Choosing Your Trip

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ALL THE GRAND

Lees Ferry to Pearce Ferry —7 days & 6 nights on the river

This trip takes you through the entire Grand Canyon and all of its thrilling rapids. Each mile reveals new sights, side canyons, and rock formations. It’s the most convenient, most relaxing trip because there’s no need to hike into or out of the canyon at the beginning or end. Just come to Flagstaff, that’s all you need to do: we’ll take you to the river, down the river, and back to Flagstaff after the trip.

SPRING IN THE GRAND CANYON
Mid to late April is an ideal time in the Grand Canyon. Temperatures at the bottom of the Grand Canyon near Phantom Ranch on April 15th average between a low of 54 degrees (F) to a high of 82 degrees (F.) By April 30th the average low is 58 degrees with a high of 87 degrees. This is the best time of the year to catch the beautiful wildflowers in bloom, & because temperatures are more moderate than in the summer time, it’s also a wonderful time to do extended day hikes. Precipitation in Grand Canyon from mid April to the end of the month averages only .02 inches.
So why do we discount April trips? Well, it’s a little early for families planning vacations with the kids, so the later trips book sooner. We want to offer an incentive for those Canyoneers who are able to take advantage of spring in the Grand Canyon! The National Park Service only allows us two departure dates in April, so we urge you to make your reservations early while space is still available.

UPPER GRAND WITH HISTORIC PHANTOM RANCH

2 days & part of a 3rd day on the river, 87 miles by powered pontoon boat, Lees Ferry to Bright Angel Beach, plus 1 day & 1 night at Phantom Ranch & 1 day hiking out of the canyon.

This is the shortest “Grand Canyon river trip” that is truly in the Grand Canyon. It is designed for those who want an introduction to Grand Canyon river running or whose time is limited. This portion of the river includes great side hikes and vistas, waterfalls, side canyons, and approximately 36 rapids, including Hance rapid, the third largest rapid in Grand Canyon! There are more historic sites and more panoramic views on the upper Grand than any other portion of the river.

BEST OF THE GRAND WITH HISTORIC PHANTOM RANCH

1 day hiking into the canyon, 1 night at Phantom Ranch, 5 days & 4 nights on the river, 193 miles by powered pontoon boat, Bright Angel Beach to Lake Mead.

This trip takes you through two-thirds of Grand Canyon. You will run 70 thrilling rapids, including the Canyon’s two most challenging, Crystal and Lava Falls! In addition to more great side canyon hikes, breathtaking vistas, and picture perfect waterfalls, this section of the canyon features the Inner Gorge, the deepest part of the Canyon, and perhaps the most dramatic of scenery.

CANYONEERS BRINGS BACK ITS YESTERYEAR!

In June & August come with us as we row the Grand Canyon with one of the original Nevills Expeditions cataract boats—the Sandra. Built in 1947, this was the last of the big water cataract boats to be built by Norm Nevills. She was christened by 6 year old Sandra Nevills, Norm & Doris’s second daughter, & launched at Lees Ferry, Arizona on July 12, 1947 for the Grand Canyon leg of the 1,200 mile Wyoming to Lake Mead Nevills Expedition.

The Sandra was used by Nevills Expeditions in Grand Canyon during 1947, ‘48 & ‘49, & then under Mexican Hat Expeditions (the forerunner of Canyoneers, Inc.) during the period between 1950 & 1969. From 1950 to 1957 she was the flagship boat of Frank Wright, Norm’s lead boatman.

The Sandra made her last trip as part of Canyoneers 1969 Powell Centennial Expedition from Green River Wyoming to Diamond Creek Arizona and was then retired.

In the year 2000, Norm’s grandson, Greg Reiff, began having the Sandra fully restored and, in 2004, rowed her through Grand Canyon. She is currently the only fully restored, river worthy, cataract boat originally built & run by Norm Nevills.

The Sandra, along with our 18 foot inflatable row boats, will be on the June & August 2009 Canyoneers rowing trips. In June, Greg Reiff will be rowing the Sandra. In August, Andy Hutchinson, the master craftsman who led the restoration, will be at her oars.
Come and experience some Grand Canyon living history! Take yourself back over half a century to the days of the river running pioneers in Grand Canyon.

Our June & August rowed trips are accompanied by a motor-powered pontoon boat that enables us to carry drinking water fresh from Flagstaff, more ice & fresh food, and more equipment for your comfort and enjoyment.

Minimum age for this trip is 12 years old.

CANYONOARS ALL THE GRAND
Showcasing an Historic Nevills Cataract Boat

14 days, 13 nights on the river, 280 miles by oar powered boats, Lees Ferry to Lake Mead

Follow the river trail in small row boats, moved by the river, at the river’s own pace. We travel fewer miles each day sometimes spending two nights in the same camp. Longer side-canyon hikes are an option. This trip takes us through the entire Grand Canyon and runs all the Canyon’s thrilling rapids. Enjoy ancient ruins, view spectacular scenery, visit lush waterfalls and explore secrets of Grand Canyon’s varied side canyons. See how cataract boats ran the Grand a half-century ago!

This trip does not require a hike into, or out of, Grand Canyon.

CANYONOARS Upper Grand
Showcasing an Historic Nevills Cataract Boat

6 days, 5 nights on the river, 87 miles by oar powered boats, Lees Ferry to Pipe Springs

There are more ruins and more panoramic views on the upper half of this Grand Canyon river trip than any other portion of the river. This portion of the river includes great side hikes and vistas, waterfalls, side canyons and approximately 36 thrilling rapids, including Hance rapid, the third largest rapid in Grand Canyon! You will travel in small row boats, moved by the river, at the river’s own pace.  And you’ll get the chance to ride in the Sandra, the original, fully restored Cataract boat built by Norm Nevills in 1947. Feel how the pioneers of yesteryear ran the Grand!
This trip incorporates a guided hike out of the Grand Canyon ending at the Grand Canyon South Rim Village.

CANYONOARS BEST OF THE GRAND
Showcasing an Historic Nevills Cataract Boat

9 days, 8 nights on the river, 193 miles by oar powered boats, Pipe Springs to Lake Mead

This trip takes you through two thirds of the Canyon traveling in small row boats moved by the river, at the river’s own pace. 
After hiking down the Bright Angel trail from the Grand Canyon South Rim Village with your hiking guide, you will run over 70 thrilling rapids, including the Grand Canyon’s two most challenging, Crystal and Lava Falls! In addition to more great side canyon hikes, breathtaking vistas, and picture perfect waterfalls, this section of the canyon features the Inner Gorge, the deepest part of the canyon, and perhaps the most dramatic of scenery. See how the cataract boats ran the Grand a half-century ago.

CANYONOARS UPPER GRAND LITE!

6 days, 5 nights on the river, 87 miles by oar powered boats, Lees Ferry to Pipe Springs

Limited to a group of 12 passengers for a truly intimate experience in the Grand Canyon & 1 guide for every 3 people.

There are more ruins and more panoramic views on the upper half of this Grand Canyon river trip than any other portion of the river. This portion of the river includes great side hikes and vistas, waterfalls, side canyons and approximately 36 thrilling rapids, including Hance rapid, the third largest rapid in Grand Canyon! You will travel in small row boats, moved by the river, at the river’s own pace.

This trip incorporates a guided hike out of the Grand Canyon ending at the Grand Canyon South Rim Village.

CANYONOARS BEST OF THE GRAND LITE!

8 days, 7 nights on the river, 139 miles by oar powered boats, Pipe Springs to Diamond Creek

Limited to a group of 12 passengers for a truly intimate experience in the Grand Canyon & 1 guide for every 3 people.
This trip takes you through two thirds of the Canyon traveling in small row boats moved by the river, at the river’s own pace. 
After hiking down the Bright Angel trail from the Grand Canyon South Rim Village with your hiking guide, you will run thrilling rapids, including the Grand Canyon’s two most challenging, Crystal and Lava Falls! In addition to more great side canyon hikes, breathtaking vistas, and picture perfect waterfalls, this section of the canyon features the Inner Gorge, the deepest part of the Canyon, and perhaps the most dramatic of scenery.