Go With The Flow: Spotlight With Holiday River Expeditions

Nature is calling, and Holiday River Expeditions is answering. The great outdoors are pulsing with life, exploding with discoveries and begging us to explore away from the beaten path. Holiday River Expeditions does exactly that, connecting people with community and the land through river rafting and biking trips.

Go with the flow and away from motors on a multi-day trip with Holiday. If 2023 is your year for adventure, perhaps a guided raft through the Colorado Plateau or a Utah mountain biking trip is in store for you.

Photos courtesy of Holiday River Expeditions

Holiday River Expeditions was founded by Dee and Sue Holladay in 1966, implementing “The Holiday Way.” More than a catchphrase, “The Holiday Way” is a standard for quality, efficiency, thoughtfulness and respect, and it seeps into all aspects of how the staff and guides operate.

“It was their vision, and the tone they set for the company, that still carries through today,” shares Karen Johnson, Holiday family member of 31 years, co-owner and office manager.

It's the little things that make Holiday trips so special — pre-trip communication, the tightness of the systems, the smiles on the guides’ faces, the fun food. Holiday is more than a business, it’s a tightly woven community of nature lovers and adventure seekers committed to giving guests the best experiences.

In the hands of the guides is a safe place to be. Training in river and backcountry safety and first aid is required. Plus, in their annual training, they cover everything from interpretation and Leave No Trace to inclusivity on and off the river. This shows up in all of their trips from classic trips to specialty and affinity trips, such as LGBTQ+ and BIPOC focused trips.

At the core of Holiday is a desire to take care of the places they visit. Holiday regards the rivers as not only beautiful but sacred, and they honor them as such. The guides focus on continuing education to learn more about the environment, geology and history and are able to share that knowledge with the guests, helping them understand why these special places need to be protected.

Johnson shares that some guides have been in the family for generations, showcasing again how Holiday is carrying on the original mission of Dee and Sue Holladay. Johnson believes that the camp setup is phenomenal and efficient. She says that, next to the kind and skillful guides, the feasts are what guests love the most.

The Yampa River Rafting trip is Johnson’s favorite. “It’s a special river because it’s free flowing,” she explains. “It’s just spectacular; dramatic scenery, fun white water, beautiful camp. You see wildlife, you hike to waterfalls, it has everything.”

Holiday offers a myriad of trips, and no prior rafting experience is necessary because the guides do all the rowing. You simply need to be healthy, able to follow instructions and ready for an adventure. All river-specific gear is provided, plus feasts. Travelers bring their own camping gear, or Holiday can provide you with rentals. Johnson emphasizes that she and the staff can help adventure seekers find the right trip for them.

As Johnson says, it’s the community that keeps people coming back. The Holiday family invites you to experience the spectacular environment and relish in The Holiday Way. It is sure to be a story you will tell for many generations!

Learn more and book your trip at bikeraft.com.

This spotlight is a sponsored partnership.