Wyoming Rivers Cooperative

Guided rafting and packrafting on Wyoming's rivers

Wyoming Rivers Cooperative (WRC) is a river trip company operating in various locations around Wyoming. Its approach combines whitewater navigation with hands-on training: each trip is structured so participants can achieve their goals, whether it's honing paddling technique, getting started in packrafting, or experimenting with lightweight gear systems. The company emphasizes connection with the waterways and immersive learning, for both novice and experienced boaters.

Training and trip content

During the trips, guides cover topics such as gear and its maintenance, hydrology, rescue techniques, paddling skills, risk assessment, decision-making, conservation, water economy, and other river navigation-related subjects. The trip format is customized and adapts to each group's goals.

Participation requirements

The company details the eligibility criteria for its trips. Participants must be able to remain seated and balanced in a whitewater craft while holding on with at least one hand; wear a Type V Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device at all times; and independently board and disembark a boat four to ten times each day, which may involve maneuvering over tubes and fixed objects on the boat, as well as getting into a seated position with a spray skirt securing them to the boat and being able to remove it to exit.

They must also independently navigate shoreline terrain, safely maneuvering around and across boulders, rocks, and slippery and uneven surfaces, under low branches, and around vegetation, while maintaining balance near precipitous ledges or cliffs. They need to be able to swim in whitewater or swift currents while wearing a PFD, actively participating in their own rescue: keeping airway passages sealed while underwater, regaining control of breathing after repeated submersion, orienting themselves in the river environment, repositioning in the water, swimming aggressively to the boat or shore, receiving a rescue rope, paddle, or human assistance and letting go if necessary, and getting out from under an overturned boat. They are also required to swim 100 yards in flat water while wearing a PFD, assist another passenger who has fallen out of the boat by pulling them back in, follow both verbal and non-verbal instructions from guides in stressful or dangerous situations, and communicate effectively with guides and other participants.

On multi-day trips, each person must independently carry their personal dry bags and other personal gear (as heavy as 20-30 pounds) uphill from the boats to the camping location and back the next morning, or with the assistance of a friend or family member. They must also manage all personal care independently, or with the assistance of a friend or family member, and, if taking prescription medications, maintain proper dosage independently or with assistance. Rafting trips can accommodate a wider variety of individuals, including some youth, with a maximum chest size of 52 inches; leg straps may be required for proper fit, and a helmet where instructed.

Environmental conditions and expectations

The company warns that all its trips involve physical exertion and exposure to the elements, such as cold water, heat, sun, wind, rain, or snow, as well as possible wildlife encounters. Although WRC states that it has experience accommodating people with a wide range of physical abilities or health conditions, it recommends that those who are overweight, lack conditioning, or have other limitations that interfere with the daily demands of the river and wilderness environment contact them before booking or applying for a trip. It also asks that they consult a doctor if they have health concerns and inform them of pre-existing conditions.

It emphasizes the importance of each participant taking an active role in their own safety, paying constant attention to their surroundings, and avoiding unnecessary risks. Swimming or walking alone is discouraged and, in some cases, not permitted; guides set the parameters for each trip and each group. Excessive alcohol consumption by those over 21, alcohol consumption by those under 21, the use of illicit drugs, and the use of medications prescribed to others are not tolerated. Examples of behaviors to avoid at camp and on shore include walking without footwear, approaching wild animals, not paying attention to what is on or around the tent, not heeding hazards such as poison ivy or rattlesnake habitat, and walking near or climbing on ledges.

The company reminds participants that river trips, and particularly whitewater trips, carry inherent risk, and that many of the waterways they navigate receive few or no visitors. It insists that participants must trust their ability to swim and to stay calm if they end up swimming unintentionally, which it considers likely. It notes that swimming in whitewater is much more difficult and exhausting than in flat water, that cold water can cause a gasping effect in the respiratory system—which can be overcome by focusing on breathing—and that it reduces energy and muscle function more quickly. Although guides are highly trained and will do everything possible to rescue participants, a successful rescue is made much more difficult if the person is not prepared to swim in whitewater, does not actively participate in their own rescue, or cannot follow instructions under stress. A detailed orientation talk is offered at the start of each trip, and being accustomed to regular moderate-to-high intensity physical activity is strongly recommended.

Bookings, cancellations, and insurance

WRC recommends purchasing travel insurance for those who book with the company, and mentions Faye or Generali as options. The cancellation policy states that, with more than two weeks' notice, a full refund is possible, though not guaranteed; the company may retain a portion of the funds received to cover non-refundable expenses, such as food, special permits, non-refundable processing fees, or shuttle fees. If cancellation occurs less than two weeks before the start date, WRC reserves the right to keep up to 100% of the total trip cost.

The company also provides for removal without refund if a participant falsely represents their physical or mental health, or that of minors in their care, generally or with regard to exposure to the coronavirus or their ability to act as a legal guardian. If a guide or participant shows flu-like symptoms in the 14 days prior to the trip start date, they will not be allowed to participate; WRC will try to find another guide and, if unable to do so, will cancel the trip and refund the full amount less its service providers' processing fees and non-refundable costs. The company may cancel a trip if local, state, or federal guidelines prohibit its activity due to the coronavirus or other circumstances beyond its control, or if it considers it unsafe to run; in such cases, the full amount will be refunded except for processing fees. WRC has a zero-tolerance harassment policy: if a participant harasses a guide or other participants, they may be removed without refund.

Location and contact

Phone: 307-587-6661 · Email: info@wyorivers.com · Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.