Grand Canyon Rafting Trip Reviews
Grand Canyon River Trips
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Average Rating:
5.0 stars (based on 237 ratings)
12 Day Loma to Hite Dories
Yeah! CRATE knows how to do this stuff. I’ve done trips with a lot of different outfitters and Walker Mackay and his crew are a cut above the rest. I’d definitely go boatin’ with them again. They got cool swag,Read more “12 Day Loma to Hite Dories”
Tim P.
Excellent support for private,5-dory trip on upper Colorado
CRATE provided the support for a private, 12-day, 5-dory trip on the upper Colorado (from Loma, Colorado, to the head of Lake Powell: Horsethief, Ruby, Westwater, Cataract Canyons, and the relatively flat water from Westwater to Cataract); another outfitter was involved from put-in to Westwater. Staff were well-trained, friendly, and took good care of us.
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CRATE provided the support for a private, 12-day, 5-dory trip on the upper Colorado (from Loma, Colorado, to the head of Lake Powell: Horsethief, Ruby, Westwater, Cataract Canyons, and the relatively flat water from Westwater to Cataract); another outfitter was involved from put-in to Westwater. Staff were well-trained, friendly, and took good care of us. Food was good and prepared in a timely manner. I have done four full Grand Canyon trips with AzRA since 2010. Some comparisons: AzRA has a greater variety of breakfast and lunch menus and their tents likely were somewhat easier to put up. CRATE offers cots (great for sleeping out if rain and mosquitoes are absent, will not fit inside a tent) and chairs (great for socializing, less necessary in Grand Canyon). CRATE uses largely self-inflating pads (needed in a tent); however, the dry bag in which the pad goes (with a sleeping bag and tarp) is barely long enough for the pad and not easy to fold over the three times necessary for being waterproof. We had the new CRATE owner (son of the founders) on our trip; he has an enthusiastic and outgoing personality. The other staff were young; it appears that CRATE likes to hire approximately 20-year-olds and train them. They were mature and experienced; one 24-year-old described saving the kitchen in the Grand Canyon last year as it eroded into the river in the middle of the night. Younger boatmen may have less knowledge of Canyon geology, history, and lore than older ones.
Read more “Excellent support for private,5-dory trip on upper Colorado”
sierrastew
Colorado River Rafting through the Grand Canyon
This is a fantastic way to experience the Colorado River and Grand Canyon on a very up close and personal level. This was a motorized rafting trip, motors are very quiet and the guides got us on 2-3 side canyon hikes a day that really made the trip from seeing waterfalls and caverns to enjoying
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This is a fantastic way to experience the Colorado River and Grand Canyon on a very up close and personal level. This was a motorized rafting trip, motors are very quiet and the guides got us on 2-3 side canyon hikes a day that really made the trip from seeing waterfalls and caverns to enjoying the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado.
mark1234346
amazing
“Excellent trip with an excellent crew. They all truly love their job. They are hard happy workers. They looked after our needs even if we didn’t think we needed it. The day we went to Havasu Creek as we were leaving it started to rain. My sister and I got wet before I had a
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“Excellent trip with an excellent crew. They all truly love their job. They are hard happy workers. They looked after our needs even if we didn’t think we needed it. The day we went to Havasu Creek as we were leaving it started to rain. My sister and I got wet before I had a chance to put on our rain gear. I was hunkered down shivering as it was pouring rain. McKenna got my dry bag out and other members of our party held a tarp over us so my sister and I could change into dry clothes and not get wet while changing. Oh what a difference that made. We were soaked and I didn’t realize how much warmer I would be with dry clothes on even if it was still raining. That is just one example. All the crew were excellent.”
Pattie T.
Amazing!
We went on a 9 day rafting trip on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Our boatmen/women, Mikenna and Dewey were wonderful, accommodating, and most important, kept us all safe and happy. The hikes we took were to indescribably beautiful places, every one. So grateful to have had thisRead more “Amazing!”
Judy L.
An experience of a lifetime!
This company could not have done more to make this an experience of a lifetime. Our boatmen and helpers were ALWAYS upbeat, extremely helpful, conscientious, and knowledgeable. They always did everything to try to accommodate our needs. We enjoyed those spectacular skies and that incredible river and itsRead more “An experience of a lifetime!”
Ruth H.
Trip of a lifetime
My wife, adult daughter, her friend and I recently took a 9 day/8 night trip through the Grand Canyon with CRATE. This is one one well organized and friendly outfit. We were met in Las Vegas. From there until our return, all our needs were met. CRATE staff showed us how to pack dry bags
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My wife, adult daughter, her friend and I recently took a 9 day/8 night trip through the Grand Canyon with CRATE. This is one one well organized and friendly outfit. We were met in Las Vegas. From there until our return, all our needs were met. CRATE staff showed us how to pack dry bags so that our things did not get wet in the Colorado River as we went through the rapids. They provided comfortable cots and sleeping bags. Each day we made multiple stops along the river to hike to swimming holes, water falls, grottoes, and ancient Puebloan sights. From the first call of “Cooffeeee” in the early morning until the stars came out at night, we were active. We put our watches away and let the day’s rhythm be dictated by the guides and the river. The food was great. (Who would have expected fresh shrimp cocktail on the eighth night?) The other guests were interesting and fun. And the guides were superb. We never feared the rapids. The only issue was how wet we might get–and often the answer was not very. The guides told us about the geology of the Canyon and the history of its exploration.
I want emphasize how well we were taken care. My wife and I were the oldest and least sure footed of the group. Nevertheless, we were encouraged to participate in all activities and were supported by the guides and other guests when we needed the help.
I want emphasize how well we were taken care. My wife and I were the oldest and least sure footed of the group. Nevertheless, we were encouraged to participate in all activities and were supported by the guides and other guests when we needed the help.
Old_guy_and_wife_11
Canyonlands and Cataract Canyon with Wayne Ranney
This trip began at Red Clifs Lodge on May 17th and ended on the 26th. It was “The Most Wonderful” trip EVER!! Not only did we experience some awesome Rapids, we had the, pleasure of a geological education of the rock formations and layers of many era’s. We had Wayne Ranney with us and included
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This trip began at Red Clifs Lodge on May 17th and ended on the 26th. It was “The Most Wonderful” trip EVER!! Not only did we experience some awesome Rapids, we had the, pleasure of a geological education of the rock formations and layers of many era’s. We had Wayne Ranney with us and included in our trip. We participated in hikes to discover fossils and rock formations that were spectacular. Our 4 guides, Alex, Johnny, Garrett, and Zoe were the most accommodating foursome, and always attentive. The food was sumptuous and facilities unexpected. Inside “Groover!”
I would Recommend CRATE for your next rafting experience.
I would Recommend CRATE for your next rafting experience.
Read more “Canyonlands and Cataract Canyon with Wayne Ranney”
Barbara C.
Green river rafting
I just got back from seven days on the Green River with a tremendous crew from CRATE. They are all professionals and know the canyon well. This is a very first class operation put on by first class people. I will be sending an email to create management commending the entireRead more “Green river rafting”
jeffhB6882CC
Hike in / copter out rafting trip
It was an excellent and memorable experience. the people from CRATE did an amazing job guiding the trip. From their personal knowledge and years of experience to the enthusiasm they have for the canyon itself. They made the trip a completeRead more “Hike in / copter out rafting trip”
Stephen F.
Rafting and Hiking
Outstanding! Did 8 days and 7 nights in May 2015. Guides were amazing, views were spectacular, food was delicious, hikes were outstanding! The only thing I would have done differently is I would have brought rain pants to go with my rain jacket. Thanks, CRATE, for the trip of aRead more “Rafting and Hiking”
Aimee H.
Rafting
Excellent company. Trip was well run and led to a spectacular time. Would recommend this trip toRead more “Rafting”
Djdoyle
3 day multi sport trip starting at Bar 10 to Lake Mead
Great trip. Extremely well organised. Staff were both professional and friendly. Felt challenged yet safe at all times. The food was very good and plenty of it. Sleeping under the stars with the river roaring by was an experience we will neverRead more “3 day multi sport trip starting at Bar 10 to Lake Mead”
Tony G
Still can’t find the words…
Sore muscles, bruises, scrapes and general fatigue… AND I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT! There is something very special about spending a week in the canyon, and I’m thrilled to have experienced this with CRATE. My husband and I joined the late April Spring Hiker’s trip starting at Phantom Ranch and ending at Lake Mead.
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Sore muscles, bruises, scrapes and general fatigue… AND I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT! There is something very special about spending a week in the canyon, and I’m thrilled to have experienced this with CRATE. My husband and I joined the late April Spring Hiker’s trip starting at Phantom Ranch and ending at Lake Mead. After a 9.5 mile hike down the Bright Angel Trail from South Rim, we joined our guides, Jon and Ben, on the rafts. These guys were true professionals! They impressed us with their knowledge, storytelling, humor and river skills. Many of the other company guides we ran into on some of the hikes expressed deep respect for these guys, and we could see why. We had hot meals each day, and the food was very good. We loved the hikes through the side canyons. We saw gorgeous desert flowers in bloom everywhere, clear water, beautiful scenery, and the temperatures were just right this time of year. We did have rain one night and while others set up tents, we slept under our ground cloth and managed to stay dry. The cots and pads were very comfortable, and the stars were amazing! Definitely bring those earplugs, though, some folks on the group had some pipes! I thought I would have been cold in the 45 degree sleeping bags, but with fleece bottom and top and a hat liner, I did fine. We had so much fun on the river, the rapids were awesome, and the guides did a fine job of balancing history and geology anecdotes with time to really soak in what the earth has created here! I can’t say enough how impressed and pleased we were with CRATE – all we can say is we will never forget this experience, Thank You!
vjbrol
Fantastic Trip!
After years of dreaming about taking a Grand Canyon rafting trip my husband and I signed on with CRATE for their late April rafting/hiking special. We joined in at Phantom Ranch and began our 7 day adventure. Our leaders, Jon and Ben were friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, patient and excellent cooks! We expected a fine ride
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After years of dreaming about taking a Grand Canyon rafting trip my husband and I signed on with CRATE for their late April rafting/hiking special. We joined in at Phantom Ranch and began our 7 day adventure. Our leaders, Jon and Ben were friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, patient and excellent cooks! We expected a fine ride on the river, and got it. Camping on sandy beaches under the stars (with cots to sleep on) was wonderful. The hikes ( ranging from short to one 7 hour day) were spectacular. I’d travel again with CRATE in a heartbeat!
carol401
5-Day “Upper” Lee’s Ferry to Phantom Ranch
I have to thank CRATE Inc. for another epic trip. This is really OMG stuff. Once again, I am home spinning from the memories, I will hold for the rest of my life. If you are thinking about this, all I can say is GO! This trip: Done April 2015, it’s cooler and more pleasant.
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I have to thank CRATE Inc. for another epic trip. This is really OMG stuff. Once again, I am home spinning from the memories, I will hold for the rest of my life. If you are thinking about this, all I can say is GO!
This trip: Done April 2015, it’s cooler and more pleasant. The flowers are out. There were lots of rapids. Great fun! We did some excellent day hikes. One was on the Little Colorado River, were we swam and went down a river water slide. The water is spring fed, aqua blue.
Of note: the last day, on this trip, included hiking out of the Grand Canyon to the South Rim using the famous Bright Angle Trail. I was a little anxious about this hike. In the end the hike was very doable. It has a gentle angle which keeps the effort reasonable.
It was again in April and cooler. One must plan for the hiking in the heat, if done later in the year. Also, there is a mule carry out service, which we did use to carry out some of our stuff. This made the hiking trip out much more enjoyable.
Lastly, CRATE Inc. puts out a great effort to make their trips excellent. I have done three trips with them, and would use them agian in an instant:)
This trip: Done April 2015, it’s cooler and more pleasant. The flowers are out. There were lots of rapids. Great fun! We did some excellent day hikes. One was on the Little Colorado River, were we swam and went down a river water slide. The water is spring fed, aqua blue.
Of note: the last day, on this trip, included hiking out of the Grand Canyon to the South Rim using the famous Bright Angle Trail. I was a little anxious about this hike. In the end the hike was very doable. It has a gentle angle which keeps the effort reasonable.
It was again in April and cooler. One must plan for the hiking in the heat, if done later in the year. Also, there is a mule carry out service, which we did use to carry out some of our stuff. This made the hiking trip out much more enjoyable.
Lastly, CRATE Inc. puts out a great effort to make their trips excellent. I have done three trips with them, and would use them agian in an instant:)
Chris S.
Breathtaking scenery, outstanding crew – need I say more?
I just returned from an 8 day trip running the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon with CRATE. Walker, Bonny, Mckenna and LG were brilliant; their knowledge of the history and geology of the canyon along with their commitment to our comfort made our time on and off the river educational, fun and surprisingly relaxing.
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I just returned from an 8 day trip running the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon with CRATE. Walker, Bonny, Mckenna and LG were brilliant; their knowledge of the history and geology of the canyon along with their commitment to our comfort made our time on and off the river educational, fun and surprisingly relaxing.
We were especially privileged to have Wayne Ranney a well respected geologist, author and lecturer as our field guide on this trip. His knowledge of the canyon is second to none and brought both the canyon and our imaginations to life.
Meals were delicious with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables available at each meal (how they kept them so fresh – even on day 8, is a testament to their attention to detail). CRATE is an incredibly well oiled machine and the crew are amazing; it is no wonder that they are such a successful company!
I would travel with CRATE again in a heartbeat; thank you for an incredible trip with memories that will last a lifetime!!!
We were especially privileged to have Wayne Ranney a well respected geologist, author and lecturer as our field guide on this trip. His knowledge of the canyon is second to none and brought both the canyon and our imaginations to life.
Meals were delicious with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables available at each meal (how they kept them so fresh – even on day 8, is a testament to their attention to detail). CRATE is an incredibly well oiled machine and the crew are amazing; it is no wonder that they are such a successful company!
I would travel with CRATE again in a heartbeat; thank you for an incredible trip with memories that will last a lifetime!!!
Read more “Breathtaking scenery, outstanding crew – need I say more?”
TraceySharee
The Adventure of a Lifetime
We had the unique experience of running the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, not only with the outstanding services of the CRATE crew, but also with renowned Grand Canyon Geology expert Wayne Ranney and ten professional geologists in Arizona for a convention in Tucson. For geology buffs like myself, this was pure heaven. And
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We had the unique experience of running the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, not only with the outstanding services of the CRATE crew, but also with renowned Grand Canyon Geology expert Wayne Ranney and ten professional geologists in Arizona for a convention in Tucson. For geology buffs like myself, this was pure heaven. And then of course, there is the The River and its rapids.
Whether or not you are interested in Grand Canyon geology, if you want to have the best possible experience running the canyon on the Colorado River, you cannot find a better organization to do it with. Boat handling, meals, facilities, knowledge of river history, everything was outstanding. And even though we had a surplus of geology experts on board, our guide, Walker, was no slouch when it came to canyon geology.
We have gone on a lot of adventures in our lives, but this was in a class by itself. The CRATE organization and its crews will ensure you of the best possible Colorado River adventure.
Take lots of hand moisturizer and hiking poles.
Whether or not you are interested in Grand Canyon geology, if you want to have the best possible experience running the canyon on the Colorado River, you cannot find a better organization to do it with. Boat handling, meals, facilities, knowledge of river history, everything was outstanding. And even though we had a surplus of geology experts on board, our guide, Walker, was no slouch when it came to canyon geology.
We have gone on a lot of adventures in our lives, but this was in a class by itself. The CRATE organization and its crews will ensure you of the best possible Colorado River adventure.
Take lots of hand moisturizer and hiking poles.
Steve V.
Once in a Life Time Trip
The fantastic staff really make this trip the best it can be with their professional expertise and knowledge of the areas you will be in and they are easy to get to know. Went there in June ofRead more “Once in a Life Time Trip”
jackierust
2nd time with girls 20th anniversary
Went with CRATE a couple of years ago for the 2nd time rafting the Grand Canyon. Sold my wife to be 20+ years prior that we could go to Hawaii anytime and that our honeymoon may be the only time that we could raft down the Grand Canyon. So we spent our honeymoon on a
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Went with CRATE a couple of years ago for the 2nd time rafting the Grand Canyon. Sold my wife to be 20+ years prior that we could go to Hawaii anytime and that our honeymoon may be the only time that we could raft down the Grand Canyon. So we spent our honeymoon on a 11 day paddle trip down the grand canyon, Well the 3 girls heard about this through the years and they decided they wanted to experience the grand canyon for themselves. So for our 20th anniversary we headed back down the Colorado. Was a little concerned about doing motorized trip the 2nd time but am so glad we did in hindsight. The motorized did not detract from the trip experience which I was concerned about originally. It was much more relaxing and I think allowed more time for the side hikes which are as important or more important to the Grand Canyon experience than the rapids.The first time we went in mid September (shorter days) and the temperature was moderate but even then there were days that were very hot.
I think we got the all-star crew with Jon, McKinnon and Charlie the geologist but from other posts it appears all the guides are experienced and professional. Everything was excellent, the food, the hikes, the campsites, the planning, and we had a great group. We had an helicopter evac as one of the group had an accident on one of the hikes but the guides handled it perfectly. I felt at all times that we were in good hands. You could tell they were expertly trained to handle this type of situation.
I really cannot say enough about CRATE and if we plan in a few years to make the trip again Crate will be our choice. Also the trip originates out of Las Vegas so quite a transition but where better to renew your vows than with Elvis in Vegas;. So, Thank you, thank you very much.
I think we got the all-star crew with Jon, McKinnon and Charlie the geologist but from other posts it appears all the guides are experienced and professional. Everything was excellent, the food, the hikes, the campsites, the planning, and we had a great group. We had an helicopter evac as one of the group had an accident on one of the hikes but the guides handled it perfectly. I felt at all times that we were in good hands. You could tell they were expertly trained to handle this type of situation.
I really cannot say enough about CRATE and if we plan in a few years to make the trip again Crate will be our choice. Also the trip originates out of Las Vegas so quite a transition but where better to renew your vows than with Elvis in Vegas;. So, Thank you, thank you very much.
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