Being on the river is taking a break from the hustle of everyday life. You travel downstream in inflatable oar rafts and paddle boats, with motor boat support. Everyone works together, helping set up camp, do science projects, cook dinner, and wash dishes. You are a full participant in all aspects of river life! Each day you will move downstream, and each night you will camp some place new.

What happens off the river can be as spectacular as the rapids! Come ready to explore side canyons- you may hike to historical sites or hidden waterfalls. Every GCY program includes a Citizen Science element, where you will assist in collecting data for ongoing research projects, and most Summer Expeditions will include scientist representatives from the USGS or National Park Service. GCY guides will also lead art projects, games, and leadership activities. Come ready to work & learn!

Your group will include youth from across the country – sometimes from across the world! Each program has a Trip Coordinator, an adult leader in charge of helping you prepare and making your expedition successful! Your Trip Coordinator will communicate with you prior to the program and be your main group leader throughout the program. At the river you will meet your guide crew. These are experienced river guides who have a passion for working with youth. Many GCY guides are alumni of our programs! You will also likely have 1 or more scientists from the USGS or National Park Service facilitating a Citizen Science research project. Be sure to ask a lot of questions to all of these incredible human resources.

It is important to be in good physical condition for this adventure. Building up endurance prior to your program is a good idea. You will be outside, active, and in the hot sun every day. This is part of the fun, but can be challenging. Besides rafting and hiking, plan on being involved in loading and unloading boats, packing and unpacking gear, and setting up and taking down camp.

Hiking in the desert southwest is different from hiking anywhere else. Many hikes contain uphill sections over uneven terrain, near vertical drop-offs. It can be very hot and dry, or wet and cold. Some hikes include rock scrambling and require guide assistance. Hiking is an important aspect of the program, expect to hike a couple hours a day.

Youth on the Partners in Science programs will need to prepare to hike in or out of Grand Canyon via the well-maintained Bright Angel Trail, carrying a heavy pack. There are several places to stop, rest, and refill water bottles along the way and you are encouraged to go at your own pace. You will be responsible for carrying all of your clothing and personal hygiene items. The hike is steep, strenuous, and at high elevation. Think about it like climbing stairs for more than four hours!

Most emergencies can be prevented by taking care of yourself and listening to safety guidelines. GCY guides are certified Wilderness First Responders, and travel with a satellite phone and extensive first-aid materials. If there is an incident, the GCY office will work with guides to organize any needed support and contact parents. If you are nervous about any aspect of the program, please contact us for more information.

The weather on the Colorado Plateau is as varied and unpredictable as the place itself. Prepare for all kinds of weather. The Rim is in the 90’s by day but chilly at night. Temperatures on the river can be over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. You should expect it to be hot, dry, and sunny. River water is refreshing and plentiful, so there is always natural “air conditioner” flowing right by you. Packing layers will help you to adjust to the range of temperatures.

Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is the closest, large airport in the area, and services most major airlines. If you choose to fly into PHX, please leave enough time to travel from Phoenix to Flagstaff and still arrive on-time for your expedition. If you need a shuttle from PHX to Flagstaff, we recommend using Arizona Shuttle (more information below). Be sure to look at shuttle times and double check that you will get into Flagstaff on time for your program before booking your flights.

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is a small, regional airport and currently only services flights from American Airlines, connecting to Phoenix, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Denver.

If you are traveling from within the Southwest region, there are some overland travel options as well!

Arizona Shuttle (a division of Groome Transportation) is our recommended van shuttle service for traveling around Arizona. They have a wide variety of shuttle times and stops, and are very dependable. If you are flying into or out of Phoenix Sky Harbor, consider using Arizona Shuttle for the last leg of your journey to Flagstaff. If you are traveling to Flagstaff from elsewhere in Arizona, this is also a great option.

Amtrak Passenger Trains arrive and depart Flagstaff on a regular basis. If traveling from New Mexico or southern California, this could be a good option for you! Amtrak Passenger Trains are typically at least an hour late, and may arrive or depart very early or late at night. Please plan plenty of buffer time to accommodate delays in train travel.

Greyhound Bus is another option for traveling overland to Flagstaff. Youth traveling on their own via Greyhound should be experienced travelers and ready to navigate any bus changes on their route.

Please Call GCY before booking flights, shuttles, or other transportation! While we are not travel agents, we can absolutely give advice and help double check dates and times with you.

Flagstaff Pick up & Drop off: Grand Canyon Youth will have support staff available on days that Expeditions launch and finish to help pick up and drop off participants. If you are arriving to / departing from a Flagstaff location, like the Amtrak station or FLG airport, we can pick you up or drop you off from the GCY office.

GCY Office Overnight: We highly recommend that you arrive / depart on the day your Expedition begins / ends; however, we know that travel arrangements can get complicated! In the event that you need to arrive the day before your Expedition begins or depart the day after your Expedition ends we can host you overnight at the GCY office. You will be supervised by a GCY staff member during this time, and likely assist in picking up and dropping off other participants. Please bring enough money for 2-3 meals, and have a cell phone to communicate with GCY staff while you’re traveling. You will be expected to adhere to the same behavioral expectations in town as you are on Expedition.

Unaccompanied Minors: Airlines have specific regulations regarding youth traveling on their own. Most companies will allow youth of 15 years and older to travel on their own without special supervision requirements, but please research what restrictions might exist when booking flights.

Travel Insurance can be helpful in the event of a missed or delayed flight, medical evacuation, or lost baggage.

After Expeditions groups may want to coordinate a last lunch or dinner in Flagstaff. That’s great! Please do not congregate at the GCY office after your Expedition has officially ended, and understand that any participants staying overnight at GCY after the program must remain with GCY staff until their departure.