Western River Expeditions Hosts Girlfriend’s Getaway July 20-23, 2010

Plus 2, 4 and 6-day Summer-Long Rafting Adventures on Colorado River through Cataract Canyon in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Western River Expeditions announces a July 20-23 Girlfriend’s Getaway plus 2, 4 and 6-day summer-long adventures on the 100-mile stretch of the Colorado River called Cataract Canyon in Utah.

All programs include rafting and hiking in Canyonlands National Park with explorations of Native American culture and the thrill of 30 world-class white water rapids, camping equipment including cots, delicious meals, guides and return air from Lake Powell back to Moab, UT, where the trips begin.

Ideal for mothers and daughters, groups of friends and solo travelers, the Girlfriend’s Getaway also includes daily yoga and optional massage. The rate is $1,205 per adult, including scenic return flight to Moab.

The two-day Cataract Express designed for those challenged with busy schedules offers a 100-mile, thrilling adventure via motorized raft at $695 per person ages 12 and up, run weekly through early July.

Cataract Classic engages guests for four days of rafting and three nights of deluxe camping on the banks of the river and a little more time for side canyon exploration at $1,150 per person and $995 per youth ages 10-15, run weekly through August.

The six-day Cataract Ranch/Raft includes two nights at Sorrel River Ranch with an off-road Hummer safari and optional horseback ride in advance of a four-day river adventure at $1,730 per person and $1,560 for ages 10-15, run weekly through August.

Brandon Lake, vice-president of Western River Expeditions, said Cataract Canyon offers comparable beauty and whitewater excitement, with more affordable multiple-day trip options and better last-minute availability than the company’s already-sold-out excursions through the Grand Canyon (with one exception – a few spaces remain available for the Grand Canyon 6-Day trip on Aug. 25). He said that while Cataract Canyon bookings are up nearly 30 percent this year with waiting lists on some departure dates; however there are still a number of prime departures available.

Lake explained, “Cataract Canyon is often overshadowed by its downriver counterpart, the Grand Canyon, primarily due to name recognition. But the whitewater and scenery in Cataract are comparable and absolutely breathtaking. It’s somewhat of hidden gem. The trip cuts right through the middle of Canyonlands National Park. In fact, the river itself was recently made a “district” of Canyonlands National Park.”

“The trip has much warmer water than Grand Canyon and water levels fluctuate more because it’s not dam-controlled. This gives visitors the chance to choose between bigger rapids in May and June and more moderate (but still very exciting) whitewater later in the summer. Guests also have a choice of boat: high speed snout rig, j-rig, oar-powered rig, and paddle raft,” he said.

Getting to Moab is easy. There are direct flights from Denver to Moab; air service is also available to Grand Junction, CO, a 1.5- hour drive to Moab, and Salt Lake City, a 4-hour drive to Moab.

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