Canyon Ministries

Frequently Asked Questions

YES!  If you are over 18 years of age, it is required that you have some form of government-issued identification (drivers license, passport, military ID, etc).  Without it, you will not get on the plane to/from the Bar 10 Ranch or Marble Canyon!  The FAA enforces this and there are no exceptions.  We will remind you of this in your trip information packet.

You may deduct $12 per person from your final payment if you supply a copy (both sides) of your National Park Pass with the payment.  The pass must be valid through the launch date of the trip.  Note that in this context, the Pass is only good for family members with the same last name and the same address, which is different than entering the Park in a vehicle.

The Grand Canyon is a very user-friendly place to go camping.  Snakes are rarely seen and generally stay away from campsites and other places frequented by people.  Insects are seldom bothersome and there are very few mosquitoes.  (Insect repellent is very rarely necessary.)  However, anyone who knows they are very allergic to certain types of insect stings or bites should definitely bring any medications they have for such a situation.

We average 4-5 hours per day on the river plus another 3-4 hours for side hikes and a lunch stop.  Some days may be devoted mostly to floating.  Other days, when the attraction sites are plentiful, we will spend more time exploring and less time on the water.

The hikes vary in length and difficulty, averaging less than 2 miles round trip and range from a simple walk to occasional steep climbs.  They are always optional and we will do our best to describe the difficulty.  Most guests are capable of handling all the hikes, but on the longer, more strenuous ones, pre-conditioning will definitely pay off.  If you are able to walk 2-3 miles, you should not have a problem.

Temperatures in Grand Canyon range from lows of around 60° to highs around 100° in May and September. It is warmer in June, July and August, with temperatures ranging between 75° and 115°.  Humidity is very low and the sun is very intense.  The rainy season usually begins around the middle of July and lasts 4-6 weeks.  Afternoon temperatures are generally lower and the rain showers can materialize suddenly and disappear just as suddenly.  It is best to be prepared with good rain gear no matter what time of year you visit.  A light fleece jacket is a good idea and is recommended on all trips, just in case.

Here is a chart of the average weather for the Grand Canyon.  Note that temperatures on the river will be closest to Phantom Ranch, or a bit higher for 3-day trips, and the weather at the Bar 10 ranch will be similar to the South Rim.

Temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit, precipitation in inches.

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No, nor can you listen to the game on your radio.  Silence is golden.