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This outdoor tour hosts captivating float trips down the Colorado River, offering picturesque sights and stories of the historic Glen Canyon. The expedition begins at the Glen Canyon Dam followed by a 45-mile float to Lee’s Ferry, with a variety of breathtaking sites along the way. This once-in-a-lifetime outdoor journey was severely lacking a hospitable environment for river rafters to begin their expedition. From feedback received from previous travelers, it was clear the awe-inspiring visions of the canyon should be complemented by a more appealing check-in process.
Multistudio was brought on to enhance the overall guest experience, from check-in, to a waiting area, and finally a bus ride to the raft. Hosted in what was previously a utilitarian warehouse, guests wait in plastic chairs for safety briefings and information before boarding. Multistudio acknowledged the lack of an immersive experience and began designing what would become a strong first touchpoint of every trip. The goal of the design was to engage and educate travelers about their upcoming journey.
Harboring inspiration from guests, tour guides and the Glen Canyon interpretive team, Multistudio incorporated bright colors and natural materials into the space. The mix of natural Baltic birch plywood and the use of vinyl, acrylic, and direct print graphics infuse light, integrate the indoor/outdoor experience and bring fun into what was once a dark windowless space.
After check-in, guests enter the renovated briefing area where they are met with a variety of interactive displays, infographics, and imagery. Along the wall is a large super-graphic with a timeline that points out landmarks for context on the impending journey. As guests continue, they interact with dimensional exhibits about the dam, natural landscape, wildlife, people, and significant characteristics of the Colorado River.
Large super-graphics occupy the other two walls and provide an immersion for guests to feel like they are already on the river. These graphics also serve as a backdrop to the digital screens that communicate safety and briefing instructions. The mix of tactile, visual, and digital experiences provide something for rafters of all ages. Many of the displays are interactive for guests to play and learn. One of the dynamic displays includes thoughtfully designed take-home field journals that identify traits of the trip and allow guests to record the sightings on their trip down the river.
The addition of this immersive interpretive center was a part of a larger renovation that included other improvements such as a retail storefront integration and updated restrooms. The shuttle bus also received a graphic upgrade and now rides with 360° graphic imagery of the surrounding landscape on its exterior. The experience within the interpretive center follows the journey of an unforgettable trip, with compelling visuals and interactive pieces. Every guest, with a genuine curiosity and admiration for the outdoors, can appreciate the inviting atmosphere of Wilderness River Adventures at Glen Canyon.
