River Currents Blog

River Currents is a blog open to many voices that have had a connection with the river and our trips. You’ll hear the voice of veteran river-runner and Holiday founder Dee Holladay, the voice of guides whose lives have been shaped by their time on the river, and guests who bring the perspectives that remind us why we’re still making these trips happen 45 plus years later. You’ll also hear from our regular blog contributors, Peta Owens-Liston, Joe Ballent, Derek Farr & Julie Trevelyan.

Time for Spring Flowers: What’s Blooming now on the White Rim

By Julie Trevelyan Springtime plus rains equals fantastic blooms in the desert. A recent mountain biking trip to the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park yielded bounteous blooms, with the promise of many more soon to come. Here’s a sampling of the flower color bursts so common, yet also so breathtakingly unexpected, to the Utah desert lands. Whipple’s … Read more

River Currents Blog: Where’d the Salmon River get its name?

By Derek Farr It’s a surprisingly common question: “Where’d the Salmon River get its name?” And the answer is simple. It’s named after Jack R. Salmon who was the first European to build a cabin on the river. NO! That’s not even close to true. It’s named for the fish – the indomitable salmon. It’s … Read more

Top Five Reasons to Mountain Bike the White Rim Trail

by Julie Trevelyan The famed White Rim Trail in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park is a beacon for those who desire to spin their wheels through some of the most gorgeous scenery on the planet. Whether you are a mountain biking newbie or seasoned trail guru, this trip is one for your “must-do” list. To further inspire you, … Read more

River Currents Blog: Top 5 Reasons to Go Idaho River Rafting!

by Julie Trevelyan Awesome rapids on the Salmon River! Gunbarrel, Devil’s Teeth, Split Rock, Bailey Falls, Big Mallard, Bodacious Bounce, Lorna’s Lulu, and more ensure plenty of fun whitewater. Great paddling sections for the kids! Flat, smooth parts of the river are perfect for the younger (or just more timid) adventurers to get out in an … Read more

River Currents Blog: Must-See Springtime Rafting Trips

by Julie Trevelyan Where can you find the funnest, most rapid-y whitewater rafting in the springtime? Or the most classic views of southwestern canyon country scenery? How about water that begs to be played on in inflatable kayaks? On one of these four river trips, with Holiday! Each trip offers something unique and not-to-be-missed. Yampa River … Read more

The magic of Burn Camp and the man behind it, Brad Wiggins

By Joe Ballent One of the most unique privileges I got as a guide for Holiday was to work the University Of Utah Burn Camp trip.  Burn Camp is an experience that is difficult to put into words, but I’m going to try. Each summer, Holiday River Expeditions sends a chartered, six-day trip down the … Read more

River Currents Blog: Five things you don’t need on your Main Salmon trip

By Derek Farr The real world exists. It always does. But when we reach the ramp at the put-in of the Main Salmon River, the real world might as well be one million miles away. Accordingly, the things that serve a purpose in the real world don’t always have a place on a river trip. … Read more

A Firming and Reaffirming Trip for the Body and Soul

By Peta Owens-Liston White Rim Trail Boot Camp It’s not Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Atkins Diet, nor is it fasting or going gluten-free, or whatever the latest trend is for weight-loss. It’s about sweat, perseverance, and pacing yourself. Riding the White Rim Trail was a three-day fitness boot camp that allowed you to eat BIG … Read more

Colorful River Characters: Salmon River’s Cap Guleke

by Julie Trevelyan Captain Henry “Cap” Guleke was a gentle bear of a man. Idaho’s Salmon River was his one true love, and he rowed it as many as 200 times, ferrying passengers, gear, and supplies through both whitewater rapids and placid sections. Twisting its way through the deepest canyon in North America, the Salmon … Read more

Please, if it’s not too late, make that a Cheeeeese Burger

Ray’s Tavern By Joe Ballent We just finished unpacking our latest trip, and I’m famished.  Well, as famished as one can be after eating gourmet steak-and-potatoes feasts, lasagna, and other of the finest culinary concoctions you’ll find on any river in the world.  Holiday’s guests eat like royalty on the river, but that doesn’t mean … Read more