Grand Canyon Tour West is truly a family-run business, with decades of river experience under our collective belts. We currently have three generations of our family still actively involved in providing adventurers with truly remarkable and memorable river running experiences! page 1 Tour West is truly a family-run business, with decades of river experience under our collective belts. We currently have three generations of our family still actively involved in providing adventurers with truly remarkable and memorable river running experiences! photo courtesy of joe bennion
tour west photo courtesy of joe bennion Your family of river adventurers Tour West s history is as storied as the rivers we ve run for close to 40 years. A family-owned and operated business since the very beginning, Tour West has thrilled whitewater enthusiasts in some of the most picturesque settings in the American West. Founder Frank Stratton has always carried a deep love for the outdoors. Having spent much of his life hiking, camping, fi shing, Frank even took his new bride to the Grand Canyon for their honeymoon in 1943. Frank had spent most of his life as a farmer and teacher until he and a friend took their fi rst rafting trip down the Grand Canyon and needless to say, that experience opened up a whole new world of adventure and discovery. Since then, Frank has shared that dream with the world and has passed on that passion for the river to his family, who runs the business today. Currently there are three generations involved in Tour West, with a fourth on its way. The great outdoors like you ve never seen them Since those early days, Tour West has fi ne-tuned its trips to provide each guest with the ultimate in outdoor experiences from the use of top-quality equipment to serving up the best in outdoor cuisine, to witnessing thrilling vistas and exhilarating rapids. But what really sets Tour West apart from all the others are our guides friendly professionals who have chosen to make the river their true home away from home, and who carry decades of adventuring experience. On average, Tour West trip leaders have close to 20 years of experience successfully navigating the rivers of the American West. And while our guides may come from many different backgrounds, the one thing they all share is a deep and abiding love for the river. This service is operated by Tour West, Inc. a concessionaire under contract with the U.S. Government and administered by the National Park Service. The concessionaire is responsible for conducting these operations in a satisfactory manner. Prices are approved by the National Park Service. While many things have changed in the river running business over the years, Tour West s philosophy of discovery has remained the same. We recognize that a trip on the river is more than just a vacation; it is a meaningful and life-changing experience our guests treasure for the rest of their lives. We invite you to join us on the ride of your life and discover this one-of-a-kind experience for yourself. page 2 Our story please address comments to: Superintendent Grand Canyon National Park P.O. Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Waking up from a dream to find yourself on the beach by the river in the middle of Grand Canyon was out of this world. Tracey, IL grand c page 1 photo courtesy of joe bennion photo courtesy of joe bennion photo courtesy of joe bennion
anyoni-15 Las Vegas Grand ccanyon adventures The Grand Canyon is one of those rare and powerful places that can be literally labeled as awe-inspiring and life changing. Its grandeur and magnifi cence are unrivaled, and the opportunity to witness the sheer majesty of the place should not be missed. A river-rafting trip through this natural wonder combines the synergy of world-class whitewater adventure with humbling and breathtaking scenery to make for a truly unforgettable river experience. Along with the exhilarating whitewater rapids, courtesy of the mighty Colorado River, Tour West Grand Canyon tours also feature access to hidden side canyons and ancient Native American ruins, accessible only from the river. We have been guiding thrill seekers through the Grand Canyon for nearly 40 years, and with almost 300 miles of river contained within the canyon, our guides can show you a wholly unique and invigorating experience time and time again. With four distinctively unique river trips to choose from, Tour West can provide you with the Grand Canyon adventure that is just right for you complete with stops at breathtaking side canyons, mouthwatering meals, and all the exhilarating class III, IV, and V rapids you can handle! SOUTH COVE St. George TRIP ENTRY/EXIT POINT Point of Interest {map not to scale} {illustration by Ruthann Stoner} to Los Angeles Bar Ten Ranch Lava Falls Rapid WHITMORE WASH DIAMOND CREEK Tour West s 6-night motorized trip winds its way 187 miles into the heart of this beautiful natural wonder. Sporting the biggest rapids and most spectacular sites in the Grand Canyon, you ll start in beautiful Marble Canyon, where you will spend your fi rst night at the Marble Canyon Lodge and meet your guide. The next day puts you in the rafts at Lee s Ferry and sends you on your adventure. You will spend the next six days rafting, hiking, enjoying delicious meals, and sleeping under a blanket of spectacular stars. At trip s end, you will helicopter out of the canyon at Whitmore Wash and board a plane back to either Las Vegas or Marble Canyon. to Salt Lake City Havasu Canyon cchoose from a variety of exciting Grand ccanyon trips 6 night { motorized trip } 12 night { oar powered trip } I-40 For those who have a bit more time and would like to move through the Canyon at a slower pace and on smaller rafts, Tour West offers an unforgettable 12-night rowing trip. This excursion begins at Marble Canyon where you will spend your fi rst night and meet your guide. The next Kanab Fredonia South Rim Phantom Ranch Marble Canyon LEE'S FERRY to Albuquerque to Phoenix to Flagstaff morning you will launch out on I-40 the river at Lee s Ferry Flagstaff and spend the next 12 days traveling 187 miles downriver, enjoying river rafting at its natural and leisurely best. At the end of your trip you will helicopter out of the canyon and board a plane to either Las Vegas or Marble Canyon. 8 night { motorized trip } Tour West s 8-night motorized trip is perfect for the traveler who wants to see the entire length of the Grand Canyon. This trip creatively combines the best of our 6- and 3-night motorized trips, allowing you to experience the Canyon s stunning vistas like never before. This trip starts at Marble Canyon where you will spend your fi rst night and meet your guide. The next morning you will launch out on the river at Lee s Ferry and spend the next 8 days traveling 295 through the entire length of the canyon. Your trip will ultimately take you to Lake Mead, where you will be picked up and taken back to Las Vegas by bus. page 4 Grand Canyon
ranch / I must say I thought so many days on the river was going to be too much but I wouldn t have traded one minute of that time for anything. There was never a dull moment. Fred, TX
river trips Combining river trips and ranches has become a great way to enjoy the river at its best, and offers adventurers a wholly unique and memorable vision of the Great American West. Tour West now offers wonderful ranch/river combination trips for each of the rivers we run. cchoose from a variety of exciting Ranch River trips GRAND CANYON AND BAR TEN RANCH 3 night { motorized trip } As the Colorado River winds its way between the Shivwits and Hualapai plateaus, it cascades into the lower gorge of the Grand Canyon, creating a vision of delightful and unexpected beauty. On this Tour West Grand Canyon 3-night motorized trip, you will travel 97 miles from Whitmore Wash to South Cove on Lake Mead, which features an enjoyable range of river that includes a variety of exciting rapids and tranquil flowing waters. The last 34 miles of your trip will be spent floating between the sheer walls and graceful tiers of the upper stretches of beautiful Lake Mead. Tour West has arranged a unique river expedition to give you access to this marvelous region of the Grand Canyon. Your trip originates in Las Vegas and takes you by air to the scenic Bar Ten Ranch on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Your fi rst day and night at Bar Ten will be fi lled with a wide variety of fun-fi lled activities including horseback riding, trap shooting, hiking, billiards, table tennis, horseshoes, volleyball, and a country western program. The next morning you will helicopter into the canyon and meet your guides. From there, get ready for & & two full days and nights of rafting and camping. Although most of the larger whitewater river rapids are found above Lava Falls, this 3-night adventure gives travelers an excellent introduction to river running with a chance to sample one-of-a-kind outdoor cooking and the chance to sleep under brilliant starry skies. At trip s end, you will be transported to Las Vegas airport by bus. CATARACT CANYON AND RED CLIFFS LODGE 4 night { motorized trip } Tour West s Cataract Canyon and Red Cliffs Lodge adventure will give you the perfect combination of outdoor relaxation and adventure. You ll begin your trip with two nights at the luxurious Red Cliff Lodge, nestled in charming Castle Valley next to the Colorado River. While there you will enjoy the splendor and serenity of this beautiful lodge as you choose from a variety of activities including horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and jeep tours. The lodge also features a winery, movie museum, tennis courts, exercise room, and outdoor pool. After two nights at the Red Cliff Lodge you will enjoy three days and two nights discovering the infamous Cataract Canyon. On your rafting adventure you will spend your time enjoying thrilling rapids, scenic hikes, and the best in outdoor cooking. The last morning of your trip will take you to Hite Marina, where you ll have the option to either fly back to Moab or have your vehicle shuttled to meet you at Hite. SALMON RIVER AND MACKAY BAR LODGE 4 night { rowing trip } Come join us for an unforgettable rafting trip in one of the most scenic wilderness areas in the world. Tour West s 4-night Salmon River trip is fi lled to the brim with thrilling rapids, gourmet meals, relaxing star-fi lled evenings, breathtaking scenery, and so much more. This trip begins in Boise, Idaho, and takes you to the picturesque town of Salmon where you will meet your group and guide. The next three days and two nights will fi nd you running class I-IV rapids, hiking, swimming, eating fantastic food, playing games, and camping under the heavens. The last night of your trip will be spent at the MacKay Bar Lodge, which offers comfortable cabins, scenic hiking trails, a relaxing hot tub, and fabulous meals. The next morning you will fly back to Boise. page 6 River / Ranch Trips
My wife had never slept in a sleeping bag or camped under a moonlit, star filled sky prior to this adventure. Initially she was scared and uncertain but Randy, with his good nature and quiet air of confidence nurtured her to the point that she swam freely in the Colorado and climbed willingly through canyons. John, NJ cata Grand Canyon page 1 photo courtesy of quinn hall
ract canyon ccataract ccanyon adventures Rafting the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon is a powerfully unforgettable experience, leading you through the very heart of scenic Canyonlands National Park and then hurtling you through the thrilling cascades of venerable Cataract Canyon. Each of our trips through Cataract Canyon offers adventurers a unique blend of blood-pumping excitement and meditative solitude. Combine that with a truly unique experience through the river s corridor, discovering Native American ruins and ancient historical and geological treasures through the knowledge of learned guides, and you ll fi nd this one-of-a-kind trip will be something you talk about for years to come. At the colorful confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers 49 miles down the corridor, you ll discover legendary Cataract Canyon, a Class III river that contains some of the most exciting whitewater in the West. You ll run rapids like Little Niagara, and the aptly named Satan s Gut, as well as many other exciting rapids. And of course each day ends under the stars, with the heavens blanketing you in natural comfort. cchoose from a variety of exciting ccataract 3 night { motorized trip } Tour West s 3-night trip through Cataract Canyon begins in Moab, Utah, where you will meet your guide. From there, the adventure begins with a leisurely fl oat on the river through beautiful sandstone canyons. Along this stretch you will stop at side canyons and hike to Native American ruins, and enjoy the stunning scenery unique to this legendary canyon. The scene changes 49 miles later, as you enter thrilling whitewater rapids at the confl uence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. After successfully navigating the rapids on the last morning of your trip, you will arrive at Hite Marina on Lake Powell. From here you may either fl y by plane back to Moab or have your vehicle shuttled to meet you at Hite. TRIP ENTRY/EXIT POINT Point of Interest {map not to scale} {illustration by Ruthann Stoner} anyon trips GREEN RIVER Big Drop Rapids HITE I-70 Moab Airport to Salt Lake City to Las Vegas The Doll House 4 night { oar powered trip } POTASH Dead Horse Point MOAB Dark Canyon to Denver to Grand Junction Confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers Tour West s 4-night oar powered trip through Cataract Canyon is the perfect fi t for adventurers who crave even more river time in this beautiful canyon. Your trip begins in Moab, where you will shuttle to the river, meet your guides, and begin your adventure with a languid float down the river, enjoying the beautiful sandstone along the way. As you move through this part of the canyon there will be plenty of time to swim, hike, and relax. At the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers, the real fun begins, as you navigate several thrilling rapids. More experienced river runners can enjoy inflatable kayaks, which gives added freedom to experience and explore the river and rapids on personal terms. The last morning of your trip puts you at Hite Marina on Lake Powell, where you have the option to either fly back to Moab by charter plane or have your vehicle shuttled from Moab. photo courtesy of quinn hall photo courtesy of quinn hall page 8 Cataract Canyon
Salmon River page 9 salmon river Salm on River adventures Riggins CAREY CREEK to Boise In the heart of one of North America s most rustic wilderness areas lies the main fork of the Salmon River, also known as the River of No Return. As daunting as that may sound, floating through this, the continent s second deepest gorge is a truly memorable and unforgettable river running experience that shouldn t be missed. Tour West has been guiding river enthusiasts through this celebrated wilderness gem for decades, complete with its beautiful pine-fi lled vistas, clean sandy beaches, and plenty of awe-inspiring whitewater including class IV rapids like Elkhorn and Big Mallard, some of the most famous rapids in the West. On each trip down the Salmon we provide the more adventurous rafters with inflatable kayaks for a more individually oriented exploration of the river. Vinegar Rapid Chittam Rapid Barth Hot Springs Buckskin Bills Elk Horn Rapid Big Mallard MACKAY BAR LODGE Salmon Falls CORN CREEK North Fork Salmon wonderfully interesting history with ancient pictographs and abandoned mining towns. In the evening, after a delicious western meal, you ll sit around the campfi re, reliving the adventures of the day as your guide recounts his or her own stories about this truly amazing place. Come join us for a trip of a lifetime and fi nd out why Salmon River rafting with Tour West has been creating lasting memories since 1969! TRIP ENTRY/EXIT POINT Point of Interest {map not to scale} {illustration by Ruthann Stoner} cchoose an exciting Salm on River trip {See page 6 for a Salmon River/Ranch trip} 5 night { oar powered trip } Tour West s 5-night Salmon River excursion is a wonderful way to discover the beauty and excitement of the River of No Return. Your trip begins in Boise, Idaho, from where you ll travel to Salmon City and meet your river group and guide. The next morning starts your adventure at Corn Creek, and for the next fi ve days and four nights you will enjoy breathtaking scenery, exhilarating rapids, amazing meals, relaxing hot springs, and so much more. We ll help you fi t in a few last-minute rapids on your fi nal day before dropping you off at the shuttle back to Boise. The Salmon River is home to an impressively wide variety of North American wildlife. Your travels just might show you moose, elk, mule deer, black bears, river otters, golden eagles, red-tail hawks, and osprey all in their natural home environments. The Salmon River is also rich in Native American and early pioneer history and your trip will include an immersion into this photo courtesy of joe bennion
Tour West, together with selling agents, acts only in the capacity of agent for customers in all matters pertaining to hotel accommodations, sightseeing tours, and transportation whether by railroad, motor car, steamship, boat, airplane or any other means, and as such is not responsible for any damage expense or inconvenience cause by late train, plane, or ship arrivals or departures, or by any change of schedule or other condition nor form any loss, injury, or damage to any person or property from any cause whatsoever. The right is reserved to alter the sequence of sightseeing in any of these tours. Tour West is proud of its efforts to ensure the safety and enjoyment of its passengers. We feel that our customers are safer with us that they are traveling to and from their trip. However, no outdoor adventure is without the possibility of unforeseen hazards. It is important that each Tour West passenger recognize that there is an element of risk in any adventure or activity associated with the outdoors. Each passenger must be fully aware of the risks and dangers inherent in river running including but not limited to traveling in a rubber raft in rough river conditions, hiking in wilderness terrain, exposure to elements or cold river water, and loss or damage of personal property. Knowing of the inherent risks, dangers, and rigors of river running, each passenger must decide if he or she is desirous and capable of participating in the river trip experience. Even though losses rarely occur, it is also recommended that you have your own health and accident insurance. The right to take photographic records on any trip for promotional purposes is reserved. A deposit, or any partial or full payment for a reservation shall constitute consent and acknowledgement to all conditions stated in this brochure. Another thing that really made this trip special was our guides knowledge of the river, the ecosystem, and the history. I was truly impressed with their ability to tell us about the flora, fauna, and what had happened along the river over the years. Their sensitivity to the fragile landscape is a model that everyone should follow. Dave & Brett, NC
p.o. box 333 orem, ut 84059 Grand Canyon page 1 We can t stop telling everyone that this is the one trip they really have to experience. It was 5 days of pure fun and relaxation. The river was thrilling, the scenery incredibly, the food was excellent. We especially enjoyed the beautiful side canyons and streams, exhilarating hikes, and sleeping under the stars our only regret that the trip didn t last longer. Never before have I cried because our vacation was over. Thank you for the wonderful experience! Bob & We n dy, PA