Grand Canyon Whitewater — Local services in Flagstaff

The Colorado River rafting trip (11 day hiker's Special) with Grand Canyon Whitewater was an unforgettable experience. From the very beginning of interacting with office staff on arrangements and instructions to final haul out and drive back to Flagstaff, it was unparalleled. The staff sent timely email instructions for preparation along with links to very helpful and informative blogs from previous rafters. They asked questions about health concerns and what you and they could do to alleviate those concerns. They emphasized what to bring and how to pack for a trip which most rafters had never been on similar trip before. They tried to impart what rafters had to expect along the journey. Once we arrived at the hotel we were treated like VIPs and were picked up in a very comfortable coach for the ride to Lee’s Ferry to begin our trip. The orientation we were met with at Lee’s Ferry was very informative but also emphasized that we were our own keepers and it was an adventure trip not a cruise. Riley’s exuberance and enthusiasm for her role as trip leader was evident in her informative and animated talk on what her and the crew’s role was and what our role was in making it an exciting but safe trip. We were all entertained and educated at the same time in preparing to board our rafts. She had us in stitches most of the time. The first day we were on the river we got rapids and got wet. The river warms you up for the really big ones with a little ones to start with. Riley and Cora’s narrative of the history, both geologic and anthropologic was amazing. Native culture was revered by all the crew and explained to everyone so that it made sense and was appreciated by all of us. The history of the early Grand Canyon explorers was fascinating and exciting. The food was to die for. Hot, full breakfasts in the morning and hot gourmet dinners in the evening, with lunches made up fresh during brief lunch stops on the river. Boatmen, Cora and Riley both did masterful jobs negotiating the rivers challenges and bringing along the river education of Evan and Shelby. Not that they needed much. All the crew really knew their jobs. They were boatmen, guides, cooks, mechanics and entertainment. Evan seemed to know everything already and was a capable boatman, cook, mechanic. He had the most infectious laugh that made everyone comfortable and always brought a smile to their faces. Shelby was amazing also, seeming to know what to do at all times without having to be asked by Cora or Riley. The entire crew worked so hard to keep rafters happy but you’d never know it to hear them talk or the looks on their faces. They were happy to be there on that awe-inspiring river helping the rafters to their “once in a lifetime” experience doing what they do all summer long. We all looked forward to the evening stories told by Riley and the morning readings by her and Shelby. The hikes, though strenuous, were enjoyable and worth every minute of the uphill struggle. Not everyone went on all the hikes. Spring was a time of desert flower blooms and healthy blooming cactus and no sign of rattlesnakes. The views of the river and surroundings were breathtaking from the heights that were climbed. We saw rain swollen, brown creeks and clear running streams with tall waterfalls. There were slot canyons, that we walked through and above, carved by wind and water that were so colorful and felt like nature’s cathedrals. We saw condors, vultures, Big Horned Sheep, lizards, a fox, a King Snake, deer and the fish that were caught by the fishermen in our group. We all made friends with our fellow rafters and treated each other like family. Some may remain lifelong friends but everyone will remember their fellow “River Rats” for the rest of their lives. I...

A PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONt

Let me tell you about my river trip that never happened..... On my way to the Grand Canyon, I became very ill and as the days passed approaching the date to hike down to the river I just got sicker.

Eventually, I developed a lung infection, a head and chest cold, rhino virus, diarrhea, dehydration, fatique, malaise, dyspnea, altitude sickness, all of which caused my Afib to kick in. What else is there? (all these symptoms were diagnosed at the hospital).

Despite all of the above, I actually foolishly tried to make the hike down Bright Angel Trail to the river. I only made about a mile and a quarter before I could go no farther. I insisted that my son and daughter-in-law continue on with the trip. Shawn, with GCWW, stayed with me and the two of us attempted to hike out of the canyon. Shawn was very concerned, supportive and helpful.

While resting at the side of the trail, we met a NP medical ranger - Kaylee, who took my vitals and satphoned for a paramedic - Kevin, who took a reading on a portable EKG machine and confirmed that I was in Afib and started an IV. Finally, A PA- Saul Stein arrived, said they needed to get me to a hospital ASAP and called for a medevac helicopter to fly me out.

What an experience that was! Saul and I tethered together dangling from the helicopter at the end of a rope, flying over the canyon on our way to the clinic were a Tusayan ambulance waited to take me halfway to Flagstaff. Krystal, the Tusayan paramedic took great care of me. Halfway to FS we were met by FSFD ambulance which took me the rest of the way. Mr. Brookshire cared for me on that ride. Flagstaff Medical Center personnel were great and took wonderful care of me.

Now, at some point, I fell asleep in the ER. When I opened my eyes, a man I had never seen before was standing next to my bed. He was wearing a GCWW cap and Tee shirt and introduced himself as Brock DeMay. I believe Brock is the general manager. I must say I was stunned to see him there and so very appreciative. Brock gave me his direct phone number and told me to call him if and when they decided to release me. Brock later returned and waited quite a long time for me to be released. He then drove me to the Merriott where he personally paid for a room for me for that night, and said I was to call him if I needed anything.

I spent the next three days at the Merriott resting and taking medications. Over those three days I received many phone calls from GCWW personnel - Amanda,TJ and Phil among others, checking on my condition and well being. I was a stranger far from home and really appreciated it!

Eventually, I made my way back to the canyon to meet my son and his wife at the end of their river trip.

As much as I dearly wanted to experience the raft trip and had planned it for years. I knew I did not belong in the canyon or on that raft at that time. I was really sick and still am not fully recovered.

Furthermore, GCWW offered to refund my trip money or apply the funds to a future trip. It is my intention to take them up on their offer and schedule a (non-hiking) trip next year!

The PEOPLE at GCWW are the BEST! I'll never forget their concern and consideration for me. It went far beyond a business arrangement to a personal concern for me. As far as I'm concerned, they are the best and would recommend no other outfitter for a river trip.

THANK YOU GCWW!

Affectionately Forrest C Jolly Miami, Fl.

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Grand Canyon Whitewater could write the book on the customer experience! From our first encounter with the reservation staff to the guides and rafts on the river! The customer service staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. There were frequent updates and reminders as our trip got closer and it was very much appreciated!

The river trip was spectacular! We did the 5 day motorized lower canyon trip from the Bright Angle Trail. The guides were there for us along the whole hike into the canyon. Then there was the river! We are rafters ourselves, so weren't quite sure what to expect when they said 35 foot j-rig rafts. I can say those rafts are nearly bomb-proof, especially with the experienced and knowledgeable guides. The really cool thing about going motorized, is the speed you can travel the canyon. I was surprised at the amount of flat water between the rapids. A paddle/oar raft would have taken days longer and would have been a lot more effort. We felt completely safe going through the big water, especially with the expertise of the guides!

Our guides were beyond amazing! Troy worked tirelessly to make sure we felt completely safe and learned about the history, geology and geography along the way. He had a wealth of knowledge that comes with the years and love of the canyon. Big Matt added his special sense of humor and fun along with his expertise. We loved being on his boat! Little Matt obviously has the passion of his youth on the river and it was a delight to spend time with him. We were fortunate to have Chris along on the trip, who added his own fun and knowledge (Loved the "heart arch") and hope he gets to spend more time with this fabulous team. Our guides worked from sun-up to sun-down to makes sure our experience was beyond measure, and we truly appreciate them. Then there's the food! All I can say is WOW! How can you provide such qualify and variety on a river, in the middle of the Grand Canyon? The food was fresh and delicious. There was always fresh fruit and veggies! The crew went out of their way to make everyone feel special--especially the ones celebrating milestones like birthdays! This was truly a trip of a lifetime! I highly recommend it to anyone with an...