Hatch River Expedtions Blog

Latest news and updates

As you prepare for your trip and double-check the Gear Checklist we provide, you’ll notice we ask you to specifically bring Reef Safe sunscreen and biodegradable soaps. We wanted to make sure you knew exactly what that means so we can all aid in keeping the Grand Canyon at its healthiest and allowing future generations to continue to enjoy this incredible place.

Common ingredients in most sunscreens and soaps can have huge negative impacts on the ecosystems they are introduced to. Plants can developed impaired growth and issues for p Read More

There has been a lot of news coverage about the water in the Colorado River recently due to ongoing drought conditions in the Southwestern U.S. Each time the Bureau of Reclamation takes action regarding the Colorado River and the system of reservoirs it feeds, a spate of news articles are released trying to explain to the general public what exactly is going on and why. We understand that some of this news coverage can be alarming for people whose vacation plans include rafting on the Colorado River.

We want to assure you that based Read More

Rafting in the Grand Canyon with Hatch is an active vacation where your participation is an integral part of a smooth and successful trip. We’ll cook your meals, but you’ll still need to set up your own tent; we’ll drive the boats, but you’ll help load and unload them. We’ll lead (optional) hikes to incredible places that are hard to get to any other way than starting from the river, and (if you choose to join in) you’ll keep pace with the group.

If you’re joining us on a trip, here is some of the physical activity you should be Read More

It would be great if we could all give our adventurous family members rafting trips for the holidays, but they don’t fit into every budget. If you can’t give your family member or friend the trip of a lifetime with Hatch, the next best thing is to help them gear up for a trip they book themselves! Here are some of our top gift recommendations for the river rafter on your Christmas list.


Waterproof Camera ($$$)

How do you capture all the best moments of your trip without damaging Read More

September 29th, 2021Guide Spotlight: Dan W.

Welcome back to our “Guide Spotlight” series, where we help you get to know the best guides in the Grand Canyon just a little better. Today we’re featuring Dan W., an oar guide who has been working with Hatch since 2017.


Years working in the outdoor industry: I have been rafting for 14 years, ski patrolling for 12, and enjoying the great outdoors for 36!

Trips in Grand Canyon: 28

Trips for Hatch: 14

What got you in Read More

A backcountry rafting trip is not going to be suited to every type of guest. This means that we do get a few recurring complaints. Fortunately, these are most often minor concerns from otherwise outstanding trip experiences. Still, for guests considering a trip with Hatch we think knowing what those complaints are and why they persist can be helpful in determining whether this style of vacation is a good fit for them.


“There were no napkins or plates at lunch time.”

Lunches at Ha Read More

August 5th, 2021Guide Spotlight: Jamie T

Welcome back to our “Guide Spotlight” series, where we help you get to know the best guides in the Grand Canyon just a little better. Today’s spotlight will be on Jamie T., a seasoned Grand Canyon rafter and Hatch guide.

Years working in the outdoor industry: 19 - I started working in Grand Canyon in 2002.

Trips in Grand Canyon: I have rafted though over 150 times.

Trips for Hatch: 30

What got you into the outdoors?
I have spent a lot of ti Read More

Lots of Hatch guests wonder how they’ll be able to keep their families (and themselves) entertained on their river trips with no access to the usual fallback options they have at home like TV, video games, and the internet. While the Colorado River and Grand Canyon are immeasurably beautiful, we can understand why you might want a few things to do while you marvel at the glory all around you. But here’s the challenge: finding things to bring that will fit your bag and won’t push you over your 25lb weight limit!

Here are some of o Read More

In May, our season really ramps up, so we’ve all been running our tails off getting everything arranged for your trips. These great reviews are a breath of fresh air during such a busy time and remind us exactly why we do what we do!

“Rafting with Hatch was truly the trip of a lifetime. I’ve been home for 3 days, and I’m already planning a future trip. I was a bit nervous beforehand to do this with my kids (ages 9, 11, and 13), but they did great and I had the ultimate confidence in our guides.” - Mark M. < Read More

Guests who are just starting their vacation planning quickly find that with Hatch they have two main trip types to choose between: Motorized Expeditions and Oar Powered Expeditions. One of our most commonly answered questions is What are the main differences between these two?

For those of you in the early planning stages, you’ll need to choose whether you’d prefer to book a motorized trip or an oar powered trip before you can choose a date or make any other arrangements.


Motorized Trips
< Read More