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Going down the river with Up the Creek Rafting

Ryan and Molly Moyer with their daughter Delphi Ann and dog Rio.
Submitted |

How did your business start?

This company was started as Up tha Creek Expeditions Inc. in 1997. I purchased it in 2010, with my girlfriend at the time, Molly. Molly and I met in a rookie training class while working for one of the larger rafting companies in town. It was there we found our passion for whitewater, and love for each other. After moving away together, and spending a year traveling around Oregon. We decided Glenwood Springs was where we wanted to be. So we came back and started setting roots. We saw the opportunity to get involved in the local rafting industry. Knowing that it was a rare space, we took it. Celebrating five years of new ownership, we are fixing the name of the company. We are now Up the Creek Rafting!

What do you sell?



River fun! Guided whitewater rafting and kayaking trips. All of our gear is also for rent daily. You can pick up our rental gear inside the Sunlight Ski and Bike Shop.

Why do you like what you do?:



The adventure. Most of all though, the people. I struggle with social anxiety. So I am a shy guy, who lives a quiet home life. For some reason I am very comfortable while guiding river trips. This gives me an opportunity to meet new people every time I go to work.

What strategy do you use to hire good people?

Unlike most other rafting companies, my wife and I guide the trips. So we don’t really have to do much hiring every season. Being involved in the local rafting industry for sometime now, we also have lots of friends who are river guides. They are always happy to help on busy days.

What is your strategy for growth in the next year?

Keep doing what we love. This investment was never really about growth or money. It was about the opportunity to be able to do what we love, and share it with others.

What is the best thing about running a business here?

It is never routine. Something is always changing. It keeps life exciting!


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