OARS Grand Canyon Dories

Our group of 16 just completed a 6-day raft trip with OARS from Lee's 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.
Jul 23rd, 2021

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!!
May 11th, 2021

Jul 27th, 2020

Jan 30th, 2020

Just returned from my amazing Lee's 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. I've wanted to do this trip for 40 years. I'm 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
Oct 28th, 2019