Grand Canyon Rafting Trip Reviews

Our 14-member group of old friends and colleagues, and their young adult offspring, all veterans of magical river trips past–so standards were high–went together down the Colorado for the 11-day trip with CRATE in September. This is the email I sent to them afterward. Every word is true.
Dear Vicki and Dave Mackay–
You must receive lots of these humble and cloying letters of gratitude and residual awe from recent river trip participants.
I willingly add mine to the pile.
As I write, my chest seizes up with an intensity of emotional overload and longing to be there still… I know, I know, it’s embarrassing, but there it it… I’m a novice to your river and your gift to us all. I am deeply grateful for what you have managed to achieve, and can only imagine the effort and sheer stubborn cussedness that have gone into it along the way. Thank you. My hat is off to you.
Ben is one of the most sturdy, stalwart and stable men I have ever met. When you talk with him, his eyes seek you out with their earnestness and tenderness and intelligence. There was never a moment we did not attend to his every word, with appreciation. And there was never a false note. Too good to be true. Sybrena astounds with her strength and stamina, her quiet, her magical clear voice, her gifts of music and calm and warmth. May she know how much we appreciated these gifts. Kyndl radiates a beauty and certitude and spidery agility that astonishes with her competence and grace and intelligence. We all fell in love. Alex charms with his sweetness and reliability and ever-present readiness–for whatever comes, however it comes. How does he do it, and remain so sweet and present? John brings such depth of knowledge and psychological acuity and willingness to share and exchange substantial knowledge–along with serious boat-wisdom and humor–that I never want to go anywhere without him again.
I wonder at how this is possible–and I come back to you guys…. This crew could not have been better for this group of crusty veterans and progeny. They were funny and fun and competent and lovely, and conveyed their great pleasure at doing what they were doing. And they helped us absorb all the dimensions of the experience–at a stretch, because some of this is hard to take in. And they kept us safe. You probably know…
First night, Ben’s unutterably rhapsodic, distant, private, hidden, flute music let us all know how magical this was to be, and brought the dimensions of unapologetic beauty and longing and mystery into the fore of our awareness under brilliant starlight and towering stone, building a foundation for the richest possible appreciation of the following days and nights. And his readings–poetry, Barry Lopez, Powell, and more–so spot-on to time and place and atmosphere and need–however unrecognized. Who could have imagined this? Like I said, too good to be true. Weeks later, we are still dazzled by the intensity of this trip’s perfection.
And, did I mention the violin? and the great food? the side-canyon hikes? the smoothness with which everything ran? the thrill of that cold cold water washing over our heads? the deep appreciation of human and geological history to inform our perceptions and comprehension? the glorious excitement of riding the tongue on waves of chocolate velvet into roaring maelstrom? the taking us to the absolute edge, but never over? the river changing colors everyday to tell us where the rains have gone and fallen and creating a mental landscape of the elsewhere unseen and unimaginable vastness of time and terrain and tectonic wonder? the gasping, unbelievable, astonishing, awesome beauty of it all? the realignment of time itself? This living earth. This river of our dreams.
For all this and more, I thank you.
Please, may I come again…?
Count me in for Alaska.

We did the 11 day paddle/rowing trip, the 188 mile ride down the river (without the hum of motors). A river trip is a wonderful way to experience the Grand Canyon. Experience breathtaking hikes to side canyons, water falls, caverns, streams and Indian remains. Our group ages ranged from 9 to 70’s. Everyone had a wonderful time and everyone was given the opportunity to paddle through the whitewater rapids, if interested.
The CRATE crew is very knowledgeable and shared their passion and love for the river and environment. The food was excellent and plentiful, and they try very hard to ensure that everyone had a great trip.
The weather conditions can change quickly in the canyon in August: 100 degrees to a hail storm. Their “pack list” is very good. Bring a good hat, sunscreen, and clothes that can get wet and dry QUICKLY, a good pair of HIKING water shoes, rain gear, head-lamp. Pack that sweatshirt they recommend, I used it several time to warm-up off the river. I enjoyed having a pillow and sheet.
Strongly recommend CRATE, our guides were wonderful.
I will never forget this trip, I would recommend it to everyone.

I have been river running and doing outdoor adventures for my whole life. I wanted to see the great river and wanted to see it start to finish not a part. It would be like reading a book and only reading part of it. I wanted a 8day 7 night float trip for the full 300 miles.
Too I wanted to concentrate on the surroundings and not be side tracked by paddling. I wanted focus.
I want to go with as small a group as possible with boats designed to give everyone a view… I set the size on no more than 12 persons.
And finally, I wanted to be with guides where passionate and skilled….
I waded through all the NPS licensed companies and to me one stood out like a diamond in a five and dime store CRATE….
It is impossible to tell you just how good that decision was… and how it exceeded my every want and desire…
All I can say is it you ever had even a remote dream of exploring this wonder from the river….. then You should look very seriously at CRATE… They make it a personal experience of discovery…not some thrill ride.

We did the 11 day oar trip, which they only offer infrequently, I think people don’t have that much time to spare. But it’s worth the time commitment to float/ride wildly down the river without the hum of motors. The crew is top notch, explaining the biology, geology, history. They took care of this novice, helping me to feel comfortable in my first wilderness experience, first set of big rapids, first hikes on stony paths and ledges. The food is great, and they try very very hard to ensure that you have a great trip. The trip is life altering. Go now, use CRATE.

There is no other way to see and experience the Grand Canyon. From the rim it is beautiful and massive, but the detail is on the river and in the side canyons. Things that you would never know existed!! Water falls, flora, and fauna and the excitement of rafting the entire canyon. Our Boatman, Ben Reeder and Jillian were the best!! Ben’s family has been attached to the river and the canyon for several generations and he exuded the love and passion of this sacred place. We also need to help protect the River and Canyon from commercial development that is ongoing behind the scenes. The confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado is being threatened by development, This is a sacred area, not only to the Native Americans, but to all Americans. Be Aware and do what you can to help what may devastate the canyon and river in the future. Ted Samsell M.D.

Just came back from this 8 day adventure trip with my 16 y/o son. Everything was better than expected. The river scenery was spectacular and the hikes were beautiful, rewarding & challenging enough but anyone in fairly good physical condition was able to do them without problem. The raft/boat was very comfortable for the group of 12, having soft mats where the the other companies did not (they had hard floor instead), and we were facing forward to experience the river rapids better as well as the whole canyon. The food prepared was excellent and plentiful. Our Guide Ben Reeder and Swamper Jill were excellent !! They were very knowledgeable and knew how to transmit us their passion and love for the river and the environment. They both did everything possible to please us in every way. Ben is a very experienced boat handler and made us feel safe all the time even through those challenging rapids like Hance. CRATE is a great company.

We celebrated my sister-in-law’s 50th birthday with a 7 day rafting trip thru the Grand Canyon with CRATE. Their crew of 4 took care of 21 family members and 2 boats beautifully. I must admit, I was a bit scared to go rafting down a big river with huge waves…roller coasters scare me, but with Walker and Alex at the helm our big bouncy boats took us thru all of it, carefully down the tricky rapids and with gusto on others to get the maximum thrill and cooling water. It was fun, not scary! CRATES boats, equipment, food (yummy!) and knowledge made for a wonderful family trip. Not only did we raft but hiked to water falls, caverns and streams each day. We brought guitars, banjos and an assortment of instruments that were carefully stored in a dry compartment and CRATE got them out whenever we asked, even in the caverns!
It is hot in the canyon in July – 120 degrees so I recommend bringing a sarong that you can wet and use for cover from the sun and a good pair of water shoes (Keen). I’d also bring rain gear but mainly to use sitting in the bow sprit in the morning when the breeze is cool and the rapids are splashing onto the boat, the water is really cold. Bring a good hat, sunscreen, and clothes that can get wet and dry quickly. Nights were hot and I did not need the sweatshirt I packed.
This was a fabulous trip that my family will remember forever!!

We took CRATE on a 10 day — hiking emphasis — raft trip. The full river, 280 miles. CRATE is fabulous. Best designed boats on the river — front row seating (facing forward) for everyone. In the Canyon you want to get wet – it’s hot down there. Many companies give you a side view, not a front view. We took along 26 friends — CRATE gave us a date and we provided the full list of clients. At 10 days we got to do lots of hiking — 11 hikes in 8 days (no hikes on first and last days, which are transition days. We saw the whole canyon — Lees to Pearce, didn’t miss a thing. CRATE guides were incredible — extraordinarily knowledgeable. Always focused on safety on the water and hikes. Fabulous cooks. CRATE provides cots to sleep on. Chairs for meals. In organizing such a big group, we exchanged hundreds emails with CRATE and they were always helpful and utterly professional. Best outfitter we’ve ever dealt with — among hundreds. CRATE is the way to see the Grand Canyon. This is my third trip down the river — second with CRATE — and they are the best.

I have had the good fortune to go on several different trips with Colorado River & Trail Expeditions (CRATE). I would never even consider using a different company; when you’ve found the best guides in the business you stick with them!
I have done many of their offered river trips on my own through private permits, so I have a firsthand perspective of the seemingly endless details and logistics involved with pulling together trips of this magnitude. CRATE handles all of this with professionalism and ease. From assistance with pre/post trip logistics, special dietary restrictions, catering to differing interests and ability levels, and providing each individual with the requisite gear – the entire organization runs smoothly.
The food is incredible and plentiful (better than I cook for myself at home). An emphasis in off-river activities really rounds out the trip – whether visiting pre-Puebloan rock art and granaries, hiking side canyons, or playing games on the beach. The guides are fun and laid-back, yet obviously highly skilled in river running and safety procedures. Their sharing of the geological, historical, and sometimes mythical features of the rivers and canyons weaves a rich tapestry of appreciation extending far beyond a trip down the river. It will change your life.

It was a huge decision for us to decide to go on a trip of this magnitude and even larger finding the right guides to help make it perfect. After much searching and reference checking and more we ended up with CRATE and honestly it was perfect. Beyond our expectations. I simply cannot recommend them highly enough in every way: safety, food, work ethic, humor, compassion…they are the best.

We just returned from our second adventure with CRATE. Two years ago we went on the river through the Grand Canyon, and last week we floated an hiked our way through Cataract Canyon. Each trip was truly an adventure, an exceptional experieince, loads of fun, beautiful scenery, and a good balance between hiking and rafting. Our climb to the Doll House was the highlight of this trip, WITH the added bonus of beautiful wildflowers – a possibility only with the recent rains in this desert habitat. Walker McKay and his crew – Alex, Johnny, Lucas and Garrett – were professional, informative, accomodating, receptive to our requests, excellent cooks, and provide a comfortable atmosphere at every campsite. They also ensured our safety on the water at all times but escpecially through some REALLY GREAT rapids. We give our highest recommendations to any and all who, too, are in search of a truly exceptional water and canyon outdoor adventure experience. We especially like the readings and historical accounts that Walker provides aong the way to transport us back to earlier times, allowing us to imagine the people and their trials and tribulations as they made settlement and lived on the lands. Most Sincerely, Dick and Chotty Sprenkle, Cochranville, PA

So you want to raft the Colorado River through Grand Canyon …? Well – what are you waiting for? Order from CRATE now! So … what do you get? An everlasting memory of a fantastic landscape – shifting scenery, exciting and fun hikes, really cool people to share the experience with – and the nicest and most knowledgeable guides you can imagine. Thanks to Walker, Mikenna and Kyndl – may you guide forever! And also we would like to express our deepest gratitude to our fellow travelers – you really made it an unforgettable experience!
Being two Norwegians among all you Americans – was pure joy! Unfortunately we only did the Upper Grand Canyon Motorized Raft – (11-14 April), but we did get a most beautiful hike out the Bright Angel Trail. But next time we raft the Colorado River, we will do the full 9 days raft – for Shure!
The food was delicious, fresh and plentiful, the rafts comfortable and safe, and the rapids really fun and exciting!
If you bring camera for pictures/video – there may on occasions be gusts of wind sending the riverbed sand fast thru the air. Protect your equipment!
Thank you CRATE!
If anyone want to see more Pictures from this rafting experience – you can visit my Flickr image collection here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/by_geir/sets/72157644231100109/

Our 9 day CRATE trip though the Canyon exceeded all my expectations. Walker, Mikenna and Kyndl were fantastic guides/chefs/friends. They really made our time together something special and memorable. I felt safe and secure at all times during the trip, even through the roughest rapids.
I especially enjoyed the frequent canyon hikes to view beautiful waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
The food was top notch throughout……. hot breakfast each morning, full lunch spreads on the beach, and delicious evening meals including some of the best ribeye steaks I’ve tasted.
Bottom line, I can’t think of anything that would have improved my overall satisfaction with an adventure vacation. I would highly recommend the trip, and of course go with CRATE.

My experience was fantastic. Walker, Mikenna and Kyndle were great. I really don’t have words to describe my experience other than to say it exceeded my expectations. If you haven’t experienced the Grand Canyon from the river, I recommend it be put on your bucket list. CRATE did everything to make this experience memorable for me. I had special dietary needs which they easily accommodated. The service they provided was excellent and their knowledge of the river and its history was amazing. All the little details were taken of and the friendships made on the trip will make this one of my most memorable experiences. I highly recommend CRATE as the company to use. Thanks CRATE…..Zeke

This trip was totally worth it. It was well organized and professionally executed by the warm and friendly guides. Every detail was considered for our comfort. It is often difficult to travel with a gluten free dietary restriction. CRATE made sure I was accommodated at every meal.
I can’t wait to book another trip
with them.

You truly are an outstanding company and I am beyond satisfied with your services and proud to have been able to experience the Colorado River and Grand Canyon with you as my trusted guide and wonderful support. After having just completed my 9-day motorized Grand Canyon rafting and hiking experience, I just wanted to take a moment to extend praise and kudos for a job well done. I had the most amazing time and find myself wondering what new adventures I can experience with CRATE. My trip ran like a well-oiled machine and clearly CRATE brings experience and knowledge to the table when you hitch your proverbial horse to the CRATE wagon. Extra special gratitude extended to my guide team, Walker, Mikenna and Kyndl. They were not only friendly and professional, but I feel like they fulfilled the quintessential Grand Canyon experience in terms of garnering my confidence in their skill and my camaraderie in our banter. Satisfaction is certainly CRATE’s focus, from accommodating dietary needs/limitations, to providing accommodations for my sleep apnea machine, to sharing fun-loving pneumonic devices to remember the canyon’s rock layers. I don’t believe I’d go too far in saying that CRATE was the instrument which allowed me to participate in some unique experiences and build some remarkable memories. I’m bubbling with appreciation. Thank you so much.

Rafting down the Colorado River was a fantastic adventure made even better becuase I chose C.R.A.T.E.! They were professional yet personal and made the whole experience fun, easy and memorable. They even went so far as to accommodate my kosher diet so I wouldn’t have to go hungry while enjoying the experience! I would definitely return to the Colorado River and definitely make my first call to C.R.A.T.E.

CRATE made this trip a memorable experience of a lifetime. Paddling eleven days on the Colorado River is the way to go. CRATE’s guides are the most knowledgeable and experienced river rafters on the planet. Their knowledge of the history, geology, and the river make for an invaluable learning experience, as well. I also might add their cuisine is exceptionally tasty. The crew goes out of their way to meet your every need.

Ditto on the other comments regarding the professionalism of CRATE, their guides and the folks who helped our group, the “Wild Women of the Wasatch”, plan a wonderful Grand Canyon trip. We selected an oar and paddle trip in the Grand Canyon because floating 188 miles on the Colorado River is the only way to experience this gorgeous, wild and unpredictable place. We were treated to spaces and beauty beyond our expectations. The weather and river conditions were constantly changing and the CRATE guides were well prepared to help guests deal with rain, cold and unexpected swims. The guides’ experience, selection of side hikes, knowledge of the geology, wildlife, history, colorful river folks of the past and passion for the Grand Canyon all made the trip enjoyable and added dimension to our experience.

Just returned from an EPIC seven day paddle/ oar boat trip on the Grand Canyon’s regal Colorado River (September 2013) This was my first Grand Canyon trip, although I have been on other paddling trips in the past. This is a trip one could never forget. We hiked down the Bright Angel trail to meet the rafts at Pipe Creek and were spirited away in a helicopter from Whitmore Wash at the end of the week. In between, it was just us, the river and the canyons: a week of heart stopping rapids, lazy river floating, thundershowers, breathtaking side canyon hikes in the sunshine and some of the best company and food to be had in the wilderness. The CRATE guides and staff were fun, knowledgeable, helpful, supportive and always made us feel safe and well cared for. They mentored us through the difficult whitewater paddling and pointed out the best places for side trips. They read to us from pertinent literary or scientific works in the slower moments, answered our endless questions and held us together through some unexpected adventures, all while handling the bulk of the “housekeeping” responsibilities. The food was great, the company jovial and the setting unparalleled. I would do the trip again in a heart beat.