Group Rafting Trips & Private Charters

Yes—this is one of the most common situations we see.

Group charter trips often include people with a wide range of comfort levels, ages, and experience. Some guests have spent years outdoors. Others have never rafted or camped before.

Trips are designed to be accessible, supportive, and well-paced. Instruction, guidance, and options are provided throughout, allowing guests to participate in ways that feel appropriate for them.

Many groups tell us that the least outdoorsy participants are often the most surprised by how much they enjoy the experience.

All group charter trips are intentionally designed around the specific river, season, water conditions, and the ages and experience levels of the guests.

Our guides are extensively trained in river navigation, group leadership, first aid, and emergency response. Before and throughout the trip, they communicate clearly about what to expect, how to participate, and when adjustments are needed.

River travel and wilderness experiences involve inherent risk. Our role is to manage those risks thoughtfully, through preparation, conservative decision-making, clear communication, and experience-based judgment, so guests understand what’s happening and can fully engage with the experience.

Group charter trips are fully guided, but guests do take part in a few simple, shared tasks at camp.

When arriving at camp, guests typically help with a brief fire line to move gear from the boats to camp. Each guest then sets up their own chair, cot, and tent (if using one). Guides provide clear instructions and are actively involved throughout the process.

This participation is straightforward, unhurried, and well supported. Many groups find that these small shared moments—working together, then settling into camp—become a natural and memorable part of the experience.

All major logistics, navigation, meal preparation, and camp organization are handled by the guides.

Group charter trips are active, outdoor experiences, but they do not require peak fitness or prior rafting experience.

Guests should be in healthy condition and be comfortable:

• Stepping on and off boats onto uneven surfaces
• Walking on uneven terrain at camp and on hikes
• Lifting and carrying personal items (such as a chair, cot, or a 30lb personal dry bag)
• Holding on to ropes and handholds during rapids

Participation in hikes and optional activities is always a choice. Many groups include guests with different physical abilities, and guides adjust pacing, provide support, and help guests navigate transitions throughout the trip.

Because river travel and wilderness settings vary by location and conditions, we encourage guests with specific physical concerns, mobility limitations, or health considerations to speak with our reservations team in advance. This allows us to help match your group with the trip and timing that best fits everyone involved.

A group charter is reserved exclusively for your group.

You won’t be combined with outside guests on the river or in camp. Your group fills the boats, sets the tone, and moves at a shared pace throughout the trip.

If you’re booking fewer seats than it would take to fill the trip, you may have other travelers join you on the trip. This is particularly true for groups of 14 on Grand Canyon Trips. 14 guests will fill a single J-Rig raft, so you’ll have the whole boat to yourselves, but there will be another raft of 14 guests on the trip as well. We do launch a few Grand Canyon trips each year as “single boat” trips, which can fit 18 people, but the general trip size for a full private Grand Canyon group trip is 28.

Each trip has a maximum group size based on the river, equipment, and logistics involved. See the trip listings on this page for each trip's maximum group size.

In Utah, if your group is smaller than the listed capacity, you may still charter the trip at the full charter rate. This is common for families, leadership teams, or close friend groups who want a more private experience.

Our reservations team can help you determine what works best for your group.

We make group booking as simple as possible.

Once your trip and dates are selected, we provide a private group booking link. Each guest uses that link to book and pay individually.

There’s no need to collect money, track payments, or manage deposits on your end.

Alternatively, group organizers may also pay for the whole group, and we’ll provide a link to share with group members so they can enter their participant information individually.

No. Group charter trips are fully guided and all-inclusive. This includes:

• Professional guides
• All meals on the river
• Rafting and camping equipment
• Side hikes and group activities
• Safety gear and instruction
• Transfers to and from the river from your meeting location

Guests only bring personal clothing and items from the packing list provided in advance.

Sleeping arrangements typically include cots and sleeping bags, with tents available for privacy. Many guests choose to sleep under the stars.

Bathroom systems are set up to be organized, private, and environmentally responsible. Guides explain everything clearly at the start of the trip and manage logistics throughout, so guests feel comfortable from the first day.

For many guests, this is one of the biggest unknowns—and often one of the most pleasantly surprising aspects of the trip.

Yes. We regularly accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies, and other considerations.

If your group includes guests with physical limitations or specific concerns, we’re happy to discuss those in advance so we can plan appropriately.

Clear communication ahead of time allows us to deliver the best possible experience for everyone.

Most groups begin planning several months to over a year in advance, especially for peak-season trips or larger groups.

That said, the first step doesn’t require firm dates or a final headcount. Many trips start as a simple conversation about what’s possible.

While guests often mention the scenery and the rapids, the most common feedback is about the group itself.

People talk about stronger relationships, shared memories, and time together that felt meaningful and unhurried.

Many groups return year after year—or pass the experience on to the next generation.

That’s exactly where most groups start.

You don’t need everything figured out yet. A conversation with our reservations team can help you explore which rivers, trip lengths, and group sizes best fit your group.

From there, you can move forward at your own pace.