Grand Canyon Rafting Trip Reviews

This was my first time rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. I took the 4 day, 3 night Grand Canyon Ranch and Raft Trip with the Colorado River and Trail Expeditions or CRATE. What a fantastic trip from beginning to end. I was picked up at the Las Vegas Airport and taken by bus to the Boulder City Airport where we were flown in a prop plane to the Bar 10 Ranch. There were various activities at the ranch, like horseback riding, skeet shooting, roping, horseshoes, etc. Lunch, dinner and breakfast were delicious and well organized. We had 3 choices of sleeping arrangements, one in the lodge upstairs that was more for family groups, 2nd level roof top under the stars on mats with sleeping bags, and the 3rd in a Conestoga wagon. I opted for the wagon which had a very comfortable double bed. In the evening the ranch hands put on a very nice show which included a little audience participation. All the workers at the ranch were very professional, friendly and helpful. The next day after breakfast, we were flown by helicopter down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon to meet our 5 rowing rafts and 1 paddle raft. My sister-in-law and I joined our row captain, Gem, on her raft. Gem is a very skillful and professional rower. Never tipped over, although, we went through some major rapids….but you’re going to get WET!. That’s all part of the fun and experience. The raft team were great, serving delicious meals and giving expert guidance. We were supplied with cot, mat, sleeping bag and ground cover, and slept under the stars. Tents would have been provided if there was inclement weather, but they were not needed. There were several stops along the way for lunch and excursions off the river. The last excursion was the best……a short hike to a hidden waterfall using a knotted rope to scramble up a rock face and 2 rope ladders to get to a beautiful waterfall in the back of a cave and open to the sky. Not difficult as it sounds, the guides were always there to help if needed. Can’t praise the guides enough. All great people…..lots of fun. If this is your first time or even if you’ve done it before, this company was great! They do longer trips but for me, 3 days, 2 nights on the river was perfect. I have many wonderful memories of this awesome raft trip in the Grand Canyon.

Stop putting this trip off and book with this awesome company! Team leaders were professional, polite and prepared. My 13 year old son and I felt confident and secure the entire trip even rowing through torrential and unexpected 45 minute downpour. Spent two nights on the beach sleeping on fold out cots under the stars. Waterproof bags are provided for all your gear. The food was amazing and plenty of it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I pictured lots of fruits and grains but these amazing people served eggs, pancakes, bacon, ribs, spaghetti, pies, etc. etc. Meals are typically eaten on lap sitting in a semi-circle with other rafters. Played horseshoes, bocci ball and threw the football around during stops as well. It’s customary for men and women to urinate right into the river and two portable potties (one hidden well away from camp and one in a pop up tent) are provided for the heavier stuff so if you have a problem doing that, you need to get over it. Team leaders are thorough in explaining techniques and the overall plan for the duration of the trip. They are experts in first aid, the flora, fawna and geography of this amazing region. We even caught the recent eclipse as our leader provided solar glasses! These folks are prepared for practically every possible scenario. We trekked up to amazing caves and waterfalls with unbelievable views. You will not regret this excursion. I’ve never had more friends and family in “awe” of our adventure asking question after question. This is a big one checked off my “bucket list”! Thank you CRATE!

I have taken two Westwater trips with CRATE. Both trips were exceptional. The level of planning was amazing and the crew always knew exactly what to do. The staff were professional, friendly and knowledgeable. We felt very safe on the river and really enjoyed the rapids. The food was incredible (steak, french toast, bacon, delicious sandwiches, snacks…). Overall, I couldn’t imagine a better trip or a better company with which to go rafting .

My wife and I had a fabulous time on CRATE’s 11-day Grand Canyon paddle trip (7/22-8/1/2017).
The canyon is spectacular, and the entire CRATE crew always went the extra mile to do everything they could to allow us to enjoy everything there to its fullest extent.
Our crew (Dewey, Alex, Carter, LG, Ryan & Phoebe) worked incredibly hard but were also always a ton of fun to be around. They are all very knowledgable about all aspects of the canyon (geology, topography, human history, plant and wildlife, etc), and are experts at navigating the river and hiking its side canyons.
CRATE’s gear (rafts, camp gear, etc) is top-notch … with decades of experience, they definitely have the canyon journey dialed-in. CRATE also pays special attention to the food they serve: with fresh meats from a local butcher and top-notch produce, it makes for fantastic meals from beginning to end.
The canyon is absolutely incredible, but the rigors of the desert wilderness could definitely make it a challenging experience with a lesser outfit. With CRATE, it was a fabulous journey and a trip of a lifetime. We highly recommend trips with CRATE!!

My family and friends recently rafted through the Grand Canyon and were lucky enough to do so with this awesome company. Actually, it was the second time we participated in this adventure. Both times we used this awesome expedition company (CRATE).
If you are considering taking this adventure, you should strongly consider using this company for your trip. They are the most wonderful tour operators I have come across in all my travels. They are a family operated business that goes the “extra” mile (actually 280 miles) to make your trip exciting, comfortable, educational and unforgettable. We did the 8 day motorized trip and hope to do it again in the years to come. These folks are top shelf stewards of that extraordinary park and I guarantee you will be beyond thrilled with the experience. If you are lucky enough to get Walker, or Abel or Makenna as your boatman (boatwoman), you will experience a once in a lifetime adventure that I have been lucky enough to do twice!!!
And, the food was great quality and quantity.
We are planning on taking their Alaska adventure next.
The wait to go on the Grand Canyon expedition is about 2 years so take that into consideration.
It was a privilege to experience the majesty of that canyon and all that beautiful park has to offer and we were certainly fortunate to book it through CRATE !!!!!!

I got some girlfriends and sisters together to take a 2 day trip through Westwater Canyon for my birthday, and it was awesome! I want to go again! But now I don’t even think I need a reason like a birthday because it was such a perfect getaway: fun and exciting, and also relaxing and rejuvenating. I felt safe and at east with the hardworking guides, who knew our individual needs (like allergies and medical conditions), fed us like kings, and expertly guided us through the rapids, plus all the other beauty and history that Westwater had to offer. I really didn’t want it to end!! Thank you, CRATE, for a wonderful trip. Just amazing!!

I just came back from my second 11 day Grand Canyon with Colorado River and Trail Expeditions; this time we did a full paddle trip.
C.R.A.T.E is the number one company for touring the Grand Canyon.
Our Crew: Dewey, Carter, Alex, LG, Ryann and Phoebe were all friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable and highly skilled in river running, cooking, hiking and Grand Canyon history and geology.
The Office Staff Vickie,Dave Kristian,Bonnie were always friendly and willing to make the trip and Grand as the Canyon (Thank you )
All I can say is WOW. We had a great time from when we arrived in Las Vegas until we took the bus back from the North Las Vegas airport to our Las Vegas hotel.
The Crew was well versed in packing the rafts and keeping us all safe while having fun and being fed. The food was great ,we had fresh food from day one until our departure at Whitmore Wash
We even had ice cream on the last night (message me for more on that LOL)
There was always plenty to eat and even had a birthday cake baked in a cast iron pot (Thanks Carter). We had two birthdays and a 47th year wedding anniversary on our trip.
The Crew navigated every rapid with ease and even I made it through Hermit rapid this time. (Last time through we flipped, Yikes). All of the side hikes were well worth the extra effort because at the end of each hike was an amazing waterfall or beautiful blue pool or a rock water slide. This trip we made it to the ancient pueblo granaries and the Unkar overlook. Wow what a view.
Sleeping under the stars each night was like a new light show every night. We even saw the International Space Station fly by. We were there during a new moon cycle so the moon wasn’t out this time but that made for a great star show almost every night. CRATE provides cots to sleep on which is way more comfortable then sleeping on the ground like some other companies.
My best part of the day was waking up to the HOTTT COFFFEEE WHOOOH!!!, call which was made by our guides Dewey and Carter. Having coffee next to the river and watching the sun come up was an awe inspiring site to be seen.
Time in camp was nice, we socialized and got to know our fellow travelers and even made a couple of friends. We are already trying to organize a reunion trip for 2020.
The time management at Phantom Ranch was a lot better on this trip. We sat up at the Phantom Ranch cantina and sipped lemonade. Then we did a side hike over the Silver Bridge to Pipe Beach while waiting for the new passengers to get there, be oriented and pack up their dry bags.
Some of the travelers only did half the trip and hiked out while some hiked in and did the second half. I could write for days about how great a time I had with this company and Crew but I will say you have to see for yourself the wonders of the Grand Canyon with Colorado River and Trail Expeditions.

This trip convinced me that there is no better vacation than a river trip. I took off my watch and didn’t worry about the time for two days, completely unplugged. Walker and Tim were so skilled and laid back, they took care of every need but never felt overbearing or uptight. They truly love the environment and the river, and enhanced that experience by pointing out interesting things along the way. Their demeanor encouraged a nice camaraderie among us. The trip was so fun, the right amount of smooth so you can float in the river or try rowing the boat, but enough rapids to keep it fun. It was never too hot. It rained most of the evening, but was so much fun anyway. One big bonus — there’s a privacy tent around the camping loo. We’ll be back!

CRATE is a joy to deal with from initial contact through follow-up to share pictures and contact information. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and experienced. While the trip is not without risk, their care, communication and expertise provide the safest way to see some of the most incredible beauty that exists on our planet.
The hikes, some of which can be a bit strenuous in the heat are very enjoyable, the scenery is amazing. The waterfalls, streams and pools provide great fun.
Highlights include Red Wall Cavern, Nankoweap Grainery, the confluence of the Little Colorado River, hikes to abandoned mining camps, hikes to waterfalls, Travertine Falls in particular, and Havasu.
This is a great trip, particularly anyone that loves the outdoors and nature. It could be life-changing.

We just got home from an eleven day paddle trip through the grand canyon. By far the best trip I have ever taken in my life. Their staff is amazing and very knowledgeable. The food was yum! We had fresh fruits and veggies all the way until the end. I have a hard time keeping veggies & fruits fresh that long at home. We had planned on doing this as a once in a lifetime trip, but there is no way we aren’t coming back. I can’t say enough good about these guys.

Went on a Desolation Canyon/Green River trip (6/13-6/17) with my wife and three kids, 13, 11, and 8 years old. Our entire experience was wonderful, and one we will always cherish. Our guides, Jonny, Jen, Ryann, and KC, were topnotch and went above and beyond to ensure all the little details that make a family vacation positive and memorable were met. Their professionalism, friendliness, and expertise were on full display throughout the trip. Their cooking skills were also first-class!
I can’t say enough about the outstanding experience with CRATE, from booking the trip with the office staff, to breaking down our gear at the warehouse, and everything in between. The Desolation Canyon trip was the perfect family camping/rafting/hiking/unplugging experience for us. We look forward to our next adventure with CRATE.

I recently completed the 11 day Tat river rafting adventure through CRATE. This was the first time doing an expedition through this company and I was beyond satisfied. Every day of the trip was truly an incredible and unforgettable experience. I did not want it to end!
The food was unbelievable.. I was well fed and I was satisfied with all the food we were given. The food was healthy and filling and there was more than enough to go around our entire group for the whole trip.
I was in awe of the scenery – it was beautiful with mountains, glaciers, ice bergs, animals, flowers. Not only was the scenery stunning, but the guides were able to inform us about different facts and history about what we saw around us.
I was so fortunate to have John, Sabrina, Johnny and Ben as my guides. All four guides were so lovely, knowledgeable and fun. I felt completely safe throughout the whole experience. I would be stoked to have any of them again if I am ever fortunate enough to have another expedition in the future through CRATE.

words and photos can’t describe our 8 day trip. This is an emotional experience. The CRATE crew was phenomenal – hikes, rapids, waterfalls, canyons, stories, . . . . They looked after all the details and fed us delicious meals and snacks all day long. The way they shared their knowledge and their love of the Grand Canyon and the river added so much to this journey. We’re already planning our next trip.

I’ve been on 3 of these rafting trips and CRATE is the best. You won’t get more committed folks who are passionate about both 1) the Grand Canyon and nature, and 2) making sure your experience is the best. These folks are the most wonderful people and no one knows how to navigate the wonders of the Grand Canyon better. Do yourself the favor of a wilderness expedition with CRATE.

Just got back from a 6 day trip down Desolation Canyon (affectionately called Deso by CRATE personnel) with a great crew of river guides led by Sabrina w/ Jen, and Ryan (our trip was an all women crew). They took us on a journey which was beyond all expectations. These are real Wonder Women!!!!!!!
The guides were committed to making sure all the folks on the trip wanted for nothing! Food – how they did it – fresh vegetables and fruits every day- desert one night was chocolate fondue! They baked a cake without an oven! Eggs cooked to order ! Ahhhh the avocados!!!
If you wanted to sleep under the stars you had a cot to go with company provided thick sleeping pad and sleeping bag. If you wanted to stay in a tent instead you could. There were folding chairs for all. They also provided a water bottle and mug for everyone (you get to take them home!). The guides have great stories about their Deso adventures and there were easy side hikes on our trips to fascinating places. If you spot something on the shore, unless in the middle of a rapid, the guides give you time to watch/see what is so special about the canyon.
The entire operation was friendly professional helpful and just down right nice. Even the warehouse crews that helped load and unload us – thanks for getting my hiking stick to collapse back to packable length!. Feeling a little grungy after 6 days on the river they let me take a shower at the warehouse before having to jump on the train to Salt Lake City. You want to ride various rivers with a standout company. GO CRATE!

I enjoyed this trip more than I can say. My parents took a private trip with CRATE a few years and my dad had swamped a couple trips with them prior to that, so I had heard a lot about what to expect. But the trip still exceeded my expectations in every way.
This was an 11-day rafting trip with a hiking focus. The hikes were challenging for me (coming from the Midwest and out of shape), but I enjoyed them all — the views were amazing, we saw beautiful flowers and fascinating animals, and it felt great to be out working up a sweat (and not checking email.)
And when I hasn’t feeling up to a hike, the alternatives offered were enjoyable, too — I spent a heavenly afternoon half-asleep on the rocks above Deer Creek Falls, watching the sunlight on the cottonwoods.
The crew (John, Kyndl, Kyle, Alex, Kurt, and Wayne) was amazing and did so much to make it an amazing experience and truly the trip of a lifetime. Everyone was enjoyable to talk to, attentive to our needs, full of helpful info, and overall a pleasure to have leading us.
The food was plentiful and delicious, the boats comfortable to ride on during the day, and the fellow passengers interesting. The crew provided excellent descriptions of both the geology and the human history of the canyon.
I would go on another trip with CRATE in a second (I’ve already started saving…).

It doesn’t get ANY better than a trip with Crate. I think this is my 7th trip and each one has been so wonderful. Crate is one of the only companies I know that doesn’t do a “cookie cutter” trip. The guides are so knowledgeable and have so much experience that each day was a new adventure. Anyone thinking they might want to do Grand Canyon but aren’t sure if it’s really for them….. try Cataract! You will jump in with both feet. And the stars are absolutely like none I’ve ever seen before. The food is fantastic and the equipment is first class. Come on…. what are you waiting for?