WHAT WEATHER AND TEMPERATURES
CAN I EXPECT DURING MY TRIP?

Temperatures in the Grand Canyon can fluctuate dramatically between serious extremes. The weather on your trip can vary between hot and cold several times a day. The river water temperature is COLD at ALL TIMES (45-52o F). Any time the sky is clouded, the air temperature in the Canyon's desert environment plummets - even during the hot summer months. Of course, it is always possible that the weather you encounter will be consistently sunny and warm/hot, but you will need to be prepared for the Canyon's many different moods. The following are some average temperatures.

APRIL:Days 60-80o F/Nights 40-55o F

MAY:Days 80-100o F/Nights 60-70o F

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST: Days 100-120o F/Nights 70-90o F
Note: July/August is typically the monsoon season in Arizona which usually means a cloud buildup in the morning and short heavy rain in the afternoon that normally clears before evening. The cloud cover and rain showers help reduce the extreme temperatures to more comfortable ones.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER: Days 70-90o F/Nights 50-60o F

THESE ARE NOT ABSOLUTES! It can rain in any month, or conversely, be arid and cloudless; such conditions have a big impact on “average” temperatures in a desert environment. Please follow our recommended clothing list to be sure that you are prepared for any possibility.

WHAT MAKES CANYON EXPLORATIONS/EXPEDITIONS UNIQUE?

Our participatory trip style (paddle boat, inflatable kayaks)

Our long trip length and the flexibility that allows us to tailor our trip schedules in accordance with participants’ interests, weather, water levels and the activities of other trips.

We are a small family business; the owners interact directly with guests and staff throughout the Reservations process and on the river as Guides.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO TAKE A TRIP?

We operate trips from April to October; there is an ideal time of year for all preferences! Water levels in Grand Canyon are always good (always big water) and fluctuate only with dam releases, not spring floods. Some rapids are easier at lower water levels of 5,000-10,000 cfs and the more technical features of other rapids are brought out by the lower water levels; conversely, some rapids are huge rides in higher water levels of 10,000-25,000 and others are more washed out and tamer at those levels.

April and May provide lots of daylight and long days. The desert is in bloom with flowering cactus and wild flowers. We see lots of birds at this time of year as many species are still migrating through the area. High probability of cooling winds and reasonable temperatures in the 80s and 90s. A great time for lots of extended hiking.

The summer months of June, July and August bring extreme heat, broken only by the clouds and rain of our monsoons showers. Monsoons typically begin in July but onset and duration are unpredictable. This is a great time for boating through the very cold water of the Colorado River and for playing in side canyon pools and waterfalls. We see lots of families during this season.

More temperate days emerge again as we move towards fall. The cooling temperatures of late August, September and October are ideal for longer hikes. Experience the serenity that descends on the canyon as summer wanes and the color palate shifts to gold. Camp fires are permitted in April and start starting again October.

DO YOU HAVE A MINIMUM AGE?

There is no upper age limit, but trip participants must be at least twelve years old.

WHAT WATER LEVELS CAN I EXPECT?

Water levels in Grand Canyon are based on the water being released from Lake Powell through Glen Canyon Dam. The dam operations are managed by the Bureau of Reclamation. Anticipated water releases are posted on their site http://www.uc.usbr.gov/wrg/crsp/glda.html

Water levels may fluctuate some during your trip between daytime and night releases and week day and weekend releases. In general, however, all water levels are considered “big” water levels and the fun-factor of the rapids is not overly impacted by either higher water or lower water levels: Some rapids are easier at lower water levels of 5,000-10,000 cfs and the more technical features of other rapids are brought out by the lower water levels. Conversely, some rapids are huge rides in higher water levels of 10,000-25,000 and others are more washed out and tamer at those levels.

WHICH IS THE BEST TRIP TO TAKE?

Many people wonder which trip, the Upper or Lower Canyon, would be best for them. There are a few differences, but really, you can’t go wrong with either choice. Many participants begin with one section or the other and then return to do the other half or the Full Canyon. The daily hikes are incredible and varied on both sections.

The Upper Canyon begins with smaller white water that gets bigger and bigger every day, providing plenty of time to build confidence in your Guides and paddle team mates before getting to the really big white water. There is a steeper gradient throughout the Upper stretch that results in fewer flat-water stretches overall than on the Lower Canyon. Everyone in the group is beginning their trip at the same time, adjusting to river life and making new friends on the same schedule. There are more dry hikes in on this section with most going steeply up away from the river, quickly providing incredible vistas. The canyon’s walls appear to rise a little higher each day as we advance down stream; each new geological layer appears in order. UP HILL hike at the end of the trip is a decision maker for many. The trip is a little shorter than the Lower Canyon.

The Lower Canyon begins with hiking DOWN the Bright Angel Trail to the river. This is very hard on joints and is an intense work out to start your vacation with. Once you get to the river, we start right off with a series of huge rapids; there’s no subtle introduction to rafting. Many of the world famous CLASS 10 rapids are on this section interspersed with a lot of flat-water stretches and smaller sized rapids. The elevation is lower here so temperatures average higher. There are many slot canyon hikes with waterfalls and pools to explore. This trip is overall a little longer than the Upper Canyon.

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ON MY TRIP
AND WHAT WILL MY GROUP BE LIKE?

Our average trip size is 18-20. Trips are composed of single people, couples, families, older folks, younger folks. People come from all over the country and all walks of life. Families travel mostly during the summer months, when schools are out. Our Reservations staff will be happy to cover this sort of general information about other people holding reservations on trips you are considering joining.

HOW DO I GET TO FLAGSTAFF?

GETTING TO FLAGSTAFF
Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, Arizona is the closest major airport and is about a 2.5 hour drive from Flagstaff. Most of our rafters fly into Phoenix and then fly or drive a rental car to Flagstaff.

BY AIR: The city of Flagstaff has a small commuter airport that is serviced by America West Airlines 1-800-235-9292. If you fly America West into Phoenix, there is often a reduced fare on the Phoenix-Flagstaff portion.

BY CAR: Flagstaff is located at the intersection of Interstate 40 (major east-west route) and the northern terminus of Interstate 17. Car rentals are available in Phoenix and Flagstaff from a variety of rental agencies. Budget offers vehicle drop-off/pick up at the Radisson Hotel itself - a real time saver for you. Call Budget at 1-928-779-5235 and ask about the River Runner Special.

BY SHUTTLE: Open Road Tours 1-800-766-7117 or www.openroadtours.com
Route 66 Travel 1-866-435-8366 or www.arizonatours.biz

FLAGSTAFF MEETING PLACE
We begin and end our trips at the Radisson Woodlands Hotel in Flagstaff (1175 W Route 66, ph# 928-773-8888). The hotel is also the pick-up and drop-off point for our transportation to/from the river. Cabs are available from the Flagstaff airport, train or bus station. You may also call the Radisson to use their complimentary cab service.