50+ Years of Grand Canyon Expertise

Feel the Canyon the Way Few Ever Will

Journey 280 miles of river, red rock, and raw beauty — guided by the family-run experts who’ve called the Colorado home since 1971.

Line of brown spiral shapes.

Find Your Perfect River Expedition

Rafting on a muddy river beneath a sand-laden waterfall with rocky canyon walls.

Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

Experience the world-famous Grand Canyon by raft — from thrilling rapids to serene stretches, guided by experts with years of experience.

Raft with people navigating a whitewater rapid; rocky canyon walls in background.

Cataract Canyon Rafting – Canyonlands

Powerful rapids and unforgettable views through Utah’s Cataract Canyon, one of the most exciting stretches of the Colorado River.

People in two red inflatable kayaks on a river, with red rock canyon in background.

Desolation Canyon – Green River Rafting

Perfect for families and first-timers — a peaceful yet adventurous float through Utah’s Desolation Canyon on the Green River.

Rafts on a river in front of a glacier with purple wildflowers in the foreground and a cloudy sky.

Alaska River Rafting Trips

Journey to the wild north — explore the Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers on an expedition through untamed Alaskan wilderness.

A Family Legacy on the Colorado River

CRATE began in 1971, when river guide David Mackay and his wife Vicki set out to create a different kind of rafting company — one built on skill, heart, and genuine care for every guest. Dave was a pioneer in Grand Canyon river running, developing techniques that guides still use today.


More than 50 years later, CRATE remains family-owned and family-run, with the same spirit of service that Dave and Vicki started. Our team carries their legacy forward on every expedition, welcoming guests into the CRATE family and sharing the canyon we love.



It’s our honor to guide your adventure.

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Since 1971, CRATE has led thousands of adventurers through the Grand Canyon — this is your inside look at what makes it unforgettable.

Explore Our River Expeditions

For over 50 years, CRATE has guided guests through some of North America’s most iconic and remote rivers. Explore our destinations below and discover where your next adventure takes you.

Logo of Colorado River & Trail Expeditions featuring people in a raft.
Map of the Colorado River and surrounding states, including canyons and bodies of water.
Map of Alaska, Yukon, and Canada, showing rivers and a
Map of the United States with Nevada and Utah highlighted in green, along with Alaska. Dark blue line traces a river.
Line of brown spiral shapes.

The Canyon Through Our Eyes

Group on a raft smiles for a selfie on a river with rocky, tan canyon walls in the background.
People rafting down a white water river in a blue and black raft, splashing through rapids.
Rafts on a sandy riverbank in a canyon, under a blue sky. Rugged brown canyon walls frame the scene.
River winding through a canyon with red rock walls under a cloudy sky.
Red rock butte with layered cliffs, desert vegetation, and muddy river under a blue sky.
A turquoise river flows through a canyon with red rock walls.
Red and white sandstone rock formations against a bright blue sky.
Red rock formation reaching towards a bright blue sky with white clouds.
People camping and relaxing on a sandy bank in a canyon, blue chairs set up, red rock cliffs.
Wooden lodge with porch, sign, gravel path, and blue sky.
Campground with covered wagons, a wooden pergola, an ATV, and a dirt path leading toward a mountain.
Helicopter flies near a rock face in the Grand Canyon. It is white, red, yellow, and blue.
People boarding a white and red plane on a gravel runway with mountains in the background under a blue sky.
People in a boat on a lake, mountain range in the background, cloudy sky.
Person rests on a rocky mountain slope, overlooking a valley with mountains under a cloudy sky.
People in a raft on a river, navigating through a canyon with rocky cliffs under a cloudy sky.
Group of people resting under a red rock overhang in a desert setting.
Aerial view of a glacial landscape with turquoise lake, ice, mountains, and green vegetation.
Raft with people on a muddy river in a mountainous landscape under a cloudy sky.
People and rafts on a sandy riverbank between rocky cliffs.
Campers gather in a canyon, blue chairs around a red table. Red rock cliffs and a blue sky overhead.
Red rock canyon landscape with a river and small yellow flowers in the foreground.
Hikers on a dirt path in a desert landscape with red cliffs under a blue sky.
Man sitting in a chair by a river with rafts, reddish mountains, and cloudy sky in background.
Couple standing on a mountain overlooking a large glacier. Mountains and overcast sky in background.
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Adventure with Expertise

Inflatable raft and paddle.
Expert River Guides

Decades of experience and storytelling that bring every canyon to life.

Campfire with pot hanging above it.
Riverside Dining

Good, hearty meals served riverside, giving you the energy to fully enjoy each day of your trip.

Family under shield with checkmark.
Family-Run Since 1971

A personal touch that makes every guest feel like family.

Line drawing of three tall, irregular shapes with curved edges and a rectangular base.
Authentic Wilderness Access

Explore remote, untouched landscapes few ever see.

 Unforgettable Journeys. Lifelong Memories.

Four women smiling and posing outdoors; wearing athletic attire.
Left-facing double quotation marks in black on a white background.
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The best-organized trip I’ve ever taken. Our guides made every moment special.

Mary, Grand Canyon Expedition

An unforgettable family experience — the perfect mix of adventure and comfort.

Tom & Lisa, Family Rafting Trip

Raft on riverbank at base of large red rock cliffs. Cloudy sky.

Create Shared Memories that Last a Lifetime

From cherished family milestones to unforgettable group getaways, CRATE offers charter trips that are designed to bring people together. Our dedicated team works with you to coordinate the details for a seamless journey that blends adventure, wilderness, and meaningful connection.

People in life vests on a raft in a river, with some waving.

Prepare for Your River Adventure

Know what to expect on the river so you can relax and enjoy every moment. From daily routines to packing tips, we help you feel ready long before you arrive.


Our trip resources walk through how mornings begin, what river miles look like, and how camp is set up. With decades of guiding in the Grand Canyon and beyond, we’ve shaped the experience so it feels organized, approachable, and easy to step into — even for first-time expedition travelers.


Whether you’re joining a motor trip or an oar-powered journey, you’ll know exactly what to bring, how to prepare, and how each day unfolds across the canyon’s incredible landscape.

People preparing food at a riverside campsite with rafts. Mountains and sky in the background.
Line of brown spiral shapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? Here are the most common ones we get — and we’re always happy to answer more.

  • What rivers do you raft?

    We run the Colorado River and Green River – including Grand Canyon, Cataract Canyon, Desolation Canyon, and Westwater Canyon – as well as the remote Tatshenshini & Alsek Rivers in Alaska.

  • Is there a minimum age requirement for your rafting trips?

    Yes — the age requirement depends on the trip:


    • Grand Canyon: 12 yrs (motorized) | 14-16 yrs (rowing/paddle)
    • Cataract Canyon: 12-14 yrs (depending on flows)
    • Desolation Canyon: 6-8 yrs (min weight 50 lbs)
    • Westwater Canyon: 12-14 yrs (depending on flows)
    • Alaska: 14-16 yrs (depending on flows)
    • 1-Day Trips: 6-8 yrs (min weight 50–60 lbs)
  • What should I bring / how do I pack?

    We provide most major gear (cots, sleeping bags, dry bags, etc.). We recommend lightweight, quick-drying clothing layers, rain gear, water shoes, and extra camera batteries — especially since you’ll be “unplugged” on river time.


    We will provide you with a detailed packing list upon booking.

  • What happens if there’s an emergency?

    CRATE trips take place in remote wilderness areas where medical care, communication, and evacuations may be limited or delayed. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and will provide reasonable care in the field, but outside assistance depends on weather, terrain, aircraft availability, and local resources. Evacuations—including helicopter transport—are not guaranteed and may require moving to a safer location or waiting for conditions to improve. Wilderness travel carries inherent risks, and emergency response options can be unpredictable. In remote situations, evacuation costs are your responsibility; we recommend travel insurance.

  • Can I book a private or chartered trip?
  • Will I have cell service and power?

    On-river you will likely have no cell service — that's part of the unplugged, wilderness experience. Charging options for your phone or camera are limited to bringing extra batteries, portable power banks, or solar chargers.