CEIBA - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Ceiba?
Ceiba Adventures, Inc is owned by Scott Davis and Rachel Schmidt. The owners are both 30-year veteran river guides in Grand Canyon.

2. What does Ceiba mean?
Ceiba is the name of the sacred tree of life to the Maya people of Central America. The Ceiba tree is a Kapok soft wooded tree that can grow to be over 200’ tall. Although it is not related to Grand Canyon we feel it is a wonderful representation of what Ceiba is all about!

3. Why should you and your group utilize Ceiba’s services?
Customer satisfaction is our number one priority at Ceiba! Our equipment is always in top-notch shape and we pride ourselves on paying close attention to detail. We have been organizing, outfitting, orchestrating, planning and participating in river adventures for over 30 years. There is no substitute for experience. Ceiba will ALWAYS stand behind our commitment to you and your group.

4. Who works for Ceiba?
All of our employees are avid boaters-commercial guides and private boaters, mountain bikers, skiers, hikers and big time dog lovers! All of our sub-contractors are as passionate about what they do as well. The Ceiba family thrives on fun, dedication and excitement. Be sure to chat with us about anything involving river running, bike riding, the Colorado Plateau and four legged fury friends.

Ceiba Location

5. Where is Ceiba located?
Ceiba is located on the eastside of Flagstaff just 15 minutes from downtown off of Townsend Winona Rd. The address is 7165 Slayton Ranch Rd Flagstaff, AZ 86004.

Pre-Trip Logistics

6. Who will I work with to plan my trip?
You will be working with a few different people throughout the planning of your Grand Adventure. You will work with the Ceiba office staff and food guru to plan logistics and menus. Anyone in the office will be able to answer any questions you may have. Just ask!

7. How will Ceiba support me while I am planning my trip?
Ceiba’s staff is available through phone or email and ALWAYS willing to work with you to answer any questions or concerns. We are just a phone call or email away. Don’t hesitate to contact us.

8. How many people can I bring on a river?
A small permit will allow you to bring 8 people where as a standard permit is good for up to 16 people. Of course it is up to you how many you would like to bring as long as it does not exceed the accepted limit based on the permit you won.

9. How will I know what to bring on the river?
We can provide you with a basic necessities list that outlines what items to bring. The National Park also has a list of required gear. The NPS permit packet should be mailed to you once you have secured your permit. Ceiba’s price quote sheet also outlines the NPS required equipment.

10. Where will I stay the night before rig day?
If you are planning on being in Flagstaff the night before your rig day we recommend that you stay at Hotel Aspen/Inn Suites. This hotel is within walking distance of downtown, has a great happy hour and will allow your group to park vehicles for free throughout the duration of your trip.

11. When do we go to Lees Ferry?
Your group and gear will head to Lees Ferry the morning prior to your launch day (we call this rig-day). This will give your group enough time to rig boats and become familiar with all of the equipment.

12. When and where will I meet Ceiba?
Typically Ceiba will meet customers around 9 am the morning of rig day. The location can very depending on the logistics of the participants. We shoot for arriving at Lees Ferry sometime between noon and 2:00 pm, allowing ample time to rig before dark.

13. Does Ceiba have a package that offers everything?
We sure do! Check out our Whole Shabang! package. This package will help put your oars in the water. We will provide you with everything you will need and then some. This is your vacation so let us do the work for you.

Cost and Discounts

14. How much does a typical Ceiba trip cost?
Send us an email or give us a call, as we are happy to put together an estimate to meet your groups’ needs. The cost will vary depending on what you choose, the number of days and people. Check out our Row and Paddle, Parts and Pieces and Whole Shabang package to see our costs.

http://www.ceibaadventures.com/complete-packages.htm

15. What is the cost to secure what I need for my trip?
We ask for 10% of the estimated cost of your trip in order to reserve your gear and secure it on our schedule.

16. What are the remaining payment deadlines?
-60 days prior to launch date 50% of your estimated total is due
-30 days prior to launch date full payment is due
**We will work with your group to meet your needs. We are very flexible with
payments although full payment is required prior to your launch day.
**We recommend collecting more than you expect to spend from your group.
This will be insurance in case any group gear is damaged or lost. This will save
you a headache in the end!

17. How can I pay for my trip?
Cash, check and/or credit card- MasterCard, Visa and Discover

18. How can I save money on my Grand Canyon trip?
For starters if you do the Whole Shabang! package you will start by saving 10%
off all rental equipment. You can also save an additional 5% by joining Grand Canyon Private Boaters Association and/or Grand Canyon River Guides Association. If you or someone from you party joins both groups you can save up to 10% on top of the 10% savings with the Whole Shabang! Give us a call and we can discuss other ways to cut corners. We are happy to help!

19. What if I have to cancel my trip?
If you cancel your trip 30 days or less prior to the launch date, a $100
cancellation fee will be applied. However, if you use our services again, we will credit this amount to your next trip. If any food pack costs have been incurred, these are non-refundable.

20. What is Ceiba’s policy if I damage or lose gear?
We will keep a copy of your credit card on file for all equipment rentals. This acts as a security deposit on the equipment. You are responsible for any loss or damage to the equipment. A rate of $45 / hour will be charged to you for repairable damage, or you will be charged the cost of replacement. Depending on the exact damage, an additional administrative fee will apply.

Launch Logistics

21. What are the Park requirements for group equipment?
See NPS Noncommercial River Trip Regulations
http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/overview-lees-ferry-diamond-ck.htm
--scroll down and click on Noncommercial River Trip Regulations

22. Do you have a required equipment cheat sheet to reference?
See the following list :

Grand Canyon National Park Required & Recommended Equipment
Paper Work:
• Photo ID-current -required
• River permit/regulations -required
• List of participant’s -required

Kitchen/Sanitation
• Fire pan w/ legs -required: 11/1 to end of February (all trips)
-required: 3/1 to end of October (if using wood or charcoal)
• Fire blanket -required
• Straining screen -required
• Toilet system -required
• Day toilet -required
• Hand wash system (recommended)
• Kitchen Ground Tarps -required
• Dishwashing set up-4 buckets (recommended)
• H2O filter (recommended)
• Stove (recommended

General Trip Gear
• First aid for each boat (one must be a major 1st aid) -required
• Signal mirror -required
• Signal Panels 2-3’x8’ -required
• River Map (recommended)
• Sat phone; Ground to air transceiver; Spot GPS tracking device (recommended)

Raft/Kayak Gear
• Repair kit -required
• Pump (1 per trip) -required
• 2 spare oars per boat -required
• 1 spare kayak paddle per 4 kayaks -required
• 1 throw cushion (Type IV) per 16’ boat or longer -required
• 1 throw bag per boat (recommended)
• PFD’s 1 per person plus 1 extra per 10 people -required

23. When will the ranger check out our required gear?
This usually happens around 3:00 or 4:00 pm on your rig day. The ranger will want to see the permitee’s paperwork, including a complete group participation list. Your Ceiba consultant will help facilitate this process.

24. When will orientation begin?
The orientation begins at 9 am sharp the morning of your launch day. At this time everyone will need to be present and have his or her photo I.D. ready. The orientation generally happens at your camp or under the shade structure on the ramp and typically lasts about an hour. Be sure to remind your group to bring photo id!

25. What items are most important when being checked out by a ranger?
All required equipment is very important. But the following 3 items are crucial in order to launch:
--Photo ID-current
--River permit/regulations
--List of participants

26. Are there facilities at Lees Ferry?
Yes-bathroom, pay phone, and drinking water, but no showers

27. Where do I camp at Lees Ferry?
Sleeping, camping and/or overnight parking is not allowed on launch ramp. There are two designated group camping sites located 100 yards down stream from the launch ramp on river right. If you arrive before your rig date you can camp in the formal campgrounds for a fee at Lees Ferry.

Equipment

28. What kind of boats does Ceiba rent?
We rent 18’ and 14’ NRS self-bailing 2007-2010 boats

29. Why does Ceiba use 18’ boats?
We believe that 18’ boats are the best option for carrying all of the equipment you will need for a Grand Canyon expedition.

30. How many rafts should we bring?
For a standard 16 person/16 day trip we recommend 5, 18’NRS boats. If you have personal boats as well, but need several Ceiba boats to carry additional gear we will work with you to decide what is the best number of boats for your trip.

31. Will someone from Ceiba be there to help us rig our boats?
If your gear is both rented from Ceiba and transported to Lee’s Ferry by us, a put-in consultant will show you how the Ceiba system works. This consultant will work with you as long as necessary to ensure that you and your group have an understanding of all our systems. The Ceiba consultant will also make sure that you are group is all set with the NPS regulations and ranger.

32. How many people can fit in a Ceiba oar boat?
--With an 18’ NRS a total of 4 people, including boatmen, will fit on the raft
--With a 14’ NRS a total of 3 people, including boatmen, will fit on the raft. This may vary depending on size of the passengers.

33. What does an oar rig set up look like?
Check out our website to see photos of our oar rig set-up
http://www.ceibaadventures.com/row-paddle.htm

34. What is a beaver board?
A beaver board is a wooden board also called a rear deck board, which is rigged, slightly off of the floor at the stern of the boat attaching to the d-rings and frame. Essentially this board allows for more gear to be rigged on the boat without adding weight to the floor.

35. What is a trailer frame?
A trailer frame is an additional frame that attaches to the main frame and is rigged behind your cooler. The trailer frame offers a drop hatch that allows more gear to be rigged below the deck. It can also carry an additional cooler instead of the drop bag if necessary.

36. What kind of oars does Ceiba use?
--11’Sawyer composite shaft with dyna-lite blades
--11’ Wooden Smokers
--11’ Composite Cataract oars
--10’ Sawyer composite shaft with dyna-lite blade or wood blade

37. What is the difference between oarlocks, pin and clips and oar rights?
--Oarlocks allow more oar movement, enabling the rower to feather the oars, draw the oars into the raft, or pull the oars out of hydraulics.
--Pins and Clips keep the angle of the oar length and blade set perfectly at all times
--Oar Rights are an oar stopper

38. What is a sleep plate?
A sleep plate is a diamond plated aluminum sheet that is used to create extra sleeping space. It covers the gap between side boxes/ammo cans in the foot well.

39. What is a Ceiba hand wash system?
Ceiba’s hand wash system consists of two hand wash set ups that consolidate into one unit. Each unit has two buckets, one for clean water and one for dirty water. There is a hose and pump that attaches to the outside of each bucket and is supplied with two bottles of hand soap. You will want to set up one hand wash near the toilet and the other near the kitchen.

40. What kind of toilet system does Ceiba use?
The toilet system consists of two 20 mil ammo cans. One ammo can is yellow
and it is called the seat box. In this box you will find the seat, toilet paper and powdered bleach. The red can is used for poop and toilet paper only, no urine. Group members will either urinate in the river or pee bucket (if one is rented). There will be an extra box for toilet supplies and toilet paper resupply.

41. What kind of water filtration does Ceiba use?
We use two different types of water filters: Expedition Katadyn Pump (hand pump for large volumes of water and able to be used in harsh environments) and Vital Electric water pump (electric pump that is simple to operate, maintain and repair in the field).

42. What type of sat phone does Ceiba rent?
Global Star (GSP-1600) 3.75 hours of talk time, 19 hours stand by, comes with a power pack

43. Why do I need a sat phone?
Sat phones are not required by the NPS but are strongly recommended by NPS and Ceiba as well. Hopefully you will never have to bring out the sat phone. If by chance you do, we can guarantee you will be stoked that you have it. At times it may feel like Grand Canyon is not backcountry, and certain spots certainly are not, but overall the river is a backcountry expedition. We also recommend sat phones in case Diamond Creek flashfloods, so you may contact Ceiba to make a backup plan. Having a sat phone is just one more way to be prepared for anything that floats your way. As the saying goes ‘Better to be safe than sorry!’

44. How expensive is it to use the sat phone on the river?
Ceiba charges $2.00 per minute

Food Pack

45. Why should I choose Ceiba’s food pack service?
Not only will you have delicious food options to choose from, to choose from, but you can also guarantee that we will pay much attention to detail when packing your food. We are flexible and easy to work with when it comes to food preferences and allergies. Our food guru will go above and beyond to accommodate your specific food needs. We provide delicious, healthy and creative menus for your Grand Canyon experience. We want to ensure that you are getting all of the nutrients that you need, along with the flavor to make it yummy!

46. What is included in a Ceiba food pack?
When planning your menu, our food guru will work with you on choosing the best menu options for your group. We pride ourselves on being flexible and want to ensure that you get exactly what your group needs. We are happy to accommodate any special dietary needs such as allergies, vegetarian/vegan, gluten and lactose free food issues.

47. What are the menu options? We have many different menu options. From the Hiker Special and BBQ Extravaganza, to our Ready Made Meals-you name it, we’ve got it! At Ceiba we offer lots of yummy options. Please see our menu options under food and menus on our website.
http://www.ceibaadventures.com/food-menus.htm

48. Will I have help deciding on menus?
Our Food Guru will be there every step of the way to help plan your menu.

49. When do I have to decide on my menu choices?
6 weeks prior to launch date menu choices are due
30 days prior to launch date we will finalize menu details
3 weeks prior to launch date final participant numbers
**We recommend beginning menu discussions at least two months prior to your launch date. This will enable you to have an idea of participants’ preferences, allergies and must haves!

50. Does Ceiba have any pre-cooked menu options?
Yes! Ceiba has a ready-made menu that features pre-cooked dinner entrees in boil bags. A local chef in Flagstaff has prepared these fast, easy and delicious meals.

51. Will it cost more to have a vegetarian, vegan or gluten free menu?
For the most part it will not. We are happy to make accommodations for dietary needs and work it into whichever menu is chosen. If there are many folks who have these needs the cost may go up but typically with a couple special diets the menu costs will stay the same.

52. Are there quick and easy menu options?
We have specific menus for folks that would rather be hiking then in the kitchen!

53. What kind of ice/cooler system does Ceiba use?
We use solid block ice, that combined with our Galaxy Coolers and good cooler management skills, will often keep ice for the duration of your trip. The cost of ice is included with your food pack.

54. How does Ceiba pack the food/coolers?
We use 20 mil ammo cans each day that will hold breakfast and dinner. Once emptied. The ammo can becomes the trashcan for the day. We also use side boxes for snacks, breakfast, overflow and resupply. We often have a meat, dairy, lunch and veggie cooler. The number of coolers your group has will determine how we pack.

55. What is cooler management?
Essentially cooler management is the lively hood of your food and ice! Be prepared when gathering specific ingredients for a meal to ensure a quick and efficient food shop while on the river. Ceiba coolers are self-draining through several small holes in the drain plug. However, sometimes this small hole gets clogged with debris and coolers should be monitored for standing water. Standing water is bad! Consolidate coolers as you go down stream. Use produce as it gets ripe and be sure to not leave rotten produce in the cooler.

56. How long will my ice last?
With strong cooler management skills ice should last the duration of your trip.

57. Will I have fresh food at the end of the trip?
The amount of fresh food will lessen the further you go downstream but you will still be able to have freshies all the way to the end. Once again paying attention to the shape fruits and veggies are in is crucial. We also plan the menu based around the longevity of food items.

Shuttles

58. What type of vehicles does Ceiba use?
Ceiba’s late model Ford 4x4 trucks are all quad cab trucks that can accommodate 5 passengers with seat belts. Our 5th wheel trailers are flat bed style with removable cages on the front to hold all the loose river gear. Our trucks and trailers are extremely versatile, allowing Ceiba to be the only outfitter to move a 37’ s-rig motorboat inflated. We can haul a dory and/or a fully rigged 18’ oar boat, or carry up to ten rafts at a time.

59. How will my gear get to Lees Ferry?
Typically, Ceiba will shuttle your gear to Lees Ferry with a truck and trailer.

60. Can Ceiba shuttle personal vehicles?
We can provide shuttle drivers to move your vehicle from Lee’s Ferry to Flagstaff, your designated take-out, or to and from the South Rim.
Please contact us for up-to-date prices and details.

61. Where can I park my personal vehicle during the trip?
Legally a vehicle can be parked at Lees Ferry for two weeks free of charge.
Ceiba will shuttle your personal vehicle back to Flagstaff to a safe storage
facility. If you decide to ride solely with Ceiba (no personal vehicles going to
Lees Ferry) many hotels in town will allow you to park for free if you stay the
night before you leave for the Ferry.

62. What is the best shuttle option for my group?
This will vary from group to group. Arranging shuttles can be one of the most
challenging parts to organizing a Grand Canyon trip. We are happy to support your groups’ needs and provide you with the option that best suits your situation.

63. What are the drive times for Grand Canyon shuttles?
--Flagstaff to Lees Ferry: 2.5 hours
--Diamond Creek to Flagstaff: 3.5 hours (one hour on Diamond Creek Rd.)
--Pearce Ferry/South Cove to Flagstaff: 4.5 hours

64. What is a chase vehicle?
A chase vehicle is a Ceiba vehicle that is put on the road to carry personal vehicle shuttle drivers to the put-in or back from the take-out. A chase vehicle is needed if logistics do not allow the driver to get a ride on your rig or take out day in any other fashion.

65. Why are shuttles so expensive?
At Ceiba, we make certain that our drivers are professional, well trained, insured, and compensated well for their hard work. We believe our shuttle drivers are one of the key ingredients to a successful Grand Canyon trip. Therefore, we hire top- notch, qualified drivers that we know will take care of you!!!!! Not only do we hire top-notch drivers, but we also have top of the line trucks, trailers and vans that we service and maintain on a daily basis.

66. What happens if Diamond Creek flash floods?
First and foremost, stay calm! If Diamond Creek flash floods it is not the end of the world. It has happened before and it will happen again. Monsoon seasons can definitely trigger a flash flood as well as winter storms. One thing to keep in mind is whether or not it has been raining hard a few days before your take out. If that is the case, feel free to call Ceiba to check in on the status of the road. The sooner we hear from you, the sooner we can move to plan B- another good reason to have a satellite phone! The biggest thing to remember is that each situation is unique. Once again, being calm and flexible can really make a challenging situation turn out a-ok! Remember, we are here to help!

67. How do rising fuel costs effect our shuttles?
Unfortunately if fuel costs rise, Ceiba prices will go up as well.

River Etiquette

68. Should I approach commercial boatmen?
Definitely! Commercial boatmen know the river, camps, great hikes, and usually have a plan. Commercial boatmen can be an excellent resource, especially if you are flexible and friendly.

69. Should I talk to other groups?
We recommend chatting with all groups that you see on the water. Being friendly and flexible will only add to the success of your trip. Not to mention the amount of river karma that will float your way!

70. What if I want a certain camp?
It is great to have a plan, but it is even better to be open to change. Many times, not getting the camp you planned on can provide you with the opportunity to experience different camps and hikes in Grand Canyon. Plus, didn’t we all go to kindergarten where we learned to share so nicely?

On The River

71. Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, once it is treated. The NPS currently recommends 2 drops of chlorine per gallon after filtering. Settled water (settling the night before is a good run!) will extend the life of the water filter.

72. What are good places to hike?
There are many great places to hike. We recommend checking out hiking, guides, chatting with other folks on the river, and/or calling Ceiba prior to your trip launching.

73. How do we set up our kitchen?
Kitchen set up will change from camp to camp, with a few constants along the way. Looking for flat areas is always a good start. Your dish table should be set up close to the water (be sure to look for the high water line so your table does not get swept away!) You will have a prep table and a cooking table. You will also want to set up a hand wash system close to the kitchen. When setting up the blaster, make sure that it is out of the way of foot traffic, and VERY stable! Blasters can be dangerous if not properly set up

74. How do we set up our toilet?
Once you have arrived at camp and unloaded boats, one of your first priorities should be setting up the toilet. Often times, the best toilet spot is also a great spot for a camp. Let folks know that toilet set-up takes precedence over sleep spots. You should try to find a spot that is close to the river, secluded, and has a beautiful view!

You will have two 20-mil ammo cans: one is the yellow porto box, which comes equipped with a seat, toilet paper, and powdered bleach. The second ammo can is the red “Poop” can. Remove the lid and place seat on top of the red ammo can. Be sure to check and see if the poop can is level! There is also the aluminum riser that fits between the can and the seat. This is utilized when the can begins to fill up.

75. Do we need to pay attention to our boats at night?

For sure!!!!!! Water levels will fluctuate throughout your trip, unless you have constant flows. Depending on the camp, the water will rise or lower as the night progresses. Boat management before going to sleep is crucial so you don’t have to worry about it throughout the night. Always make sure your boats are tied securely to a rock or tree. Sand anchors are not permanent overnight anchors.

76. Will the fluctuation in water levels effect our parking at camp?
Yes! Bringing a tide chart on your trip is an effective tool when trying to understand the water levels.

Alcohol

77. How much alcohol can I bring?
The bottom line is that if you want it to fit, it will fit. The amount of alcohol you bring is a very personal decision. Once you have decided how many boats you are taking, you will have a better idea of space. We recommend chatting with your group to see how much canned beverages each person would like to have (sodas, beer, etc) per day. Keep in mind that hard alcohol takes up much less space.

78. Where can I get alcohol in Flagstaff?
Any grocery store in Flagstaff sells alcohol, but some places are cheaper than others. Cork and Bottle gives good deals, especially for large orders (ask for Richard). They have the most extensive variety of canned beer, and they also deliver to Ceiba. On Sundays you cannot buy alcohol or beer before 10 am.

79. Can I bring glass?
You can but we do not recommend it. We recommend buying alcohol in plastic bottles or transferring the liquid into other plastic bottles.

80. Where do I rig my alcohol?
There will be space in the front and back hatches for alcohol. If you are bringing personal dry boxes or ammo cans these are good options as well. If you decide to bring glass we can rent a 20 mil ammo can and pad the inside so the glass does not break.

81. Can we recycle?
Yes! Ceiba encourages recycling. We provide rice sacks for recycling and accept plastics #1-7, cardboard, tin, and aluminum. We ask that you rinse everything before placing it in the recycling rice bags. Glass can also be recycled, but should be rinsed and stored in an empty food box.

82. What is a rice bag used for?
Rice bags are used for recylcling. Typically we send out about a dozen rice bags to be used for plastics, aluminum and tin. It is greatly appreciate if these items are crushed and sorted.

Guide Books

83. What river maps do you recommend?
-- Grand Canyon River Guide- Buzz Belknap
-- Grand Canyon Map & Guide - a Venture Quest map, Bronze Black, local
Grand Canyon river guide
--The Colorado River in Grand Canyon-Larry Stevens, local scientist
--Guide to the Colorado River in Grand Canyon: Lees Ferry to South Cove Tom
Martin and Duwain Whitis

84. What are some reading materials to bring for Grand Canyon?
--Grand Canyon River Hikes-Tyler Williams, local river runner
--Rivers and Desert Plants of Grand Canyon-Kristin Huisinga, Lori Makarick,
Kate Watters – the best plant book for Grand Canyon, local botanists
--A River Runner’s Guide to the History of Grand Canyon-Kim Crumbo
--A Field Guide to Grand Canyon-Stephen Whitney
--Birds of Grand Canyon- Bryan T. Brown and Steve Carothers

Fishing In The Grand Canyon

85. Do I need a license?
Yes!

86. Where can I purchase a fishing license?
Marble Canyon (Marble Canyon, AZ) 928.355.2275
Babbit Fly Fishing (Flagstaff, AZ) 928.779.3253

87. What are the fishing regulations in Grand Canyon?
Grand Canyon follows the Arizona Game and Fish regulations. Please check the
following website for up to date regulations:
http://www.nps.gov/grca/naturescience/fish.htm

Here are a few helpful tips when fishing:
--Cut barbs off hooks
--Never handle fish unless your hands are wet
--If you are going to clean and eat the fish you catch be sure to kill the fish
ASAP!

Marble Canyon

88. Where can I find last minute supplies near Lees Ferry?
Marble Canyon Lodge has a fully stocked store with last minute or forgotten river items. From river guides to neoprene booties, you can find all of your forgotten goodies that you will need for your expedition.

89. Are there amenities in Marble Canyon?
Yes, lodging, restaurants and trading post.

Health and Safety

90. What type of PFD do I need?
U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD Type I, III or V

91. Why do I have to wash my hands so much?
Being in large groups in the wilderness, over extended periods of time, can lend to germs being spread very easily. It is important to wash hands after using the toilet and before each meal in order to prevent germs from spreading. Bugs can spread like rapid fire on a river trip if people are careless about washing hands. Plenty of hand sanitizer is a good idea.

92. How much water should I drink?
Typically we recommend drinking a gallon a day in the really hot seasons. Generally you want to be urinating six to seven times daily and your urine should be clear and copious. Hydration keeps everyone happy!

93. What happens if someone from my trip needs to be evacuated by helicopter?
The costs of an inner canyon rescue are covered by the tax payer, however ground transport and supporting commercial aero medical transportation is the finacial responsibility of the patient. The Trip Leader/permittee will be responsible for the cost if the passenger is unable to pay.

Post Trip Logistics

94. Where should I take out?
Both Diamond Creek and Pearce Ferry are viable take-out options. Each site has its pros and cons, and we are happy to discuss the options with you. Just give us a call or check out our website.

95. What time should I take out?
Typically we suggest 10:00 am, but we are happy to work with whatever works best for your group. During the monsoon months of July, August and September, we recommend the earlier the better! From March 15th to November 1st, you are not allowed to de-rig at Diamond Creek between 7:00 am and 10:00 am. This time is allotted for the Hualapai River Runners to rig and launch their trips at Diamond Creek.

96. What are take-out roads like?
--The Diamond Creek road is a very bumpy, rocky, dirt road that takes approximately one hour to drive. During heavy rains is can become washed out.
--The Pearce Ferry take-out is straightforward but far (goes through Kingman,
roughly 4.5 hours) from Flagstaff.

97. What are Hualapai fees?
The Diamond Creek take out is on the Hualapai Reservation. The Hualapai Indians charge a fee per person/vehicle to use the access road to the river. We can calculate this fee into your invoice, and take care of the charges from our end. If the Hualapai send you any notices showing that you still owe fees, we suggest you call and let them know that Ceiba is taking care of the fees for your group.

97. How in the heck do you pronounce Ceiba?
Try ”Say-ba.” The “ba” is pronounced as if you were saying, “bug,” but stop short
of the “g.” SAY-BA. Now say this 10 times, really fast!

Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon
Photo by: D. Centofanti