What’s Provided
The raft company will provide meals and beverages (cold juices, lemonade, milk, and coffee), dishes, and eating utensils. Water and lemonade are available on the raft throughout the day.
If you want soft drinks or beer, you can bring your own. No glass please! And if possible no plastic bottles. Label your cans on the TOP with your intitials, so you don’t drink someone else’s. The raft will carry your beverages, putting some of them in a drift bag to keep cool during the day. If you bring wine it should be the "box" variety, once again, no bottles please.
The raft company will also provide sleeping bags, foam mattresses, cots, tents and waterproof bags at no charge. Please let me know if you would like these items from Tours West.
What You Bring - Please refer to our Recommended Product List for suggestions on equipment.
Camping Gear: If you bring your own gear you'll need a tent, ground cloth, sleeping bag or bed roll,  sleeping pad, dry bag (I recommend the NRS Bill's bag), pillow, and personal gear. An ammo box is a great container for your personal gear on this trip. Many people enjoy sleeping out under the stars and only use a tent if it rains. I rarely use a sleeping bag since it stays quite warm (sometimes downright hot) at night. If you do bring your own gear, I've found that a bedroll made up of a flannel sheet and wool or fleece blanket works quite well. Remember, that you will be helicoptered out, and are limited to 25 lbs. So the bottom line is, that I would use the company’s tents, cots, pads, sleeping bag, dry bag and sheet.
Dress for Success
Normally around camp, shorts and T-shirt or bathing suit are sufficient. In the evening, you may need a light sweatshirt or jacket.
It’s more difficult to dress when you’re on the river. While the air temperature may exceed 100 °, the water temperature is a chilly 50 °. On a hot day, riding on the raft is pleasant because of the breeze coming off the river as we motor down river. On an overcast, windy or rainy day, it can be chilly to cold. A two piece rain suit is a must.
Foot Wear
When doing certain hikes, such as ones that are wet, where the rocks are slippery, the must have foot wear is Chacos. The model is Z1-Pro or if you like an extra loop around your big toe you would get the Z2-Pro. Only buy the Pro series. The other Chaco models do not have the same sole and do not work as well. The ones with the twin, thin straps are a pain to put on. Chaco's Website. Trust me -Tevas and sneakers do not work as well for these hikes. If you are not use to wearing sandals, bring light weight socks to were with them to prevent blisters and rubbing. When doing dry hikes, wear whatever is comfortable for you.
Hands and Feet
The combination of water and dry air often result in cracked and dry hands and feet. Bring Vaseline, Bag Balm, or other moisturizers for protection. If you chap easily, I would bring along a callus rasp and keep the thick skin on your feet, smoothed down. Then at night put on lotion and then put on cotton socks over the lotion to keep it in while you sleep. You can do the same if your hands crack and put on cotton gloves.
Clothing
The water is usually muddy and everything you wear will soon have a brownish tint to it. Don’t bring your best outdoor clothes, unless you don’t mind the mud. Also, inexpensive soap and shampoo works just as well in the muddy water as the expensive ones.
Pack lightly and plan to layer your clothing.
I recommend bringing:
Rain Suit (2-piece)
Sweater or sweatshirt (fleece works much better than cotton)
Windbreaker or jacket (could be from your rain suit instead of separate item)
Long pants (1 pair)
Shorts (2-3 pairs)
Shirts (3, one long-sleeved)
Swimsuits
Chacos sandals with Pro soles
Sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes
Socks (3 pair)
Hat (with wide brim and ties)
Also bring:
Towel (Karen recommends bringing a large bath or beach towel rather than a
small "pack" towel washcloth. The large towel can be used as a changing wrap where
modesty is desired).
Shampoo and soap (Karen likes Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap because the peppermint
feels really good on the skin in the canyon’s dry and hot environment).
Lip balm with sunscreen additives
Sunscreen (high SPF value)
Moisturizer
Aloe Vera (for sunburn)
Flashlight with extra batteries
Kleenex
Comb or brush
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Wet Ones (2) (great for cleaning up on days when you don't want to jump in the river...) Foot kit (Band-aids, moleskin, powder, fungal crème, etc.)
Other personal hygiene items (razor, etc.)
Other Items:
Zip-Lock bags
Water bottle and fanny pack or small backpack for hikes (Camelbak's are highly recommended)
Sunglasses
Glasses retainer (Croakies, Chums, etc)
Extra pair of prescription glasses
Bandanna or scarf (“Buff’s are a great alternative)
Sun shower
Notebook and pencil
River Guide
Books to read
Camera and film in dry storage box
Suggestions on Medications on GC
Here are some suggestions on medications from a physician on one of our trips:
1. Be sure to carry any medicines with you. Don't put them in checked baggage.
2. Colds, diarrhea and constipation are common problems for travelers. Take decongestants, medicine for diarrhea, etc.
3. Skin, urinary, and sinus infections are also common. Take at least one course of antibiotic (cephalexin is a good one for all 3, and it is cheap) for 7 days. Doxycycline is another good, cheap antibiotic but it makes many people extra sensitive to the sun... not such a good choice for the GC.
4. Be prepared to be stiff and sore. Take ibuprofen or your favorite anti-inflammatory; consider some muscle relaxers in case you really pull something.
5. Again, don't forget sunscreen, band aids, blister pads. The raft has a trauma kit but we don't want to use up all the stuff on minor injuries and not have materials later if we need them.
Below you will find the Tours West Information Packet.
Grand Canyon Trip Information Packet
Thank you for choosing Tour West! We are delighted to share the Colorado River and the famed Grand Canyon with you. Please carefully read this information packet as it will answer many of the questions you will have about your trip. Keep this information packet as it will also be a guide to you as you prepare and pack for your trip. We also suggest you re-read this packet after you are finished packing.
ITINERARY
For this entire trip you will be on Pacific Time
Your trip assembles in Marble Canyon, Arizona.
HOW DO I GET TO MARBLE CANYON, ARIZONA-
Option #1: Flying to Marble Canyon, Arizona
Most people prefer to fly into Las Vegas and transfer to Marble Canyon via charter plane. We have arranged for charter services to Marble Canyon through the Bar Ten Transportation Services in conjunction with Vision Air. If you want to fly from Las Vegas to Marble Canyon you must book this flight no later than 4 weeks prior to your trip. There is a 10 passenger minimum for this flight and Vision Airlines reserves the right to charge a gas surcharge fee before you board your flight. This fee will range from $3-$30 per person depending on the price of gas. This fee is not included in your tour cost
For those of you taking this flight please plan on arriving in Las Vegas no later than 1:00 p.m. the scheduled date of your trip. This will give you enough time to pick up your luggage and check-in for your flight to Marble Canyon. To meet for this flight please go to the information booth outside of the one baggage claim area at McCarran airport. Approximately 20 feet from the booth is a set of escalators with a sign above them reading, “Level Zero” please proceed down the escalator to level zero, where a Vision Air representative will meet you between 2:45 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and will be holding a sign which will read, “Tour West Colorado River Rafting”. You will then board a
Vision Coach which will shuttle you to the North Las Vegas airport, where you will board your flight for Marble Canyon. Please make sure to meet your representative at 2:45 p.m. pacific time. If for any reason the Vision Air representative is not at level zero by 3:00 p.m. to meet you, please wait at level zero for you Vision Coach to arrive. If you miss the coach please call Vision Coach Services at 1-800-256-8767 or Bar 10 Transportation Services at 1-800-582-4139. They will make every effort possible to connect you with your charter flight to Marble Canyon .
Please note: the FAA requires anyone who is 18 + years to present photo ID for this flight.
Air craft: Dornier 228--19 passenger plane (for smaller groups another plane may be used).
Upon arrival in Marble Canyon no one will be there to meet you so please walk across the street to the Lodge and check-in.
Option #2: Driving to Marble Canyon, Arizona
Marble Canyon is located in the Northeastern corner of Arizona on Highway 89A. Marble Canyon is 281 miles from Las Vegas and from Phoenix it is 272 miles. While you are on the river trip you may park your car across the street from the Lodge. This is not a secured parking lot. Tour West will not be held responsible for those who choose to park their cars in this lot. Unfortunately there are no secured parking areas provided in Marble Canyon.
FIRST NIGHT OF YOUR TRIP (motel night)
You will spend the night at the Marble Canyon Lodge. Your motel accommodations are included in your package. Please let us know your preferred accommodations no later than 2 months prior to your trip. If we do not hear from you we will make your accommodations for you. We cannot guarantee your preferred accommodations will be met without contacting us within the given time frame. You are on your own for your dinner this night and breakfast the next morning. There is a small restaurant located at Marble Canyon.
Orientation Meeting at 3-4:00 p.m.
You are scheduled to meet for an orientation meeting at 3-4:00 pm this night with your guide and the rest of the group. This meeting is held behind the convenience store in the conference room.
SECOND THROUGH TWELVE NIGHT:
A van provided by Marble Canyon Lodge will pick you up in front of the motel at 8:00 a.m. and transport you miles to Lee’s Ferry where you will launch on your river trip. You will travel 188 river miles through the Grand Canyon. Each day you will run exciting rapids, explore unique side canyons, and enjoy the majestic grandeur of the Grand Canyon. Each night you will camp under the stars along the beaches of the river.
LAST MORNING OF YOUR TRIP:
The river portion of your trip will end at Whitmore Wash. From this point you will enjoy a scenic, 10 minute helicopter ride from the river to the Bar Ten Ranch. A charter flight from the ranch will take you back to Las Vegas or Marble Canyon. Vision Airlines reserves the right to charge you a gas surcharge fee before you board your flight. This fee will range from $3-$20 per person depending on the price of gas. This fee is not included in your tour cost. You should arrive between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. If you are going back to Las Vegas, transportation will be provided to the main Las Vegas airport (McCarran Airport).
Please note: the FAA requires anyone who is 18 + years to present photo ID for this flight.
Please do not schedule any flight arrangements out of Las Vegas before 3:00 p.m. this day!
Please be aware that at Tour West we do our very best to schedule your transportation needs into and out of a remote area where transportation options can be limited. While the transportation companies we contract with to provide these services are in general reliable and on time, there are occasions when our passengers will experience delays. While these delays are beyond our control, we will always do our best to help you get where you need to be in the quickest and safest way possible.
SPECIAL NOTE-IMPORTANT
Tour West, together with selling agents, acts only in the capacity of agent for customers in all matters pertaining to hotel accommodations, sightseeing tours, and transportation whether by railroad, motor car, steamship, boat, airplane, or any other means, and as such is not responsible for any damage expense or inconvenience caused by late train, plane, or ship arrivals or departures, or by any change of schedule or other condition nor from any loss, injury or damage to any person or property from any cause whatsoever, The right is reserved to alter the
sequence of sightseeing in any of these tours. Tour West is proud of its efforts to insure the safety and enjoyment of our passengers. We feel that our customers are safer with us that they are traveling to and from the river. However, no outdoor activity is without the possibility of unforeseen hazards. It is important that each Tour West passenger recognize that there is an element of risk in any adventure or activity associated with the outdoors. Each passenger must be fully aware of the risks and the elements of cold river water, and or loss or damage to personal property. Knowing of the inherent risks, dangers, and rigors of river running, each passenger must decide if he/she is desirous and capable of participating in the river trip experience. Even though losses rarely occur, we recommend that passengers have their own travel insurance to protect personal items. It is also recommended that you have your own health and accident insurance. Each passenger will be required to sign an acknowledgment of risk form prior to the trip.
Tour West Will Supply The Following Gear:
¨ Boats – Custom-made, compartmentalized and unsinkable
¨ Life Jackets – of special whitewater design
¨ Meals – all meals on the river starting with lunch the first day and ending with breakfast the last morning. All meals are expertly prepared and cooked by our guides.
¨ Cooking facilities – all cooking items including eating utensils
¨ Camping toilet facilities, toilet paper and supplies
¨ Beverages – unlimited water and lemonade. Coffee, tea & hot chocolate in the morning.
¨ First Aid Kit
¨ Sleeping Bag with sheet
¨ Comfortable sleeping pad
¨ Ground cloth (tarp)
¨ Tent
¨ Waterproof bag – 16”X 33” 108 liters to put your personal duffel bag into during the trip
¨ Small water-resistant bag --9.5”X 20” 22 liters--accessible at all times) for personal articles and camera
Also included in your trip is:
¨ Motel Accommodations the first night of your trip at the Marble Canyon Lodge
¨ Transportation to the river from Marble Canyon
¨ Helicopter Ride out of the canyon (approximately a 10 minute ride)
¨ Charter flight back to Las Vegas, NV or Marble Canyon, AZ at the end of your trip
Fuel Surcharge:
¨ Vision Airlines reserves the right to charge a gas surcharge fee before you board your flight(s). This fee will range from $3-$20 per person depending on the price of gas at the time of your trip. This fee is not included in your tour cost.
Please note: Each person on our trip (16 years and older) is charged an additional $10 to cover the National Park Entrance fee. If you have a golden eagle or golden age passport into the National Parks please let our office know before your trip so we can deduct this fee.
PERSONAL GEAR WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO BRING WITH YOU
The following supply list suggests items you should bring for your trip. When packing please keep in mind that:
1. You must limit your gear to 25 pounds (this is required by the helicopter & airplane companies)
2. Your bag should be approximately 25” x 14” x 10” to fit inside our waterproof bag.
- Fleece- lined jacket or fleece sweatshirt- (Might not use in mid-summer-but still bring)
- Long pants (light-weight, fast-drying material for sun protection)
- Shorts- quick drying material
- Shirts (at least one long sleeved for sun protection)
- Underwear / undergarments
- Socks
- Swimsuit or fast drying shorts – (At least two pair)
- Two pair tennis/athletic shoes OR other river-type sandals—SEE FOOTWEAR SECTION
- Quality Two piece Rain Suit with hood (a poncho is not effective!)-The River is ALWAYS COLD!!
- Bandanna-great for keeping your sunglasses clean
- Hat- with retention strap- good brim for sun protection
- Small towel and washcloth
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Soap and deodorant
- Shampoo
- Zip lock bags – ½ dozen- gal. size- (For storing wet items & keeping things dry)
- Flashlight or Headlamp and spare batteries-Headlamps work best
- Fanny pack or small backpack –(optional-but nice to have on hikes and for storing extra things on raft)
- Quart plastic water container- with carry strap or belt attachment
- Medication or personal first aid items – if needed
- Backup pair of prescription glasses – if needed
- Sunglasses – with retention strap (Consider bringing a spare pair also)
- Insect repellent – small can or one can per family (probably won’t be needed)
- Chapstick and Sunscreen-(Larger size or more than one) SPF 15+ You need to be prepared for a strong sun
- Aloe Vera Hand Lotion/Moisturizer/Vaseline-(Large size as the air is very dry)
- Shaving Kit & Mirror – optional
- Feminine Hygiene products
- Small packs of Kleenex
- Camera, lots of film and spare batteries and additional waterproof disposable camera for rapid shots
- Fishing gear—optional—See Fishing section for more information
- Money for gratuities at end of trip, or for small purchases before or after the trip, and possible gas
surcharge fee
- Small pillow
- Photo I.D.
- Baby wipes or Wet wipes –optional
- Optional personal items – solar shower, gloves, river guide, book, playing cards
You must limit your gear to 25 pounds (most need far less). Nylon or other quick drying clothing is preferable.
Special Note: DO NOT bring your suitcases with you on the river trip. For storage options see Section “Luggage Storage”. Bring what items you need in a soft duffel like bag or canvas type bag.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WEATHER – Temperatures can vary, but the following chart shows average temperatures and precipitation
for the months of April through October. You can also visit our website for current weather information at
www.twriver.com
Inner Grand Canyon Average Temperatures and Precipitation
TEMP APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT
Average High 89 92 101 106 103 96 86
Average Low 56 60 71 79 74 70 59
Precipitation .38 .22 .38 .78 1.22 .43 .49
Water temperature averages about 50-55 degrees all summer long.
RAIN GEAR – It is important to have a quality 2-piece rain gear with hood, not a poncho. The rain gear is for keeping warm and dry while going through the rapids and occasionally for rainy days. Make sure that your rain gear is waterproof and not just water-resistant. Don’t go on your trip without rain gear! You can purchase your rain gear on our online store at www.twriver.com .
FOOTWEAR – We encourage you to bring 2 pair of shoes. Sandals/Shoes need to be worn on the raft and in camp. It’s nice to have a dry pair for camp or an extra pair in case of loss or damage. Bring at least one pair of tennis/athletic type shoes. Quality river sandals with heel straps (Tevas, Chaco, Alps, Merrill, etc.) are an excellent choice on our river trips as your second pair of shoes. Consider bringing a pair of socks for your sandals, because many people develop sore spots due to abrasive sand and straps rubbing on their feet. All shoes should have good traction, be broken- in, and be comfortable. If you need the added support of hiking boots they are ok to bring along. Note: Because most hikes are in or around water, hiking boots that cannot get wet are not practical as footwear.
CLOTHES – PACK YOUR RIVER GEAR IN A SOFT COLLAPSIBLE GYM TYPE BAG. Your bag should be approximately 25”x14”x10” to fit inside our waterproof duffle bags. Keep your clothes to a minimum and in colors that will not show dirt easily (avoid black clothes as they get hot during mid-summer). The river and sand may permanently stain some of your clothing. Fast drying nylon shorts and bathing suits are recommended. It is important to have something to cover up with if you start to sunburn or get too hot so be sure to bring along a pair of long pants and a long sleeve shirt in a lightweight nylon or cotton fabric. Also, if it should rain it will turn chilly or cold so bring a fleece- lined jacket or fleece sweater with you. Most people tend to over pack, bringing too many changes of clothes! You do not need a new outfit for every day, as most people wear their clothes more than one day.
PERSONAL ITEMS – Passengers may bring their wallets, credit cards, and airline tickets with them on their trips. They should be stored in zip lock bags in the bottom of your waterproof bags. Do not bring expensive jewelry, expensive watches, cell or wireless phones, boom boxes or other such items and valuables with you on the river trip.
CAMERAS – Bring plenty of film and spare batteries for your camera. All cameras should have straps. We recommend keeping your camera in a waterproof case, even when it is in your small water-resistant bag. The waterproof or panoramic disposable cameras are excellent on the river trip.
VIDEOS – As video cameras become smaller and batteries last longer we are seeing more and more on the river. Be aware, there is no place to recharge batteries on our trips so you need to bring extra batteries. As we do not provide a hard case for storage, we recommend that you bring your video cameras in a hard waterproof case.
BEVERAGES – We provide cold lemonade and water all day long on the boat and in camp in the evening. If you wish to have any other beverages (soda, juices, alcohol, etc.) you must supply your own. Hard liquor should be in plastic containers. Soda, beer, and any additional beverages must be in aluminum cans (NO GLASS). Your beverages will be stowed away by the guides during the day and available to you in the evenings. You may want to mark your cans on the top with a permanent marker. You can purchase beer, wine, and soda at the Marble Canyon Trading Post, however, hard liquor is not available there.
FISHING – You may bring a small collapsible fishing rod. You can fish from the shore but not while the boat is underway. You would be fishing mainly for trout. Arizona residents must have an Arizona fishing license. Out of state passenger can purchase a short-term license at Marble Canyon Lodge or call Arizona Fish & Game at 602-942-3000 to see about obtaining a license.
GRATUITIES – It is customary upon receiving a satisfactory trip to tip the river crew. It is an acknowledgement of a job well done and greatly appreciated by members of the crew. If you feel a tip is in order, the average runs 10%.
NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEE—Each person on our trip 16 years or older is charged an additional $12.00 to cover the National Park Entrance Fee. If you have a golden eagle or golden age passport into the National Parks please let our office know before your trip so we can deduct this fee.
PASSENGER INFORMATION FORM – We require that each passenger taking our trip fill out the attached passenger information form. This form will give us more information on how to better serve you while you are traveling with us. Please make sure to include on this form if there are any special physical or medical condition we should be aware of. This form is attached to the back of this packet.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK FORM-We require that each passenger sign an acknowledgement of risk form. Anyone under 18 must also have the signature of their parent or legal guardian. This form must be returned to our office prior to your trip.
BALANCE DUE – The unpaid balance for your trip is due 90 days prior to your trip date.
CANCELLATION POLICY – A minimum $300.00 cancellation fee will be assessed for all cancellations. Cancellations received between 60 and 30 days prior to departure forfeit one half the tour cost. Cancellations between 30 days and the day of your trip lose the entire tour cost. No shows lose entire tour cost. We are firm with this policy and suggest you purchase cancellation insurance. This would help reimburse you in the event of illness or other unforeseen reasons for cancellations. Forms are available in our office or from your travel agent. This cancellation policy applies per person.
LUGGAGE STORAGE – If you are taking the charter flight from Las Vegas to Marble Canyon additional luggage can be stored at the North Las Vegas airport for a fee. You cannot leave any luggage with us in Marble Canyon as we have no facilities to store it, or to have it brought to meet you at the end of the trip.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION – During the season, you may call us after-hours or on weekends at our regular toll free number (1-800-453-9107). The message will give you the numbers of those you can contact or you can leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Please be aware that getting an emergency message to a guest on our river trips, even in the event of a death in the family, will not be possible. The Grand Canyon Park’s policy is not to allow the use of helicopters to contact or remove river guests for this type of emergency. Please give our toll free number to family members and have them call us if there is an emergency while you are on the river.
ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Is the trip strenuous-
Since our trip is an outdoor activity, and with the exposure to the elements, we consider our trips to be mildly strenuous, requiring some effort. You are responsible for carrying you personal bags to your camp and setting up your camp area. Our guides will give instructions the first night on how best to set up the camping equipment we provide. As with all aspects of the trip, we encourage the guests (with no medical restrictions) to participate in as many activities as possible. This includes helping the guides load and unload the rafts at camp. Some of the hikes off the river will require more effort than others. The guides will try and give you a brief overview of the hike. If you would rather not participate on any hikes
you may find a comfortable place to stay near the rafts. You will enjoy the trip more if you have prepared with some walking or exercise and are in better physical shape. If you have any medical questions consult your own doctor and call our office so that we may help answer your questions.
2. Who will our guides be-
Tour West feels that we have the best guides in the business. Our guides are all whitewater qualified with an average of fifteen years and hundreds of miles of river experience. Each guide is an accomplished outdoors person with a background in natural history and the ability to make each river trip special and memorable.
3. Where and when will I get my river and camping equipment-
Your waterproof duffle bag, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, sheet, small water-resistant bag and cup will be available at the orientation meeting. Your tent will be available at the first night’s camp. We recommend you only set up a tent if there is a threat of rain. Nothing beats sleeping under the stars!
4. What items will I have access to during the day-
Every morning your waterproof duffle bag containing your sleeping gear and clothing will be loaded on the boat and packed away for the day. Your small water-resistant bag is used to store any of the items that you will need to get to during the day, such as sun screen, hat, camera, water bottle, etc. If you plan to wear tennis shoes on a hike but not on the boat the guide will provide a bag where you can store them.
5. What is the menu like-
We take pride in offering well-rounded meals that are very appetizing with sufficient quantities for everyone. Breakfast items include many traditional favorites from pancakes to omelets, fresh fruits and juices. Lunches are a favorite for many with a variety of deli meats and cheeses, salads, chips and cookies. Dinner includes: fresh salads, chicken, steak, meals with an international theme, side dishes, and of course, desserts. All meals include water and lemonade to drink.
NOTE: If you have a special diet or allergies, please inform us of your specific needs so that we can determine how to best accommodate you.
6. What are the toilet facilities on the river-
We take portable toilets, which are clean and comfortable. These facilities are available in the morning and night while in camp. We have a smaller portable toilet that can be used during the day but we do not set- up facilities to urinate during the day. The National Park Service requires us to have guests urinate in the wet sand or in the river. This can be a little more difficult for our female guests so you might consider bringing clothing that will make this easier such as a two-piece swim suit or shorts instead of a one-piece suit.
7. Where will I bathe-
Bathing is only allowed in the main river channel, soap is strictly prohibited from the side streams. You may bring a solar shower if you would like but a few things to keep in mind are they can only be used in the main river and not on the beach or in the sand. Since there are few trees by the river someone will have to hold it for you. Please only bring one per family.
8. Why is the water so cold-
The river water is released from Glen Canyon Dam on Lake Powell, 15 miles above our raft launch point at Lee’s Ferry. The water is taken from deep in the lake and comes out of the dam at around 47 degrees. It only warms up about 1 degree every 20 miles.
9. What about bugs and snakes-
The Grand Canyon is a very friendly place to camp. Being a desert environment, mosquitoes and flying insects are not generally a problem. Snakes and scorpions are seldom seen. Most trips will have the thrill of seeing Desert Big Horn Sheep and many varieties of canyon birds.
10. Can we expect rain-
We never know for sure when it will rain, so even if you are taking a mid-summer trip be sure to bring a two piece rain suit! Ponchos are not recommended.
MAPS/BOOKS- Below is a list of books about the wonders and history of the Grand Canyon. The Belknap Guide book along with other gear for your trip is available on our website at www.twriver.com
1. Grand Canyon River Guide (waterproof mile by mile map) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Author: Buz Belknap
2. The Exploration of the Colorado River and its Canyons
Author: John Wesley Powell
3. Introduction to the Grand Canyon Geology
Author: Trinkle Jones
4. River Runners of the Grand Canyon—The human story of the Colorado River (VIDEO OR DVD)
To order call: 1-800-580-6863 or write Don Briggs Film & Video PO Box 788 Sausalito, CA 94966
Help protect future commercial rafting trips in the Grand Canyon by visiting the following website:
www.gcriverrunners.com
Due to limited availability, the National Park Service restricts recreational boating opportunities on the Colorado River within Grand Canyon National Park to one trip per year per individual. Because of this regulation, Tour West cannot accept a reservation from any individual who has or will participate in any other full or partial canyon commercial or non-commercial river trip within the same calendar year. If you have already completed or have plans to participate in any other Grand Canyon river trip this year and would like to go again, please wait until next year or sometime thereafter to book you next trip. Grand Canyon National Park’s one-trip-per-year rule is strictly enforced. |
West has arranged for charter services to Marble Canyon through the Bar Ten Transportation Services in conjunction with Vision Air. If you want to fly from Las Vegas to Marble Canyon you must book this flight no later than 4 weeks prior to your trip. There is a 10 passenger minimum for this flight and Vision Airlines reserves the right to charge a gas surcharge fee before you board your flight. This fee will range from $3-$30 per person depending on the price of gas. This fee is not included in your tour cost
and covered on the raft and is not accessible during the day. There will be another pile that is called “day gear”. This is gear and bags that will be clipped on the top of the raft and is accessible at any time during the day. These bags will get wet, so they should be water proof or have items in them that you don’t mind getting wet. There will be a “drift bag” pile for a cold drink (non-alcoholic during the day) that you would like to have at lunch.
