Grand Canyon River Rafting Trips

We recommend that you first determine how much time you have for the trip. The length of our trips are determined by the amount of time necessary for a quality experience. You are better off taking a complete 3- or 4-day trip than just 3 or 4 days as part of a longer expedition. For more information, give us a call. We will be happy to answer your questions and offer suggestions.

The price you pay for any of our river trips is all-inclusive. We provide everything from sleeping bags and life jackets, to water proof bags to keep your personal effects nice and dry. All meals and round trip transportation from the designated meeting place is also provided.

Delicious Dutch-oven dinners, sandwich lunches, and hearty camp breakfasts are provided throughout the river trip. We think our menu will satisfy everyone, from those who are watching calories and cholesterol to those who want to splurge on the richest desserts and the biggest steaks! With ample quantities of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pasta, non-meat eaters also have a variety of good foods from which to choose. Hot beverages such as coffee, tea, and cocoa are served in camp. Assorted non-alcoholic cold drinks are available throughout the day. We do not provide alcoholic beverages, but adult guests may bring small amounts of beer, wine, or liquor for their personal use.

12 years old is the minimum age requirement for our motorized rafting trips. For the paddle or rowing trips we do allow guests as young as 14 depending on experience. If you have questions about the ages of guests contact us here.

We have scheduled our expeditions during the times of year that we think are most appropriate and enjoyable. As a general rule of thumb, you can think of April and May as the most moderate months as far as temperatures go. It can be kind of chilly on the river, especially when you are splashed in the rapids, but it’s usually perfect for long off-river hikes. This is also the best time to see wildflowers in bloom. June and July are warm and dry, perfect for running rapids and playing in side streams, waterfalls, and natural pools. In August, thunder showers cool things off a bit, and the rain causes cactus and other desert plants to bloom. Early-to-mid September, like the spring month, offers cooler temperatures and ideal weather for off-river trekking.

Most of our guides develop their expertise through an in-house training program that gives them an opportunity to learn everything about the river business from the bottom up. They participate in numerous training trips as helpers, or “swampers,” and must be able to repair rafts, motors and other equipment before they start operating their own rafts with customers on board. This usually requires two seasons. Most of our guides have a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience. Our veteran guides have been with us from 10-20 years.

When we confirm your reservation request, we will send you a trip planning packet that includes where to meet, how to get there, where to stay, what to bring, and other information to help you plan and prepare for your river journey. We will be happy to provide further advice or assistance on request.

When we confirm your reservation we will send you a detailed clothing and equipment list that is appropriate for the expedition you have selected.

It is okay to bathe and/or wash in the river, providing you use biodegradable soap and shampoo. Hand washing devices are set up in every camp. We carry clean, easy-to-use portable toilet facilities with us. They are set up in each camp and concealed in large, roomy tents for privacy.

If it is during the daytime, we put on our rain suits or ponchos and continue down the river. If it is really raining hard, we will pull into shore and find some shelter until the downpour ends. If it rains at night, we break out the tents. Usually, though, the weather is great, and if it does rain, it doesn’t last long!

Our company name goes back to the roots of our beginnings. When we started our company in 1971, we ran only the Colorado River. Then, as now, we emphasized off-river hiking and back country exploration on every expedition. Thus, “Colorado River & Trail Expeditions” was a good and fitting name. Over the years, we’ve branched out a bit, but the heart and soul of our river running operation is still the Colorado River and the canyon country of southeastern Utah and northern Arizona.

We (David and Vicki Mackay) started our own company in 1971. Prior to that time, David had worked as a river guide while completing math and zoology degrees at the University of Utah. We met on a Grand Canyon Rafting river trip in 1968 and have been running rivers together ever since. Now our two children, Bonnie and Walker, share the fun and adventure with us.