5 Questions about Hatch Trips (that we get all the time!)

A lot of planning goes into a Grand Canyon river trip. Here are a few questions about Hatch trips that we answer often in the Hatch office. 

1) How should I prepare for my upcoming trip?

Read through ALL pre-trip materials. We do our best to inform all our guests about the trip at the time of booking, but the additional materials we provide go into much more detail. You can find all the details you need about transportation, packing, medical and dietary concerns, policies, and more in these packets. We recommend reading everything well in advance so you know what needs to happen and when—for example, if you need new shoes, it’s best to have months to break them in!

It’s also good to step up your physical activity if possible. Going on a hike on uneven terrain will help tremendously when you reach the unmaintained trails found in Grand Canyon. Remember that you’ll be camping in the undeveloped backcountry, so being physically prepared can make a huge difference. See the sheet on physical requirements in your pre-trip materials for more details.

You can find the specific documents for your trip style in your Activity Manager—check your emails from Hatch for your personalized link.

2) Do I really need rain gear?

Yep! Though temperatures in the canyon can reach well over one hundred degrees, the water temperature stays around 50 degrees all year long. Having a rain jacket and pants can repel those exhilarating waves of water in the rapids. It also never hurts to have rain gear in case of an afternoon monsoon or another unexpected storm! Monsoon season in Grand Canyon usually falls during July and August. 

Read more about why you need rain gear on the river!

3) Where do I go to the bathroom?

Per NPS regulations, liquid waste goes directly into the river. That means to pee, guests either squat or wade into the water. We generally direct men to go one way and women the other. (If you’re non-binary or trans, go whichever way you feel most comfortable with or talk to the guides about other possible solutions.) 

In camp, we set up portable toilets called “groovers.” These get placed in secluded area ar the edges of camp and are reserved for solid waste. If you can’t really separate your bodily functions that way, it’s okay—you can take care of both at the groover. If you find that you need go #2 while away from camp, let a guide know and they can provide you with a “wag bag” to dispose of it properly.

Read more about how bathrooms work on the river!

4) What gear does Hatch provide?

Pretty much the only items Hatch guests need to bring are their own personal gear. (Your packing list has recommendations!) Hatch provides each guest with two water resistant dry bags. One dry bag is for a small backpack and items needed during the day. The second dry bag is larger and will contain your Hatch provided sleep kit along with your duffel bag of night gear.

We provide you with all camping and rafting equipment you need, including a life jacket, a camp chair, one 3-person tent per two guests, and a sleep kit. On motorized trips the sleep kit includes: a ground cloth, a camp cot, and a commercially laundered sleeping bag, pillow with pillow case, and sheet. On oar powered trips the sleep kit includes: a ground cloth, a sleeping pad, and a commercially laundered sleeping bag, pillow with pillow case, and sheet. We also provide all eating utensils and plates for meals.

Read more about how to pack for your river trip. OR Watch our 4 minute packing guide!

5) How long are we on the rafts during a typical day?

Usually you won’t be on the rafts for more than 3-5 hours per day. You’ll make stops about every 1-2 hours for a side canyon adventure, lunch, or just so everyone can stretch their legs and use the bathroom. 

We want you to go into your trip with 100% confidence that you know everything you need to know. That’s why we address questions about Hatch trips in a variety of places. Here are a few ways for you to get your questions answered:

• Check out our comprehensive FAQs 
• Read our the tips and tricks we share on the Hatch blog
• Email us an inquiry using our contact form
• Call our office and talk to someone