July 19, 2009 7:00 AM - 60 attended
Colorado River Flotilla!
It is officially on!!! Our first ever flotilla down the Colorado River! On Sunday, July 19, the Black Canyon section of the Colorado will be closed to motorized watercraft. Instead, it will be overrun with inflatables!!!
Here's the plan:
Army:The majority of people in the flotilla will meet at the Fiesta Henderson at 7 AM and arrive at the trailhead for the Arizona Hot Springs at 8AM on Sunday morning. For the sake of simplicity, this group will be known as the Army. Bring your inflatable(s), your refreshments, and your determination as you prepare for a HOT three mile hike down to the Hot Springs. Hike time should be under two hours. Once we're all at the beachhead, we'll blow up our tubes/boats/whatever and hit the water! If you don't want to carry your heavier items, see below in orange.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU COORDINATE WITH OTHER HIKERS SO YOU CAN MORE EFFICIENTLY BRING WHAT YOU NEED. You can discuss it on the Message Board by clicking here
Marines: In addition to that party, some will come in on Saturday and camp overnight at the Hot Springs. This group will be known as the Marines. It will essentially be the same concept, but the wait at the beach will be longer... You may notice, below in orange, that we are renting a boat to haul our gear to the campsite. WE CAN ALSO HAUL MARINES ON THIS BOAT. In exchange, we ask that you stop at the Fiesta Henderson on your way to help haul gear. If you are going to do this, please RSVP for one of the Marine events: Marines - First Wave ... Marines - Second Wave
Navy: Finally, many people will be launching canoes and kayaks from the dam on Saturday and Sunday. This group will be known as the Navy. If you want to be part of the Navy, you have a few options. The primary option is to launch from Hoover Dam at 7 AM on Sunday morning. In order to do this, a permit must be obtained. The Hiking Meetup shelled out the money to acquire every remaining permit for the 7 AM launch time, and we're passing them on to you at cost. There are fifteen permits, and suffice it to say that there are more than fifteen people planning on joining the Navy. If you are one of them, time is of the essence. You may call the outfitter directly to make your reservation. We're using Desert Adventure Tours. Their phone number is [masked]. The reservation is for Sunday Morning and is under the names "Colorado River Flotilla" and "Alan Gegax." The outfitter charges $30 for put-in and pick-up. There is no way to launch from the dam without paying $43 per person ($30 to the outfitter plus $13 for the permit).
If you want to launch the day before, or if you want to paddle UP from Willow Beach, you are on your own to make the arrangements.
TO TRANSPORT YOUR HEAVIER GEAR...
On Saturday, we will have a number of vehicles parked at the Fiesta Henderson under the big sign AT NOON AND AT 5 PM. These vehicles will take your gear down to Willow Beach, where it will be loaded on a boat and taken to the beachhead at Arizona Hot Springs. Anything you don't want to carry should be on these trucks, or given to someone launching a canoe. Please note that anything brought to the beachhead MUST BE FLOATED DOWNRIVER back to Willow Beach. If you have a cooler waiting for you at the beachhead, be sure you also provide a float for that cooler and a way to keep it tethered.
The plan is for us to all meet at the beachhead by 10:30 AM Sunday, and to float downstream from Arizona Hot Springs to Willow Beach starting at 11:00 AM. Total distance on the water will be about seven miles. A number of cars will have to be parked at Willow Beach so that we can shuttle ourselves back to the trailhead.
Total time on the river could be anywhere from five to eight hours. I suggest you bring a paddle, because sometimes the river flows mighty slowly. YOU SHOULD ALSO BRING A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (life jacket). Though it's not required by law, it is HIGHLY recommended. If you're canoeing, kayaking, or are under 16, a life jacket IS required by law.
Again, we've never organized a flotilla before. I don't know exactly how it's going to turn out, but I know we'll have hot weather, cold water, and a lot of smiling people lounging on inflatables!
See you on the river!
- Alan
-
-
-
Curtis
I can't wait for this one. I've already started planning my raft.
Posted June 4, 2009 at 3:48 PM -
Alan Gegax
BY A VERY WIDE MARGIN, the boat-shaped inflatable is better for you and your gear. I did this before in a tube from Gold Strike down to Willow, and my butt and feet were always in the water. The water is SO COLD that it's nice to be able to keep out of it, at least for a little while.
Posted June 5, 2009 at 7:25 AM -
Alan Gegax
Additionally, don't wear your lifejacket while you're hiking. It doesn't breathe at all. The best option is to put it around your backpack. That's a mistake I made as well, and I wound up getting mild heat exhaustion and mild hypothermia on the same day!
Posted June 5, 2009 at 7:27 AM -
Linda B.
Thanks for your email Alan. Maybe we should post this for everyone's benefit. Just to be clear ~~ if you are in the Navy and do not bring your own canoe/kayak, then the cost is $13 + $30 + whatever the rental fee is? What if you share a canoe with someone. Is it still $13 PER PERSON and $30 PER PERSON, or is it $43 per watercraft? Thanks.
Posted June 5, 2009 at 11:07 AM -
Alan Gegax
The fee for the Navy to launch at the dam is $43 PER PERSON, whether it's one or two people in the boat.
Posted June 5, 2009 at 3:02 PM -
Curtis
I bought a tube and cooler raft today....Gonna air them up and see how they work out with cooler and STUFF.... I can't wait!
Posted June 7, 2009 at 5:04 PM -
Susan N.
Alan... $43 per person to launch at the dam? I thought it was $13!! Clarify please... I paid $26 for two people. Not willing to pay more than that!
Posted June 10, 2009 at 11:26 AM -
Dino
If you're planning on using your life jacket one or two times, you might not want to invest more $ and go with the cheap ones. Walmart, yes Walmart (not ashamed to say it), has the orange around your head type for under $10. They'll do the job and last more than a couple of times.
Posted June 12, 2009 at 6:23 AM -
A former member
Thanks, I found a pretty cheap one ($25.00) on line at sportsmanguide.com ...
Posted June 12, 2009 at 7:38 AM -
Alan Gegax
Susan, to quote from the event description: ---------- "The outfitter charges an additional $30 for put-in and pick-up. There is no way to launch from the dam without paying $43 per person ($30 to the outfitter plus $13 for the permit)." --------- If you'd like a refund, I can give you one.
Posted June 13, 2009 at 5:13 PM -
Rose
I got a nice PFD from Walmart for $30.00, but there are cheaper ones.
Posted June 15, 2009 at 9:37 AM -
Alison
What is the campsite like at the Hot Springs? I'm trying to decide whether to go with pitching a tent or just camping in the back of my SUV.
Posted June 21, 2009 at 3:09 PM -
murt
the few
the proud
the MURTrines!
I'd like to camp out Sat. night? Can I be a marine?Posted July 5, 2009 at 5:57 PM -
Gary
Who's all launching from the dam on Saturday? I will be meeting the outfitter at 8AM at Hacienda casino. Camping at the Arizona Hot Spring till the float, What a perfect weekend!
Posted July 7, 2009 at 12:42 PM -
Chris & Tracey
so how are we going to blow up the rafts @ the beachhead??
Posted July 9, 2009 at 3:07 AM -
Alan Gegax
People will be bringing pumps of various types, including some electric ones. That should make things pretty easy.
Posted July 9, 2009 at 6:54 AM -
A former member
Where do we meet?
Posted July 10, 2009 at 12:35 PM -
Barb
I am going to just do the float (can't wait) and want to drop my Jeep at the take out. Can I get a ride with someone to where we put in at or do we have to hike there? There might be two of us but for sure me at least!
Posted July 11, 2009 at 11:01 AM -
Mark
Hey Alan, have you given out info about the outfitters yet, for the navy? If so somewhere I missed it. Can you let me know. Thanks
Posted July 13, 2009 at 8:10 PM -
Gary
Outfitter told me the pick-up time is 3:30pm on sunday at willow beach. I doubt we will be done by then so is it possible for me to get a ride back to the hacienda casino parking area with anyone from the marine/navy teams? I will have a cooler, Deflated kayak in a bag(kinda big, id say 4 x 2), sleeping bag and a backback. Will gladly pay some gas!
Posted July 16, 2009 at 12:47 PM -
Chris & Tracey
THE VERY HOT WEATHER ACROSS THE DESERT SOUTHWEST WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE WEEKEND WITH TEMPERATURES EXPECTED TO PEAK FRIDAY AND SATURDAY. FORECAST HIGHS ON THESE DAYS INCLUDE 112 OR HIGHER IN LAS VEGAS... 116 TO 118 ALONG THE COLORADO RIVER AS WELL AS IN MESQUITE AND OVERTON... 106 IN KINGMAN... 109 TO 111 IN BARSTOW AND TWENTYNINE PALMS... AND 123 IN DEATH VALLEY. ALTHOUGH TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED TO DECREASE SLIGHTLY BY SUNDAY... THEY WILL STILL BE WELL ABOVE NORMAL INTO NEXT WEEK.
Posted July 16, 2009 at 10:45 PM -
A former member
Ok looking forward to this I've got a question though what about kids? Are we allowed to bring kids I couldn't find any mention of them.
Posted July 17, 2009 at 5:54 PM -
Alan Gegax
I see no reason to specifically prohibit kids, as long as they can make the hike to the beachhead.
Posted July 18, 2009 at 6:50 AM -
Sir Robert
We're missing 1 oar (black handle with a yellow paddle) and 1 small football - please contact us if you have it - thanks, robert & lisa
Posted July 20, 2009 at 11:30 AM -
Gary
Robert & Lisa, Nice meeting you guys at the camp and floating with you. I got the football out of the water and it is with Scott:)Sorry i split on the group, I had to go back and get Scott and his friends, who got stuck way back, we were officially the last group out. Sunlight was about gone when we got to the beach and nobody was there when we arrived. Thank god they had room for me in their minivan! Hey Curtis, thanks for the offer of a ride, was 2 far behind you, hope you didn't wait to long!
Posted July 20, 2009 at 11:51 AM -
Curtis
Hey Gary. I did wait and asked if anyone had seen you. After the consinces was the river was clear. Two folks told me they though you left with the other Kayakers and I had not seen you, we left. Glad you made it back and like your kayak.
Posted July 20, 2009 at 12:06 PM -
Cassidee Shinn
No current and bad headwinds. I had no previous experience on this river. Noticed in info. that a paddle could be useful...that should have been stressed.Everyone should have brought a paddle. Plus, info said lifejackets werent required but when stopped by boat patrol they told us that we did.
Posted July 20, 2009 at 12:42 PM -
kiwi
Yes indeed Alan, and thank you so much for putting it together.... although you didn't have control over certain conditions.... most of us had a fabulous time, and special thanks to Lola, big Jon, Tom, Shin, Curtis!!!!
Posted July 20, 2009 at 5:00 PM -
Rose
Although I did not attend, Alan, you are so the greatest organizer EVER!!! As always, you out did yourself; last year Bryce Canyon Epic trip, this year Colorado River Flotilla, what's next? Kudoes and all that good stuff to the AOs. I cannot miss this event next year! And just so that I don't forget, let me make a list: bring boat, paddle, pfd...
Posted July 20, 2009 at 11:29 PM -
Shin
I stayed at beach til little after 7PM to make sure nobody behind.
I can't believe someone were still out there! I spent almost 1 hour at Willow Beach. I knew Gary WAS behind of me, but I thought Park Ranger rescued all the slow pokes. (I saw they were carrying slow floaters to the Willow Beach). Anyway, when I leave the Beach, I found 2 float at there. 1 is dinosaur float and another one is blue flat bed type float. If you lost them, please contact with me or they'll be in the trash in 2 week.Posted July 21, 2009 at 12:43 AM -
Gary
Ideas for next time:
I think we should all launch as a group next time and then it wouldn't have been so scattered. It would also be better for saftey reasons obviously since some were forgotten. Also, one big group stop at a beach maybe for lunch about half way down to let everyone catch up and start again. Maybe even starting an hour or so earlier so that even the stragglers have some extra sun light. This could have fixed a lot of the problems. I was in no hurry until the sun left us.Posted July 21, 2009 at 8:36 AM -
Curtis
We did try to pull over at the beginning to wait the the rest. It was hard to move all the rafts tied together.
Posted July 21, 2009 at 1:12 PM -
Alison
Many thanks to Alan for organizing this. All in all, it was a great time! Besides the obvious weather and wind issue (which was out of anyone's control, and we made it work), the only small issue I had, without getting into details, was the lack of respect displayed by a few individuals towards others. Talking to and listening to other people, I was definitely not the only one who noticed this. But that was definitely outweighed by all the amazing and friendly people I did get to meet! :-D
Posted July 21, 2009 at 8:16 PM -
A former member
Ladies and Gentlemen: Thank you for enjoying the river. Please be advised however that some of you obtained misinformation. Personal flotation devices ARE required from marker 43 to the Hoover Dam. This law requires anyone in a canoe, kayak, tube, etc to have and wear their PFD at all times. [Ref: 36 CFR 1.5 (a)(2)]
Posted July 23, 2009 at 4:42 PM
RSVPs closed
-
Alan GegaxEvent HostCHIEF, OrganizerIt was a hell of a thing to put together, but seeing all the fun people had made it worth it! You guys are the best members a group could have! Special thanks to Shin for helping floaters make their way home.
-
Clark K., SupermanIt would have been a lot funner if it was shorter. After about the 2nd mile in the river I was ready to get out. Also, it was a lot more paddling than I expected. I still think that motorboating to the Hot Springs is the best way to go! On the plus side, I met a lot of nice people and saw some great scenery! I have never seen so many Big Horn Sheep. I saw about a dozen of them and got photos. I'd like to try another event that is not as strenuous, and bring the family along.
-
ShinSuperman, Assistant OrganizerThe concept was Great. But, many floaters stuck on the river since we got strong head wind. Many of them tried to paddle but some of them gave up and just floating. I think we learnt lots of things from this time. So, I won't tow anybody next year, but stay behind to make sure everyone make it in day light.
-
Linda B.CougarThanks, Alan, for organizing. Like you said, with the first one we get the kinks out and then we'll know what to do and what not to do next time. The first part was a lot of fun, floating all tied together, drinking and having a good time. After a couple of hours, the realization that we were getting nowhere fast due to total lack of current, and at times a headwind, necessitated separating into smaller pods. Thanks to Shin and the Park Service rangers, we all made it off the river before dark. Thanks to Lola and Tom for staying until the last person made it ashore and making sure everyone got in and everyone had a ride from Willow Beach. For a lot of people I'm sure it gives new meaning to the term 'up the river without a paddle.'
-
GaryHad a lot of fun on the river with everyone! Never caught the front group but had fun with everyone i did get to hang out with. Really enjoyed my first kayaking adventure and got a great workout trying to keep people together and on course. Camping was fun as well and the hot springs were EXTRA HOT! All in all a weekend of good times and great friends i will remember for life! Thanks for setting this up! I can't wait to do this again, and i will be back on the river as soon as possible!
-
Grant+1 guestAwesome time, great weather, not too windy, & FUN! Thanks to all the Marines for their hard work. Navy too. Alan, Megan, & Lola deserve a big "thank you!" for all their hard work organizing a bunch of floating nuts.
-
MarkMany thanks to Alan for organising, definitely a lot of fun!Hope everybody made it back ok with the winds, etc. Colorado river is beautiful, if not a little cold!
-
-
sarahWow... It was great meeting everyone. Thanks for putting this together. It was not a walk in the park... but we had a blast and are feeling it today! Thanks again.
-
-
-
BarbLots of fun with a lot of great people. Many thanks to Alan for organizing this trip! It was the perfect way to cool off!
-
MelissaI had a great time! Thanks to everyone who helped organize the event and big THANK YOUs to Shin and Gary who helped pull sun-soaked floaters down the river.
-
Christina+1 guestMajor props to Alan for arranging, Lola for organizing the Navy, and extra-super-sp
ecial accolades to Shin. Shin was always helping lost rafters with tows, portage, and making sure everyone had a safe and happy experience. Thank you all!
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
A former member+3 guests
Your organizer's refund policy for Colorado River Flotilla!
Refunds are not offered for this Meetup.
Offer a perk for our members and get exposure.
Offer a perk →
Other nearbyMeetups
The Meetup Groups shown here are topically similar to The Las Vegas Hiking and Outdoors Meetup.
Groups are more likely to be displayed here if they:
- have a Meetup scheduled
- have a high rating
- have a group photo
- are "public" and not "private"
- have shown they are likely to stick around (older than 30 days)
-
-
27 Strollin' Mammas
-
-
-
-
50 Funtastic Friends
near Las Vegas
Brian S is right about the Air Force part.