Your Own Private Group Rafting Trip

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. Trips are designed to be accessible, supportive, and well-paced, with instruction, guidance, and options throughout. Many groups tell us that the least outdoorsy participants are often the most surprised by how much they enjoy it.

Even if your group doesn't meet the minimum number of guests for a private trip, you still have options:

Grand Canyon: Fill one 14-guest boat on a two-boat trip and receive 50% off your own trip fare. You'll share the departure with guests on the second boat.

Utah, Idaho, and Oregon: Book a fully private trip with fewer guests by paying the full charter price. Or, on most trips, qualify for 50% off your own trip fare with a smaller group, even without booking a private departure.

Please note: Organizer discounts do not apply to taxes, fees, or optional flights.

All group charter trips are intentionally designed around the specific river, season, and water conditions. Our guides are extensively trained in river navigation, group leadership, first aid, and emergency response. River travel and wilderness experiences involve inherent risk; our role is to manage those risks thoughtfully so your group can relax and enjoy the trip.

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. This participation is straightforward, unhurried, and well supported. 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 30 lb personal dry bag)
• Holding on to ropes and handholds during rapids

Participation in hikes and optional activities is always a choice. Because river travel and wilderness settings vary by location and conditions, we encourage guests with specific concerns to talk with us ahead of time.

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 and sets the tone. If you're booking fewer seats than it would take to fill the trip, you may have other travelers join unless you reserve the full charter.

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 options, and from there you can move forward at your own pace.

Each trip has a maximum group size based on the river, equipment, and logistics involved (see the trip cards above). In Utah, Idaho and Oregon, if your group is smaller than the listed capacity, you may still charter the trip at the full trip price. 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 reserve and pay individually, so there's no need to collect money, track payments, or manage deposits on your end. Alternatively, group organizers may pay for the whole group, and we'll provide a link to share the details.

Group charter pricing depends on the trip, the dates, and your group size, so we quote it per trip rather than listing a single rate. In Utah, Idaho and Oregon, if your group is smaller than a trip's maximum, you can still reserve it as a private charter at the full trip price. The fastest way to get exact numbers is to tell our reservations team your group size and preferred dates, and they'll put together pricing and available dates for you.

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. Bathroom systems are set up to be organized, private, and environmentally responsible, and guides explain how everything works. For many guests, this is one of the biggest unknowns ahead of time, and often one of the most pleasantly surprising parts 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 them. 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. That said, the first step doesn't require firm dates or a final headcount. Many trips start as a simple conversation.

While guests often mention the scenery and the rapids, the most common feedback is about the group itself: stronger relationships, shared memories, and time together that felt meaningful. Many groups return year after year, or pass the experience on to the next generation.