This invention provides methods that permit wafers to be loaded and unloaded in a gas-phase epitaxial growth chamber at high temperatures. Specifically, this invention provides a method for moving wafers or substrates that can bathe a substrate being moved in active gases that are optionally temperature controlled. The active gases can act to limit or prevent sublimation or decomposition of the wafer surface, and can be temperature controlled to limit or prevent thermal damage. Thereby, previously-necessary temperature ramping of growth chambers can be reduced or eliminated leading to improvement in wafer throughput and system efficiency.