Best Adventure Travel Companies {On Earth}

During its 48 years whitewater rafting in the Southwest, Western River Expeditions has earned the loyalty of its guides, many of whom have worked for the company for 10 to 15 years. It has also gained the respect of the local community through a partnership with Navajo, Hopi, and other tribes that teaches guides to interpret the landscape from a Native American perspective. You'll stay in comfortable tents with cots, except on trips like Paddles and Saddles, which combines rafting and horseback riding from a Moab-area ranch.

New in 2009

• Name:Classic Pick: Green River, Desolation Canyon
• Destination:Utah
• Duration:4 to 5 days
• Price:$1,020