Explore the Colorado and its springs-fed tributaries through Grand Canyon
Embark on a 15-day expedition (April 1-15, 2027; a limited number of partial trips available, see below) through the heart of one of the planet’s most iconic and untamed landscapes led by a team of Grand Canyon experts from the Springs Stewardship Institute (SSI). This is not your average river trip — it’s an immersive, expertly guided journey deep into the soul of the Grand Canyon. Led by world-renowned Grand Canyon experts, including Dr. Larry Stevens — a living encyclopedia of the canyon’s ecological wonders — you’ll gain unparalleled access to remote tributaries, spring-fed oases, and sacred, seldom-seen places that few ever get the chance to experience.
By day, navigate legendary whitewater and explore hidden side canyons bursting with life. By night, sleep under the stars on sandy riverbanks, nourished by campfire stories, gourmet meals, and the rhythm of the Colorado River. Along the way, you’ll develop a richer understanding of the Canyon’s unique spring systems —the lifeblood of its biodiversity — and the urgent need to protect them.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or someone seeking transformation, this trip promises the rare kind of experience that will stay with you forever. Led by some of the foremost stewards of this incredible place, this is truly the trip of a lifetime. This isn’t just a rafting trip; it’s a pilgrimage into the wild, a masterclass in Grand Canyon ecology and conservation, and a chance to be part of something deeply meaningful. There are limited spots available, so grab one for yourself (and a friend) before this trip fills up!
The SSI Team Leading the Tour West Charter Trip:
Dr. Larry Stevens – One of the world’s leading authorities in Grand Canyon ecology & conservation
Jeri Ledbetter, M.S. – SSI Program manager & CFO, legendary Grand Canyon river guide
Dr. Joel Barnes – Professor emeritus, Prescott College, desert river ecology & conservation expert
Dr. Joseph Holway – Global river ecology expert and springs enthusiast
Few people alive know the Grand Canyon as intimately as Dr. Larry Stevens, who has spent decades investigating its ecology — especially its freshwater springs. Throughout this trip, our team of experts will help you explore the beauty of Grand Canyon’s springs, and better understand the vital ecological role they play in Grand Canyon’s arid, vertical landscape. This trip will embody SSI’s mission to improve the scientific understanding and stewardship of spring ecosystems in Grand Canyon and around the world.
Why It Matters:
This expedition supports the Spring Stewardship Institute, funding ongoing research and conservation efforts to protect the Grand Canyon’s springs—some of the most important and endangered freshwater ecosystems in the American Southwest. This river trip is being offered at cost as part of a larger fundraising effort to support the Spring Stewardship Institute.
To make this initiative possible, and to protect springs while advancing the SSI mission, we rely on the generous support of our trip participants. Your donations directly contribute to:
Restoring spring habitats and flows to improve water quality and availability
Advancing research, outreach, and education on springs ecosystems
Expanding conservation programs for rural and Indigenous communities
Discovering and identifying new spring-dependent species
Building an endowment to secure SSI’s lasting legacy
If you want your donations to be directed towards a specific objective, talk to us about the possibilities.
Logistics
Our group will meet in Flagstaff, Arizona, and drive to Marble Canyon on March 31, staying at Marble Canyon Lodge. On April 1 we depart from Lees Ferry, then float for 15 days through the heart of Grand Canyon. We will arrive at Diamond Creek on April 15th, and return to Flagstaff, Arizona. The cost is $6990 per person; a $1000 deposit is required to hold a space. We hope you can join us. Not able to do the full 15-day trip, we can accommodate several partial trips (Upper—Lees Ferry to Phantom Ranch (7 days April 1-7, $3900) and Lower—Phantom Ranch to Diamond Creek (9 days April 7-15, $4900).
Additional contributions beyond the base fare to support the Springs Stewardship Institute are expected, and are tax deductible.
Elves Chasm spring-fed waterfalls. We often stop here on river trips, and there are plenty of other spectacular sites to see.
Photo by Bob Martin
These fees are NOT included in the full fare price:
Credit card fees, 3% if you use a credit card. Checks are preferred.
A, hopefully significant, donation to SSI to secure the legacy of springs research and stewardship across the globe.
“there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats””