2024 Summer Reviews: Ending the Season with a Bang!
As we are heading into the end of our river season, we are filled with gratitude for another year in Grand Canyon doing what we love. We give thanks for steep canyon walls, thrilling rapids, dancing stars and all the incredible guests we’ve gotten to know this year. Thank you especially to all of our repeat customers that keep coming back to hangout with us year after year! We received countless reviews this summer, but below are some of our favorites.
Here are what some of our awesome guests had to say about their trips this summer:
Exceeded every expectation. I was a little nervous. As soon as we got to know Eric, no more nerves. He was honest about what to expect. Luke, the swamper was an added bonus. What a guy! So hard-working, an excellent chef, funny in his own way. Organization of the supplies and the trip were excellent. Cots were comfortable, all equipment was in good shape. Food was excellent. Expectations were clearly set. Side trips/hikes were an incredible pleasant surprise. And the stars! – Karen
If I could have jumped back on the raft and started all over again I would have. I truly smiled, laughed and was so happy the whole time. Being a geologist I was in heaven – Kim
Everything was perfectly organized, food was fresh , delicious, varied and prepared perfectly. The guides were friendly and professional and truly cared about us. 1 person in our group was 86 and needed special attention. Josh and Jackson were there to help her always. – Ersilia
JP, Dani and Matt could not have been better guides. Matt was especially patient with the children on our boat, answering about 1,000 of their questions per day and keeping an eye out for their needs. He was also extremely knowledgeable about the canyon and kept us entertained and laughing. Dani worked her ass off, simply put. She hustled so hard and it was impressive to watch. JP kept us safe, in good humor and is clearly at the top of his game as a guide. I will remain inspired by this team for the rest of my life. So much heartfelt gratitude for them and to have experienced this adventure with them at the lead. – Kate
This was my 3rd trip and my wife’s 4th and we have always enjoyed the guides. Carlos was extremely professional and always put safety first. – Bob
It was a surreal experience from start to finish. – Mark
Photo: Gary Reimers
Our guides were amazing. They were friendly, INCREDIBLY knowledgeable, and I trusted them almost immediately. Dan was an excellent leader, cool calm collected and authoritative but always maintaining a good sense of humor. Matt was a wealth of stories and knowledge about the canyon, I loved listening to him. Dave was particularly great. He always kept our energy up, and one long hike he walked the whole way with my mom and me, giving her a hand whenever there was a scramble and setting an easy pace. I really can’t say enough good things about these guys. – Marian
Dan and Matt were both easy to be with, personable, soooo knowledgable about the river, its history and cultural aspects which really made the trip so much richer. They were professional yet themselves. Safety was always paramount. I felt good when they explained “the plan” as well as saying it was subject to change. They are excellent cooks and set a good example for us for hygiene. I would not hesitate to recommend hatch and our guides for anyone. Worth a more expensive trip because of the enriching and professional experience. – Helena
Our crew, Shawn, JP, and Sarah were amazing. Besides being experts on handling the River they provided detailed knowledge of the Canyon and the history surrounding the area. Would definitely request them ALL again to guide my next trip. – Marcus
Greatest trip I have ever been on. Loved the scenery, hiking, camping, comradery(with the people) and I can’t forget the food. It was amazing. I would do it again in a heartbeat! – Larry
I called the day after I got home to inquire about another trip next year. That should tell you how I feel about how good my experience was. – Ed
Seeing the Grand Canyon this way was amazing and the solitude you experience being disconnected from everything was awesome to me. For someone who does not really like water and had never been white water rafting it was quite the experience. For being 65 I am glad I can say I did it as I overcame a lot of fears which is a good thing! I would highly recommend this company and this trip as you guys ROCK! – Tina
At 67 years old I have been on a lot of vacations and this one has to be high in my top 5. I would do it again and we are looking into the hiking trip in April. – Dan
Photo: Amy Horn
I’ll admit the heat/dryness of the environment, coldness of the river, and all the sand were a challenge, but so worth it!. (Thank you for the pre-trip info that included bringing good moisturizers.) The food was great, including the appetizers and snacks, and it was so good to have ice throughout the trip to keep water/aide and cocktails cold. The rapids were lots of fun, and all of the side-stops too (I especially had fun at the Little Colorado). I could go on and on, a lot of it hard to describe, it was unforgettable! – Melissa
The guides for this trip were absolutely amazing! Their knowledge of the canyon made the trip very special. They were also extremely accommodating and helpful throughout, providing boatman skills, canyon information, great food, safety information, and friendship throughout the trip. It was difficult letting them have personal space in the evenings because they were so much fun to be around, but I tried to give them any down time they needed to recharge. They answered every request and helped all of us in our weak moments (there was a heat wave during our trip). I can’t say enough good things about JP and crew! They made the trip so special for us. JP went above and beyond to keep us all happy, all the time. – Tami
The food as always was outstanding, the guides were awesome. I had 19 people on this event and I received awesome reviews from everyone. This was my wife’s and my third trip with you all. They were all similar but different. I tell everyone to use Hatch!! – Chuck
Holden, Jeremiah, Brandon, and Canyon were the guides on our wonderful Boats 11 and 3. They did a phenomenal job of providing us with useful information about the Colorado River, the geology of the Grand Canyon, the flora and fauna of the sections we passed through, the fascinating history of the people who lived and traveled on the river, and fun, quirky facts as well … Their leadership also fostered a strong sense of community in rather disparate groups of people within the larger group, so that we were a pretty friendly bunch by the end of the week. They even participated willingly in our talent show! I also appreciated the way these men treated women with respect and as equal partners on the trip … Thank you Holden, Jeremiah, Brandon, and Canyon! You have made a difference in our lives. I wish you all the best as you continue your travel on the River of life. – Deborah
We’re wrapping up another great season and we’re so grateful to everyone who chose Hatch River Expeditions for their trip of a lifetime rafting in Grand Canyon. We do what we do for you all but also with you all. We couldn’t do these trips without your presence and participation, and we hope you all went home with memories and friends for years to come. Now, these 2024 summer reviews will hold us over while we plan ahead for 2025!
Would you like to be a part of the fun next year?! Book your trip of a lifetime today!
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