HikeArizona.COM

I just got done exchanging some info with Drew from Grand Canyon Whitewater (formerly known as Arizona River Runners) about the possibility of doing a river trip with my ABC group... In order to get our own boat (and a BIG discount), we need to gather 20 folks who are up for a week of riding the Colorado below Phantom Ranch in August. The cost he quoted me is nearly $700 cheaper than the standard price for the trip, and I know that's true because I've been researching it for a while.

We're hoping to do this trip specifically because it's an oared trip (as opposed to motorized) and it covers the cooler stuff toward the lower half of the canyon. Of course, if we get more interest in shorter, less expensive motorized trips, it opens up even more dates. If you're interested in either, let me know... We need to put down a deposit pretty quickly, but just think of the amazing adventures to be had! Lava Falls! Elves Chasm! Peeing off a boat!

What is the exact price point you're looking at? My wife and I might be interested if the price is right...

I would love to but I must behave with adventure spending, lasers are flippin pricey.

I am thinking about a private trip, seeing about the lottery.

rdavisiii wrote: I must behave with adventure spending

I can relate with that statement! I'm already being chastised for a trip I haven't officially scheduled... I'm not even going to ask about the lasers (but an over-riding sense of curiosity may force me to change my mind).

PageRob wrote:What is the exact price point you're looking at? My wife and I might be interested if the price is right...

I heard from him as well - I believe that he is targeting hiking clubs.
Their 8 day oar (lower - ) Phantom Ranch Hike-In to Diamond Creek trip is $2,265.00 per person, so $700 off would be $1565 or so, or +/-$200 a day. (note: they count the put-in and take-out days, which are effectively 1/2 days, in the 8 )

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Another option (of course experience (** see below) rather than $$ is required)

A lottery has just opened for 23 launch dates in 2011. The lottery will accept applications through 12:00 noon MST on Thursday, January 13th, and be run shortly thereafter. The available dates include:

Standard Sized Trips (1-16 people):
Jan 2011: 19, 27, 28
Feb 2011: 10, 15, 16, 26
Mar 2011: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 13, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 29
Apr 2011: 15
Sep 2011: 1
Dec 2011: 23

Small Sized Trips: (1-8 people):
Apr 2011: 6

Winners will be required to pay their $400 trip deposits by noon on Friday, 1/14/2011. If you apply, please log back into the system the evening of January 13th to check the status of your request.

You can find a listing of available launch dates at http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/c ... -dates.htm.

***** The 2012 Main Lottery *****
Applications for calendar year 2012 launch dates will be accepted through the lottery website from February 1 through noon on February 23rd. The actual drawing will take place by the end of February.
You may apply online here >> https://npspermits.us/grandcanyon/river/login.cfm

** On my last private trip we contracted for/rented rafts, gear, shuttles and food pack. 16 days ran about $1000 P/P; that was for 16 days!
Don't have the experience? There are myriad whitewater schools (here is just one example >http://www.aorafting.com/river/school.htm ) This one runs $700 for a week! (This, of course should not replace having a Grand Canyon vet on your trip to alert you to GC-specific issues) So.. you could take a weeklong WW rafting course AND pay for a private trip for about the same $$ as a commercial trip; PLUS you would come away with WW rafting experience (not to mention 3 weeks of rafting vs. 8 days of riding). One (of many) upsides to a private trip.. you stop/hike/make camp where and when you want. Downside; you have to rig/derig, make your own meals & set up your own groover. Yes, a private trip is not for everyone, but one should at least consider the economics if not the self-fulfillment.

NOt this year -- perhaps in 2012

I checked on supplemental lottery, ends tomorrow at noon. But I need a June-July or Aug launch date, and the only launch dates available are when I'm in school. I will have to wait until Feb. to put in for 2012 but still plan on trying to get in on a summer private trip this year.

We have possible dates of 9-12 - 9-19. This would be a smaller trip altogether, with a limit of 17 total participants on the trip. We're looking to keep to the non-motorized trip by popular demand. Still tons of hiking opportunities, and a more peaceful experience on the river. The price is approx. $1560 p/person.