Western River Expeditions has reported a remarkable 60 percent rise in last-minute bookings since mid-July compared to the previous year. Notably, this trend has significantly impacted Western’s Cataract Canyon and Desolation Canyon trips, both spanning four and five days respectively.
Brandon Lake, Co-Owner and Chief Marketing Officer of Western River Expeditions, noted, “While most of our guests traditionally plan their four to five-day rafting trips months or even years in advance, the recent surge in bookings just a week before departure has been unprecedented.”
Several factors have contributed to this surge in last-minute bookings, including:
The anticipation of abundant water flow due to the remarkable winter snowpack, extending great water conditions into late summer.
A lack of forest fires and hazy skies in the Rocky Mountains this year.
A growing need for digital detoxification and an escape to the outdoors.
The allure of the September season, characterized by fewer children, cooler days, dry climate, and off-season lodging rates.
With limited spots available for multiple departures before the season concludes, Western River Expeditions is optimistic about the continuation of this last-minute booking trend.
As the remarkable rafting season gradually nears its end, the silver lining is the availability in late August and September for experiences like navigating the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon, nestled within the heart of Canyonlands National Park.
Here is a list of last-minute 2023 adventures with availability, featuring four and five-day itineraries along rivers in Utah, Idaho, and Oregon:
September 5 & 12: Utah’s Cataract Canyon 4-Day Expedition
September 6: Idaho’s Main Salmon 5-Day Expedition
September 12 & 17: Oregon’s Rogue River 4-Day Lodge to Lodge
August 25 and September 2 & 17: Idaho’s Snake River Hells Canyon 5-Day Expedition
For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2023 and 2024 catalogs, inquiries, availability, and reservations, individuals can call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.
Western River Expeditions is a Salt Lake City-based adventure travel company with operations in Moab, Utah, and Fredonia, Arizona. Each year, from March to October, the company guides more people down rivers on professionally led rafting journeys in Utah, Idaho, and Arizona than any other organization. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the leading single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).
Established in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey, Western River Expeditions specializes in Grand Canyon, Utah, and Idaho rafting, as well as international multi-sport trips. In 2023, it earned recognition as the #2 rafting company in the nation according to USA Today 10Best readers. The company is also the recipient of the “Best of State” award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for nineteen consecutive years (2004-2022).
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