Frequently Asked Questions

Prepare for your river adventure

Before your river adventure

What sets HCA apart from the rest?

We are the first and largest rafting outfitter located in Northern Utah and the only outfitter with private parks on the river for take-out and parking. For more than 30 years we have delighted 1000’s of guests from around the globe while visiting this beautiful part of Utah. We are dedicated to making sure that each of our guests feels welcome, wanted, and comfortable throughout their entire experience with us. From our highly trained professional staff, to our top-of-the-line equipment for your safety and comfort, and everything in-between we can show you the majestic mountains and scenic river canyons.

Is rafting kayaking and tubing safe? What about alcohol?

As with any outdoor activity, there are inherent risks. Rafting and inflatable Kayaking are less risky than Tubing.

Tubing is most popular with young adults that are strong swimmers and no health conditions. Arms, hands, legs, feet and hiney may be exposed to the river while you float down on tubes.

Alcohol and floating in cold water can be a dangerous combination. Please consider limiting your alcohol consumption to avoid serious injury or death.

Rafting and Kayaking offer better protection to participants from the cool water and offers a buffer against rocks and rough currents. Although safety cannot be guaranteed, the entire High Country Adventure staff makes your safety their top priority.

Do you offer group discounts or private events?

Absolutely. Group discount codes are located on each activities page. We offer discounts to military, students and groups of 10 or more.  Please us chat feature or contact our staff for more information on group events that are highly customized for your enjoyment.

Which adventure is right for me? Which river should I choose, the Provo or Weber?

When choosing a trip for you and your group, there are three primary factors to consider: your desired level of adventure, your desired trip duration, and the ages of your party members. Most of our guided rafting trips are suitable for all ages. Tour times range from 75 minutes to 3 hours. Please feel free to call or chat with our friendly, helpful staff at 801-2242500 and let us help you choose your perfect river adventure.

The Weber River has two options, a 90 minute and 3 hour guided rafting trip. While its scenery isn’t as spectacular as the Provo Canyon, it has a bit more action and splashes.

The Provo River offers more variety for floaters, Rafting, Kayaking with or without guides and River Tubing. 

Remember, when choosing your trip, please be realistic about everyone’s swimming abilities and health and be sure to ask questions of our staff prior to booking if you have questions. Please talk to a medical professional if you have heart or other conditions that could be affected by cold water and sudden movements.  For other factors to consider when choosing your trip, please see our liability page under info for Rafter and Tuber Responsibilities.

Do I need to make reservations?

Reservations are not required but will greatly speed up your check in process and guarantee you a spot at your desired departure time. Your online booking will give you access to your customer portal which allows you to add, change or cancel your reservation. We accept walk-ins if you just want to float the river on a Raft, Kayak or Tube we can usually accommodate you provided you arrive before 4pm. Combo tours and Weber river trips must have reservations.

How do I make or cancel a reservation?

You can make a reservation over the phone or right here on the website.

Cancellations can be made from your confirmation email that contains a link to your customer portal. Most of our trips require you cancel your reservation at least 24-48 hours prior to the departure of the trip to be eligible for a full refund. Any requested changes to a trip departure time, date, or river section made more than 24 hours prior to the originally scheduled departure will not result in any additional charges, but will be subject to availability. 

Once you are within 24 hours of the scheduled trip departure, a no show or late show may result in full charge or additional charges to complete or reschedule your adventure. We will do our best to reschedule you on your desired future date subject to availabilty. Because of difference in rates on certain days in the summertime, additional charges may apply.

It is your responsibility to be at your trip’s designated office at the scheduled check-in time of 30 minutes early. There are no exceptions to this policy so please remember to account for weather conditions, traffic, construction, etc.

We reserve the right to alter your scheduled trip. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy this beautiful canyon.

What is the cancelation policy?

We offer no hassle cancellation and change options. Please call or email with changes 24 hours prior to the event and we will do all we can to accommodate your request based on availability.

Are there any additional charges?

Yes, a 9.25% State Use and Sales Tax that will be added to each trip. In addition a 6% booking fee will be added giving you access to our online reservation system, text messages related only to your reservation, online waivers, priority parking, and a customer portal to modify your reservations

During your river adventure

When should I arrive?

Please arrive at your trip’s departure office at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled rafting or combo adventure trip. If you’ve made a reservation over the phone or online you will recieve and email or text reminding you of the location and to fill out waivers to speed up check-in process.

What should I wear?

Come prepared with a swimsuit and sunshirt and/or shorts and river sandals with a heel strap or other footwear you don’t mind getting wet. For cooler days, it’s a good idea to bring some extra layers, but be sure to avoid cotton as it will keep you cold and wet. Long shirts can help with chafing while tubing if you have shorter arms. We have modern and comfortable equipment (wetsuits, river shoes, and Floating Dry Bags for phones and cameras) that are available for a small charge.

Do I need to know how to swim?

All of our guests are fitted with Coast Guard approved Type III or V life jackets that are designed to keep you afloat in the event that you find yourself in the river. However, swimmers are more comfortable in the water and having this skill greatly increases your ability to get out of the river if you find yourself in the water. Therefore, all tubers must need to know how to swim well and rafters and kayakers should be able to get to shore or back to the boat without assistance. All rafters, tubers and kayakers must be willing and able to participate in their own self-rescue. To minimize chance of going in the water we recommend our guided rafting Provo or Weber trips.

What is the difference between a raft, inflatable kayak and a tube? How many do each one hold?

All river equipment is inflatable custom-made with high quality PVC/Urethane fabric or Hypalon Rubber. The main difference between these water craft are how many people fit in each one.

Rafts come in many sizes, small rafts hold a minimum of 3 guests, and larger ones hold up to 10 guests and we provide 5′ paddles to steer and maneuver. With a guide he will do most of the steering with a fram and oars on the stern of the boat.

Inflatable Kayaks (also known as duckies) hold one or two guests and use a double bladed kayak paddle.

Tubes are for one guest (no lap sitting) and hands or small 3′ paddles (optional) and even feet are used to steer

Double tubes can hold two guests and a small bag or mini cooler. We can also strap two single tubes together to make a double or strap a cooler tube to a regular tube for an additional cost.

How fast is the Provo River right now? How cold is the Provo River?

The Provo river flow is controlled by a large reservoir. The flow in the summertime varies very little if Utah experiences a below average snowpack. Float times may only fluctuate 10-15 minutes from May to Sept.

During a big snow year, the Provo River flow may double in speed and river height in late May and June. The water usually returns to its regular constant flow by late June or early July.  

The water temperature in the Provo River can fluctuate from the 40’s to 60’s depending on water flow, lake levels, and time of the summer. May is usually the coldest and Mid-July and August the warmest.

    What level of rapids are the Provo and Weber Rivers?

    The Provo River is usually rated I-II and is dam controlled and consistent throughout the summer and into the fall

    The Weber river has a shorter season than the Provo with consistent flows June through late August – Class I-III depending on the dam release.

    Rapids are rated on a scale from Class I through Class VI and are as follows:

    Class I (Novice):

    • Moving water with riffles and small waves.
    • Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training.
    • Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.

    Class II (Beginner):

    • Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting.
    • Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed.
    • Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.

    Class III (Intermediate):

    • Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid.
    • Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges or obstacles are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided.
    • Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue can be easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.
    Can I bring my phone/camera?

    If your phone or camera is not waterproof, we do not recommend bringing it on the trip unless you bring or purchase a waterproof camera pouch or dry bag (purchase online with booking or at our office) If you go on a guided rafting trip there is very little chance of it getting wet, so even a water resistant phone or camera is generally fine. There are plenty of opportunities for great pictures on our adventures.

    What if the weather is bad?

    Weather is Utah is generally very pleasant and sunny. Our trips leave as scheduled, rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather conditions, we do reserve the right to alter your trip and may provide refunds or store credit. Most of Utah summer rain comes sparsely in late July and August as fast moving afternoon showers. These are rare events and most summers we don’t have to cancel any trips because of extreme weather. We will update you through a text message if we are unable to accommodate your trip or need to cancel or reschedule. 

    What are the Provo River conditions today?

    Most of the summer the river flow is constant and controlled by the dam release. Please feel free to chat with us online or you can see river flow at the following address:

    Deer Creek Data

    After your river adventure

    Are gratuities accepted?

    Yes. Gratuities for guides are acceptable and greatly appreciated. A typical gratuity can range from 10-20% of the cost of the experience and can be given in cash directly to the guide or left on a credit card in our office.

    Are free shuttles provided?

    We include a free on river shuttle in van or bus for all adventurers from our private parking area (which serves as the river take-out) up river to the put-in. You will end your trip at your vehicle.

    An adventure company founded in 1989, we strive to offer some of the best outdoor experiences in Northern Utah. We hope to help you make a special connection. 

    (801) 224-2500

    info@highcountryadventure.com

    3702 East Provo Canyon Road, Provo, UT 84604

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