Our group of 16 just completed a 6-day raft trip with OARS from Lees Ferry to Phantom Ranch, hiking out the Bright Angel Trail. The experience could not have been better. The 4 guides were skilled, very knowledgeable about Grand Canyon history, geology, and archaeology, and a lot of fun. The 4 people rowing the supply boats were skilled, strong, youthful, and all clearly aiming for future guide status. All 8 got along great, and, by alternating cooking duties in camp, were able to interact with our group and engage in games, of which Bocce Ball among obstacles in each campsite was the most wildly fun and memorable. The guides were very attentive to trip details, not least of which was keeping people hydrated and cool in the high heat in the Canyon in August. I could not give a stronger commendation to our crew (led by Cy Hershey) in particular and OARS in general.
Favorite Part? There is no way to come up with a single favorite for this trip! We did the whole thing - 18 days and close to 270 miles - and there is not one moment or mile that I would like trade in! The staff provided an excellent, exciting, well thought-out and well executed itinerary with the ability to make alterations smootly when conditions dictated. The quality of the meals was amazing - pineapple upside down cake at at he bottom of the Grand Canyon!? - with FRESH fruit and produce every single day on top of the amazing dinners...it was a momorable experience that I will never forget. In spite of this being a RIVER trip, we spent most of our time on land, exploring, hiking and relaxing and seeing the MOT beautiful scenery this country has to offer.The quality of the equipment was top notch. We had tents, sleeping bags and air mats provided and had no problem with any of the equipment. Actually, many of the nights we slept under the stars with no tent, and you will probably NEVER see as many stars as from the bottom of the most beautiful canyon in the world!Regarding the whitewater, this was my first time to experience major rapids, and I was a little trepidatious. The boats were all handled perfectly by the excellent and professional guides so that we got to enjoy the exhilaration of Colorado River Whitewater and I never felt concerned about our safety. I even got to experience running whitewater OUTSIDE of the boat floating on my back!I simply had the best time of my life, and if you are seriously thinking about this kind of adventure you should just do it!!
Remarkable guides in a lovely canyon on a powerful river. What could be better? A great mix of guests, sleeping under the stars on 3 thick pads (you do NOT feel the ground, best outdoor sleep ever), meals cooked beautifully, cold beer, a toilet to sit on in camp, Tales of history and geology, singing around the campfire, lifelong friends made, living daily in awe of whats around you, what youre floating on and looking forward to the hike out at Phantom Ranch, an experience in itself. Go. Just Go. Book it now.
My recent trip was absolutely one of the best experiences I have ever had. From the knowledgeable crew, to the food, to the level of care for the participants, everything was top notch from beginning to end. I am already planning my next trip in two years with my daughter and son-in-law. I cant wait!Hubert Nerwin
Man, Our entire group of friends (6 in total) were absolutely blown away by the OARS team. From pre-trip to the trip itself they are professional and clearly one of (if not the most) professional group running the esteemed Grand Canyon. Our guides and support staff were amazing. Fun, professional, knowldgeable, safety experts and above all dedicated to creating a once in a lifetime experience. Ben was amazing, Rio, Joe, Collin, John, Amber and Amber were absolutely amazing.
Life changing experience ! My 16 year old son and I did the 12 day Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash the first week in June. From the start the communication by OARS was fantastic. The videos prepped us for our trip. Our Team leader was Chelsea and she was a joy to work with. Our other guides, Ned, Tim and Scotty were amazing. The time on raft was nice to get to know the fellow rafters and the guides. It was so refreshing to unplug from electronic media and communication and get back to the basics. The hikes were great and the rapids exciting. The sheer size of the Grand Canyon was impressive.All our needs were taken care of. All the guests were amazed at how good the food was and how we were able to have fresh fruit on such a long trip. After this trip, I would only have OARS as my outfitter for this or any other rafting trip. Thanks
Just returned from my amazing Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash dory trip. The guides were amazing - caring, experienced, informative, fun! I felt safe and cared for every inch of the way - all 187 miles of the trip. The hikes were challenging, but the guides helped me build my confidence and skill sets so that I could successfully achieve my goals to see slot canyons, waterfalls and beautiful scenery. The logistics were flawless, food was varied and delicious and the sleep kits were comfortable. Ive wanted to do this trip for 40 years. Im ecstatic that I chose OARS to guide me on this life changing journey. Thanks to Lew Steiger, Moqui Johnson, Sean Bothman, Rio Hibarger, Eric, Hayden, Kerry & Ana for making my trip magical
Great company to go rafting with. Stop in and see the Emerald Mile.
OARS has only become better. Did The Grand Canyon trip in 2001 and wanted our now teenage son to have the experience. Team Leader Andre Potochnik has an easy way and gift of imparting his knowledge of everything GC and the fascinating geology one lives on this journey. Entire crew was attentive to every detail with amazing cuisine morning noon and night. Duffy Dale let us share in the maiden voyage of the Marble Canyon dory dedicated to Martin Litton. Great to see the Dale clan at Lees Ferry. IF THERE WERE A SIXTH STAR RATING, THIS TRIP WOULD GET THE RATING. Entire team was focused on all having a memorable and positive time. Learned a great deal from documentary film maker (recording the Marble Canyon debut) and every effort was made to include the clients and respect GC time. Not an easy juggling act, but done with great skill. Saw lots of new territory and some favorite old haunts. New appreciation for why John Wesley Powell called this place The Grand Canyon. Dont wait.....GO!
We just returned from the Whitmore Wash to Lake Meade Trip with the dream team of Roger & Delli Dale, and Duffy & Kirsten Dale and their helpers. It was the trip of a lifetime. The Staff at Oars provided detailed information to us, which was particularly helpful since we had never taken this kind of trip. From the night in a covered wagon at Bar 10, to camping under the stars, everything was impeccable, food delicious, the atmosphere engaging and fun. The rafting was fun but not scary for a first-timer. Food was delicious and varied. The sights were incredible and breathtaking including the Granite Gorge, the waterfalls, and the travertine grotto. I would recommend this trip very highly and we so enjoyed our team with this particular team! They were fun but always professional! Cant wait to do it again!