Hatch River Expeditions Blog | White Water Rafting Trips & Packages Grand Canyon

Office Biography #2: Katy

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Hatch River Expeditions

Our next victim of the office biography is Katy. Here at Hatch, we like to put a face to our company and let you all know who you are talking too. Katy is our newest employee and is utterly and completely excited to have joined the Hatch River Expeditions team. Working with customers from around the world to provide them with the ultimate whitewater vacation is a dream come true for her. She is learning quickly that we seriously have the BEST clients.

Katy grew up in Los Gatos, CA and spent most of her life there. She ventured to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona where she graduated with a degree in nutritional sciences and a minor in chemistry. Totally applies to rafting, right? She has spent the past few years exploring and getting to love everything about Arizona. This self-proclaimed California girl may be an Arizona girl convert.

The diversity and vastness of this state have truly had an impact on this city girl. She met her fiancé, Jared, when he was her guide on a fly fishing trip on the Colorado River at Lees Ferry a few years back. You could say it was “love at first cast”…or not. They are in the midst of planning a rustic Montana wedding. Her favorite pastimes include camping, hunting (well going along, not necessarily the hunting), fly fishing – and now whitewater rafting.

Among her most prized possessions, Katy includes her German Shorthair Pointer: Hank and her Corgi: Moose. Arizona’s high country has provided her with the opportunity to trek, explore and develop as an outdoor enthusiast. Dogs and hubby in tow, Katy is always out for an adventure and truly enjoys planning adventures for others. Anything to help people experience the Grand Canyon state as it is mean to be explored. Give her a call and she will no doubt help book you on the vacation of a lifetime.

Grand Canyon Fund: What is it?

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Hatch River Expeditions

If you have called our friendly office staff to book a trip, I’m sure you remember the multiple questions we ask to complete your reservation. We get asked often to give more information on one question in particular, “Would you like to donate $1 per day of your trip to the Grand Canyon Fund?”

Though we have posted about it before, we thought we would review and give you all a little more information about this non-profit enterprise set up and run by a group of Grand Canyon National Parks’ licensed river outfitters. The purpose of the Grand Canyon Fund (formerly Grand Canyon Conservation Fund) is split between conservation as well as providing access to the back country of the Grand Canyon to those whom might not otherwise be able to experience it. They award the fund money “in the form of grants to non-profit conservation groups and those working to provide access to back country outdoor experiences for those with physical and socioeconomic challenges. The [GCF] does not award grants to individuals, for-profit corporations or government agencies”.

But don’t worry that your donation will be going to administrative costs. The GCF is run by volunteers and your donations will go directly towards conservation and providing access to the canyon. Every year about 80% of all professionally outfitted river passengers, including our Hatch River Expeditions guests, donate $1 per day of their trip to the GCF. We just want to say thank you for making a difference. The GCF notes that “since its inception, the Fund has awarded roughly $900,000 to groups like the Grand Canyon Trust, American Rivers, the Peregrine Fund, and many others”.

As a matter of fact, we have a trip going out this year that received a grant from GCF. Canyon Heroes, a group that provides rafting trips to our military veterans, has booked a trip this coming August. On top of that grant, Hatch River Expeditions also made a considerable donation to the trip.

Check out the links below to read about Canyon Heroes:

‘Canyon Heroes’ group organized to help veterans

Ligonier group’s goal: Helping veterans heal

If you have any questions regarding the GCF or the Canyon Heroes, please contact our office and we can answer any questions you might have. Remember, those donations are tax deductible and benefit a great cause!

Marble Canyon

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Hatch River Expeditions

So you are driving to Marble Canyon before your rafting trip, huh? You have probably heard of Lees Ferry especially in the planning process of your rafting trip. But what about the little (and I mean tiny!) town that supports the activities of so many rafters every year.

Well Marble Canyon exists solely because of its proximity to the Colorado River. Because of the difficult terrain in Northern Arizona, there are not many opportunities to cross the river. Lees Ferry happens to be one of those places as it sits conveniently where the Vermillion Cliffs meet the Echo Cliffs, providing a pathway down to the river. As you drive in to Marble Canyon coming from the East you will drive over a lovely bridge and all of a sudden be in the midst of our small town. It wasn’t always like that, however. Imagine the difficulties early Arizona settlers endured trying to cross this obstacle with no bridge spanning these beginnings of the Grand Canyon.

View from the old bridge looking at Navajo Bridge. A bridge sure makes it simpler to cross the Colorado!

Being so close to Utah and the Mormon settlements there, the modern origins of Marble Canyon are directly linked to the Mormon Church and their Arizona settlers. In the late 1800s, many such settlers traveling through were headed south to settle in Arizona or headed north to be married in a Mormon temple. It happened that that the closest temples were in Salt Lake or St. George, Utah which both happened to be across that mighty Colorado. If you explore the area around Highway 89A you will find evidence of those settlers who named this route the “Honeymoon Trail”.

Multiple trading posts popped up in the area to support the travelers including Marble Canyon Lodge and Cliff Dwellers Lodge. Though don’t be confused. There were no actual native cliff dwellers in the region. Cliff Dwellers Lodge takes its name from the proximity to the cliffs and its origin as a trading post built next to a giant boulder.

Cliff Dwellers’ proximity to the cliffs led to the name. The first trading post was built under a boulder similar to the ones in this photo.

After Navajo Bridge (yes the bridge you will cross over on your travels from the East and the one you will go under if your trip launches from Lees Ferry) was constructed, Lees Ferry as a ferry became obsolete. But its ever so smartly positioned location took on a new significance: the launching point for rafting trips through the Grand Canyon. And so Marble Canyon became the new mecca for river enthusiasts. Rafters and kayakers alike descend on this town throughout the year, as will you. Take a moment to stop in at the Navajo Bridge Visitors Center and walk across the bridge. You might spot a California condor. If time permits head down near Lees Ferry and walk around Lonely Dell Ranch, and check out the original settlement of those brave pioneers who first started the ferry. Or if you have even a bit more time before your trip and want to see the 14 miles of Colorado River just above Lees Ferry (and catch a rainbow trout or two), call up Lees Ferry Anglers and book a day of guided fishing through Glen Canyon on the Colorado River.

The orchards at Lonely Dell Ranch. Surprised to see an orchard in all this desert?

Whether you are just stopping through or you plan on returning, remember our little town of Marble Canyon. We are known for our hospitality because the town was built to provide services to weary travelers both past and present. And oh yeah, it’s marbelous!

A view across Marble Canyon looking over towards the Echo Cliffs.

For more detailed information, check out this link:

http://grandcanyonhistory.clas.asu.edu/sites_coloradorivercorridor_leesferry.html

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25th Annual Guides Training Seminar

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Hatch River Expeditions

$An aerial view of our warehouse on Easter Sunday, during the GTS (This is only a fraction of the cars that were there on Saturday!)$

An aerial view of our warehouse on Easter Sunday, during the GTS (This is only a fraction of the cars that were there on Saturday!) Photo courtesy of John Dillon

On Easter weekend this year a few hundred guides, National Park Service officials, and Grand Canyon river outfitters descended upon our warehouse in Marble Canyon. Cars lined the drive, and a small village of tents was erected near the food pack building. No, it wasn’t the largest Easter egg hunt in Northern Arizona, it was the annual Guides Training Seminar, or GTS. For the past 25 years we have had the pleasure of hosting this gathering that has become the event of the year for Grand Canyon river guides.

Breakfast in front of the warehouse before the morning session starts.

The event is organized by Grand Canyon River Guides and is one of the primary means of continuing education for river guides. Attendees are treated to updates on current NPS policy, geological seminars, wildlife and biology presentations, Native American history lectures, and briefed on current and on-going research and science projects happening within the river corridor. You can view this year’s packed agenda here.

Guides pack the warehouse to learn on Saturday and Sunday.

After a Saturday packed with information, guides are treated to a delicious river-style dinner, and then it’s time for a great party. The evening begins with movies, slideshows, and some organized fun before a band takes over the warehouse.

This year’s entertainment was provided by BlammityBlam, a bluegrass band made up of river guides.

This year’s event was a huge success. In fact, in all the years we have been hosting the GTS, I think this was the largest turn out ever. I am guessing that nearly 450 people attended this gathering in the middle of nowhere. You may be wondering if clients are welcome to attend, and the answer is a resounding YES! In fact, we had a few of our Hatch River alumni in attendance this year.

I must say, that the GTS is one of the best organized, well-run, and FUN events I have ever had the pleasure of attending. If you are interested in coming next year, give us a call and we will keep you updated with dates and information.

Posted in about Hatch River Expeditions, Grand Canyon Colorado River community, Hatch River Expeditions, Hatch whitewater river guides | Leave a comment

Office Biography #1: Magnolia

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Hatch River Expeditions

Making a reservation with Hatch is a very simple process, either online or over the phone. For the office employees, the best part of our day happens to be interacting with our wonderful clients. Over the past four years, many of you have likely spoken to Magnolia. We thought it would be fun to put a face to the name and give you all a little bit of information about Miss Magnolia.

Magnolia in India

Taking her cue from the flower for which she is named, Magnolia tends to go where the wind takes her. Traveling the world has always sparked her fancy. Her journeys have taken her to the Philippines, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, India, Nepal, England, France, The Netherlands, Egypt, Tanzania, Peru, Mexico, Ecuador, Canada and probably others. The most memorable country she visited was Japan and it had a lasting effect. When describing her travels through The Land of the Rising Sun, she cannot help but recollect the tremendous customer service bestowed upon her. From the button pusher in the elevator to the full service gas stations, she noticed the Japanese peoples extra efforts to cater to their guests. Pulling from her background in general design, Magnolia even noticed how much thought and care went into Japanese packaging of their products. Japan left a lasting impression to say the least.

She incorporates what she has learned on her travels into her daily life. She developed a love for backpacking on her vacations. Now, she actively pursues local hiking and backpacking trips and just last year hiked Paria Canyon with her trusty pup. On a daily basis, she incorporates food and teas from around the world into her diet.

If Magnolia’s appetite is for her own grand adventures, then her cravings are for planning grand adventures for others. She enjoys using her own knowledge base to plan explorations for family and friends. Even if she has never been to a certain location, she will gladly do the research and plan a trip for a comrade. Magnolia takes great pleasure in watching others experience the world as she has done.

Between her travels, she has settled in some pretty amazing places, always taking advantage of exploring that specific region. Magnolia spent three years in Hawaii where she worked for a family run company booking trips for people. She has worked at a Salmon Bake near Denali National Park in Alaska. She also spent time in Florida exploring and learning about the local culture. Overall, she has lived in 6+ states and visited over 17.

Luckily for all of us here at Hatch, the wind finally blew her back westward. To one of the most romanticized locations in the entire world, Magnolia relocated to Marble Canyon. There she stayed for four glorious years until just recently when a small gust of wind blew her south to Flagstaff. And now here she sits in Flagstaff, Arizona at our new Hatch office ready for her next adventure.

She has mentioned that one of her biggest regrets in moving away from Marble Canyon is that she can no longer meet our guests face to face. River season was the highlight of her year where she could build relationships with the new friends she has met over the phone. You see when booking a trip with Hatch River Expeditions, we are not welcoming you as a client into our business, but instead as a guest into our home.

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Special Offer: Selected Spring 2013 Trips 25% Off!!!

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Hatch River Expeditions

BOOK

NOW

Special Offer: Selected Spring Trips 25% Off!!!

April Hike Intensive

Full: April 14-25, 2013 ($798 savings)

Upper: April 14-19, 2013 ($362 savings)

Lower: April 19-25, 2013 ($457 savings)

May Upper Canyon Trips

Upper: May 12-15, 2013 ($304 savings)

Upper: May 20-23, 2013 ($304 savings)

Call today or book online. Limited availability.

Click Here to book online.

Simply enter one of the above dates, select the appropriate trip, and enter promotional code SD13 at checkout to receive the discount.

*Sorry folks, these discounts apply to new bookings only.

Posted in Grand Canyon side canyons and hikes | Leave a comment

Planning to Pack for your Upcoming River Trip

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Hatch River Expeditions

To think, all of your belongings will be neatly organized and safely covered in the center of the raft

To think, all of your night belongings will be neatly organized and safely covered in the center of your raft.

While the summer months here at Hatch may be the most fun and exciting, the winter months are equally as important. We find ourselves doing a lot of preparations for the upcoming river season. There are bookings to be made, routine maintenance to be done and always, always a tremendous amount of planning for the river season that is just ahead of us.

As we well know, we are not the only ones in planning mode. Although it is only March, our new and returning clients are already preparing for perhaps their most exciting adventure to date. New clients have received our recommended gear list and have begun sorting through the items trying to figure out what they need to acquire. Returning guests use their knowledge of previous trips to pack ever so perfectly. You are not alone. It can be tricky trying figure out what are the best products to fit into that 25 pound weight limit.

Below are some specific items that you can check out:

Chacos – The all-important hiking sandal! The model with the toe strap can give more support for hiking but make sure you break them in before your trip.
Croakies – Try the softer cotton or neoprene (remember they will be on your neck). You want to test them on your glasses to make sure they fit snugly.
Dermatone Sunscreen – We Arizonians have to protect ourselves year round from those harmful UV rays.
Buff- Different than a traditional bandana, they are multifunctional and great for dipping in that cold water then placing them back on your neck. Instant refreshment.
Simms Wool Socks – Wool when it’s hot? Who knew it was the key to keeping your wet feet comfortable…and keeping your ankles from getting sunburned.

I find that some of the best products are from companies that cater to fishermen. Think about it: they are outdoors much of the day, they endure the elements on a regular basis and they are always on the water. Don’t be fooled by that cool water below you. You need to protect yourself from the glare. Pull your ideas from companies like Simms, Patagonia and even Bass Pro Shops. If you are looking for a deal, check out REI Outlet online. They can have some great deals on outdoor necessities.

If you are on the full canyon or the upper canyon, don’t fret if you check into the hotel and realize that you’ve left something behind. Cliff Dwellers Lodge has a small retail shop that carries many of the essentials including sunscreen, hats and sunglasses retainers.

Please note: We have recently started a Pinterest account so make sure you follow our boards. We will be posting great gear, pictures and other river essentials.

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Hatch River Expeditions supports The Whale Foundation

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Hatch River Expeditions

Thanks to all of you who have purchased books through the Hatch River Expedition’s amazon.com store! We donate all proceeds to the Whale Foundation which supports the health and well being of river guides in the Grand Canyon.

If you’re considering making holiday purchases on amazon.com, please consider doing so through our store.

The Whale Foundation’s mission is to provide confidential access to mental and physical healthcare professionals and a network of support services designed to restore, promote and celebrate the well being of the Grand Canyon River Guiding Community.

The Foundation also exists to provide a safety net for those transitioning from the profession of river running into other occupations. The Whale Foundation seeks to broaden the career opportunities of professional river guides – providing information, networking, and career counseling services – and assist those who are or become unable to physically perform this work.

Additionally, the Whale Foundation provides networking, education, referral and information services to the professional river guide community to assist these individuals in planning for their own retirement and for their insurance needs. These services are provided anonymously and confidentially to professional river guides, active and retired, their immediate family members and company staff.

Posted in about Hatch River Expeditions, Grand Canyon Colorado River community | 1 Comment

How to make Frybread.

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Hatch River Expeditions

If you’re driving from the south rim of the Grand Canyon to Hatch River Expedition headquarters and the launch of your whitewater rafting vacation, you’ll drive by several amazing works of art on the Navajo reservation.

The Painted Desert Project posts wonderful backstories and photos on Facebook and on the blog Speaking Loud and Saying Nothing. Dig deep to find information on installations around Flagstaff, AZ.

If you are planning on making the drive in the future, check out their google map of the desert locations of several murals.

A must follow if you fell in love with the desert while rafting down the Colorado River.

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Hydration is essential while hiking or white water rafting the Grand Canyon.

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Hatch River Expeditions

One of the first things you should pack is a high quality water bottle. We provide filtered water while you’re on the Colorado River, but you’ll want to carry your bottle with you on hikes, bring it to your tent at night and keep it handy while on the raft. We recommend a good stainless steel bottle. Plastic can leach into water when left in the sun. It’s very likely that your bottle will be left in the sun!

If you’re on an Upper Colorado River white water rafting trip, you’ll be hiking out the Bright Angel trail. We will start you off with Gatorade and water, snacks and lunch but make sure you bring your own hydration pack and/or water bottles. There are several water stations along the trail. Make sure you fill up at each one because there are times of the year when water may not be not flowing at all of the water refill points.

If you’re on a Lower River trip, please come prepared with water bottles and high carbohydrate snacks. Your guide will help supplement what has been forgotten, but in the event that you separate from the group (it’s an obvious trail so just hurry on your way to the end – the Colorado RIver – and you’ll find your raft), it is important that you have these things with you.

It is also important that you eat even if you don’t feel hungry. Eating will help balance the electrolytes in your body. Drinking too much water without replacing electrolytes can lead to water intoxication.

This is equally true for time spent hiking side canyons while on your white water rafting vacation and while sitting in the sun on the raft. The Grand Canyon can get very hot in the summer. Nights cool slowly because heat radiates from the Grand Canyon’s high stone walls.

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