Greeners in the Grand Canyon

The Greeners in the Grand Canyon trip is a 14-day Trip through Geologic Time July 19-August 1, 2011.

Academic content provided by Paul Butler,
Geologist, Member of the Evergreen Faculty

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is a geological spectacle. With an average depth of one mile for its entire 277-mile span, the Colorado River has cut through the Colorado Plateau and exposed a history of change that goes back over a billion years.

This Evergreen Expedition will look at the river and its environment from a variety of perspectives. Not only will we discuss the geologic history of the Colorado Plateau region, we will consider recent human impacts to the Colorado River riparian zone.

The Academic Component

The academic component will be taught by Evergreen geologist and river guide Paul Butler. He has been taking students to the Grand Canyon in conjunction with Grand Canyon Expeditions since 1994.

Faculty facilitator: Paul Butler - B.A., Geography, University of California, Davis, 1972; M.S., Geology, University of California, Berkeley, 1976; Ph.D., Geology, University of California, Davis, 1984. Subjects: Geology, hydrology. Paul has provided reading suggestions about the Grand Canyon, below.

Trip Provider

Grand Canyon Expeditions (a Grand Canyon National Park concessionaire) provides one-of-a-kind dory excursions down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon that include everything from hiking and swimming in side canyons to running class IV rapids. The company is owned and operated by Evergreen alumnus Mike Denoyer '74! and has has been providing trips along the entire Colorado River for more than 30 years. Learn more about the company and the various expeditions it offers.

Reservations, Cost, Deposit, Trip Insurance

A 14-Day Dory Expedition from Lee's Ferry, AZ to Lake Mead, AZ
Expedition departs from Las Vegas, NV
$3,700.00 covers all costs from Las Vegas, NV (Please note: travel to Las Vegas is not included)
Deposit Required: $500.00 per person at time of booking

Make your reservations today! On the reservations page, select the "14 day dory trip," then choose July 19-August 1st from the drop down menu.

Trip Insurance: Grand Canyon Expeditions strongly encourages all participants to purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your vacation investment. Please read this important information on why and how to purchase trip insurance before you make your reservation.

Please note: a minimum of 12 people is required for this trip. Should we not have the required number of travelers, all monies will be refunded. The absolute deadline for deposits is March 1, 2011.

Suggested Reading for the Trip

There is a rich literature for all aspects of Grand Canyon Natural History including exploration. For those who would like to get started, the following texts are recommended:
Grand Canyon Geology (2nd ed.) by Stanley S. Beus, Michael Morales (this book requires a fairly good grasp of geologic principles)
An Introduction to Grand Canyon Geology by L. Greer Price (concise, for a more general audience)
Geologic Guide to Grand Canyon National Park by Arthur J. Gordon (concise, for a more general audience)
An Introduction to Grand Canyon Fossils by Dave Thayer (for general audiences)
Carving Grand Canyon: Evidence, Theories, and Mystery by Wayne Ranney (some understanding of geologic principles helpful)
Downcanyon: A Naturalist Explores the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon by Ann Zwinger
River and Desert Plants of the Grand Canyon by Kristin Huisinga, Lori Makarick, Kate Watters
The Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons by John Wesley Powell
Down the Great Unknown: John Wesley Powell's 1869 Journey of Discovery and Tragedy through the Grand Canyon by Edward Dolnick