Western River Expeditions
Western River Expeditions
5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
After 60 years guiding adventurous travelers through the most spectacular rivers and canyons in the West, Western River Expeditions has carefully crafted what we consider to be the best white water rafting vacations in the world. Journey through the breathtaking redrock canyons of the southwest in Grand Canyon and Utah, punctuated by some of the most legendary white water rapids in the world. Explore the forested mountains of the Northwest in Idaho or Oregon, each with their own unique story. Or, create unforgettable memories at a remote jungle lodge on the banks of Pacuare River in Costa Rica. Where will you go white water rafting?
Las Vegas, Nevada
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,253 reviews
Excellent
1,223
Very good
24
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Joel B
1 contribution
May 2020
A group of 18 lifelong friends from NY were scheduled to do the Cataract Canyon expedition in early June. Our excitement and anticipation was off the charts.
Unfortunately, Covid-19 arrived and changed everything.
The people at Western Rivers were extremely communicative very quickly. As they received information from governmental agencies they were quick to e-mail everybody with all currently available information. Everyone in our group had all their questions answered quickly and completely.
Unfortunately our group trip was forced to be cancelled. Western Rivers was very professional and honest with everyone in our group on every level.I want to thank Western Rivers for working with our group with such professionalism and genuine concern. We do hope to reschedule and take this journey in the future.
PS. I personally was fortunate as a 12 year old in 1969 to take this same trip with Western Rivers Expeditions. Outside of my Wife and Children I still consider it to be about the greatest thing I have I done in my life, and I have done a thing or two!
Unfortunately, Covid-19 arrived and changed everything.
The people at Western Rivers were extremely communicative very quickly. As they received information from governmental agencies they were quick to e-mail everybody with all currently available information. Everyone in our group had all their questions answered quickly and completely.
Unfortunately our group trip was forced to be cancelled. Western Rivers was very professional and honest with everyone in our group on every level.I want to thank Western Rivers for working with our group with such professionalism and genuine concern. We do hope to reschedule and take this journey in the future.
PS. I personally was fortunate as a 12 year old in 1969 to take this same trip with Western Rivers Expeditions. Outside of my Wife and Children I still consider it to be about the greatest thing I have I done in my life, and I have done a thing or two!
Written May 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dc8100
The Cincinnati Region2 contributions
Jul 2020
We just returned from our WRE 6-day adventure down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Since our return, we have been searching for the right adjectives to describe our trip. Simply put, there are not enough superlatives that sufficiently describe our experience in the canyon and with WRE. We experienced nothing but flawless communication and execution from the minute we booked our adventure 18 months ago until the day we left the WRE crew at Mile Marker 187 on July 13th. The only way to see, smell, touch and taste the Grand Canyon is to travel with WRE and have Lutkie, Darling, Noonie and Scotty talk (and sing) about their passion and love for the Colorado River and Grand Canyon. They explained the geology and history of the canyon while we rafted and ran the rapids in the intimacy of the canyon. Hiking the “stair-master from Hell” to the top level of Deer Creek Falls or jumping from the water fall at Elves Chasm is an unforgettable experience. “Hold on tight!” “Don’t fall off!” “Everyone’s gonna get wet on this one!” “Suck rubber!” “Last call for the Groover!” Are phases we will never forget. Experiencing the canyon from the river beats seeing the canyon from the Rim any day. After all, it is the Grand “Frickin” Canyon!
Written July 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for linking us with the Grand Canyon and for calling it an awesome, unforgetable experience. That's a great compliment. We're glad you enjoyed our fun guides. Yes, those phrases that are unusual in the world become familiar and fun memories of the canyon experience. Thanks for traveling with Western River
Written August 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jujuanders
Fort Collins, Colorado4 contributions
Jul 2020
Absolutely incredible! This was truly the trip of a lifetime. We had our two kids, 12 and 14 , they declared it the best trip ever. It has been three weeks and the six day Grand Canyon river trip is still being talked about with awe at the dinner table. The guides were amazing, Joe, Kurt, Scott, and Steven were experts at navigating the river and just inspiring people to talk with. They were knowledgeable, personable, and talented! There were bugs, wind and blowing sand-- just as promised- there was also amazing geology and big waves! This trip exceeded all expectations! It was an amazing expedition!
Written August 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
An amazing expedition! That's a nice way to review your Grand Canyon 6-day trip. We're so glad you could have this experience and share it with your two kids and that they declared it the best trip ever. We can't ask for more than that from our younger travelers. Thanks for complimenting our guides - they take great care of our guests. We're glad the trip exceeded your expectations.
Written August 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Skydivingchik
Kirkland, Washington98 contributions
Apr 2021
Just got back from a 3 day Grand Canyon Trip, and we are already talking about doing a 7 day trip.. I can't say enough good things about this company, the guide, and the trip. Joe was our trip leader and Lauren was the other guide. They were great about giving us history and geology info and fun facts every step of the way.. As for camp, the tents, cots, and chairs were all in good condition, and the sleeping bags and sheets were very clean and fresh. The food was great - I couldn't believe how much and the variety they had too! Transportation in and out of the canyon were very well organized, as were camp set up and break down every day.--you can tell the company (and a lot of the guides) have been doing this for years! If you go in April or early May, QUALITY rain gear is a must. You will need it more for wind/warmth than rain protection, and even on sunny, warm days, it was really cool in the shade, especially if you are wet. Also, mornings and evenings were cool. Depending on your adventure level, there are different sections of the boat where you can sit based on how wet you want to get (or how dry you want to stay.) I HIGHLY recommend booking with this company if you want to have a great time while seeing some beautiful scenery!!
Written May 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We would love to have you join us again for 7 days in the Grand Canyon! Our guides appreciate your compliments. They do work tirelessly for our guests. You've given a great description of amenities, highlights, and travel tips. Thank you for your wonderful recommendation of our 3-Day Grand Canyon Expedition.
Written May 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cyborg
4 contributions
Sep 2020
For 2 years my mother has been determined to raft down the Colorado River for her 60th Birthday. She did her research and chose Western River. From the start to the finish it was a fantastic and indescribable experience. Even prior to the trip we felt prepared and the owner was kind and patient and answered all of my mom's questions regarding the trip and COVID-19. The J-rigs they use are fantastic in my opinion. They can give you a thrilling ride upfront or a chance to relax in the chicken coop. For anyone who is uncertain about rafting or new to it, its an excellent option. Even those who have rafted before, it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the rapids and the canyon around you without losing focus on paddling. If the canyon and river aren't convincing enough, the guides certainly will be. They are fantastic in every manner. Extremely professional and skilled when it comes to navigating the river and whitewater and keeping the passengers informed and safe. They also are extremely personable and the lead guide makes every trip unique. A fellow passenger had done the same trip with Western 5 years before and he said there was only 1 location they had repeated from the previous trip. Everything else was new and just as incredible if not more so. The crew also works their tail off. From sunrise to sunset they are answering questions, preparing meals (delicious!) and helping any way that they can. We even had a mini concert in black tail canyon. I would request every member of our crew again in a heartbeat if it were an option. The beauty of the canyon speaks for itself and this trip, crew, and boat really allow you to become lost in it. Everyday my mom was smiling and thrilled to be there. She even road threw a majority of the rapids on the pontoons. It was a trip of a lifetime for both of us and I cannot write enough good things about the experience or the company. We had people on our trip who had never camped and still loved every minute of it. If you love the outdoors, good people, and some adventure this is the trip for you. Thank you again Western.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm so glad you got to have this experience with your mother for her 60th birthday. She made a great choice and we're happy you could travel with Western River on our patented j-rigs with their unique capability to give so many seating options. Thanks for reviewing the raft. Our guides love their jobs and have great passion for the canyon and river and work hard to convey that to our guests. I'm glad their hard work helped make this a great experience for both of you.
Sandy Harmer
Grand Canyon Reservations Mgr.
Written October 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EricBo45
Tucson, AZ2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
The Grand Canyon is a spectacular place. The Western river guides brought it to life for us, not just with their knowledge and expertise but with their love and passion for the canyon. It was oozing out of them. They were knowledgeable about the formation and geology of the canyon, running the rapids and the stories behind the rapids and of those that came before them. Each guide was kind, encouraging, helpful and patient. They were true professionals.The food was amazing. Thirty of us, ranging in age from 15 to 63, were on the chartered, 7 day “cruise” and would do it again in a heartbeat. Every day there was a new adventure, a new challenge and for a lot of us, an opportunity to face a fear and push through it (but always able to opt out). Seeing the Grand Canyon from the rim is nice, hiking to Phantom Ranch is an experience but rafting the Grand Canyon for seven days, sleeping under the stars, hiking to waterfalls is magical!!!
Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We love hearing about all the aspects of your Grand Canyon 7-Day trip that made it special to you. As you mention, the guides truly have a passion for the Canyon and love sharing its beauty, history and geology with guests. Your description of new things to see and do along the way is great, as you allowed the trip to unfold each day. Thank you for taking time to leave us your 'magical' review!
Written July 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rico36461
North Chicago, IL127 contributions
Jul 2020
We did the 4 day trip down Cataract Canyon out of Moab. this group was great from start to finish. Hank was our group captain, but all 7 guides were top notch. they ran an efficient operation, with great food, friendly detail of the area around us, and most importantly-- a safe 4 days rafting and camping down the river. the food was really good, especially considering how remote we were each meal. the flight back over the canyons, and especially the confluence, was also amazing.
I really was a great experience, and I recommend this company on any trip you may want to take.
I really was a great experience, and I recommend this company on any trip you may want to take.
Written July 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your nice review and recommendation of our company. We do have great guides and we're glad you got to spend the 4 days in Cataract Canyon with some of them.
Written August 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RNA
2 contributions
Aug 2021
The entire experience was spectacular. The booking process was easy. The friendly emails leading up to the experience were spot on. The transport to the chartered airplane, the Canyon overflight, and the helicopter ride from the rim to the river was amazing. Then the view from inside the Canyon blew us all away. The view looking up from the river provided a perspective of scope and scale that is unfathomable compared to the simple view from the top looking down. The rapids were amazing and exciting for everyone in our group of nine including three teenagers who actually put their phones down for three whole days and connected with their parents, friends, and most importantly, NATURE! The breaks were well timed and the food was excellent. Western River Expeditions were attentive to those in our group with some light dietary preferences. The rafts were comfortable, the shore excursions were fantastic, and the campsites were well vetted and chosen with years of institutional knowledge behind them. The most important part of our experience was the WR Team. Shad, Enzo, Steven, and Marade were the focal point of our trip. They were knowledgeable, experienced, confident, and extremely attentive to everyones needs, wants, and expectations. Each of the WR Team were also funny. Having a well developed sense of humor over a multi day trip as the folks who are responsible for the safety and well being of a broad range of guests is a true talent.
We will recommend this experience to everyone we know and we will return as soon as there is availability. We know we need to book ahead. We plan on booking out a full two rafts for or next experience. Thank you each and all for a lifetime memorable experience.
We will recommend this experience to everyone we know and we will return as soon as there is availability. We know we need to book ahead. We plan on booking out a full two rafts for or next experience. Thank you each and all for a lifetime memorable experience.
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You have shared so many great highlights of your Grand Canyon 3-Day Expedition -- from stepping away from electronics, to the spectacular views, meals, and our guide service. Thank you for including your pre-trip experiences preparing for the trip There is so much that happens in the 3 days, that we think it takes days, possibly weeks after you have arrived back home, to actually 'take it all in" and savor the experience. We'll be so happy to welcome you back for another trip.
Written August 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anna K
Frederick, MD2 contributions
Sep 2020
There are limited words to describe the experience I had during the seven-day river expedition; however, one does stand out - INCREDIBLE. Showing gratitude is one of the simplest and most powerful things we can do for one another. I am evermore grateful to everyone at Western River Expeditions for an outstanding adventure. The representatives who took the time to help me book the trip treated me as if I were their only customer, the guides who possess and express the passion through their actions and the way they share about the history, science and experience is outstanding. I have shared a link about WRE to about six people and have only been home three days. This truly was an amazing experience.
Written September 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm about your recent 7-day Grand Canyon trip with others. You are so right about gratitude and we thank you for taking the time to send in a review of your trip and we want to thank you for letting our guides show you the canyon they love and for your compiment to our office team.
Sandy Harmer
Grand Canyon Reservations Mgr.
Written October 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Niki D
Glenview, IL27 contributions
Jul 2020
This trip was awesome! Western River takes care of everything you can imagine and does it seamlessly. The scenery was spectacular, food was fantastic but what made this trip the best was the guides. We felt like our group ( 9 of us, parents and 18-20 yr olds) hit the jackpot with guides. Hank, Kelty, Jacob, Spencer, Riley, Coulson, and Paco were the simply the best. From the moment we got on the boat, I felt like we had just met up with old friends. They engaged with all of the guests from the first hour until the minute we left. Conversations, spike ball, sand dune waterfall building, playing guitar and singing were just some of the ways they connected with everyone. Not once did I see them without a smile or positive attitude, even during somewhat uncomfortable times. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a fun adventure and a way to get away from the world for a while.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes, Cataract Canyon does provide a fun adventure and a way to get away from the world for 4 beautiful days. We're glad you so enjoyed our guides. They do a great job for our guests and love what they do. Thanks for your nice review and for traveling with Western River.
Written August 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello Mark, My name is Alfred. I am scheduled to take this trip very soon,I was wondering if it would be safe to bring an dslr camera , if there is a way to keep it dry while not in use
Thank you very much
Written August 17, 2021
Alfred, Two types of dry bags are provided. A large general purpose one that has your sleeping bag and your personal duffle bag. It was very effective at keeping everything dry. However, once it is loaded on the boat, you can't get to it until you make camp. They also provide a "day bag" which is a dry bag as well. It is a smaller dry bag which you keep things you may want to access during the day, like a camera. It was very effective at keeping things dry. However, you need to be mindful that at times you will remove your wet rain gear and pants and will place them into the dry bag. Hence, you may want to bring a waterproof bag for the camera such that it stays dry within the day bag. Bottom line it can be done, and many people did it on the trip I was on. Enjoy your trip. It is epic.
Written August 18, 2021
Anyone here booked a trip with them for the week of April 13, 2020? It’s not happening because of the pandemic. How are you managing the situation?
Written April 9, 2020
Hi. We are booked on the 7 day Colorado River GC expedition in early May 2020. We are wondering about what is the best gear for the wet. We are not sure whether to bring Goretex rain jackets, wetsuits or drysuits. As it is early in the season, protection from the cold concerns us. We are skinny and feel the cold but live in the subtropics, so we tolerate heat well (!) Any advice on relative merits of goretex rain jacket vs wetsuit (2mm or more? spring suit? long John?) vs drysuit would be greatly appreciated.
Written July 13, 2019
We bought Gortex rain outfits and they performed just fine. It was pretty warm during the day. so you won't necessarily be wearing these items all the time.
Written July 15, 2019
Hi- currently planning a trip for June 2020 and the 3 day raft trip looks exactly what my family wants to do- but we were planning on continuing exploring the Grand Canyon after the raft trip and would probably get a rental car- my question is - is there another pick up/drop off location that is not Bar 10 ranch or Las Vegas- A place in the middle where we can leave a rental car and the shuttle may pass by us to do a pick up? Doesn't seem logical to go back to Vegas at the end when we would turn around to go back to the Canyon. Thank you
Written March 8, 2019
I would contact Western River directly since there was the shuttle bus that took us back to Vegas.
Written March 8, 2019
I am going on the Grand Canyon week long trip this coming summer and I am wondering about what waterproof cameras people took with them. I am not VIP and won't be getting anything too expensive-which to me means over $95. Will be thankful for any help anyone can give.
Written December 9, 2018
I'm so excited for you! I used the waterproof Nikon COOLPIX- it was always with me on a strap around my neck, and it was perfect for me. However, it is not in the under $100 budget that you mentioned. I am writing because we had several people on our boat that used their smart phones. They purchased a waterproof clear case with a neck strap and would shoot video and pictures protected inside the case. They also very, very carefully removed it from the case and took pictures during the calm water moments and when we were on shore. We didn't have any lost or damaged phone incidents on our trip. A simple internet search will show you several budget-friendly options for those cases if that is the route you choose. Have a GREAT time and take lots of pictures!!!
Written February 25, 2019
Is there a difference in size of Rapids between the 3-4 day trip and the 6-7day trip
Written July 7, 2018
I haven't been on the short one, but I understand they are milder than the 6-7 day. If you are nervous about the rapids, you can sit in the "chicken coop", which is on top of the cooking storage. You won't get as wet, and you are sheltered by the people sitting on the coolers. If you want the best view, sit on the coolers. You still get splashed, but you can see it coming. If you really want action, sit in front, but you have to tuck yourself down when you hit the waves.
Written January 21, 2019
flynnie75
Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Hi please could you tell me the age limits for the expeditions?
Em :)
Written April 30, 2018
The Grand Canyon 3 or 4-day trips have a minimum age of 9. The Grand Canyon 6 or 7-day trips have a minimum age of 12.
The physical and dietary requirements can be found on our website.
Written May 1, 2018
I am planning on going next summer and I was wondering about the Bar 10. Do you addd that on at some point? Sounds awesome.
Written February 3, 2018
Kelsey, You may either book the 3-day Grand Canyon or the 4-day Grand Canyon. The 4-day does include the Bar 10 Ranch. They are separate trips.
Written May 1, 2018
Whats the minimum age, high and weight to take the ride? I have a 3 year kid and a 20 month toddler
Written January 22, 2018
The minimum age for our family river trips is 6 years of age and 50 lbs. The minimum age for a Grand Canyon 3 or 4-day is 9 years of age and 12 years of age for the Grand Canyon 6-day trip.
Written January 24, 2018
Does this offer day trips from Las Vegas?
Written July 13, 2017
I would advise you to contact Western River directly. They are extremely helpful!
Written July 14, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.