Explore the Colorado and its springs-fed tributaries through Grand Canyon
Contemplating Deer Creek Falls.
Photo by Kevin Porter.
Celebrated for its stunning scenery, amazing hikes, and astounding whitewater, Grand Canyon offers the longest stretch of roadless river in the lower 48 states. Floating down the Colorado River through Grand Canyon is, without doubt, the ultimate river trip.
Larry Stevens, SSI Director and author of The Colorado River in Grand Canyon. First published in 1983, it is now in its 25th printing, with over 250,000 sold.
Photo by Kevin Porter.
Join Dr. Larry Stevens, Director of the Springs Stewardship Institute as we explore beautiful tributaries that are some of the last pristine spring-fed streams in the West, frolic in their many waterfalls, learn about the natural and human history of the Canyon, or relax on the beach and watch the light change.
In early April the Canyon is uncrowded, the wildflowers are spectacular, and the weather is cool enough for hiking. With the longest commercially available Grand Canyon trip, our pace will allow for plenty of exploration. We will take both rafts and dories, and a professional cook will plan the menu and prepare the meals. Chartered through Tour West, a family-owned outfitter, this trip will be led by an extraordinary crew with decades of experience. Larry Stevens has devoted the past 40 years of his life exploring Grand Canyon as a river guide with hundreds of trips, a researcher with dozens of peer-reviewed publications, and an avid hiker who simply loves the place. There is simply nobody alive with a greater knowledge of the Grand Canyon.
We will bring both rafts and dories -- elegant boats that offer an exciting and surprisingly stable ride. Photo by Kevin Porter.
Our group will meet in Flagstaff, Arizona, and drive to Marble Canyon on August 12, staying at Marble Canyon Lodge. On August 13 we depart from Lees Ferry, then float for 15 days through the heart of Grand Canyon. We will arrive at Diamond Creek on August, and return to Flagstaff, Arizona. The cost is $6500 per person; a 50% deposit is required to hold a space. We hope you can join us.
Proceeds from the trip will support the Springs Stewardship Institute. Additional contributions beyond the base fare are suggested, 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 that are NOT included in the full fare are:
Meals at Marble Canyon Lodge the night before the trip.
$27 for a river map and guide signed by Dr. Stevens
Credit card fees, 3% if you use a credit card. Checks are preferred.
NPS park entrance fee - $20.
Pre-trip dinner at Marble Canyon Lodge the night before the trip launches ($35).
Video by Kevin Porter of a dory running through Dubendorff rapid.
“there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats””