Guest Reviews

"This experience was life-changing. I feel I both found myself and left my soul in the canyon. I would have turned around and gone right back if I could have. We are already planning another trip for next year.
On our trip down into and through the canyon, I met some amazing people -- friends I feel I will keep in touch with for life. As I conquered a fear, my new family was there to support me through it.
Our guides - Matt, Jason and Sarah - could there be a better trio out there? Genuine and caring. They took care of every aspect of our vacation, organizing, cooking, educating, and sharing personal tidbits of their lives with us. Listening to our guide share their love for the canyon, read stories and tell jokes made our calm times on the boat something to look forward to. Thank you for including us in your world.
Everyone I have spoken to since my return is amazed I enjoyed myself so thoroughly. Sand, sleeping in tents, business with Oscar (and the river), being wet all day....these are all things I gladly left behind when my boys grew up - now I am looking forward to my next experience."

- Mary Jo Hammond      Kingman, AZ


 

"Matt, Jason, and Sarah are people I will remember and look up to for the rest of my life. Their positive energy and passion for every aspect of the canyon, rafting, camping, history, and nature is inspiring. I will make it back to go on another adventure with them."

-- Jessey Appel, passenger on a 5-day Lower Canyon trip in 2013

 

"This was my first experience at both rafting and hiking. I found it challenging and enjoyable. I met very nice people who were very helpful. We all helped one another through difficult moments. I would have to say the storm in our tents was the most frightening. Sitting around after dinner listening to Harry play the guitar was very relaxing. Keith and Bill guiding me up the cliffs - then they called me 'Ridge Runner' the rest of the trip. My family being together for the experience was definitely the most meaningful to me!"

--Cheryl Muniga     age 47     Olean, NY
Cheryl and her family were on a 7-day rafting trip in July 2012

"We have so many memories and stories that I can't even begin to write. We have been laughing and reminiscing since we left the canyon.
The awe-inspiring venue combined with comaraderie of the staff and participants (serious to silly) made every aspect of the trip leaving us wanting to return again next Spring.

Unexpected Aspects?
- Being read stories and told jokes by 'Ambassador Ted' & Matt as we went down the river.
- Coming to the oasis in the middle of the narrows where time had built a natural patio.
- Hiking into other narrows and chilling to a guitar & song in the natural acoustics of the canyon walls.
-The circular rainbow that followed me at one of the waterfalls.
-BUT, I have to admit that the facial and hand treatment in the purest blue, natural healing waters of Havasu Creek were absolutely a treat along the hike that day.

These are only a few things. I could go on and on :)"

-- Renee Pickard

Passenger on a Lower Canyon motorized trip in 2013

Photo: Renee, fellow passengers and guides relax at Havasu Creek.

"Jeff, Matt, Ted and Sarah did a great job. Their concern for our safety and enjoyment was evident throughout the trip. Having 'Office Sarah' along was an added benefit and comfort also, especially while waiting for the (post-trip) Hualapai bus and doing the bus transfer."

-- Clay Halvorson     Billings, MT

Passenger on a Lower Canyon Hiker's Special trip in 2013

Photo: Passengers on Clay's trip enjoy an early-season hike.

"Our family had an excellent time on this trip. The guides and other guests were fun. The trip was exciting and informative. We got to enjoy nature and the beauty of the canyon. The hike to the Little Colorado was my favorite. It is one of the most beautiful places I have seen. Also, the Grand Canyon Whitewater office staff was very helpful in letting us know how to pack and making arrangements like transportation, hotels, etc."

--Bonnie
Passenger on a 4-day Upper Canyon White Water Raft Trip in May 2012

"From the moment we boarded our rafts, we had the most amazing trip down the Grand Canyon. Everything from the sights, food, guides, and adventures made our trip memorable. This was a trip of a lifetime and it couldn't have been better!!"

--Charles Bartlett
8 Day Motorized Rafting Trip

"The entire trip was great. The whole canyon was beautiful. Havasu, of course, was breathtaking and the Little Colorado River as well. I would recommend this trip to anyone! It was well run, fun and beautiful. And the guides, Jeff and Thea, were the best!"

--Terry Churchill-Smith     Alberta, Canada
Passenger on a 7-Day Full Canyon Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

"Jason, Brie, Ted, and Tyler were all amazing with our teenage children. They made the trip a memorable one for the entire family and I couldn't imagine the trip without them.

I also appreciated that they encouraged us to do things that were sometimes outside of our comfort zone. Because of them, I could go home with no regrets!

The food was so delicious - and we laughed a lot too!!"

-- Deb Quillinan,  Lake George, NY
   Passenger on an 8-day motorized trip in July 2012

Photo: Deb's group pauses for a photo opportunity in North Canyon.

 

"It's hard to pick just one highlight. For my 10-year old, Jillian, the hightlight was Lava Falls. It was amazing, scary, and really, really fun. My 16-year old, Justine, loved the surroundings. Just being in someplace as beautiful as Grand Canyon was nothing short of amazing. My little guy, Jason, liked every single thing he did -- the rapids, the camps, and even Oscar/the groover!

We were a party of 11, all members of the same family, and I just loved being able to experience this phenomenal wonder of the world up-close and personal. Sleeping under the stars was a highlight for me. I have never seen anything like that in my entire life. Breathtaking shooting stars made me not want to close my eyes at night, for fear that I'd miss the show.

We loved it and our guides, Matt, Chris, and Sarah were THE best guides around. They took care of us, entertained us, educated us, and helped our family build memories that will last a lifetime. Thanks to them, we're already planning our next trip."

-- Margaret Handrahan
   Passenger on a 5-day Lower Canyon trip in August 2012
 

Photo: GCW passengers take a leap of faith from Elve's Chasm.

"I loved all the side hikes up to the waterfalls... food was great, liked the variety. Guides were great, very informative about rapid names and history. Surprised to find so many flowers in the Canyon... also enjoyed the wildlife... big horn, lizards, etc."

--Christine Diem     age 29     Myerstown, PA
Passenger on a 7-day Grand Canyon raft trip in June 2012

 

"I think one of the more facinating things to me was how the raft flexed when we hit big rapids and waves. I always sat up front so I got the action front and center. So I was coming down the back of a wave and the guides were going up the front -- very cool! Hard to believe how cold the water was even when the temp was 100 plus. But that was part of the excitement of the trip! Great trip!"

-- Dwight Breeden        
  Passenger on a 7-day motorized tour in 2012

"It was AMAZING. Even we senior citizens were well taken care of. The crew watched out for us and made sure we were safe but didn't  baby us."

-- Tom & June Doyle,  Wisconsin
 

"It was our 30th wedding anniversary and we wanted to celebrate with our kids (29 and 26) maybe the last physical trip we could do together. With packs on our backs, off we went on the Bright Angel Trail. Six hours later, sore and physically beat, I made it to Boat Beach. The next 5 days Matt, Chris, and Sarah made the most memorable trip we have experienced."

Rick Corbin, passenger on a 5-day Lower Canyon motorized trip

"The guides were extremely informative, helpful, skilled, and customer friendly. The sights were spectacular. The food was plentiful and delicious. This was a very memorable trip!"

Mary                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
Passenger on an 8-day Colorado River tour in 2012