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River trip questions - FAQ's

living waters

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any rafting experience?

When and where do I meet the trip?

What do I need to bring?

Do I really need raingear?

Where will I live and sleep?

What about modesty?

Is a government ID required?

What about National Park entrance fees?

Can I wear my contacts on the trip?

What about snakes and insects?

How much time will I spend on the river each day?

What are the physical requirements to participate in a trip?

Are the hikes strenuous?

What can I expect for weather?

How's the fishing?

We’d like to bring our children. Is there a minimum age?

What kind of toilet facilities are available on the river?

For women only!

Why is the 3-day trip so expensive?

What about tipping?

Will my cell phone or blow dryer work in the bottom of the Canyon?

What is the cancellation policy?

What about trip cancellation Insurance?

Do I need any rafting experience?

No, the majority of the people who join our trips have little, if any, rafting experience. We provide all the necessary equipment and will be using a motorized raft. Just hold on as instructed.

When and where do I meet the trip?

Please allow ample time in your travel plans so that if difficulties should occur, you will still be on time.

3-day trips: We recommend you arrive in Las Vegas the night prior to the trip. We will meet at the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport at 10:30 a.m. (A map to the meeting location within the airport will be provided.) At the end of the trip you have the option to be dropped off at the airport or any of the hotels in the Las Vegas "strip" area. We suggest you not make return flight reservations prior to 6:30 p.m. Special room rates are available at the Desert Rose Resort (800 811-2450) by mentioning discount code AZR2010. Reservations may also be made online by using this special reservation link which provides the discount code. Luggage may be stored at the Desert Rose while on the river for a nominal fee. Vehicles may be parked during your absence with the hotel's permission.

Full-length trips

Marble Canyon option: The trip will meet at Marble Canyon, AZ (about 2 1/2 hours north of Flagstaff, AZ, an hour south of Page, AZ and 6 hours east of Las Vegas, NV). We recommend you arrive in Marble Canyon the night prior to the trip and stay at the Marble Canyon Lodge (800 726-1789). We will meet at 8:00 a.m., on the south side of the road at the old Marble Canyon Lodge. There is ample parking at the lodge for your vehicle; ask the registration clerk where to park. You will be flown back to Marble Canyon in time for lunch on the last day.

Las Vegas option: You may choose the optional flight (at an additional cost) from Las Vegas to Marble Canyon. A bus will meet you at 5:00 a.m. on the morning of the trip launch at the Desert Rose Resort. On the last day of the trip you will be flown back to North Las Vegas Airport and bussed to the Desert Rose, McCarran International Airport, or any other hotel within a close proximity to the Las Vegas Strip. We suggest you not make return flight reservations prior to 2:30 p.m. Special rates are available at the Desert Rose Resort (800 811-2450) by mentioning discount code AZR2010. Reservations may also be made online by using a this special reservation link which provides the discount code. Luggage may be stored at the Desert Rose or the North Las Vegas Airport while on the river for a nominal fee. Vehicles may be parked for the week with the hotel's permission.

What do I need to bring?

Not much - most people over-pack for the trip! See our packing list for suggested items to bring.

Do I really need raingear?

Absolutely! It is best to be prepared with good raingear no matter what time of year you visit, as your raingear is more for river water protection than rainfall. The temperature of the river is about 48° at Lee's Ferry and only slowly warms as it flows through the Canyon.

Where will I live and sleep?

A river trip is an outdoor experience. There are no improved campgrounds along the river. But you don't need 40 years of wilderness experience to participate in one of our trips; we have many people come on our trips who have never camped a day in their life. They usually find they have been missing something truly enjoyable. This will probably be the most comfortable camping experience you've ever had!

What about modesty?

As a Christian community, we want to insure that none of us are stumbling blocks to others. This is especially true in the area of dress. Most people wear bathing suits and/or shorts and a T-shirt on the river. As we all know, these come in varying degrees of exposure. As you pack for the trip, please keep this in mind. For those joining us from other countries, please understand that bikinis and skin-tight Speedos have a very high degree of exposure by American standards.

Is a government ID required?

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.

What about National Park entrance fees?

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.

Can I wear my contacts on the trip?

Some guides do. That said, there are things you want to consider. First, blowing sand in camp can be very irritating or may scratch your eye. On the river, you could have waves come over your head in a rapid. On side hikes, sometimes the possibility of swimming exists. If you elect to wear them on the trip, we would suggest that you bring a small bottle of water for cleaning your contacts to ensure purity and a pair of glasses as a back-up.

What about snakes and insects?

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.

How much time will I spend on the river each day?

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.

What are the physical requirements to participate in a trip?

We take passengers from 8 to 88! The most difficult part for those on the upper end of that spectrum might be getting on and off the boat, and you will need to carry your gear between the boat and your campsite each day. But there are always helping hands, when needed. Everyone helps load and unload the boats unless there is a physical reason that prohibits helping...and being either 8 or 88 could be a good reason.

Are the hikes strenuous?

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.

What can I expect for weather?

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.

Month	South Rim			North Rim			Phantom Ranch
Month	High	Low	Precip	High	Low	Precip	High	Low	Precip
January	41	18	1.3	37	16	3.2	56	36	.68
February	45	21	1.6	39	18	3.2	62	42	.8
March	51	25	1.4	44	21	2.7	71	48	.8
April	60	32	.9	53	29	1.7	82	56	.5
May	70	39	.7	62	34	1.2	92	63	.4
June	81	47	.4	73	40	.9	101	72	.3
July	84	54	1.8	77	46	1.9	106	78	.8
August	82	53	2.3	75	45	2.9	103	75	1.4
September	76	47	1.6	69	39	2.0	97	69	1.0
October	65	36	1.1	59	31	1.4	84	58	.7
November	52	27	.9	46	24	1.5	68	46	.4
December	43	20	1.6	40	20	2.8	57	37	.9

Temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit, precipitation in inches.

How's the fishing?

Among trout fishermen, it is widely known that some very good fishing is to be had in the Colorado River! Fishing is best between Lee's Ferry and the confluence with the Little Colorado River, 60 miles downstream. You will need an Arizona Fishing License, which can be purchased at Marble Canyon Lodge on full-length trips. Note that the clarity of the water will dramatically impact the fishing. Fishing on the 3-day trips is poor due to the turbid water and therefore not recommended.

We’d like to bring our children. Is there a minimum age?

We limit our expeditions to children from 8 to 88 (and older). If your children enjoy outdoor life, feel at home around water, and adjust easily to being with an adult group, they’ll enjoy the trip with you.

What kind of toilet facilities are available on the river?

Ah, the one question that everyone asks sooner or later, usually sooner. All river trips in Grand Canyon National Park are required to use portable re-useable camp toilets. We set up a portable “potty” each evening in a naturally private and open-air location. It's almost the same as you have at home, except the view is much better!

For women only!

Even if you aren't anticipating your menstrual period, it is suggested that you come prepared for it. Sandwich size zip-lock bags can be used during the day and disposed of when you reach camp. [Brand name] o.b. tampons are 1/3 the size of regular tampons, tuck discreetly into pockets and have less paper wrapping. Many women also like bringing a small supply of baby wipes.

Why is the 3-day trip so expensive?

Yes, on the surface the 3-day trip seems expensive, but it includes the following transportation: bus from Las Vegas International airport to the North Las Vegas airport, charter flight to the Bar 10 Ranch on the North Rim, helicopter ride to the Canyon floor, 2 large rafts for 1 ½ days on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, jetboat out of the Canyon to South Cove on Lake Mead, bus return to Las Vegas where you are delivered to the Las Vegas International airport or a hotel of your choice along the Las Vegas Strip; plus while at the ranch it includes horseback riding, skeet shooting, an evening show, meals and lodging and while on the river all meals and camping equipment. Additionally, Canyon Ministries provides someone to present a Biblical perspective of the Canyon and it is still less expensive than if you were to book directly with the outfitter.

What about tipping?
You will find that the crew works hard to make sure you have an enjoyable and safe trip. It is customary to tip the crew 5% - 10% of the cost of the trip, depending on your satisfaction with the trip. At the end of the trip, give it to the Trip Leader, who divides it among the crew. Cash is preferred, but checks written to the Trip Leader will work as well.

Will my cell phone or blow dryer work in the bottom of the Canyon?

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

What is the cancellation policy?

Your deposit is refundable*, less a $25 service charge per person, if notification is received by Canyon Ministries 120 days or more before departure. Cancellations within 120 days and up to 60 days prior to departure will forfeit the full deposit. Cancellations within 60 days of departure will forfeit the full fare. NOTE: If your seat(s) is sold for full fare after cancellation, a full refund will be made less a $25 service charge per person. Trip cancellation insurance should be considered (see below).

* For groups of eight (8) people or more, fees are non-refundable unless the seats are sold as noted above.

What about trip cancellation insurance?

For travel insurance, you might contact one of these companies:

Travel Guard Insurance 800-826-1300
Travel Insured International Travel Insurance 800-243-3174

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