Here’s an opportunity to take a trip of a lifetime, led by Alison Jones (Clear Creek Associates) and Fred Beck, from July 8–14, 2024.
Trip Overview
Hatch River Expeditions, the outfitter and guide, will take us through some of the most spectacular geology, whitewater, and scenery on Earth. No camping or rafting experience required. We’ll launch two large inflatable, motorized rafts from Lee’s Ferry. Over the 7 next days, we’ll travel 188 miles with an average of one rapid per mile.
This is not a technical geologic trip; it is designed to appeal to the scientist in everyone. In addition to the geology, we will visit some of the anthropological sites and sites related to the more recent human history of Grand Canyon and its explorers. We’ll see bighorn sheep, California condors, ravens, and other wildlife. We’ll also be stopping just to look at a beautiful view or to go swimming in the clear water of the many side canyons. All hikes are optional but, for your own enjoyment, we ask that you be fit enough to walk 1 mile over uneven ground and not have any problems with balance.
After we set up camp each afternoon, we may go for a short walk or you can hang out at camp and have a frosty beverage while our Hatch boatmen prepare appetizers and a delicious meal (they can accommodate any dietary restriction). There is even ICE available for your happy hour beverage every day. This is camping at its most luxurious.
Don’t worry about the heat — the Colorado River water is cold, and the air is dry.
Logistical Info
Cost
The trip cost, $4000, includes the following:
- All meals, snacks, and camping equipment (tents, cots, clean sleeping bags, pillows, and folding camp chairs) while on the river.
- Hotel accommodations the night before launching (at Cliff Dwellers Lodge in Marble Canyon, double occupancy).
- The helicopter flight out of the canyon and the plane flight back to Marble Canyon or Las Vegas on July 14.
- Miscellaneous — tips for the boatmen, Belknap river guidebooks, and a National Parks pass (if you have one already, subtract $20 from the cost).
The cost does NOT include transportation to / from Marble Canyon before / after the trip (but many options are available), and any special beverages you want to bring (alcoholic and otherwise).
How to Sign Up
Send your $800 deposit (check or VENMO) to Alison Jones. The $3200 balance is due on March 5, 2024. If you have to withdraw after December 15, Hatch will withhold $200 as a substitution fee. If you must withdraw within 30 days of the trip, we’ll work hard to fill your spot so you can get most of your money back; however, last-minute substitutions are a challenge, and you could lose the entire amount, so travel insurance is recommended.
More Info
For more info, contact Alison Jones
520-270-2825 / [email protected]
c/o Clear Creek Associates
221 N Court Ave., Suite 101, Tucson AZ 85701
VENMO: @Alison-Jones-181