Idaho, the pine tree country, is notably different from the red rock desert country of the Southwest-Utah and Arizona. Simply stated, it rains much more in Idaho and is colder when it does, than in Utah and Arizona. Storms can persist for several days over the high mountain region of Idaho, whereas in Utah and Arizona, thunderstorms come and go. Substantial rain gear and warmer clothing is needed for Idaho, less so for Utah and Arizona.

Day time temperatures in Utah, Idaho, and Arizona in the spring (May and June) will range from 75 to 90 degrees, with night time temperatures 15 degrees lower. During July and August, day time temperatures may range between 85-105 degrees with night time temperatures 15-20 degrees lower. For proper clothing, pay particular attention to your packing list.

Anytime you pick will promise to be exciting. In the spring and summer the water levels are higher which means that you will go faster. Also, may animals and flowers may be out to greet you as you raft by. Of course, in the summer months it will be hot and in August to September the temperatures will get cooler. Water conditions are determined by snowfall and water releases from dams. Trips are scheduled to take the best possible advantage of these two factors. Water levels and subsequent rapid intensity will always be higher in the spring-May and June, than July and August. However, the water will be warmer in July and August, making for better swimming and floating. The Green river and Grand Canyon are dam controlled rivers.

The water from the river is always available to you for washing up and brushing your teeth. Most companies set up portable toilets for your use. For your convenience and privacy, we set up a holding tank, complete with toilet seat, inside a spacious privacy tent. This sanitary facility is always available in camp.

Almost all the companies provide camping gear for you to use. This includes sleeping bags (sometimes a cot) ,tent, utensils and more. Most camp sites are set on sandy beaches so it is more comfortable than in the woods.

Camera are always good for capturing the moment. But beware it will get wet. Most people keep their cameras in a ziplock bag to protect it for the water. Video camera unless they are waterproof are a bad idea. But, if you can figure out a way to keep it dry bring it along.

During the day, ice water and cold lemonade are available. In camp, coffee, tea, hot chocolate are also available. Soda pop, beer, wine and liquors are at the clients' option. Space and weight limitations allow only two 6-packs of beer or soda pop per person. Wine and liquors are best purchased in non-breakable containers.

Guides carry first aid supplies only , and as a minimum are prepared to administer basic first aid. Many of our guides have advance first aid qualifications and some may possess EMT qualifications. Please alert your guide to any medical problems you may have, such as diabetes or allergic reactions. Evacuations or medical assistance beyond first aid are the financial responsibility of the client.

For the Grand Canyon trip you must be at least 12 years old. For Westwater and Cataract Canyon 12 is the minimum age. For the Green River 7 years is the minimum. For the Main Salmon 8 years is the minimum age.

Tipping is a very personal matter and left to the client's discretion. The greatest enjoyment a guide has is to be able to show you the beauties of the river and canyons and to provide you with a "great adventure." If you choose to honor your guide with a gratuity, as a guideline, you might consider what you would tip if your ate all of 
your meals in a fine quality restaurant.

 

WHAT TO PACK

The size and type of bag in which you you pack items for the river , is of critical importance. It can not be too large and must be of the right material. The rubberized river bag that is provided for you already contains your sleeping bag, foam pad and ground cloth. The bag you bring your clothes in should be no larger than 12" x 12" x 24" and must be made of soft nylon or Cordura fabric. Do not bring oversized gym or duffel bags. When you receive your river bag, take the sleeping equipment out of it. Empty your travel bag, fold it and place it on the bottom of the river bag. Then place your clothes on top of the travel bag, followed by the sleeping equipment. Put the ground cloth in last, that way, when you unpack at night, you can keep things clean by putting the cloth on the ground and sleeping bag and personal items on it. Do not bring suitcases or rigid backpacks to the river.

PACKING LIST

• Swimming suit
• Shorts - quick drying (nylon)
• 1 pair long pants - quick drying
• T-shirts
• 1 long sleeve shirt - light weight for sun protection
• Sun hat with strap or string
• River sandals or 2 pair (wet/dry) tennis shoes
• Socks - 2 pair
• Jacket/Sweatshirt - pile/fleece
• Rain gear
  
  • Plenty of sunscreen & lip balm (SPF 15)
  • Body lotion
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Biodegradable soap - such as Ivory
  • Insect repellent (Not needed in Idaho)
  • Small towel & washcloth
  • Disposable moist towelettes
  • Kleenex - small travel packs
  • Medication - if needed
  • Extra pair prescription glasses or contact lenses
  • Sunglasses with safety strap
  • Small flashlight with batteries
  • Sport water bottle
  • Camera with plenty of extra film (extra batteries)
  • Money - for T-shirts, maps, stops at stores and gratuities 
    at end of trip
  • Medium ziplock bags - 5-6 for general handy storage

  Quality 2 piece rainsuits are needed throughout the season, pants and a jacket with a hood (no ponchos). Select a good quality suit, in the $30-$50 range, to insure durability on the river. It is your outermost layer and protection from the water, whether it be waves, spray or rain.

  Note: For your warm layers of clothing, fleece, polyester, or wool are our recommendations. The fleece should be the type made with a synthetic fabric, as opposed to cotton fleece used for sweatshirts. Cotton is extremely slow to dry and when wet, draws heat away from your body making it difficult to stay warm on cold days. Fleece (synthetic type, polyester and wool are quick to dry and will continue to keep you warm when they are wet