The GCE trip,June 8-15, 2017 was my eighth Colorado River rafting adventure with Grand Canyon Expeditions. Maybe a ninth next year! How can I offer a greater, more glowing testimonial for GCE than this?

What a great trip, Well organized GCEX had everything dialed in. Our guides were wonderful. Friendly, knowledgeable, highly experienced, and truly passionate about the canyon. You can tell it is more than a job to them and their swampers. My 17 year old son and I had a wonderful experience. I have hiked the canyon before but this was truly over the top. I will recommend GCEX to all who ask and have already talked about it to everyone who will listen. GREAT JOb!!! thx

At Mile 0, I was a little hesitant, worried about no contact with the "rim" world, worried about no bathroom, worried about no showers, worried about not having enough clothes, worried about getting along with my trip mates, etc. By Mile 277, none of that mattered, and I felt like I had just finished a week-long vacation with family. I had no idea the Grand Canyon was so beautiful and had so much to see, so I was pleasantly surprised by that and thoroughly enjoyed all of the hiking that we were able to do, but I also thoroughly enjoyed interacting with so many different people with so many different personalities and so many different stories to tell. It was very nice to have no distractions and just be able to sit down and really listen to people and what they had to say. Our guides, Ben and Irv, were nothing short of amazing. They knew all of us by name from Day 1, quickly learned and adapted to 28 different personalities, and were full of knowledge and excited about sharing that knowledge with us. Their swampers, Julie and John, were just as great. I've never seen four people work as tirelessly and as hard as they did those eight days, and there's no doubt that they were a big part in us having such a wonderful trip. I feel truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to view the Grand Canyon from end to end and from the bottom up and would definitely encourage everyone to add it to their bucket list if it's not already on there. Thanks Grand Canyon Expeditions Company for the trip of a lifetime!

Outstanding journey!!..and I thought I was just going on a river trip. Experienced, fun, warm, and helpful crew--a dream team--Emily, Jalynda, Hannah, and Ry; gorgeous scenery and exciting day trips (Nankoweap, Little Colorado, Deer Creek Hike/Falls, Havasu...); fantastic fellow passengers--supportive, interesting, and welcoming (started out solo, but had a family of 32 at the end); delicious, fresh, and healthy food throughout--even fresh lettuce salad on day 7! Finished trip over 2 weeks ago, and still savoring the trip multiple times daily and dreaming about returning. Just book it...you won't regret it, and it may even change your life 🙂

What a week! I joined our leaders Emily and Jalynda with half the group New Zealanders (including me) and half from USA. We had a wonderful week of varied fun, sleeping under the stars, learning about geology, shooting the rapids, going up side canyons and eating DELICIOUS food. The toileting arrangements provided us all with much hilarity over the week, and getting to know some delightful people made the whole week one of my most memorable ever. Thank you to all involved.

My wife, Marsha, gifted me this trip despite my apprehension to joining total strangers for a raft of a lifetime through the Grand Canyon. Individuals from all walks of life from many different states(8 I think). I quickly became amazed how we bonded and brought about a cohesiveness in a short period of time that we carried throughout the entire trip. Each person played a significant roll in making this week in my life a "bucket list". The Guides.....Marsha and I were on Ben and Julie's boat and Irv and John drove the our sister boat. These four collected 28 strangers and in their own way made a connection with each of us, shared their love, respect, and eco-knowledge of the Canyon. Ben is a massive nut that I completely appreciated and I can't imagine another trip without him and Julie. Irv owes me another horseshoe game. This dude manned the camp kitchen, woke us up with 5am coffee, fed us, led us down the the river and on hikes. Irv was truly an added blessing to me and his nickname is "Oak Tree", pass that on for me. Bottom line, these guides brought our experience to another level. The Grand Canyon....No words describe it, no pictures capture its beauty. You must feel it. Touch it. Breath it. In you own way, connect with it, and you will. Every turn in the river is a different scene, another color, none the same. I will end by stating I met awesome friends on an awe inspiring 8 day trip through the beautiful landscaped Grand Canyon that I will cherish forever.

Exceeded expectations. Always felt safe with our skilled raft guides Emily, Jalynda, Hannah and Ry. They are the best!!

Took the motor trip. GREAT Trip! Captains Den and Duffy were outstanding guides, and were Cleeda and Kerstin. They were all technically proficient as well as professional and fun. The food was tasty, well prepared and plentiful. The Canyon and River of course were both spectacular. Thanks!

This trip was fabulous in every aspect, even a couple of evenings of rain!! The Canyon is so much more than photos can convey-- the peace, the quiet, the turquoise water of the Little Colorado, and the majesty of the canyon walls are incomparable. I loved the great white water every day, the hikes, and our campsites. Emily, Marty, Skye, and Adam were the best river guides and hosts I have had the pleasure of floating with! They attended to our every need, provided amazing meals, and were fonts of information about the Canyon, its history, and folklore. I did not want for anything! We enjoyed all of the guests-- a fun and diverse group of people. I recommend this trip-of-a-lifetime without reservation, as well as Grand Canyon Expeditions!

We went into the May 13, 2017 motorized raft trip with high expectations and found that our expectations were exceeded daily. The white water was a given---some really big (hang on with both hands) and frequent. When GCEX recommends a good rain suit they are not kidding. The scenery and geology were spectacular. It constantly reminded you of your place as a speck in the universe. The boats and equipment were first class and all in top shape. What really made this trip special were the guides on the trip. Their constantly friendly and outgoing demeanor along with their "customer comes first, second etc." approach was remarkable to see, especially given the older and slightly needy group on this trip. Their cooking was a wonder to behold as we ate better on this trip than we normally do at home or in most restaurants. Tents were provided but largely ignored as sleeping under the stars in a bug free star filled night was awesome. As I write this, I wish I was back on the river and am planning on doing another trip with GCEx with my kids in 2019. I researched the other companies doing GC trips and believe that these folks really do have the best value. It was the trip of a lifetime, at least until the next time.

We just finished our Grand Canyon rafting trip. What an amazing trip! The scenery, whitewater, hiking, waterfalls, food....all superb. The best part of this trip was time spent with my amazing family and the people we shared the journey with. This wonderful experience was facilitated by our outstanding team of Trevin and Duffy and their "swampers": Clinton and Kerstin (Duffy's lovely and talented wife). I can't stop thinking about and talking about this fabulous adventure!

Hi everyone, I have just returned from the early April 16 day dory trip. Having previously run Grand Canyon in June 2015 and September 2016 I can definitely say that the absolutely best time of year to do this trip is early April! We drove through snow to the put in but the weather was in general warm and pleasant and most of us did not once pitch a tent. We were also able to complete fairly strenuous hikes in comfort. The river was relatively quiet and most times we got our leader's preferred camp site. Best of all however were the absolutely amazing flowers and shrubs which will soon be over and not seen again until next year. It was, as I was expecting, yet another wonderful trip with a fantastic crew (Jim, Lew, Doc, Glade and Tony) and not such a bad load of fellow travellers! I am so glad early April was recommended to me on a previous trip!

Trip was absolutely fabulous! our guide, Greg, gets the highest marks available.

My 16-day dory trip ended 2 weeks ago and I still can't stop thinking about it. What a wonderful experience! The boatmen were amazing. Regan Dale, Chuck Wales, Tim Cooper, Steve "Doc" Nicholson, Jim Hall, Hannah Hall with trip leader, Lew Steiger, took good care of us and taught us so much about the Canyon. We were like little kids listening intently when they would tell us a River story. And the dories! What wonderful little boats they are!

I have to begin by saying that I cannot begin to say how perfect our trip was. It was one of those events where all the stars (SO many stars!) aligned, and every little detail dropped into place in perfect harmony. First of all, eternal KUDOS to GCEX for handling so many of the details that so often get overlooked on a journey of such extraordinary magnitude (down to the bandaids I should have brought with me!). COTS! The cots! Despite the initial issues with their seemingly idiotic design, the COTS are a transformational item in the inventory of Just What Makes GCEX the Foremost River Journey Outfitter in the canyon: forget the sleeping pads, forget the sleeping bag, GOOD GOD FORGET the tent! . . . to lie back at night, suspended ABOVE the scorching hot river sand (OMG, the SAND!) and watch the stars appear above you, one by one, until the full glory of the Heavens is revealed . . . without having to be distracted by how hot and sweaty you are... I have not seen skies like that since my days in the U.S. Navy, back in the eighties, in the Indian Ocean, a thousand miles from Nowhere... Our River Guides: Captain Trevin and Captain Marty - I can't imagine how you guys are ever going to come close to equalling the knowledge, experience and authenticity the two of you (and I can't picture an expedition where ANYBODY could possibly surpass the level of experience and enthusiasm you two have for The River) brought to what was, for us, the perfect trip of a lifetime... except that it isn't, 'cause we'll be coming back again! The Food! O.M.G.! The FOOOOD! Breakfast every day, following the cry of "HOT COFFEE!" from Trevin - that in itself is worth the entire experience. I have NEVER slept so soundly (outdoors!) as I have on this trip... no, it's not a "trip," it's an "expedition," and the meals provided are worth the entire investment. Trevin: Thanks for all of your limitless knowledge of the geology - THE ENDLESS AMAZING GEOLOGY that I find so endlessly amazing. Sara, Allison, Chase and Adam - THANK YOU SO MUCH for letting us accompany you on your Family vacation! Shaun - For doing what you do purely for the love of it! (You had better damned well be a full-on boatman the next time we meet!) And Marty - DUDE! I met you less than a month ago; I feel like you are one of my oldest friends! I cannot thank you enough for letting me ride with you in the "Command and Control Center" for the better part of a day!. To be able to see the way the boat experiences a rapid from back there was the highlight of the entire trip for me. THANK YOU, SO MUCH! And, also, PEANUT BUTTER! Everywhere, on everything!

My 9 year old daughter and I took this fantastic trip with GCEX in 1979. The guides are the gold standard in the Canyon*** Each hour brought breathtaking vistas and whitewater thrills. We read John Wesley Powell's book before the trip so were primed for adventure. All the equipment is first class, the meals scrumptious, and it remains one of the BEST trips of my life. Thank you for vivid memories! I recommend GCEX to friends/family planning a Canyon water trip. So happy for your success!!

The Trip was gorgeous ! We feel honored to have experienced nature, beauty and landscape so close. Organization was perfect and the Crew summed up this one of a kind experience.

Not only was it a fun, physical, and educational trip, the meals were fresh and delicious and I can not say enough about Capains Ann Marie and Ben, as well as their swampers Shawn and Julie, who made this journey a pleasure. We are already discussing our next trip thru the canyon with your company

I will HIGHLY recommend this company to family and friends looking for the experience of a lifetime. The scenery was breath-taking, guides amazing and the friendships I made will last forever. I went with a group of four (my 73 old father, and our two neighbors), but left the adventure with a WHOLE group of NEW friends and family. Loved our guides! Irv, Adam, Kyle and Ben made the whole experience that much more exciting. They made the event memorable with their expertise, education and infectious love of the river. Thank you for providing such a moving experience. BUCKET LIST ITEM - CHECK!!

Den & Roger were amazing! Truly a trip of a lifetime. The boats were a blast. Hikes were breathtaking. And the food was great. Wished the bus would've taken us back to the start so we could've done it all over again. Thanks for everything.

Everything was amazing and wonderful! Ben, Julie, Glade and Tony were awesome! It was so exciting! Good food, great drivers, and having Q was the topping on the cake! We absolutely loved every minute of our trip!

I was privileged 46 years ago to take a river trip with my father. We hiked down the Kaibab trail and met two motor rafts at Phantom Ranch. Our trip leader was Ron Smith. The next week was an amazing adventure through the mid , and lower canyon. My faded memories include thrilling rapid rides through Crystal, and Lava Falls, Camping on pristine sandy beaches, and the cowboy camaraderie of the evening campfires. So when my brother invited me to come along this year I jumped at the chance. The trip is still one of the most amazing experiences we mere humans can have. to be able to travel along geological time ,and witness nature closely is more than inspiring. The care ,and comfort that GCEX provides along the way is exemplary to the ideals that were shown to me that first trip. Respect what surrounds you. Revel in it's energy, and practice the lessons that you learn along the way.

Rafting 280 miles down the Colorado River, camping under the stars, exploring beautiful side canyons, eating delicious meals prepared by the crew - these are just a few of the reasons this experience is so special. Irv and Chuck were knowledgeable and made great decisions about what we saw each day, where we camped, and were the ultimate professionals. Ultimately what we keep mentioning when people ask about our trip was the special group of people with whom we traveled. From several countries and states, we learned about each other, laughed often, and shared a week that we will never forget.

A Life Changing Experience!! Our 8-day journey was filled with a variety of one-of-a-kind adventures, including hiking to ancient native cliff granaries, excursions to waterfalls (free personal showers), visiting unique geological formations and mineral pools, ponds and small rivers where we could enjoy water sport activities. From the first morning announcement -- "Coffee's Ready!" to the hour we all turned in at night, our Grand Canyon experience was filled with entertaining and educational activities. Our Professional River Guides and their First Mates presented us with a most enjoyable time, including highlights of the history of the Grand Canyon's formation and modern discovery by nineteenth and early twentieth century adventurers. Of course, there are some river life details that you must experience yourselves…. Our group was fun and friendly, and many new acquaintances have become good friends as a result of our mutual experiences. Did I mention the rapids were awesome?? When can we come back for an encore?

is there rating of 20 stars? we had the most amazing trip, unforgetable experience, forever lasting memories everything was so great, our photos dont justified the greatness and beauty of this land our 5 guides were amazing!!! the best ever!!!! thank you for everything Jana and Franco

What an unbelievable experience! Grand Canyon Expeditions is a top notch organization. Every detail was accounted for. Emily Dale made everything so clear and easy. Hannah French was the perfect swamper. Together, they made the trip everything that it was. The food was outstanding. Each day the schedule was clear and enjoyable for everyone. More importantly, their combined experience and love of the Grand Canyon and the river brought the trip to an entirely different level. Words are not enough to thank them for all that they put into the experience.

What a fantastic trip again (did it seven years ago with GCEX). Nothing but professional people from start to finish. Booking the reservations with Nan and Taylor. Boatmen Capt. Bobby Skinner and Capt. Glade Zarn, swampers Alex and Shana bent over backwards for all our needs. Their knowledge and stories of the Grand Canyon are truly amazing. Thanks again. P.S. I'll probably go again in six or seven years.

We have been on the 8-day trip with Grand Canyon Expeditions twice now. This most recent trip, we were lucky enough to go with Marty and his family. I can honestly say that it was the best vacation we have ever experienced, including Europe, Caribbean and Mexico! No detail was left out, and the guests comfort and wishes were priority. The Grand Canyon can sell itself, however, the ultimate experience was with Marty and his family. They were professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and hardworking. Trevin and Shaun were great also.. I would give them more than 5 stars, if I could

The Short Version: BEST. VACATION. EVER.

Such an inspiring, amazing trip with so many wonderful aspects and perspectives it is difficult to know where to begin. No doubt that eight days on the Colorado River, through the expanse of time of the Grand Canyon is incredible. The majesty, wonder, and beauty are beyond mere words. But the best part of the experience by far were the people - with our family and to connect with new friends on a shared journey. Stories, laughter, helping one another, learning together, and sometimes just speechless. And then there was the crew - Trevin, Sean, and the whole Mathis clan. Their love of the place, the passion for what they do, and the hospitality and grace they showered on each of us. GECX is by far the best at what they do! Each day was an adventure. River and camp life were great - thrilling Rapids, side canyons, waterfalls, geology, history, a little fishing, and even relaxation. The food was simply awesome. And the fellowship so special. It was the best vacation we've had - and we've had some great ones. We were all somewhat sad when it was over - but know we will do it again (and again). For eight days we were immersed in a thing so, so special. As infamous boatman Buzz Holmstrom would say, it is "the doing of the thing." We cannot wait to do it again - with GECX.

may 12-19 2016 this was the trip of my life...about 30 years ago my son, daughter and I talked about doing this...but "things" always came up...finally one day I asked if they wanted to try...my daughter was free so we said "go for it" it was much more than I expected...beauty, history, comfort, information about what we were seeing, meals, care for personal needs, varied activities each day, great guides with a love and knowledge of the canyon... evident by the stories, geology, music and hikes...greg and meja were amazing with their organization and care of our group...a very memorable vacation

I can not begin to tell you what this trip was for me and my husband John. We have done many adventures but this was the ultimate. Adam and Den could not have been more helpful and fun. Our group was the best ever....and having Sue (geologist) with us was just extra frosting on the cake of life.

The best trip I've ever taken the knowledge of Captain Marty, Captain Bob, and crew was remarkable. The people that were on the trip were the best. No worries, nothing but fun!!! Take this trip you won't be disappointed. Grand Canyon Expedition Company is the very best.

One of the best trips we ever took.

What a special trip! Our guides, Ann Marie and Adam, proved themselves not only to be excellent boatmen (their preferred term), but they were also good cooks and great entertainers. Ann Marie gave us insights into the history of exploration of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon and Adam had a good series of jokes for our evening pleasure. They impressed me with their commitment to the conservation and preservation of the nature and beauty of the Grand Canyon. The organization of the trip by Grand Canyon Expeditions was excellent, from the gourmet meals, which included ample fresh fruits and vegetables and delectable cuts of meat, to the gear that was provided to us (tents, cots, pads, sleeping bags). The final hour of the trip via fast, shallow motorized boat to get us out of the canyon and past the sand bars was captained by another very engaging guy, with a great sense of humor. I was also really impressed with the office staff, who had good follow-up on communications and was helpful both before and after the trip. A terrific experience.

I agree with everyone on the beauty and drama of the Canyon and the experience of the guides (We had Adam and Ann Marie). This is the third trip we've taken down the river. All trips were equally competent, good food, great hikes, great guides, etc. So what differentiates them? On this trip we had tents and cots - a must in May. No one else offered cots, and they were a significant improvement in comfort. This trip leaves from Las Vegas. The takeout is a charming jet boat ride through the remainder of the canyon to the take out. We got to see the entire canyon - which is quite lovely. We didn't have the bone jarring, hot uncomfortable long ride out at Diamond Creek. We missed the fun helicopter ride out of the canyon - which leaves the river right after Lava Falls and misses much of the canyon. We did have a 5 hr bus ride on day one - leaving Vegas at 5:00am. I think any company you choose will give you a fabulous experience. So, chose based on geography and how you want to take out of the river.

I am late in sending this in but my trip will stick with me forever so wanted to send a note. Had such a fantastic, memorable time and the crew were beyond awesome! Appreciate a million times over all their hard, hard work. As many people say, it is impossible to put into words what a tremendous experience we had on this trip. Thanks so much. Hope to do it again!

Experiencing the Canyon for 8 days is one of life's more memorable experiences. Having professional support while enjoying the Canyon is essential as the day you leave Lee's Ferry you are in the wilderness and the things you take for granted in your day to day world are not a given. We were very pleased with Grand Canyon Expeditions from the time we had our initial meeting to stepping back off the bus at Las Vegas. What made the trip truly wonderful was our two capable boatmen, Marc and Glade and their swampers Shanna and Jackie. These four individuals truly made the difference from it being a good experience to one that was truly memorable.

Great trip, and Roger and Den (along with Chris and Mike) were great. Whitewater was fun, even in the rain! The hikes were amazing -- I think they were just about my favorite part of the trip. The scenery is unbelievable, and Roger's geographic knowledge was very helpful in getting a sense of the place. This is a great trip, and I would highly recommend it. Ask Den to sing the Port-a-potty Blues!

I just finished the 8 day trip with Den and Roger. It was the most incredible trip I've ever been on. From wild exciting Rapids, daily hikes with amazing views and awesome waterfalls, to excellent meals, it was an incredible journey. Our guides shared their knowledge of the river and canyon while keeping us laughing with their stories. They made the best meals, and desserts were outstanding. We spent nights singing and talking about our day and then fell asleep under the stars. What a view. I would recommend them to anyone who wants the adventure of a life time. They were the best.

Loved it I tell every one they have not seen the Grand Canyon until they float it.

Glade and Den were amazing as boatsmen and as a resource to learn about the river and people who have been involved over the years, as cooks, and entertainers. They took us on great hikes which were even better when they played guitar and sang in the canyons. The food was perfect. I had no idea the Grand Canyon was so vast and so old! I have recommended the trip to anyone I meet! I am sure you will get future customers from our part of the world.

Best outdoor adventure available in the US! GCE ran a great trip. Boatmen Irv was an excellent river guide. Gerry and Kyle were great swampers. Food was very good. I wish I had taken this trip years ago. Keep up the good work!

The trip through this monumental park was an awesome experience made more meaningful by the deep love, respect, and reverence for its great beauty by our guide, Bob Dye. My companions and I were able to savor the commentary while absorbing the natural beauty before us, ever changing, yet timeless, dumbstruck by what we saw but had not words to describe.

The most wonderful trip ever! Every day was a new adventure. Some were challenging and others simply a blast. So so much fun! The scenery was unbelievale. The boatmen and swampers could not have been more fun. Better than that, the knowlege and experience about river rafting as well as the science and history of the Grand Canyon that each of them shared with us made it so enjoyable. Loved the stories. Oh...the food...11 stars out of 10 for every meal! Thank you so much, Art, Freddy, Theresa, Adam and Logan you are the best.

Our trip with Bob, Donna, Dustin, Dusty and Mrs. Dusty was really an adventure. Their knowledge of the canyon is so great, and they were able to translate its mysteries to us in such a enjoyable way. Food was wonderful, and the comraderie was the icing on the cake. Thanks to everyone at GCEX for making this trip available for us.

This wilderness trip - which we did for the second time - was an unforgettable adventure. Where else can you spend 8 days in untouched wilderness while enjoying the comfort of cots, tents and gourmet meals? The organization was perfect from A to Z, nothing was forgotten. The group may have been a little large (2 rafts, 25 guests), but everything was flawless, thanks to the expert guides Glade and Greg. We saw incredible landscape and enjoyed exciting rapids without being afraid. The hikes were diverse and interesting. The food was incredible, whether Mexican, Asian or juicy Filet Mignon. Five stars for GCEX, and we will do our best to get more Austrians to raft the Grand Canyon with you!

It's not a cliche to say it definitely was the trip of a lifetime for me. The experience far exceeded my expectations; the professionalism and great personalities of Dustin, Kyle, and Don totally made the trip worthwhile. I have been telling everyone I know that they should contact GCEX and take this trip.

I have nothing but positive things to say about our recent trip with GCE, whose staff took great care of our group from the moment we made our first enquiry, to the end. The service was truly exceptional throughout. Our guide, Bobby Skinner, and his helper, Jay Hey, were professionals in every respect. Their knowledge of the river, passion for their work, and excellent humor, transformed what was already going to be an amazing trip into a legendary one. I am truly grateful to them, as well as to all of the GCE staff, who made the trip happen so seamlessly. Thank you, and please know that I have already recommended your company to others, and will continue to do so.

30 years ago my wife and two daughters did a 6 day trip with another rafting company. We had a tremendous experience. Now 75 years old and in good health I wanted to share this unique experience my two brothers as a way for us to have some special time together so last July I researched several companies checked out the GCEX web site, talked a couple of times to Nan McCormick and was sold. Once the news of our planned trip was out several cousins, grandsons and a couple of special friends jumped on the chance to join this all male expedition and what a trip we had with our boatman and guide Bobby Skinner and his aid Jay Shea. It was a special time for all 13 of us and memories of a lifetime. Thank you GCEX.