Kayaking Trips in the Grand Canyon
Annual Grand Canyon Trip - September
OTTER BAR’S Annual GRAND CANYON TRIP is the adventure of a lifetime, and September is the perfect month to go: it's not so hot, there's little chance of rain, less wind and there are fewer groups on the water. And, while the wait list for a private river trip down the Grand Canyon is a long wait, we have space for you this fall!
Our 15 day guided trip offers complete raft support by AzRA/Grand Canyon Discovery. This company is one of the oldest and the best. We provide safety boaters to help you pick your lines or pick you out of the river. They are always knowledgeable about the river and canyon, and hikes.
Kayakers should have solid Class 3+ paddling skills and a bomb-proof river roll to really enjoy this trip. The water is huge but not necessarily technical. The 2 safety boaters will help you on the river, but this in not an instructional trip per-se.
Non-kayakers are welcomed and may ride in one of the motorized support rafts.
This trip is about you having the best Grand Canyon experience possible. You will be free of duties such as cooking and cleaning so that you have ample time to go on fabulous side hikes or just take in the Canyon's magic while relaxing after a day on the river. All meals are included. Guests must provide their own kayak and equipment; (rentals are available in Flagstaff); and beer or wine.
Trip Details
Dates: September 5-19, 2010 (see itinerary below)
Cost: $3750.00 for 15 days. A $300 deposit check made out to Otter Bar Lodge is required to confirm your space. Payment in full is due by June 1st. Cancellations received prior to May 1st will receive a refund of the deposit minus a $100 service charge.
Please mail your deposit to: Otter Bar Lodge, 14026 Salmon River Road, Forks of Salmon, CA 96031. Detailed information and a list of things to bring will be sent to you upon receipt of your balance.
*Please contact us by phone (530.462.4772) or email () if you have any questions.
What's Included in this Trip
Shuttle to put-in from Flagstaff and back to Flagstaff from take-out.
Dry bags; sleeping units (sleeping bag, sheet, and tarp), sleeping pads, tents, mugs, guidebooks, and eating utensils. Each kayaker will need to bring their own boat, skirt, helmet, air bags, and life jacket. You can rent a kayak at a shop in Flagstaff.
All meals
Hand picked, colorful Grand Canyon Guides to make sure your trip is successful and fun!
Detailed Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Launch! Rapids: Badger & Soap Creek
Day 2: Get used to the feel of the river. Lots of rapids including The Roaring Twenties.
Day 3: Breathtaking scenery, Redwall Cavern, Buck Farm Canyon. Climb the ancient Anasazi ruins at Nankoweap.
Day 4: The canyon opens up and you can feel how far down in the earth you are. The Little Colorado joins. Camp near Unkar.
Day 5: Great day! Rapids: Unkar, Hance, Sockdolager, Grapevine, Horn Creek. Stop at Phantom Ranch, mail letters or even call home. Camp below Horn Creek.
Day 6: More excitement: Granite, Crystal (both portagable), Hermit, the Gems, Serpentine Rapids. Incredible vistas.
Day 7: A day to relax and float easily. Highlights: Elve's Chasm, Blacktail Canyon, & Dubendorff rapid.
Day 8: Layover day or short mileage. Hike to Thunder River via Surprise Valley and down Deer Creek to the Colorado.
Day 9: An easy day with one major rapid: Upset. Side hike to Matkatamiba Canyon. Camp at Ledges or Last Chance.
Day 10: Beautiful side hikes to Havasu Creek and Fern Glen Canyon.
Day 11: Itinerary left open to accommodate flexibility in the trip.
Day 12: Lava Falls! It's an easy portage and exciting to run. One of the most classic rapids on Earth.
Day 13/14: Talk about how you ran Lava the day before. Last Night Party: think of something fun and don't forget a party outfit.
Day 15: Take out at Diamond Creek. Shuttle back to Flagstaff.
All guests should meet by 7:00PM the day before the trip launches at the Radisson Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona for orientation. The following morning everyone will be picked up from the hotel and taken by bus to the Lee’s Ferry put-in. At the end of the trip you will be driven back to Flagstaff from the Diamond Creek take-out. We should be back in Flagstaff between 3pm and 5pm, but we cannot guarantee the exact return time. There is no charge for the bus shuttle service. You must make your own hotel reservations at the Radisson. There are blocked out, less expensive rooms available for our guests ($86.00 per room, up to 4 people).
Please note that the itinerary is subject to change as needed.