Hatch River Expedtions Blog

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Once upon a time there was the Colorado River and it was winding its way down the Grand Canyon. Flash forward and there are dams, beaches not being renewed by floods, people, and the introduction from Eurasia of the tamarisk (or saltcedar) into the southwest for erosion control in the 19th century.

You’ll see tamarisk all along the banks of the Colorado River during your rafting trip. Depending on the season, you’ll note the wispy green or pink bloomed shrubs lining the River along the entire stretch of the Grand Canyon.

Tamarisk Read More

Rosemary & Blake Clark have been coordinating Hatch rafting trips for the Colorado Mountain Club for years.

“We’ve had 3 great trips with Hatch. Our 4th one is coming up this April. We coordinate one of Hatch’s 12 day spring raft and hike trips for the Colorado Mountain Club.

Our trips are hiking trips foremost with great rafting to get us to our trail heads. The CMC is a Read More

Chelsea relaxing on calm water.

Chelsea DeWeese, Hatch River Expeditions river guide, brings along a few things to keep herself comfortable and as a backup for gu Read More

Just after mile 30 is Vasey’s Paradise – a lush green spring-fed oasis on river right. Water falls from groundwater emerging from the upper cliff faces.

John Wesley Powell named this beautiful area for a botanist and friend who accompanied him on earlier expeditions, but was unable to attend the 1869 expedition.

Crimson and yellow monkey-flower, ferns, watercress, and other species thrive in this natural garden incl Read More

"I want to compliment almost every aspect of the trip. The sleeping bags are great, though unmatched by the stars dancing above you. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are to anticipate with hungry appetites. The rafts are truly ‘comfortable’. The tea room offers the best view, in my humble opinion, but not quite as refreshing as the bathtub. We arrived to the raft wondering where 16 people could put themselves and still move an arm or a leg, but there is space for all…people, luggage, and supplies. Amazing! I can clearly understand why many of yo Read More

Hatch oar boats are made from tough hypalon rubber that can withstand the fun and abuse the Colorado River dishes out. The rafts are 18 feet long and eight feet wide and will fit a guide and four passengers.

The guide does all of the rowing with two wooden oars. Oar boat rafting is at Colorado River speed – about four miles per hour on flat water and you-know-how-fast in the rapids!

With self-bailing floors and custom frames, these are the most comfortable rowboats on the water. Each raft is capable of hauling your rafting n Read More

January 1st, 2011Whitewater Haiku

"Great trip; Still having

withdrawal…missing having

freezing water coming Read More