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Ceiba Adventures Logistics: Campsite List and Put-In/ Take-Out Information for the Grand Canyon

 

NPS Grand Canyon Campsite List (.pdf will open in a new window)

Lee’s Ferry, Marble Canyon, AZ

Lee’s Ferry/Marble Canyon is where Grand Canyon river trips launch. One hundred and twenty miles north of Flagstaff, Marble Canyon is home to three lodges (Marble Canyon Lodge, Lee’s Ferry Lodge, and Cliff Dwellers Lodge). All have multiple services, including restaurants, lodging, pay phones, and outgoing mail.

Rig Day:
Traveling from your point of origin to Lee’s Ferry and then rigging your boats usually takes a full day. Many of Ceiba’s services can alleviate frustration and save time if you utilize them!

There is electricity at Lee’s Ferry, bathrooms (no showers), and a private river runner’s camp spot just downstream from the launch ramp. It is illegal to camp on the ramp.

Often, many private, commercial, and science trips rig on the same day at the ramp. Use just enough space to complete your rig, on the far downstream end of the ramp. Only 2 vehicles from your group are allowed on the ramp at the same time. The Ranger should swing by to do your equipment checkout at some point in the afternoon. They will want to see all the required equipment, trip leader paperwork and participant list. One of the items most closely inspected are your life jackets. The pfd’s must be in good shape and US Coast Guard approved. See the NPS required equipment list.

Launch Day:
The ranger will stop by in the morning promptly at 9 am for orientation. This generally happens at your camp or under the shade structure on the ramp. It typically lasts about an hour. The ranger will check everyone’s photo id at the orientation. Be sure to remind your group to bring photo id!

Don’t forget:
Trip paperwork
Valid photo ID for everyone on the trip
Participant roster with names (including middle initials) and social security #s
Copy of the Colorado River Operating Requirements (CORS)

Fun in Hermit Rapid

Take-out information - Grand Canyon:

There are two take out options for your Grand Adventure. There are pros and cons to each option. We are not here to persuade you in either direction but to provide you with the facts. We want to support you in making an educated decision. Below is the pertinent information regarding all three take-outs.

If you arrive and start de-rigging before our driver arrives, try to separate personal gear into one pile and Ceiba gear in another. Like items piled together. The straps holding the frames on the boat all remain attached to the frame. The floor gets tightened up flat to the frame. Please leave drop bags attached to the frame! Bundle oars in packages of four.

**If you are changing any pick up times you need to notify us by SAT phone several days ahead of time.

1) Diamond Creek, AZ; River Mile 226; Hualapai Indian Reservation

It can be busy and hectic at Diamond Creek! Putting some time and effort into planning your take-out is of the utmost importance. Think about de-rig procedures that will save you and your group time on the ramp. Camping within 5 miles of the take-out is a must. From March 1st– November 1st, ONLY the Hualapai are allowed to rig and de-rig on the Diamond Creek ramp between 7 AM and 10 AM. We will need to schedule a pick up time for your take out. We often recommend between 10 and 11 am. Please be friendly and patient with all the different parties at the take-out, and pay respect to the Hualapai. It is illegal to drink alcoholic beverages on the ramp. From the take-out, it takes a solid hour to drive up Diamond Creek Road, which is unpaved, to Peach Springs, AZ Route 66.

The Hualapai Tribe charges exit fees for every river trip. They currently charge $64.20 per person, per vehicle, and per driver in 2011. Ceiba will be happy to assist you with any or all of your Diamond Creek take-out logistics!

If you are planning on going below Diamond Creek and doing the "Diamond Down" section, Ceiba can assist you with all these options as well. We have 15 hp Honda 4 stroke outboard motors available, transoms to fit 18' row boats, fuel tanks, and we can bring in a re-supply with fresh food, ice, beer, and anything your group desires for the lower end of your trip. Ceiba's expertise is this area is a strong resource to consider.

***Check out our PDF, on all the latest camping options below Diamond Creek all the way to the new Pearce Ferry Take Out - Click Here

2) Pearce Ferry Ramp, Lake Mead, River Mile 279

The new Pearce Ferry Ramp take-out opened on March 15th, 2010. Commercial outfitters, Canyon Jet Boat Services, the Hualapai Day Trips, science expeditions, and private boaters are using the ramp. As of 2010 you are not permitted to launch any trips from this ramp. You are also not allowed to camp on the ramp. The PFR is a great take out to consider for a Diamond Down trip and is a very viable option for a complete canyon trip too.

The lower Granite Gorge is spectacular from mile 226 to 237. There are six significant rapids and the current moves pretty well thru this corridor. Grand Canyon ends at Mile 276.5, the Grand Wash Cliffs.

Several 'Pros" to think about while considering the Diamond Down stretch are:

• Saving all the Hualapai exit fees by not taking out at Diamond Creek
• The option of extending your trip a few more days
• Classic Grand Canyon style rapids in the lower gorge
• You will experience the entire Grand Canyon
• Unlimited side canyon hikes
• Lake Mead officially starts at 240 mile, Separation Canyon, but there is current well past PFR take out
• No upstream traffic is allowed above 240 mile

3) South Cove, Lake Mead, AZ; River Mile 297

This take out is still a viable option to consider as well, but it revolves around the nasty Class V Pearce Ferry rapid. The additional 20 miles from Pearce Ferry to South Cove is incredible country to see. Plenty of camps on both sides of the river, however it can be hot during the summer months on Lake Mead. There are several small rapids at the end of Ice Berg Canyon mile 292 that are fun. You'll also have 3 to 4 miles of blue "still" Lake Mead water to traverse to get to South Cove. There are no fees associated with the take out at South Cove and the road is entirely paved.

Pearce Ferry Hole

Diamond Down

Utilizing Diamond Creek as a put-in and running the Lower Gorge is becoming more and more popular. Putting together a private trip and utilizing a Ceiba motorized snout rig makes it a really enjoyable journey. Add a few row boats and inflatable kayaks and your group is set! Call us with questions when you’re planning this “short but sweet” adventure.

Helpful Hints

Hydration and Sanitation

Taking care of yourself is of utmost importance, for your benefit and that of your entire group. Staying hydrated with electrolyte-rich beverages daily will keep you happy and feeling good.

Sanitation starts with everyone always washing his/her hands before each meal, and after using the porto potty. Reminding each other of this task is ultimately the best way to make sure it happens.

Sunscreen, sun coverage (hats and lightweight long sleeves and pants), and staying cool in the heat are absolute musts for making your river adventure successful. Remember it’s a desert out there!

Winter and off-season trips can be a little different, with different gear and clothing needs. Feel free to contact us with questions and concerns about summer and winter extremes in the Canyon.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Accident Insurance is now available through Grand Canyon Private Boaters Association. This is an awesome opportunity to get accident insurance for your river trip. You must be a GCPBA member to qualify, so sign up first.

Then check out the many benefits the group policy through GCPBA program offers. Ceiba is recommending this accident insurance policy to all of our clients and participants. Contact them at www.GCPBA.org