Clothing Check List

• Two-piece rain suit - a must for protection against the cold river water
• 2 pair quick-drying shorts
• 2 swimsuits (women may find a 2-piece suit or sports bra & jogging shorts convenient)
• 1 pair long pants (nylon or cotton/polyester for quick drying)
• Shirts (at least one long-sleeved shirt for sun protection)
• Lightweight cotton pants or shorts & shirt for camp
• Socks, some underwear (you'll probably be wearing swimsuit under shorts primarily)
• Tennis shoes that can get wet for hiking. Water sandals may be worn, but may not give   enough support for the hikes. Be sure your shoes are broken in and that you bring socks.
• Fleece jacket for camp or to wear under rain suit in cooler weather
• Sun hat with string tied on to attach to shirt
• Neoprene gloves to grip the ropes

** SPRING AND FALL TRIPS - cold water neoprene gloves & footwear, stocking cap,
fleece &/or polypropylene for warmth to wear under rain suit or in camp

Personal Check List

• Plenty of sunscreen lotion (a must)
• Sunscreen lip balm
• Body lotion such as Vaseline Intensive Care
• Biodegradable soap and shampoo in small bottles
• Sport water bottle for hikes (also handy in camp) on a small fanny-pack.
• Small towel and washcloth or a nylon net scrubbie works great for washing
• Disposable moist towelettes
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Small pack of Kleenex
• Flashlight & extra batteries (headlamps work best)
• Insect repellant (small container)
• Sunglasses with safety strap
• Camera in a padded case and plenty of film
(disposable and waterproof cameras work very well)
• Small pillow
• Feminine hygiene products (optional)
• Shaving kit (optional)
• Money (Bar 10 lodge at end of trip offers souvenirs, plus you'll want to keep some cash with you for gratuities for your guides - generally 5 - 10% of trip cost)
• Pen and paper or small notebook/ marker to mark drinks
• A few clothespins and small piece of rope for drying clothes
• 1 small carabiner for hooking on cup or fanny pack (optional)
  
  
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NOTES: This supply list covers all our trips in all kinds of weather. It suggests items to consider for your trip, and you should bring what will best suit your needs. MOST PEOPLE TEND TO OVERPACK. One of the the most important items for you to bring on your Grand Canyon trip is the two-piece rainsuit. This rain suit will give you protection against the cold (52-degree) river water. The canyon is shady and cool in the mornings and if you choose to sit on the front pontoons you will be splashed by the cold water. You may also experience rain on the trip and will want protection. The rain suit is essential for trips during any part of the season. You can find our recommended rain suit and other recommended items in our online store.

A: Temperatures can vary, but the following chart shows average temperature and precipitation for the months of March through October. Water temperatures average 50° year round. Since water temperatures are cold, you may want to wear your two-piece rain suit when running rapids. This is especially true early in the morning if you "ride the tubes" at the front of the boat. Remember to have your rain suit available during the day. You may wish to fold it tightly and keep it in your personal day-use dry bag.

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A: If you must cancel any reservation, the information and reasons regarding the cancellation must be received in writing. The cancellation fee will follow the formula in the box below.

Our cancellation policy applies in every instance and there will be no exceptions for any reason. Western River Expeditions will not issue any refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. Western is not responsible for any expenses incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. If you are concerned about the possibility of having to cancel, we strongly suggest you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your vacation investment.

Some of the most difficult situations we have had to deal with concern making a "win/win" out of a situation when a guest needs to cancel a few days before a trip because they broke their leg, an elderly parent suddenly gets sick, or some other catastrophic event requires cancellation. In these situations, we generally do not have time to refill the space. Yet, we have already spent considerable time, money, and energy preparing for your trip: scheduling vehicles, flights, drivers, guides and equipment, purchasing food, etc. Because of our short season and very limited number of available seats, we cannot afford the financial loss that cancellations cause. Therefore, in deciding whether or not to buy this insurance, consider the investment you are making in your vacation and whether or not you could afford the loss if you did have to cancel.

For only $7.00 per $100 of coverage, this insurance provides reimbursement of all applicable tour costs associated with your cancellation according to policy details. Please see policy order form for coverage details. You can also purchase more comprehensive coverage to insure travel delays, baggage loss and other travel-related issues. A policy order form will be enclosed with your confirmation packet. You may also print this insurance order form or order cancellation insurance online. Again, we highly recommend you purchase insurance to protect your investment as our cancellation policy will appy in every instance. Western River Expeditions assumes no financial responsibility for personal injury, emergency evacuation, or equipment lost or damaged in any way.

Transfers »
Trip and date transfers 60+ days prior to trip departure and within the current year will incur a $50 per reservation service charge. Trip and date transfers 60+ days prior to departure that are transferred into the following year will incur a $100 per person service charge. Once a trip has been transferred, no refunds will be issued. Transfer dates, reasons and information is required in writing. No refunds or transfers will be allowed within 0 to 60 days of trip departure for any reason.

Click here to purchase your cancellation insurance online.

During the pre-trip planning process, we often receive a number of questions related to choosing which trip is best for you, the nature of a river trip, what to expect during the trip, and what degree of physical conditioning is required for a river trip. While we have found that we can accommodate a wide range of abilities on all of our rafting trips, the better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy yourself.

Our primary concern is for you and your fellow guests to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. If you are concerned about any of these requirements, please call our friendly staff to further discuss which trip is right for you. Our Acknowledgement of Risk Form will more fully describe some of the inherent risks involved in these activities. We look forward to having you join us on the adventure of a lifetime.

A typical day will include rafting for a few hours at a time, stopping for scenic side-canyon hikes, bathroom breaks, lunch and possible swimming opportunities. Visiting with new-found friends and learning river lore and geology from our well-trained guides adds to the enjoyment of each day.

After a full day of learning and fun we arrive in camp. Guests will be allowed to find their favorite campsite and then return to the rafts for the famous “fireline” - the way we load and unload rafts. Your help in passing the gear off the boat is greatly appreciated, however if you have physical restrictions or limitations that would prohibit you from participating you are not required to help.

The first evening in camp, the guides will give a demonstration on how to easily assemble the cots and tents and will be available to help you if you need additional assistance. Western River provides cots, tents, sleeping bags, sheets, camp chair and water-proof gear bags for all guests. You’ll have no need to worry about bringing any of your own camping equipment.

While you relax at the river’s edge, your guides will prepare dinner. Every night is different, but the menu may include items such as grilled chicken breast, steak with sautéed onions, pasta or fresh fish.

At night, whether you choose to sleep in your tent or under the vast canopy of stars, the fresh night air and the rhythm of the river will lull you to sleep.

Each morning, your guides will prepare a delicious breakfast. You’ll have a chance to enjoy eating before returning to your campsite to take down your tent and cot and pack up your belongings in your dry bag. After bringing your bag down to the boats, guests participate in the fireline once again and you are off on another fun-filled day of adventure.

While a river trip is a participatory experience, the rewards are endless. The setting and pace of a rafting adventure gives you something you don’t find in other vacations. On a Western River Expedition, you will quickly discover why so many are calling this “the best vacation of their lives.” It’s the combination of drifting over tranquil pools of water under the shadows of towering rock formations, the exhilaration and thrill of rolling waves and crashing whitewater, the exploration of seldom-seen waterfalls and Native American history, the peaceful moments of reflection as you gaze up at the star-studded sky, and the fresh feeling of renewal as the morning sun slowly filters through winding canyons. All this provides an indescribable sense of belonging. A sense of oneness with yourself and those around you. A sense of adventure, reflection and renewal. Come discover the difference.