FAQS

If you’re planning a day trip or just a local trip, there are a few items you’ll want to have. Remember, this is the desert, and you’ll want to protect yourself from extreme temperatures and high UV indexes.

• Water (1 Gallon per person per day)
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Swimsuit or Clothes You Don’t Mind Getting Wet
• Water Shoes
• Water Camera
• Lunch Or Snacks
• Towel
• Dry Clothes for After the Trip

You will want to bring everything mentioned for day trips, as well as camping gear and enough food to last the entire trip. However, keep in mind that if you are in a kayak, space is limited, and it’s similar to backpacking in terms of packing. Try to avoid excessive gear and only bring the essentials. 

This advice also applies to canoeing, even though you have more room in a canoe. Aim to pack as lightly as possible. It’s recommended to use dry bags to ensure your sleeping bag and clothes stay dry.

We can’t guarantee that you won’t flip over, but we do take precautions to help minimize the risk of capsizing. We specialize in using Ocean Kayak brand sit-on-top kayaks in our rental fleet. These boats are designed for use on the ocean, so they can handle most water conditions on the river. They are very stable as long as you don’t overload them. We have over 10 O.K. models available for rentals, and we try to match you with the right boat.

If you opt for a touring kayak or canoe, please be aware that these boats handle differently. Your center of gravity may be higher, or the boat may be narrower, which can affect stability. Sit-on-top kayaks are also easier to self-rescue from, so we recommend contacting us for more information on the right boat for your needs. Use the link below to see what the Ocean Kayak looks like:

https://rb.gy/kvm6m

The Colorado River is a year-round attraction, but there are specific periods in the year that makes it even more enjoyable!

Fall and early spring, from October to November, offer mild temperatures, and motorized traffic starts to decrease.

During spring, from mid-March to mid-May, temperatures range from the 70s in March to 90-100 degrees in May. As the weather warms up, river traffic becomes more active, and quiet moments on the river are less guaranteed.

As summer approaches, more motorized boats appear, making the river quite busy. We strongly recommend early morning launches in the summer. We can arrange for you to start as early as 6:00 am, which is ideal. However, if you’re on vacation and prefer a later start, around 10:30 am is when motorized traffic increases, and the wind picks up.

Winter offers a quiet and serene experience. If solitude is what you seek, December to early March is ideal. There are fewer motorized boats during this time, and you can enjoy mild temperatures while observing the migratory waterfowls. With some planning, you can paddle and truly savor the experience!

No, there are no rapids or whitewater on the lower river. Over the past 70 years, the river has undergone significant changes, resulting in the creation of several reservoirs for water storage and power generation. The flowing sections of the river maintain a current of approximately 3 mph. While it may appear to move faster, this is due to the volume of water rather than rapid currents. 

Meanwhile, on the Davis Dam to Rotary Park trip, you can even make it to the end in about 4 hours without paddling.

We do not have specific age restrictions; it depends on what parents feel comfortable with. If you plan to bring a child, please ensure you have an appropriate life jacket for them. We offer children’s life jackets and recommend calling in advance to make the necessary arrangements. 

However, please be aware that there are some trips that may not be suitable for smaller children. We also advise checking with other members of your group to ensure that bringing children aligns with the dynamics of the group.

While we have seen people bring pets, including a pet goat, over the years, we do not recommend taking animals on our trips. It’s important to realize that the desert can be a very harsh environment for pets, and their presence may not align with the group’s dynamics. Therefore, we suggest leaving them at home for their safety and the overall enjoyment of your trip.

Since the lower river is considered a navigable waterway, motorized traffic is permitted throughout. However, there are some spots on Lake Mead and Mohave that are relatively isolated and see less boat activity, making them more suitable for those seeking a quieter experience. Please feel free to give us a call, and we’ll be happy to provide directions to these less crowded areas.

Yes! You can still go. Although your cost will be higher. Figure what the trip would cost with the minimum participants and that is what it will cost if you cannot meet the minimum trip participants.