We see so much rapid change in our lives everyday, from technology to fashion trends. But even as things are constantly changing some things never do.

We figured out a way to make rafting in the most incredible place you’ve ever been even better! Our specialty trips give you an opportunity to do more than just see Grand Canyon. Now you can raft, camp, explore, bond with friends and family, AND get an in depth education or practical experience on a subject you love.
In the past, Hatch has offered specialty trips to chartered groups with interests in art, photography, geology, and more. Now, we’re extending that same opportunity to the public. Availability for specialty trips is limited. If you see your dream trip on our list, sign up right away!
On this 7 day full canyon adventure, you’ll focus on Grand Canyon’s unique geology. Stops will focus on sites of geological significance, and a geology interpreter will teach you about the billions of years of exposed rock layers that make up the canyon’s walls. Among the highlights are discussions of unconformities that represent huge spans of time missing from the geologic record, what the environment the Colorado Plateau was like when different sedimentary layers were deposited, and how more recent volcanic activity changed the canyon’s landscape.
Trip overview:
Alison Jones is a third generation geologist who loves introducing adventurous travelers to the wonders of the Grand Canyon. As a child, her family’s vacations were centered around finding interesting rocks, fossils, and landforms. These family adventures eventually led her to earning Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Louisiana State University and a Masters degree in Geology from the Colorado School of Mines. Most of her career was spent as a hydrogeologist, doing water supply, permitting, and environmental projects. She managed the Tucson office of Clear Creek Associates, a hydrogeologic consulting firm, until she retired at the end of 2023. She is a past President of the Arizona Geological Society, and a current member of the Arizona Geological Society and the New Mexico Geological Society.
The Grand Canyon is the geologic phenomenon that most fascinates Alison. She has done 14 trips with Hatch through the Canyon and learned from some of the most renowned geologists in the field about the structural, stratigraphic, and more modern features (landslides, debris flows, volcanic activity) of the Canyon. The high point of one of her trips that she led was when one participant said, “I’m never traveling without a geologist again!”
In 1857-1858, prior to John Wesley Powell’s expeditions, Lt Joseph Christmas Ives led a trip to explore the lower Colorado river for the US War Department. Ives was unimpressed with the Canyon, as he saw no commercial value to the land. But John Strong Newberry, a trained physician and a geologist on the trip, said “The Colorado River is to the geologist a paradise. It has the most splendid exposure of stratified rocks that there is in the world.” Alison would add that the River is a paradise not only to geologists, but to anyone who is fascinated by the enormity of earth history and the lessons it has to teach us.
We often host special interest groups on privately chartered trips. If you are a member of a club, business, or educational group, consider booking a private charter!
Learn fun facts about Grand Canyon’s rapids, campsites, and other interesting sites and stops along the river in this 40-page downloadable guide.
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Tackle the Colorado River on our motorized rafts and experience Grand Canyon from the river.
Did you know that Crash Canyon is named after a historic airline collision? Or that John Wesley Powell's crew abandoned him at Kanab Rapid and hiked out of the canyon?
Download our 40-page Short Guide to Grand Canyon for the inside scoop on the most exciting campsites, rapids, and points of interest you can access from the river. We've included fun facts and fascinating stories for:
Did you know that Crash Canyon is named after a historic airline collision? Or that John Wesley Powell's crew abandoned him at Kanab Rapid and hiked out of the canyon?
Download our 40-page Short Guide to Grand Canyon for the inside scoop on the most exciting campsites, rapids, and points of interest you can access from the river. We've included fun facts and fascinating stories for: