Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Why would I want use an outfitter for my trip?
Should I pay a boatman to help us go down the river?
How many people should I take on the river trip?
I have my own raft. What can Canyon REO do for
me?
No one in my group has been down the Canyon.
Is this a problem?
What are the best times of the year to be down
in the Canyon?
Which Colorado River books and maps do you
recommend?
My trip falls during monsoon months. What does
this mean for me?
Can I purchase new or used river equipment through
Canyon REO?
Food
How does Canyon REO pack food?
How long does ice last?
How does Canyon REO accommodate vegetarians?
Several people on our trip have food allergies.
Can Canyon REO accomodate them?
Does Canyon REO include organic food?
Can we have pre-cooked meals?
How much beer is too much beer?
Boats
What size and how many rafts should we plan to
take?
What is the difference between "locks and stops",
and "locks and rights"?
What size oars come with the rafts?
What about paddle rafts in the Canyon?
What are trailer frames and beaver boards?
How do I decide which motor my group needs for
the Diamond Down section?
What's a playboat?
Logistics
Just how bad is Diamond Creek Road?
One of my participants had to cancel last minute.
What do I do?
What time can I expect to arrive back in
Flagstaff after take-out?
What are Hualapai fees and why do I need to
pay them?
How will the rig day and launch day unfold
time- and event-wise?
What types of shuttles does Canyon REO offer?
Where can I park my vehicle?
If Canyon REO trailers my vehicle, do I still
owe gas money?
Health & Safety
What flotation PFD do you recommend for the Canyon?
What do we do with our garbage?
How do I calculate the number of toilets we'll
need?
How reliable are satellite phones in the Grand
Canyon?
If an evacuation is necessary, how do we handle
it and how much will it cost?
How can I prevent foot rot?
What's the best way to keep everyone on our
trip healthy?
Personal Gear
Is there anything that Canyon REO
doesn't provide in their packages?
How do I know what to bring with me?
What if I don't have an item that's on my pack
list?
The Answers
General Questions
Why would I want use an outfitter
for my trip?
We all lead very busy lives. The amount of time it takes the Trip
Leader and designated helpers to fully coordinate a trip requires
around 300 hours of his/her/their collective time and can be very
stressful trying to get everything and everyone coordinated. Since
your river trip is a time for vacation, relaxation, and excitement,
it really helps to know that someone with years of experience is taking
care of all the details. If you use an outfitter, you don't have to
worry about anything but getting yourself and your personal items
to the put-in location.
Top
Should I pay a boatman to help us go
down the river?
No! Paying a boatman on a private trip breaks federal regulations.
The punishment is $500 to $5000 in fines and 6 months imprisonment
per participant. The Park Service does require you to have an experienced
person with you but they cannot be paid. See NPS regulations for more
information.
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How many people should I take on the
river trip?
The usual number of people is 8 to 16 depending on your permit limitations,
but smaller and solo trips aren't unheard of. In general, choose friends
and family who have similar interests and abilities. Make sure everyone
is in good health and can withstand the rigors of canyon river life.
Top
I have my own raft. What can Canyon
REO do for me?
Canyon REO offers as much or as little as you need for your Grand
Canyon adventure. We can provide you with complete packages or with
just shuttles and food packs. If you only need a toilet or a satellite
phone, we can do that, too.
Top
No one in my group has been down
the Canyon. Is this a problem?
As long as there are trip members who have "big water"
experience and are confident with reading water and running large
rapids, you should be fine. The National Park Service recommends that
Seeing the Canyon as Powell and his expedition did can add a different
level of adventure and magic to the trip. We recommend everyone experience
the magic of the Grand.
Top
What are the best times of the year
to be down in the Canyon?
Anytime you are lucky enough to be in the Canyon is the best time
to go. The most popular months are April through October. A winter
trip will be different, but just as magical.
Top
Which Colorado River books and
maps do you recommend?
Rivermap, Guide to the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon by Duane
Whittis and Tom Martin, Belknap’s Waterproof Grand Canyon River Guide
and Day Hikes from the River by Tom Martin are some of our favorites.
Canyon REO stocks and sells all those titles.
Top
My trip falls during monsoon months,
what does this mean for me?
It means a big, brown torrential river, warm weather, and lots of
fun. You will get to see the Canyon in one of its prettiest forms.
The water pouring off canyon walls enhances the red color of the rocks,
creates waterfalls and darkens the sky, illuminating the world around
you. Along with the beauty comes some inherent risk, though. Flash
flooding, swelled side canyons, and unpredictable Diamond Creek Road
conditions are all things to be aware of on monsoon season Canyon
trips.
Top
Can I purchase new or used river equipment
through Canyon REO?
Throughout the year we are turning over our old gear for new. We
also offer new gear at discount prices to our package customers through
Club REO. If you are looking for something in particular, we probably
have it. Call us to find out what is available. Items sold year-round
include kayaks, inflatable kayaks, paddles, PFDs, Paco pads and ammo
cans.
Top
Food
How does Canyon REO pack food?
Our favorite way to pack food is by camp because it is the easiest
system for campers. At each campsite you simply grab the ammo can
labeled for that camp. The recipes for that camp’s meals and all the
dry ingredients are in that ammo can. Coolers are packed by camp too,
so you don’t have to climb on one boat to get to a meat cooler then
onto a different boat to get to a dairy cooler. Fresh fruit and vegetables
are packed in crates and a produce cooler so you have fresh produce
for as long as possible. There are many ways to pack food. If your
group doesn’t have enough boat space for our pack-by-camp system,
we can work with you to pick a menu and a packing method to fit your
needs.
Top
How long does ice last?
Obviously, ice lasts longer in January than it does in July, but
the high-density ice we make at Canyon REO lasts far longer than the
block ice sold at grocery stores. Most of our groups end their trips
with ice in their last camp cooler. We attribute this to our high-density
ice, the coolers we use, and our pack-by-camp system, which preserves
ice in your late camp coolers.
Top
How does Canyon REO accommodate
vegetarians?
We have worked with many vegetarians. The first question we ask is
about the food preferences of the vegetarians on your trip. Typical
requests are for veggie burgers, vegetarian breakfast “meat”, tempeh,
tofu, extra beans, hummus, Tofurky™ products, extra eggs and meals
with lots of vegetables. Please see our Canyon REO’s Favorites
for Mixed Groups for a sampling of meals that accommodate mixed
groups of vegetarians and meat eaters. We’ve chosen meals that are
fairly easy on the cooking crew. If you want to customize your menu,
you might want to find out if folks are willing to prepare two separate
meals or if they are more comfortable preparing dishes in which the
meat can be added after vegetarian portions are removed.
Top
Several people on our trip have allergies
to specific foods. Can you accomodate them?
As food allergies to dairy, nuts, wheat and gluten have become more
common, we have developed more options for people with food allergies.
In some cases, we’ve developed highly-customized menus for folks with
serious conditions. Sometimes, all that's needed is for us to include
soy milk along with regular milk. If someone in your group has a food
allergy, we are happy to help.
Top
Does Canyon REO include organic food?
We typically pack some organic food, including produce. If your group
would like more organics than we usually send, we are happy to work
with you on availability and cost.
Top
Can I have pre-cooked meals?
Pre-made frozen dinners are available upon request, especially for
early camps. These dinners are easy to re-heat in one or two pots,
and work well for small groups who don’t want to cook a dinner from
scratch every night.
Top
How much beer is too much beer?
When it overloads the boats, you’ve got too much. The great thing
about a private trip is it’s your trip. Feel free to bring as much
or as little as you want. Once the boats are loaded at Lee’s Ferry,
you will know if you have too much. At that time the group can make
the decision on what stays and what goes.
Top
Boats
What size and how many rafts should
we take?
You have to figure how many people per boat, and how much food will
be needed for your itinerary. Generally 16- to 18-foot oar boats are
a good all-around size for the canyon and for carrying maximum gear.
Consider the following factors. (These are general guidelines, so
ask us if you still have questions.)
Experience of boatmen: Bigger boats will be more stable
Number of people: How many people do you need to transport?
Gear, Food, Beer: How much cargo and supplies will we be carrying?
Size of boat:
14' = 1 passenger and a boatman
16' = 2 passengers and a boatman
18' = 3 passengers and a boatman
Top
What is the difference between "locks
and stops" and "locks and rights"?
Some boaters prefer oars that are fixed into a position that prevents
rotation within the oarlock with a "lock and stop" setup.
Other boaters prefer the ability to “feather” the oars, using oar
rights. Oar rights are designed with flexibility in mind and can be
flipped either direction to accommodate your preference. Canyon REO
believes in choices and is happy to set your oars however you would
like. This information is due to REO 60 days prior to your trip.
Top
What size oars do you provide?
It depends on the size of raft you will be renting. Typically we
offer 10’ oars with our 16’ rafts, and 11’ oars with our 18’ rafts.
We also offer 9’, 9.5’, and 10.5’ oars if you would prefer those.
Top
What about paddle rafts in the Canyon?
If you have oar rafts to carry your gear, a paddle boat can be a
fun and exciting way to raft the Canyon. Optional paddle rafts (12'
up to 18') are available with our All
Inclusive Deluxe Package, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reserve early for the best selection.
Top
What are trailer frames and beaver
boards?
A trailer frame is an extension to the main frame providing a covered
spot for crates of produce, propane, ammo cans or whatever else you
need. It also provides a great platform for sleeping and a great seat
for passengers during the day. A beaver board, also known as a rear
deck is a coated plywood deck that covers the rear floor behind the
rower and is designed to carry ammo cans and aluminum boxes without
hurting the raft.
Top
How do I decide which motor we'll
need for the Diamond Down section of our trip?
The motor size needed is completely dependent on the number of boats
on your trip. For two to three rafts, our 5HP Briggs and Stratton
motor is perfect for you. Four or five rafts will require our 20 HP
Honda motor. For more than five rafts, you'll probaby want our 30
HP Honda motor.
Top
What's a playboat?
Canyon REO defines a playboat as any boat that is not carrying the
main group gear. We offer whitewater kayaks, inflatable kayaks, and
paddle rafts. Optional playboats are available with our All
Inclusive Deluxe Package, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reserve early for the best selection.
Top
Logistics
Just how bad is Diamond Creek
Road?
Diamond Creek Road is approximately 20 miles of unpaved road that
can flatten tires, damage vehicles, and foil take-out plans even in
the best of conditions. The last mile or so can be the most torturous,
running through creeks, streams and loose gravel. Sometimes we encounter
large boulders that wash into the road. Canyon REO plans for a minimum
of on hour to reach the beach and counts on it taking more time during
monsoon months. We will do everything in our power to reach your group
on the scheduled take-out time and day. Our heavy-duty 4x4 vehicles
have allowed us to pick up groups in some of the worst conditions.
If your trip is planned during the winter months of January and February,
or during monsoon season (July through September), we will make contingency
take-out plans with you.
Top
One of my participants had to cancel
last minute, what do I do?
If it is less than 30 days prior to your trip, it is likely we have
already begun packing, prepping and shopping for your trip. Within
the 30-day window, Canyon REO will not lower invoice totals for dropped
participants. Call us if you have questions about this.
Top
What time can I expect to arrive
back in Flagstaff after take-out?
Normal take-out time at Diamond Creek is 10:00 am. Once on the beach
you will de-rig the boats and help load up the trailer. This takes
anywhere from 1 – 1.5 hours. The drive up the road to Peach Springs
is another hour minimum, and from there we head 40 miles to Seligman
for lunch. Seligman is approximately 1 hour west of Flagstaff. Groups
usually make it back into Flagstaff around 4PM. Due to the unpredictable
conditions of Diamond Creek Road, we recommend you don’t book flights
until the following day. This allows for the “what if’s,” and gives
you a chance to decompress a bit before a big travel day.
Top
What are Hualapai fees and why
do I need to pay them?
The Hualapai Tribe owns Diamond Creek Road and charges these land-crossing
fees to pay for road maintenance and repair. Each time a person or
vehicle uses Diamond Creek Road, whether for takeouts, re-supplies,
or motor deliveries, a fee is assessed. Canyon REO will no longer
handle payments to the Hualapai. To pay your fees, please contact
the Hualapai directly at (928) 769-2219. They prefer payments via
credit card prior to your launch. Please contact Canyon REO for assistance
in figuring out how many fees are to be paid.
Top
How will the rig day and launch
day unfold time- and event-wise?
Most groups chose to meet here in Flagstaff and be shuttled to Lee’s
Ferry. Under this scenario you will meet at Canyon REO at 9 am the
day prior to your launch day. You will pack dry bags, load personal
gear and go through orientation. Between 11-12 noon we will load up
and head out of town. We stop at Safeway for lunch before heading
on to the parking storage lot. From there we will go on to Lee's Ferry.
The trip coaches will have arrived earlier and will have your boats
blown up, ready to load. Your group will work with our trip coaches
to load the boats. Around 5:30 or so you will float about 100 yards
down to Boatman’s beach, set-up camp for the night and relax until
dinner at Marble Canyon Lodge. The following morning the rangers will
meet you around 9am to finish orientation and check id’s. When the
rangers are done, you are on your way!
Top
What types of shuttles are there?
Canyon REO offers a number of different shuttle options for your
Grand Canyon trip. We shuttle vehicles and groups to and from the
river, to Phoenix, Las Vegas, or the South Rim. We offer all group
shuttles, all vehicle shuttles or half and half shuttles depending
on your needs. Visit our shuttle page
for detailed descriptions of each shuttle option.
Top
Where can I park my vehicle?
There are a number of storage options, some free, some at a fee.
Lee’s Ferry offers free long-term parking at your own risk. Summertime
temperatures at Lee’s Ferry can be extreme and security isn’t the
greatest. Flagstaff has a much milder climate, so most groups opt
to have their vehicles stored here.
If Canyon REO trailers my vehicle,
do I still owe gas money?
Yes, even though your vehicle isn’t using fuel, ours is. The driver
of the Canyon REO vehicle will take between $10 - $20 of fuel money
to cover the cost of the extra fuel used by our vehicle while towing.
Top
Health & Safety
What floatation PFD do you recommend for
the Canyon?
Use whatever PFD is most comfortable for you, as long as it meets
the specifications required by the NPS (Type I, III or V). Canyon
REO has Astral kayak jackets with 15 lbs of flotation, everyday paddling
jackets from Stohlquist and NRS with 17.5 lbs of floatation, as well
as Extrasport Hifloat (B-22 and B-27) jackets with a whopping 22-27
lbs of floatation. We want you to feel safe and comfortable in whichever
jacket you choose, so we offer a number of options to accommodate
your needs.
Top
How reliable are satellite phones
in the Grand Canyon?
The trick to satellite phones is clear visibility into the sky. Canyon
walls can often block the satellites, so sometimes a hike up may be
necessary. We offer three different satellite phone carriers, and
have had success calling out with each of them, even in the inner
gorge. Our A La Carte page explains
more about satellite phones.
Back to top
If an evacuation is necessary, how
do I handle it and how much will it cost?
Emergency situations in the Grand Canyon are something no one wants
to think about or deal with. Evacuations are emotional, stressful
and expensive. Knowing the limitations of your insurance policy can
save you many headaches. Often times the terminology used can mean
the difference between being covered, (air ambulance vs. air evacuation,
for example). Travel insurance is available through many different
underwriters. A little research and preparation ahead of time can
save you thousands of dollars.
Top
What do we do with our garbage?
If you are using our pack-by-camp system, you get one ammo can per
camp. Once you take the food out, you can use that can for garbage.
Fill it up, packing it down well to save space, strap it back in a
boat, and you don’t have to open it again. At the end of your trip,
Canyon REO dumps your trash and cleans the boxes. We ask that you
do NOT put trash in our coolers.
Top
How do I calculate the number of toilets
my group will need? We estimate our toilets at approx. 70
uses per can. We average number of uses per day at one per person.
We take that and multiply by the number of days. Take that number
and divide by 70, and you got your can number…ALWAYS ROUND UP!
Top
How can I prevent foot rot?
Being in boats, you will often have wet feet (and hands, for that
matter) which can make keeping your skin healthy a challenge. Some
folks wear socks under their river sandals to prevent chafing. The
best way to keep your feet healthy is to keep them dry and protected
as much as possible. Change into clean, dry socks once you're off
the water. Treat your feet with salve or lotion at night, and make
sure you attend to any sores as soon as you notice them.
What's the best way to keep everyone on our
trip healthy?
Wash your hands. Seriously, this could be the single most important
thing that everyone on your trip can do to prevent illness while you're
on the river.
Personal Gear
Is there anything that
Canyon REO doesn't provide in their packages?
When you purchase an outfitting package from Canyon REO, expect that
"group gear" will be included. You will need to bring your
own sleeping bag, personal dry bag, sleeping pad, clothing and toiletries.
Alcoholic beverages are also not included in our packages. If you
have a question about what's included, please contact us.
How do I know what to bring with me?
Our Trip Leader's Handbook, provided to your trip leader when you
book a trip with us, details packing lists for personal items you
might want or need on your trip through Grand Canyon.
What if I don't have an item that's
on my pack list?
If you need to purchase items for your trip, you may want to consider
a group order to take advantage of discounts available through Club
REO. Call us with questions about Club REO.
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