Grand Canyon River Expedition
Trip dates - 9th -26th August 2013
At least once in a lifetime each of us must paddle and view this most majestic of all canyons! The river has carved its way through geologic time - revealing intricate canyon walls. Hikes to Anasazi ruins & up magical side canyons are part of our days as we paddle and play our way from Lee's Ferry to the take-out.
This trip is for those that really want to see one of the world’s natural marvels, get a real sense of a true multi day adventure experience, and relax and enjoy nature at its very best.
LTA Travel looks after you from start to finish. With limo airport transfers to and from Las Vegas Airport, private air conditioned transport to and from the river, 3 nights’ accommodation in one of Vegas’ top hotels, directly opposite the famous Vegas strip. Not to mention the 14 Day privately guided white-water rafting or kayaking expedition with some of Colorado’s most experienced and best guides showing you some phenomenal canyon hikes along the way. Enjoy a fantastic selection of food every breakfast, lunch and dinner and even a few cocktails in the evening.
For this trip we will be taking oared rafts, which are large rafts paddled and guided by a single guide, seated in the centre of the raft, with large double paddles. The front and back inflatable areas of the raft then seat the passengers.
In addition to this, we will be using a large motorised raft that will carry the majority of your kit, food and supplies and the occasional kayaker tired of paddling along the flat! We will also be taking some 2 man inflatable duckies which will be available on select sections of the River for those who want to be a little more adventurous.
Whether you are keen to sit on the raft and allow others to guide your journey, or you are up for the excitement of kayaking some world class big volume white water, this trip has it all.
Due to very strict US policy to preserve the canyon, there are limited trips available and dates are secured way into the future, so this really is an opportunity not to be missed.
Itinerary
9th August – Depart UK for a direct flight to Vegas. Transfer to our Hotel ‘Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino’ for the evening on a room only basis. Evening meal at leisure.
10th August – Depart after breakfast in our private bus for a long drive to get to the Marble Canyon for the evening. The journey takes into account time to stop for lunch and stock on trip supplies like chocolate and beverages. As we travel out of Vegas we cross Utah and Arizona state lines to travel out to the wild remote start point. The Marble Canyon Lodge is only 1 mile from the river and you can’t see the canyon! There will be a trip briefing this evening and time to pack the supplied dry bags before a hearty meal.
11th August – After breakfast we all assist loading the kit for the short drive to the start of the journey. Our start point is Lee’s Ferry, just below the Glen Canyon dam. Marked as Mile 1 on the maps, the canyon is barely evident as the banks are at water level. Here you will be required to help with what will become the daily routine of loading and unloading the rafts with all of your kit. After meeting the raft guides and a short briefing, (kayakers will be briefed by Anthony), its time to say goodbye to roads and civilisation for the next 13 days as we head to our first camp for the evening.
12th -23rd August – The daily routine starts with rising early, with a good breakfast and tea and coffee to start the day. We slowly pack up our own tents and kit bags to load for the day ahead. The average day down the canyon, includes some flat relaxing sections with huge volume wave train rapids to keep us on our toes.
Nearly every day there will be short hikes up spectacular side canyons and cooling off periods in fresh waterfalls cascading high from the canyon walls. As the river descends deeper into the Canyon and the walls each side just get higher and higher, the raft guides will keep you informed of the history and geology of this awe inspiring place.
Fresh lunch is laid out on the river side, and a constant supply of fresh water throughout the day, and some great company thrown in for good measure. At the end of each day we pull up on a sandy beach area to erect our tents in some hidden corner, get a cool beer out of the beer nets dragged along in the water, and pull up a chair to relax. Even ice is supplied for your Gin and tonics if required, before a good supply of food is prepared by the guides on the huge portable grill. After a good read, game of cards or just relaxing with others, it’s time to fall asleep under the stars ready to repeat the routine the following day.
The rafts are large paddle rafts, meaning that one guide paddles and steers his craft, with you relaxing as passengers. For kayakers, the river is classed as a class 4 river. Although big volume, the choice of route is normally very clear and a solid roll, which makes it all the easier! In between the bigger rapids are some great waves to surf, and play spots to find.
Each side hike is optional, and, if preferred, you may choose to just relax on the river side with the rafts. These vary from 10 minutes walking to 2 hours, and on one day where the river is completely flat, there is the option to spend the day walking along the canyon sidewalls with some stunning views and waterfalls to cool off in, or stay on the raft and meet us further down stream.
On some of the flatter sections of river the kayakers will have the chance to jump onto a raft for a break and relax whilst the rafters can try their hand at kayaking with some instruction along the way if they wish.
Any intermediate paddlers concerned by any big sections of rapids will have the option to portage bigger sections and ride on the rafts.
Just before we reach the half way mark of the trip we get to ‘Phantom Ranch’, the only settlement that exists in the bottom of the canyon. This is where Hikers get to come down to our level, and we can restock on goodies, or send a postcard by mule back up the canyon.
24th August – After our last night spent on the river banks where we re re-tell stories of white water terror, and a trip of a life time, we complete our journey getting out at around mile 296. We then say goodbye to our guides and make our way by bus back to Las Vegas, crossing over the famous Hoover Dam on route. In stark contrast to the previous 14 days, we spend the night back at our hotel in Vegas.
25th August – A day of leisure. Our hotel is right on the strip, so go mad at the tables, enjoy the bright lights of this surreal city, or just chill by the pool after some shopping.
26th August – Depart back to the UK. Arrival is to be confirmed based on flight times.
Expedition Costs: $6300pp ( £3982 as of 13.02.12)
Included:
Transport to the airport from the Centre at Stottesdon. (Optional)
Luxury Limo transfer to the hotel in Las Vegas (& kayaks where applicable)
Accommodation in Las Vegas at the Monte Carlo Hotel one of the top hotels in Vegas right opposite the main strip of Vegas, 1 night at the beginning and 2 nights at the end, on a room only basis.
Private air conditioned bus transfer to the Marble Canyon and the river the following day, as well as return transfer to Vegas at the end of the trip.
National Park fees.
1 night accommodation at Marble Canyon.
All inclusive trip along the Grand Canyon, including a fantastic selection of food, water, tea and coffee.
Fully guided rafting with a guide in each raft, and fully guided hikes with the best river guides on the Grand Canyon.
Kayak guide and tuition.
Not included:
International Flights.
Food in Las Vegas and Marble Canyon.
Additional Beverages. Each person has the opportunity to purchase their own soft drinks or alcoholic beverages before we get to the river. These are then labelled up for the trip for your personal consumption.
Gratuities for the guides
We do not include insurance but this can be provided at an additional charge
For entry into the USA you will be required to obtain online authorisation for travel at least 72 hours before departure (known as ESTA - Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). It is your responsibility to attain authorisation for travel and you can apply online, click on the link below:
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