"Matt, Jason, and Sarah are people I will remember and look up to for the rest of my life. Their positive energy and passion for every aspect of the canyon, rafting, camping, history, and nature is inspiring. I will make it back to go on another adventure with them."

-- Jessey Appel, passenger on a 5-day Lower Canyon trip in 2013

 

Grand Canyon Whitewater has got you covered. To start, we bring veggie burgers on our rafting trips, so you will always have that as an option at dinnertime. However, the side dishes (big salads, grilled veggies, rice, potatoes, etc.) are sometimes so good and plentiful that you may just want to fill up on those! Many of the dinners prepared by Grand Canyon Whitewater guides also can be made veggie-friendly (think spaghetti with a veggie sauce, veggie stir fry ...). 

Lunch is usually a deli spread; you can opt to load up your sandwich with avocado, fresh veggies and cheese - if you choose. We've always got peanut butter and jelly available at each lunch as well.  

And breakfast is easy. We do meals like pancakes and French toast, granola and cereal with soy milk. There are some mornings where eggs to order are the main breakfast food served, but we ALWAYS have oatmeal, yogurt, and fresh fruit available.

We also have fresh fruit available throughout the day for snacks, as well as granola bars, nuts, candy bars and chips. 

We get lots of vegetarians on our river trips and work very hard to ensure we provide plenty of nutritional options. If you have any other questions about the food, just ask. Also, if you do have a particular brand of snack bar, etc. that you can't live without, bring it! The guides will stow it for you, easy peasy.

Note: If you have a different type of dietary restriction, (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) just let us know and we can most likely accommodate you.

"This was my first experience at both rafting and hiking. I found it challenging and enjoyable. I met very nice people who were very helpful. We all helped one another through difficult moments. I would have to say the storm in our tents was the most frightening. Sitting around after dinner listening to Harry play the guitar was very relaxing. Keith and Bill guiding me up the cliffs - then they called me 'Ridge Runner' the rest of the trip. My family being together for the experience was definitely the most meaningful to me!"

--Cheryl Muniga     age 47     Olean, NY
Cheryl and her family were on a 7-day rafting trip in July 2012

My sister is a Grand Canyon River Guide... here is her perspective on what a rafting trip can do for a family:

Looking for the perfect trip to get some friends or family together?  I’ve been on a few family vacations where the whole idea is to get everyone together.  I’ve learned one thing from the experience of staying with 15 relatives at the same hotel and that is… that getting together -- even when you’re already together -- can still be tough!  Our grandma turned 88 last fall and got 15 members of our family to celebrate with her in Hawaii.  Hawaii is beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but it cuts down on relaxing family time when you’re running circles in the hotel, pool, and beach to even track down grandma... and then everyone else. 

Your job of organizing, decision making, and planning ENDS at the start of your Grand Canyon Whitewater rafting trip!  From there on you can RELAX, enjoy the hikes and waterfalls your guides are going to show you, eat the yummy meals, play games on the beach, read a book, take a nap, and do whatever floats your boat with your whole family!  You get to experience it all TOGETHER!  From quiet floats through the scenic morning stretches to the fun and excitement of the rapids, you’ll enjoy every meal together without cutting into your fun time because you don’t need to even think about getting everyone to agree on a restaurant, looking for parking, getting lost, getting overcharged, or getting a parking ticket (This did happen to us during dinner one night in Maui -- bummer).  Seems like a no-brainer! One day in Grand Canyon gives you the quality time of at least three days in a city.

-Kelly, Grand Canyon River Guide

"We have so many memories and stories that I can't even begin to write. We have been laughing and reminiscing since we left the canyon.
The awe-inspiring venue combined with comaraderie of the staff and participants (serious to silly) made every aspect of the trip leaving us wanting to return again next Spring.

Unexpected Aspects?
- Being read stories and told jokes by 'Ambassador Ted' & Matt as we went down the river.
- Coming to the oasis in the middle of the narrows where time had built a natural patio.
- Hiking into other narrows and chilling to a guitar & song in the natural acoustics of the canyon walls.
-The circular rainbow that followed me at one of the waterfalls.
-BUT, I have to admit that the facial and hand treatment in the purest blue, natural healing waters of Havasu Creek were absolutely a treat along the hike that day.

These are only a few things. I could go on and on :)"

-- Renee Pickard

Passenger on a Lower Canyon motorized trip in 2013

Photo: Renee, fellow passengers and guides relax at Havasu Creek.

"Jeff, Matt, Ted and Sarah did a great job. Their concern for our safety and enjoyment was evident throughout the trip. Having 'Office Sarah' along was an added benefit and comfort also, especially while waiting for the (post-trip) Hualapai bus and doing the bus transfer."

-- Clay Halvorson     Billings, MT

Passenger on a Lower Canyon Hiker's Special trip in 2013

Photo: Passengers on Clay's trip enjoy an early-season hike.

EASY! Your local sporting goods store is a great place to purchase gear for a whitewater river rafting trip. In Northern Arizona, we like Big 5 and Sport's Authority. In other states, maybe Dick's Sporting Goods, Modell's, or REI. You don't have to break the bank for river gear you may never use again.

In Flagstaff, AZ we have a Big 5 within walking distance from our partner hotel (Courtyard by Marriott). Super convenient. I was over there the other day and thought I would show you my finds for cheap!

I found waterproof rain gear - top AND bottom - for just $14.99. A suit like this would work perfectly on all of our white water rafting trips. 

I also found head lamps for just $9.99... again, a perfect buy. Head lamps make camping much easier - you'll have both hands free to fumble around at night!

And a "wall-o-water" bottles, as one of Grand Canyon Whitewater's guides deemed the following image.

If you're having trouble finding any specific item, try online shopping. If you have a question about what exactly you need, please give us a call at 800-343-3121 or send a quick email to Info@grandcanyonww.com.

We are here to help you make your Grand Canyon rafting trip a total success.

"Our family had an excellent time on this trip. The guides and other guests were fun. The trip was exciting and informative. We got to enjoy nature and the beauty of the canyon. The hike to the Little Colorado was my favorite. It is one of the most beautiful places I have seen. Also, the Grand Canyon Whitewater office staff was very helpful in letting us know how to pack and making arrangements like transportation, hotels, etc."

--Bonnie
Passenger on a 4-day Upper Canyon White Water Raft Trip in May 2012

My favorite moments on Grand Canyon whitewater tours are always those when folks learn: 1. We're all in this together and 2. We're all capable of so much more than we realize. I love seeing people helping people, and I love seeing people push their personal boundaries and surprise themselves. There are a lot of opportunities for this kind of personal and interpersonal growth on river rafting tours, but I think I see it happen most often when people come on a trip alone. It's really neat to see a group of rafters take in a solo traveler and to watch a bunch of strangers transform into a big, happy river family. I think starting out a Grand Canyon river tour on your own forces you to be a bit more receptive to meeting others. Going on a trip alone also starts you off in the right mindset -- you're already pushing yourself to try new things, just by booking the trip!

My favorite stories are the ones I hear from these passengers. Folks in their "golden years" will call us and tell us they've never taken a vacation alone in their lives -- maybe they've never even had dinner on their own -- but they want to do a Grand Canyon rafting trip, gosh darn it, and none of their friends or family members can go with them. They're worried they won't fit in, that everyone else on the trip will split off into their own separate groups, or that they'll feel left out. I tell these passengers I've gone on nearly every river trip alone, and that I always am welcomed with open arms, and that I always encounter at least one other solo traveler on the journey. I LOVE hearing from these guests post-trip. Every one of them has told us how glad they are to have done the trip, and what a great decision it was.

So this blog is for all the single ladies and fellas out there who are wondering whether they should book a seat for one on a GCW rafting tour. The answer is an emphatic "YES!" We have a lot of 2013 trips left with just one open spot on them -- It's like these trips are just waiting for you! -- so there's actually still a great selection of trip types and launch dates for the solo traveler. Give us a call and we'll get you set up on your very own adventure of a lifetime.

"From the moment we boarded our rafts, we had the most amazing trip down the Grand Canyon. Everything from the sights, food, guides, and adventures made our trip memorable. This was a trip of a lifetime and it couldn't have been better!!"

--Charles Bartlett
8 Day Motorized Rafting Trip

"The entire trip was great. The whole canyon was beautiful. Havasu, of course, was breathtaking and the Little Colorado River as well. I would recommend this trip to anyone! It was well run, fun and beautiful. And the guides, Jeff and Thea, were the best!"

--Terry Churchill-Smith     Alberta, Canada
Passenger on a 7-Day Full Canyon Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

For many of you, the Courtyard by Marriott in Flagstaff, AZ will be "home" the night before and after your white water raft trip. The Courtyard is a great amenity for rafters.

It has a free shuttle van that will pick passengers up at the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport with just a quick call upon arrival. (Check the hotel posting board at the airport for the phone number.) This van will also take guests from the Courtyard to various Flagstaff locations, like the historic downtown, for dinner. Luggage storage for hotel guests is available at the Courtyard for the duration of the rafting trip.

For ALL Grand Canyon Whitewater passengers -- whether staying at Courtyard or not -- parking for the duration of your Grand Canyon trip, and a boxed breakfast early in the morning before heading for the river, is provided. When booking your room at the Courtyard in Flagstaff, make sure to tell the reservation agent that you are with Grand Canyon Whitewater.  To book, call 800-321-2211.

Courtyard by Marriot: 2650 South Beulah Boulevard • Flagstaff, Arizona 86001 USA

Poem by a Grand Canyon Boatman

What would we think
If we had not a thought
If our memories were broken
And our logic forgot
Would we run willy-nilly?
Would the world go awry?
Would love be our impulse?
Or would pigs learn to fly?

Oh here I'm caught thinking
All lost in my head
When life is for living
Not worry
Nor dread
No it cannot be figured
Fractioned or fought
No it will not be borrowed
Bemused or bought

But it will keep flowing
Like a river of time
Causing thinker to think
Moving rhymer to rhyme
Oh here I'm caught thinking
All lost in my head
When life is for living
Not worry
Nor dread

So come all you thinkers
All rhymers of rhyme
Escape from your head space
We haven't much time
Run away from your logic
Play hooky from schools of thought
Quit chasing the immortal
Don't worry
You're not

If you find yourself searching
Rambling about
Keep rambling, keep rolling
Keep living without doubt
Grab hold of the big things
Be willing to let go
With love and abundance
Your happiness will grow

-RYAN HOWE

If you are on any of our Grand Canyon rafting trips that require a hike into the Canyon (Lower Canyon trips), this will be useful info. Unless you have hiked extensively with a multi-day backpack or are just in incredible shape, it is worth it to at least look into the option of having a MULE carry your gear down the trail rather than YOU. You'll have enough work to do just focusing on hiking your own bod 9 miles.

First, you need to sign up for this option well in advance of your rafting trip as this service is at full capacity most days. Next, you need to know the rules.  Mainly, your duffel needs to be soft-sided and weigh less than 30 pounds, and you need to be able to get it to the South Rim the day PRIOR to your hike into the Canyon. Lastly, this service is ONLY for people hiking IN to start a raft trip; it does not work for those hiking out of a Grand Canyon Whitewater Upper Canyon trip.

The Mule Duffel Service info page has all the other details you need to know. You can book the service by calling Xanterra at 888-297-2757 or 303-297-2757. After you have booked the mule duffel service, PLEASE contact Grand Canyon Whitewater and let us know our guides need to pick up your bag at the river.

It definitely would win a people’s choice award for one of the most FUN rapids to raft in Grand Canyon. Hermit, at river mile 95, is a rapid to write home about.

Hermit Rapid is one of the few rapids in Grand Canyon that is not created by obstructions from debris flows coming out of Hermit Creek side canyon. Instead, this rapid is more about constriction, or the narrowing of the river channel. The roaring Colorado River is constricted, or forced into a narrower section, at this point in the Canyon. The constriction creates pressure, which manifests as waves! The interesting thing about Hermit being formed by constriction rather than obstruction (think: rocks and debris) is that, compared to many other ‘biggie’ Grand Canyon rapids, Hermit is a relatively easy rapid to run in a 35-foot-long motorized raft. (Boatmen have to maneuver around those obstructions in the more techincal rapids to avoid banging up their motors and propellers.)  Hermit's 10 consecutive waves are big, the ride is definitely e-ticket and the boatmen can enjoy the ride just as much as the passengers!

"Jason, Brie, Ted, and Tyler were all amazing with our teenage children. They made the trip a memorable one for the entire family and I couldn't imagine the trip without them.

I also appreciated that they encouraged us to do things that were sometimes outside of our comfort zone. Because of them, I could go home with no regrets!

The food was so delicious - and we laughed a lot too!!"

-- Deb Quillinan,  Lake George, NY
   Passenger on an 8-day motorized trip in July 2012

Photo: Deb's group pauses for a photo opportunity in North Canyon.

 

"It's hard to pick just one highlight. For my 10-year old, Jillian, the hightlight was Lava Falls. It was amazing, scary, and really, really fun. My 16-year old, Justine, loved the surroundings. Just being in someplace as beautiful as Grand Canyon was nothing short of amazing. My little guy, Jason, liked every single thing he did -- the rapids, the camps, and even Oscar/the groover!

We were a party of 11, all members of the same family, and I just loved being able to experience this phenomenal wonder of the world up-close and personal. Sleeping under the stars was a highlight for me. I have never seen anything like that in my entire life. Breathtaking shooting stars made me not want to close my eyes at night, for fear that I'd miss the show.

We loved it and our guides, Matt, Chris, and Sarah were THE best guides around. They took care of us, entertained us, educated us, and helped our family build memories that will last a lifetime. Thanks to them, we're already planning our next trip."

-- Margaret Handrahan
   Passenger on a 5-day Lower Canyon trip in August 2012
 

Photo: GCW passengers take a leap of faith from Elve's Chasm.

"I loved all the side hikes up to the waterfalls... food was great, liked the variety. Guides were great, very informative about rapid names and history. Surprised to find so many flowers in the Canyon... also enjoyed the wildlife... big horn, lizards, etc."

--Christine Diem     age 29     Myerstown, PA
Passenger on a 7-day Grand Canyon raft trip in June 2012

 

Grand Canyon Whitewater recently teamed up with the National Park Service to run an 18-day Colorado River trip. A handful of our guides helped park service folks clean up campsites and trails and enjoyed the opportunity to learn even more about the Grand Canyon. One of our boatmen, Brock, wrote about the trip for us, and we'd like to share it with you!

"Grand Canyon, wow! What an incredible and magical place. Anyone who has had the opportunity to experience this natural wonder will forever be inspired, and the spirit of The Canyon will always be with you. There are not too many places on earth that have the same effect on people as the Grand Canyon. Being a commercial river guide in the canyon comes with huge responsibility. We are not only there to facilitate a safe and fun experience for our clients, but to also educate and protect this precious resource we all have available to us.
    On Feb. 18, 2013, Grand Canyon Whitewater and the National Park Service launched on an 18 day oar trip in a cooperative effort to preserve and protect this special place. The park staff consisted of natural and cultural resource management specialists, river rangers, archeologists, maintenance staff and interpretive specialists. Grand Canyon Whitewater provided 5 oar boats, food, all the necessary kitchen and camp supplies, and 7 boatmen. Our goal: team up to conduct rehabilitation and maintenance projects at several campsites along the Colorado River Corridor; make stops for re-photography, project monitoring and project planning; and address impact at camps, including social trails, vegetation damage, and trail erosion. The effort put forth was amazing. It is awesome to see what can be accomplished with a motivated crew who all have so much love and time invested in the canyon. The work was totally gratifying. You could step back after a project was completed and really feel like there was something positive done. Everyone had their own specialties to contribute, which, when combined, created a spectacular team. The campsite and trail work was a huge part of the trip, but the relationship between commercial guides and the Park Service was invaluable. As a commercial guide, we interact with hundreds of people every season. To be able to share with our clients what has to happen down here to protect this place is priceless. The more people we can expose and educate about Grand Canyon or any other natural resource, the more they are going to want to protect it, and that is what it is all about.
    The trip traveled downstream stopping whenever we could to take project monitoring photos, conduct litter sweeps of camps, and take an occasional lay-over day to complete some of the larger projects. Archeologists were on hand to educate on specific sites as well to share knowledge of historic and prehistoric people of the area. We even got to find a big horn sheep locating collar that was programmed to release from the sheep after a designated time. Of course time was spent at camp eating, telling stories and playing music around the campfire making friends.
    Seventeen days later, we rolled into Diamond Creek. As with all river trips, the end is always bittersweet, but the work that was accomplished on this trip will not end when the gear trucks head back up the dirt road to civilization. Our efforts will continue to affect future trips that visit these sites, the clients we educate, and the relationships made between the Park Service and commercial river companies."

We were so glad to be part of such a cool endeavor. We really think Grand Canyon is an amazing place, one that everyone should have the opportunity to experience and appreciate at least once in their lifetimes. We hope you'll help us preserve this remarkable place, so every visitor will find it exactly as beautiful and awe-inspiring as those who first set eyes on Grand Canyon.

Photos: Guides Kenny, Thea, Tim, Brock and Brie clear a trail.

When Grand Canyon Whitewater moved its office to Flagstaff in April 2012, we were welcomed by a happy-go-lucky 92 year-old Flagstaff local named Jim. He took a liking to us and has been stopping by on his daily walks ever since.

Jim has a mischievous sense of humor and we never know what to expect when he comes in. Today he came in dressed as the pope, complete with a nametag saying “Pope Pacemaker III,” and wanted to be addressed as “His Popeyness.” Jim likes to think of himself as a bit of a fashion expert and does not hesitate to critique our hair and attire. “You wore THAT to work?!” or “Your roots are showing!” are typical comments from Jim. He also likes to bring us newspaper clippings of our horoscopes and tell stories of growing up in the 1920s. He often departs by saying something like, “You ladies are crazy, I’m leaving.”

Jim is a great reminder that age is just a number, and that you’re only as old as you feel. We have had passengers as old as 82 join our rafting tours. So keep Jim in mind and remember, it's never too late to check a Colorado RIver tour off your bucket list!