Our History
Bus Hatch started running the rivers of northeastern Utah in 1929. A carpenter by trade, Bus was curious what lay downstream of his hometown of Vernal, Utah. Therefore, he built himself a boat and set out exploring the Green River. River running quickly turned into a passion for Bus, and his enthusiasm spread. Soon people were asking Bus to take them downriver, and a business was born.
 Bus led the first ever commercial rafting trip in the United States. Soon, rivers in other parts of the country were luring Bus, and he took his first group down the Grand Canyon in 1934.
Back in those days, even a river trip that people had paid for was still somewhat exploratory. Bus lacked the amenities of modern river trips: coolers that hold ice for days, propane stoves, and a host of other items we take for granted on rafting trips nowadays. Often the provisions for a trip consisted of a shotgun and ammunition, and a few bottles of whiskey for good measure. Bus thought these items could get him and his clients through any emergency...and he was right.
Bus became a pioneer in white water rafting; he was one of the first people to run the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho, and his wanderlust led him to Pakistan, where he logged the first descent of the Indus River in 1956.
(left) Bus Hatch 1934
Bus continued to run rivers until his death in 1967. At that time, his son Ted took over the Grand Canyon operation and his son Don took over the Idaho and Utah operations. In the years since Bus' death, many changes have taken place in the industry as a whole and within our operations. The Idaho and Utah operations have sold to large companies outside of the Hatch family. However, the Grand Canyon division remains strong and is owned and operated by a third generation member of the Hatch family: Bus' grandson, Steve.
We are extremely proud to have such a rich rafting history, and we still uphold the family traditions. Our generations of experience shine through in everything we do, and as the first whitewater rafting company, we believe our reputation speaks for itself.
 |
 |
Steve Hatch, Owner
and third generation river runner |
Ted Hatch at the oars
2008 |
Back to Top
|
