| Four Days, Class 1-10
Departure Dates
(Begin & End Dates)
May 2-5; July 29-August 1
Price
$1758-$1804
|
Five Days, Class 1-10
Departure Dates
(Begin & End Dates)
April 17-21, May 13-17,
June 8-12, June 21-25,
August 17-21
Price
$2023-$2080 |
WHITEWATER
• There are 5 rapids
rated 5 or higher on the Whitmore Wash to Lake Mead section. Whitewater
in the Canyon is rated on a scale of 1 – 10 (unlike the more
common rating which use the I – VI scale). A "1" is a small
riffle, and a "10" is the most difficult rapid still considered run
able. This section has milder whitewater than the river upstream, but
it still provides plenty of adventure and excitement.
HIKES ALONG THE RIVER
• Each day varies, but
on an average you'll spend 3-5 hours on the boats a day, and the rest
of the time hiking and exploring side canyons, eating, or relaxing in
camp. The most gentle hikes are no more difficult than negotiating a
few yards of beach sand or stepping over a few rocks. Other guests may
go for several miles over a rough trail, climb steeply up a hot
hillside, requiring the use of both hands over awkward boulders and
demanding caution as you navigate a narrow trail above a steep cliff.
Our guides are happy to help novices with any advice or assistance,
many times their helpfulness enables the timid and inexperienced to get
to special places that many other groups pass by. Remember, however,
all hikes are optional and you can choose to relax and take in a few
tanning rays or read a book instead.
The Trip Begins
A representative from Vision Air will meet
you promptly at 12:00 noon at the Las
Vegas McCarran Airport. The meeting place is located in the main
terminal directly behind the information counter, between the north and
south baggage claim areas. Please do not be late.
The Vision Air representative will then drive you to the North Las
Vegas Airport where you will board your charter plane for the 30-45
minute flight to Bar 10 Ranch.
Sample Itinerary
Keep in mind the itinerary for the trip
from Whitmore Wash to Lake Mead can vary widely. We adapt to individual
group needs, weather, water flows and take into consideration other
groups on the river.
No two trips are alike,
but here is an idea of what you can expect.
Day 1
• Meet at 12:00 noon at
McCarran Airport. A brief shuttle ride to the North Las Vegas Airport
will bring you to the plane for the flight to Bar 10 Ranch. Following
lunch you are free to participate in any of the activities the ranch
has to offer. Finish off the day with some country-western
entertainment provided by the ranch hands.
Day 2
• The aroma of a country
breakfast greets you in the morning. Following breakfast, you'll fly
via helicopter to the river's edge at Whitmore Wash where your river
guides will greet you. After repacking your gear into the waterproof
bags and a safety talk, we'll load the rafts, slip into lifejackets and
start down the river.
Day 3
• Your hunger for
adventure is soon satisfied by the churning waters of 205, 209 and 217
Mile rapids which discount the myth that all the good whitewater occurs
above Whitmore Wash. We spend a delightful, fun-filled day discovering
this. More than just whitewater, however, the trip affords an
opportunity to hike and explore this exquisite desert region.
Day 4
• On our last full day
on the river, we slip past Diamond Creek and enter the lower Granite
Gorge, making our final camp at, or just above, Separation Rapid. The
power launch which will carry us across Lake Mead enters our campsite
and we feel a strange sense of loss – our adventure is coming
to a close. The stars seem extra lovely tonight.
Day 5
• The morning of our
final day you board the jet boat for the journey downstream and across
Lake Mead. From here you travel by van shuttle (approximately a 3-hour
ride) back to the Las Vegas McCarran Airport. Expect to be there
between 1-3:00 pm. Due to possible traffic delays and security checks
we do not recommend you reserve a flight for departure prior to 5:00 pm.
What's Included?
• Transportation by van
and plane from Las Vegas McCarran Airport to Bar 10 Ranch
• Ranch activities including horseback riding, skeet
shooting, hiking, ATV (additional cost), etc.
• Accommodations at the Bar 10 Ranch
• Helicopter ride from Bar 10 Ranch to Whitmore Wash
• Expedition equipment, including highest quality
rafts, 2 person shared tent, sleep kit (sleeping bag, sleeping pad,
ground cloth, sheet and pillow), life jacket, waterproof bags and
watertight metal can, camp chair as well as eating utensils, plates and
cups.
• Meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on your last day
• Skilled, professional, experienced guides
• Van shuttle from Lake Mead to Las Vegas McCarran
Airport
What's Not Included?
• Pre - and post-trip
accommodations and meals
• Transportation to/from Las Vegas
• Items of a personal nature (an equipment list will
be provided)
About the Bar 10 Ranch
The Grand Canyon Bar 10 Ranch is located in the northwest corner of
Arizona, with the magnificent Grand Canyon and the Colorado River in
its back yard! The lodge at Bar 10 was completed in 1982 and can
accommodate up to 36 overnight guests. It is one of the oldest cattle
ranches on the legendary Arizona Strip – often called
America's last frontier. Brawling, often bloody chapters in the
chronicles of the early West were etched into this historic outback by
homesteaders, cattle barons and outlaws. Trails wind through rugged
mountains and densely wooded river bottoms that once sheltered the
Anasazi Indians as well as notorious desperadoes the likes of Butch
Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Here, some 80 miles from the nearest
paved roads, the Bar 10 couples the seclusion and serenity of a remote
wilderness area with all the amenities of a new beautiful lodge.
Facilities at Bar 10 Ranch include a Trading Post
that carries snacks, sodas, film, curios, t-shirts, caps, souvenirs,
and river supplies. Because it's located some 2 ½ hours from
paved roads, power lines, telephones, smog, TV, and other distractions
of civilization, one can experience the rustic nostalgia of the
‘Wild' West. Sleeping facilities include 2 person covered
wagons and western-style bunks (four to a room). A dirt runway
facilitates small aircrafts and a helicopter and pilot are stationed at
the ranch to enable scenic flights or in the case of an emergency.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed into the lodge
where you are welcome to help yourself to a buffet-style chuck wagon
lunch. Following lunch, you will be assigned a room. Once settled, we
will provide you with a brief orientation concerning the Arizona Strip
local history and certain ranch operations, after which you will walk
or ride to a nearby arena where you will be entertained by a mini rodeo
and ranch demonstrations. Many guests enjoy participating in a branding
of a calf, shoeing a horse, trick roping, or the black powder rifle
shooting. The remainder of the afternoon is hiking, playing horseshoes,
taking trail rides, or simply relaxing, it's your choice. Please note:
the Bar 10 does not serve alcohol (neither beer nor mixed drinks). You
are, of course, welcome to bring your own.
Supper features a hearty Dutch-oven meal with
green salad, homemade rolls, coffee and punch. Following your meal,
guests will enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the canyon as it flaunts
its colorful sunset wardrobe. Evening activities features
country-western entertainment around the massive rock fireplace.
A bedtime snack of homemade cookies or fresh
watermelon caps off the evening before you retire to the silent sounds
of the open country and the Wild West. You may sleep in the
western-style bunk beds or covered wagons, for private sleeping with an
outdoor flair!
Family Adventure Vacations - Grand Canyon: Pages: 1
2
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