What a rush: take a ride on Southern Utah's whitewater rapids.

• Author: Preusz, Jared
• Position: Executive Getaways

Micki Hazlett lives for the thrill of whitewater rafting. Her passion for the rush-filled sport began 25 years ago when she accepted a position as a river guide, teaching others her favorite outdoor sport. She even met her husbands, Steve Hazlett, while on a river trip. Now, as a co-owner of Worldwide River Expeditions, Hazlett shares her passion with hundreds of Utahns and non-Utahns on Southern Utah's wild rapids.

"I think rafting is one of the most relaxing things we can all do in this fast paced and chaotic society we live in," says Hazlett. "While the rapids can lend a natural chaos to what we do in life, it is a way to be exhilarated without being stressed."

Hazlett also says river trips give people the chance to experience life in seclusion, without the day-to-day distractions of everyday life. "Some people may [wonder] how they will live without their cell phone, but they can," says Hazlett. "There is no cell phone coverage out here on our trips, so you've got to leave the Blackberries behind and let nature soak into your skin again."

Adventure Galore

Worldwide is just one expedition company offering scenic whitewater rafting trips in some of Utah's hottest destinations, including the breathtaking Cataract Canyon, as well as the majestic Green and San Juan rivers.

Most of Utah's whitewater river-rafting companies don't stop at offering expedition-worthy crafts. They can also cover the camping gear and food. Each person willing to brave the whitewater only needs clothes, personal items and a desire for thrill.

And, there's no need to worry about the intensity; most river companies offer trips according to skill level. Worldwide, for example, categorizes its trip's intensities with numbers. For instance, class one is a mild experience while class five is as wild as it gets. The time of the year you take the trip will also impact its intensity. May tends to produce fierce rapids while August waters are calm. Cataract Canyon is labeled as a class five trip with waves reaching 40 feet high.

Beyond the River Ride

Though rafting trips offer adventure and thrill, experts say the trips are also safe and educational. Carl Gec, owner and guide for Red River Adventures, only provides tours...