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