bureau of Land Management resource areas where we operate our trips. Therefore, Western River Expeditions/Moab Adventure Center does not allow the use of drones on any trips.

Each guest is given a personal day bag (approx. 7”x13”) and water resistant gear bag. Items for day use should be put in the day bag, which is then rolled down and the straps clipped to keep contents dry. The gear bag accommodates a sleeping bag (we provide) along with the guest’s personal duffle bag (which should be no larger that 12”x13”x 24”). The gear bag is then rolled and clipped, and secured away on the raft during the day, available again in camp.

For the 2-Day Raft and Camp, we provide all camping equipment (tents, cots, sleeping bags with sheets, camp chairs) for our guests to set up their personal campsite. We also provide a large gear bag (that carries the sleeping bag and duffle bag together and is inaccessible during the day) and a small day bag for items guests would like access to during the day (lip balm, sunscreen, camera, rain suit, etc). Plates and eating utensils are provided for meals.

SpringHill Suites provides complimentary parking and storage for 2 bags per room (if needed or for heat sensitive items) while guests are on the 2-Day Raft & Camp. Additional bags may be stored for a fee.

Guests should bring an adequate supply of all necessary medications. They will be accessible during the day when stored in a day bag or if needed, in cold storage on the raft. A list of medications should be provided to us, along with any related medical conditions.

A typical day on the river begins with an early coffee/hot chocolate call, with breakfast to follow about 30 min. later. During this time, guests will also be getting dressed and ready for the day and disassembling their campsites. All equipment and gear is then repacked on the rafts, and we’re off for a day of adventure! Both days are a combination of rafting, possible water fights, and delicious meals. Guests are generally on the rafts an hour to an hour and a half at a time. There are bathroom breaks along the way. Depending on time of year, weather, and guide itinerary, each trip will vary. Games are available while in camp the evening of the rafting trip.

Because the Colorado River flow through this section of river is not controlled by a dam, water levels vary throughout the season. Higher, faster water occurs earlier season (May, June), and begins to slow the rapid pace in July and August. Depending on precipitation amounts and particularly snowfall in the Colorado River basin that feeds the Colorado through snowmelt, water levels continually change. Rapids are classified using the traditional class I-V rapid rating scale, which factors in not only water levels, but navigational difficulty. Typically, this beautiful river section has class I-II whitewater.

For 2-Day Raft and Camp trips, we take a selection of 3 raft types. Guests have the opportunity to let the guides do the rowing (oar boats) or be part of the paddling crew (paddle boats). Oar boats hold 4-6 guests; paddle boats 6-8 guests. Inflatable kayaks (duckies) for 1-2 passengers allows guests to take turns piloting these crafts on their own.

Because the water feeding into the Colorado River is primarily melted snow from winter’s Colorado River basin snowpack, the earliest trips will likely have water temperatures in the 55-60 degree range. As the season progresses, both the sun and warmer air temperatures affect the water temperatures, which may reach 70 degrees or above.

Warmer water temperatures accommodate fun swim breaks, when guests can float along or swim near the rafts in calm water sections of the river.

On the river, the toilets are available only in camp and are usually located down a narrow trail, well away from the guests in a secluded location. We do our best to mark the trail, even at night, but it is always necessary to take a short hike to access the toilets. The where, when, and how of going to the bathroom during the day will be explained by the guides on your trip.

If you expect to be menstruating during your trip, we recommend the use of tampons rather than pads. During the day, you will constantly be getting wet, so pads are not ideal. If you choose to use pads, we recommend wearing a good pair of waterproof rain pants.

A good strategy is to bring several sandwich-sized zip-lock bags pre-packed with individual tampons. The same bag can then be used for disposal after use. Toilet facilities will always be available while in camp and the guides will stop as often as is necessary during the day to accommodate your needs. We will always provide a means for discreet disposal of feminine hygiene items. It is best that you bring your own supplies, but we also carry a supply of feminine hygiene products.

Additional tips that have come from previous guests:

• Bring a sarong that can be used for additional privacy. It also helps when changing clothes.
• Wear a two-piece swimsuit such as a tankini with swimsuit bottoms covered by shorts. This is most comfortable for wearing lifejackets, sitting on boats and going to the bathroom.
• Bring hand sanitizer, baby wipes, and non-applicator tampons.

Once you are on the river, you likely will not have cell service. Messages left for you on your personal cell phone will be the best way for friends and family to reach you, once you have cell service again.

Cell service may be limited, reception poor, or non-existent. A multi-day river trip is a wonderful setting for relaxation and time away from electronics.

All of our river guides are certified with a minimum of advanced first aid and many hold more advanced certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). We carry multiple, well stocked first aid kits on every trip and the guides will provide any “first aid” level care that is needed or you have the option of using our first aid supplies to treat yourself.

If the injury or illness requires medical attention beyond what is possible on the river, we evacuate the affected guest. The most common means of evacuation is via helicopter. However, on some river stretches, evacuation may occur using a high-speed boat or even a vehicle. We carry satellite phones that allow us to communicate with emergency medical professionals.

Because we are in remote, wilderness settings, it may take a while for more advanced medical help to arrive. Please note that the satellite phones are only used during emergency situations. Because they have limited battery life, we do not leave them on at all times and it is not possible to call the satellite phone to deliver a message from off the river. There is no cell phone reception in the remote canyons in which most of our trips are conducted.

The lifejackets we provide are certified by the United States Coast Guard and are approved for use by our managing agencies (National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management & Utah State Parks & Recreation). They are classified as “Type V Whitewater” jackets, and they come in two basic sizes: “Youth” and “Adult Universal.”

Youth jackets fit someone weighing between 50 and 90 pounds (23-41 kg). An Adult Universal jacket is rated “for persons over 90 pounds (41 kg).” They are highly adjustable and fit various chest sizes from 30-52 inches (76-132 cm). Body shape can also affect the proper fit of the jacket. If you are unsure, call and speak with us. We’ll mail you one of our jackets to try on if necessary.

Prior to reaching camp and while on the river, guides will give a camp orientation. Late afternoon, they pull into camp and guests choose a personal campsite area, relative to the bathroom and kitchen areas which will be set up by the guides. Guests are then called back to the rafts to help unload gear and some supplies via a fireline. Guides give a tent and cot set up demonstration, then guests take their personal gear bags and other gear to their chosen campsite and get set up. While the guides prepare first appetizers and then dinner, guests may clean up for the day, rest and relax, explore the immediate camp, and visit with other guests. When dinner is served (about 30 minutes after appetizers), guests are given a plate, utensils and mug to use, then wash and keep in a provided plastic zip lock bag in the gear bag for use during the trip. If time permits, guides may have games or activities available. If a musical instrument has come along on the trip (guitar, ukulele, etc), musical performances are likely! Most guests go to bed not long after the sun goes down, ready to recharge from a busy day of rafting. Coffee/hot chocolate call comes early the next morning, with breakfast about 30 minutes later. During this time, guests will be getting ready for the day, disassembling their personal campsite, and taking gear back down to the rafts to be loaded in a reverse fire line. Portable toilets and handwash stations are first items set up in camp and taken down the following morning by the guides. Guests will be asked to use the handwash station and hand sanitizer after bathroom visits in camp and before all meals. Even though our river trips are in remote settings, personal hygiene is a top priority and helps keep guests healthy and able to participate. Departure from camp is usually between 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM.

All guests receive a sleeping bag with fresh sheets, a cot, and camp chair for use in camp. Additionally, 3-person tents are available that accommodate two cots and gear with a walkway in the middle. Many guests choose to sleep under the stars on their cots and set up a tent for privacy while changing, store gear, or in case of rain. Be sure to keep gear bags inside the tent, and possibly supplement with a heavy rock in each corner of the tent in case of wind. Tents sit on top of the sandy campsites and are not designed with stakes that would be pounded into the ground for stability. Solo travelers would be given their own tent and not expected to share. Tents and cots will be loaded back on the rafts in the morning with all the other gear.

The river becomes the destination of choice for cleaning up, hair washing, shaving, brushing teeth, and doing laundry! Taking a cot to a flat area along the shore provides a nice place to sit and to keep personal cleansing items out of the sand.

1. Cleaning up and hair washing: Earth friendly soaps and shampoos, washcloth, and thin towel (to dry more quickly) work well. Guests access the water close to the shore. Scrub up, rinse in the river, and towel dry. Because of the dry desert climate, hair conditioner is a must. Good time to apply lotion on clean, dry skin.
2. Shaving is personal preference, but would be done at river’s edge using river water.
3. Brushing teeth: Always use clean drinking water for brushing teeth, which is always available on and off the rafts. Toothpaste spit goes right into the river:)
4. Laundry: It’s easy to rinse clothing items in the river, then clip to a piece of thin rope rigged as a closeline or secure to a branch or bush (in case of wind). Without overnight precipitation, they’ll easily dry by morning. Plan to take fewer clothing items and wear them more than once.
5. Skin and lips: The desert is an extremely dry environment, and sunscreen, unscented lotions, and SPF 15+ lip balm should be applied generously.

We recommend that you bring and use a good mosquito repellent. The kind containing deet works best. Mosquitoes are usually not much of a problem in this area of the Colorado River, but the best plan is to be prepared for them.

Mosquitoes generally do not come out on to the water, so they are mostly only an issue while on shore. In camp, we provide tents so the mosquitoes won’t be a problem at night.

Other, non-biting, flying insects are present and mostly are an issue when they are attracted to your flashlight or headlamp. The way to solve this is to bring a headlamp that has the option of using a red light.

Many people worry about snakes and scorpions. Both are an important part of the desert ecosystem, but neither likes to be around humans very much. With proper precautions that will be explained by your guides, you can generally avoid them altogether.

While it is rare that we see snakes or scorpions, when we do, your guides are expert at moving them away from camp so they will not present a safety concern. We are respectful of these native creatures and we do our best not to harm them, but we also take all precautions to make sure they don’t bother our guests.

It is best to leave your jewelry behind. Rafting is an active vacation and jewelry often gets in the way. Earrings and necklaces can get caught on lifejackets. Rings can also cause injuries when you are holding on tightly to ropes.

Moab is a popular adventure travel destination. We offer the Southwest Sampler during the peak travel months of June through August. Whether guests prefer early or later summer months for travel, we think anytime is perfect for a visit to Moab.

Because weather can be unpredictable, we recommend guests be prepared for both warmer and cooler weather conditions that may occur on the same trip. Check area weather conditions prior to the travel date, but realize that weather may vary in the canyon from Moab or wherever the weather readings were taken. This link may give an idea of what to expect:

Moab Utah Weather

Transportation is provided to and from all activities included in the Southwest Sampler. Pick up is at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab, with return there following each activity.

During the 2-Day Raft and Camp, pack car keys in a zippered pocket in your duffle bag. Alternately, they may be left at the hotel desk or with stored luggage while you are away.

Extend your stay at the Marriott SpringHill Suites before or after your trip with a discounted room rate. After reserving your Southwest Sampler date of choice, instructions on how to access the discounted rate will be emailed to you.