Grand Canyon 3-Day » Common Questions
| Flights, Motel, Luggage, Meeting Place | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q: Where do I meet you in Las Vegas? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| A: Meet in Las Vegas at 6:30 A.M. at the Las Vegas Desert
Rose Hotel located at 5051 Duke Ellington Way (800) 811-2450.
A bus will take you to the North Las Vegas Airport. There
you will board a small plane for a one-hour flight to Whitmore
Airstrip near the rim of the Grand Canyon. Upon arrival, you
will be transferred to a helicopter for a short, scenic flight
to a raft awaiting you at the river's edge. back to top |
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| Q: Where should I stay in Las Vegas before or after the trip? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: If you are planning to stay in Las Vegas before or after
your trip, many of our guests choose to make reservations
at the Desert Rose Hotel, 5051 Duke Ellington Way, where you
will be picked up the morning of your trip. The Desert Rose
Hotel is located near the MGM Grand. For reservations call
1-800-811-2450 and mention the Western River Expeditions for
our block space rates. Block space and rates are only guaranteed
up to 30 days prior to trip departure. The Desert Rose Hotel
offers guests staying at their property free parking and baggage
storage for $5 per bag. A complimentary boxed breakfast will
be available. No shuttle service is available. back to top |
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| Q: When and where does the trip end? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: The trip ends about 11:30 AM on the last day on Lake
Mead where a bus will be waiting to return you to the Las
Vegas Desert Rose Hotel. The bus takes about 4 hours, and you
should arrive in Las Vegas by 4:30 PM. If you want to clean
up before your flight home, you can shower at the "24
Hour Fitness" athletic club located at the Las Vegas
McCarran Airport in Terminal 1. They offer a one-time-use
pass for about $10.00 and they ask you to provide a photo
ID. back to top |
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| Q: I am driving. Where do I leave my car while I am on my river trip? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: If you are staying at the Desert Rose Hotel, you may
leave your car there at no charge while you are on the river
trip. If you are staying at another hotel, you will need to
ask that hotel if they will allow you to leave your car. Some
will and some will not. back to top |
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| Q: I am flying. What should I do if I have extra luggage? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: For those passengers staying at the Desert Rose Hotel the
night before your river trip, you may leave extra luggage
there for a fee of $5 per bag. The Desert Rose Hotel will not
be able to store luggage for anyone not staying there the
night before. If you are staying at another hotel, you would
need to ask that hotel if they will store your luggage for
you. Transfer all your personal clothing and gear which you
will need on the river expedition to a small, lightweight
soft-sided duffel bag. Identify your duffel bag with a label.
Please do not bring suitcases on your river trip. As part
of your camping equipment package, we provide a water-resistant
gear bag in which you will place your duffel bag as well as
the sleeping bag, which we provide. back to top |
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| Q: What should I do with valuables? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: You will want to have photo ID and a major credit card
with you in the event of an emergency evacuation due to injury.
This very seldom happens, but we want you to be prepared.
An amount of cash for a tip for your guides or for items you
may want to purchase at the Bar 10 Ranch gift shop is recommended.
(Please be aware that there may not be much time to purchase
items before you depart to the river.) Credit cards are also
accepted at the Bar 10. It would be wise to leave jewelry
and other valuables at home or in a safety deposit box at
your hotel. Each year a few of our guests arrive without luggage.
With this in mind, we suggest you carry with you medications,
prescription glasses, and anything you may not be able to
replace the evening before your trip departs. Included in
your confirmation packet is an application form for insurance
covering luggage loss and trip cancellations. To purchase coverage, call the toll-free number on that form or purchase insurance online. back to top |
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| Camping Equipment & Toilet Facilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q: What camping equipment does Western River Expeditions provide? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: Camping equipment provided on your expedition includes
sleeping bag with freshly laundered sheet, sleeping cot, plastic
ground cloth, small tent, knife-fork-spoon and cup, water
resistant gear bag for your duffel bag, and a small water
resistant dry bag (10" x 17") for personal articles
and camera. back to top |
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| Q: When do I receive my camping equipment? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: Camping equipment will be issued when you reach the river
launch site. You will have time to transfer your duffel bag,
measuring no more than 12"x12"x24" (see
our recommended duffel online), and personal articles
to the water-resistant bag and personal day-use storage bag.
Your smaller bag for day-use items will be secured to the
top of the boatload, and you will have ready access to it
during the day. The water-resistant gear bags, however, are
stacked and secured to the boat with tarps and ropes, allowing
access only in camp. back to top |
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| Q: What about toilet facilities? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: Western uses a "port a-potty" and hand wash
system that is set up each day in camp in a secluded location
that assures privacy. The toilet is available from the time
we pull into camp until we leave the following day. An orientation
concerning everything from rapid safety to bathrooms will
be given at the beginning of your trip. back to top |
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| Clothing and Personal Checklist | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Clothing Check List
*** Pleas keep in mind these items may become discolored from nature's elements*** Personal Check List
Packing Tips
2. A few clothespins are helpful to clip wet clothing to a bush at night to dry. |
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| Q: Where can I get a Grand Canyon Map? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: To Order your official water-resistant copy of The Colorado River in Grand Canyon Map and Guide, visit our online store. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight Limits For Packing | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q: What are the weight restrictions? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: At the beginning of the trip, you will be flying to the
rim of the canyon in smaller aircraft as well as helicopters.
Therefore, it is extremely important that each person bring
no more than 20 pounds of clothing and personal items. This
20-pound maximum weight allowance does not include the beverages,
which you bring and consume on the trip. back to top |
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| Beverages | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q: What about beverages? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: Western does not provide beer, liquor, or soda pop. However,
water and lemonade are available in unlimited quantities on
the boats and in camp. If you wish to bring your own alcoholic
beverages and soda pop, you may do so, but please do not bring
more than one-half case of beverages (whether beer and/or
soda pop) per person. The "one-half-case-per-person"
rule is important due to space and weight limitations aboard
the airplanes. All wine, liquor and sodas should be carried
in non-breakable containers. (Many guests bring along the
pre-mixed cocktails in a can, which can be found at most liquor
stores.) You may want to mark or initial your cans with permanent
pen. back to top |
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| Boats | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q: How many guests does each boat carry? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: Each boat carries 18 passengers. There are two boats
on most trips. Western's J-Rig boats
are big enough to walk around on between rapids, and you can
trade positions on the boat from time to time. back to top |
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| Weather, Fishing, & Gratuities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q: What kind of weather can I expect on the Grand Canyon? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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| Q: When is the best time to go? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: Most any time is a great time to experience the Grand
Canyon. River water levels are controlled by Glen Canyon Dam
and although water levels do fluctuate daily, they are fairly
consistent from week to week. Some guests prefer May and September,
when there are fewer people on the river and temperatures
are cooler for hiking. back to top |
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| Q: What about fishing? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: Yes, there is fishing in the Grand Canyon. There is not
a lot of time for fishing during the day, but early mornings
and late afternoons in camp provide opportunities for wetting
a hook. A 5-day license can be purchased for about $32. Send
your request to: AZ Game and Fish, 2221 W. Greenway Rd., Phoenix,
AZ 85023. Western does not provide fishing gear. Your pole
must be collapsible and in a case. back to top |
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| Q: What about gratuities for guides? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: Your guides work very hard to make sure your trip is
enjoyable and successful, and tips recognizing their efforts
are appreciated. The common practice is to hand the tip to
the Trip Leader on the last night of the expedition. The Trip
Leader then divides the total amount evenly among the crew.
A suggested range is 5 to 10 percent of the trip price. back to top |
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| Maps & Books | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q: Where can I obtain maps, books and other information? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: One reading selection we highly recommend is The
Colorado River in Grand Canyon. This water-resistant
map/guide is widely accepted as the most interpretive and
useful work of its kind. Illustrated with a continuous, detailed,
287-mile-long strip map from Lee's Ferry to Pierce Ferry,
the publication's 107 pages contain accurate mile-by-mile
river data on rapids, history, people and wildlife. You'll
know exactly what to expect as well as what to look for and
what you are seeing and experiencing. Also, the first part
of the publication contains an overview of Grand Canyon's
weather and climate, geology, human history, and biology and
ecology. To order call 1-888-622-4097 or visit our online
store. back to top |
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| Payments, Confirmations & Cancellations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q: When do I need to pay my deposit? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: To secure your space, an initial deposit of $300 per
person is required for all Grand
Canyon vacations, Cataract
Canyon trips, Green
River trips, and Idaho
vacations. You may make this payment by credit card (Visa,
MasterCard, Discover, or American Express) at the time of
booking or you may send a check payable to: Western River Expeditions 7258 Racquet Club Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84121 back to top |
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| Q: When will I receive my confirmation and what should I do once it arrives? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: As soon as we have processed your trip deposit, your
confirmation packet will be sent. You should sign
and complete the Visitor's
Acknowledgement of Risk and Information Sheet and return
them to us immediately. Your confirmation packet
will also contain a packing list and clothing catalog, general
questions and answers, helpful travel information, and cancellation
insurance order form. If you booked through a travel agent,
your confirmation will be sent to them for forwarding on to
you. back to top |
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| Q: When do I need to pay my balance? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: Payment in full is due 90 days prior to trip departure
and may be paid by check (preferably) or credit card. For
your convenience, we will charge the balance due to your credit
card 90 days prior to trip departure (if full payment has
not been received). We reserve the right to cancel your reservation
if full payment is not collected by the due date. back to top |
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| Q: What if I must cancel my trip reservation? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A: If you must cancel any reservation, 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 » |
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| Choosing Your Adventure | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q: How Do I Best Choose My Adventure? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: We want to make sure that the vacation package you select
is an adventure of a lifetime. Rest assured, we will make
every possible effort to ensure your comfort and safety while
traveling with us. We have over a forty year history satisfied
guests, and we are excited to have you join their ranks.
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. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Physical Requirements | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q: What are the physcial requirements for trips? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: Our primary concern is participant safety. The nature
of an outdoor adventure involves some physical exertion and
also possible exposure to weather conditions that can fluctuate
greatly due to heat, sun, wind, or rain. Although we do have
experience accommodating persons with a wide range of physical
challenges, disabilities, or medical and health conditions,
we have found that in some people the fact of age, weight,
lack of conditioning, heart or other disease, can create additional
hardship that diminishes the suitability or enjoyment of this
type of vacation. Please consider these conditions in making
your choice of river adventures. Please check with your physician
prior to your trip if you have any medical or health condition
or if you are taking any medications, and then notify us of
how we can better help you with these conditions. In general,
participants will need to meet the following physical requirements:
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. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Typical Day On The River | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q: What can I expect a typical day on the river to be like? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A:After meeting your guides you will be given a trip orientation
that will include how and where you can sit on the rafts,
how to hold on, and safety precautions while on the river.
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. back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||



Click here to purchase your cancellation insurance online.
