Grand Canyon -Elderhostel
 

Has anyone gone on to the Grand Canyon with an organization called Elderhostel? We received a brochure on it which included hotel/meals/information and helicopter out of the Canyon - price was about $900. We were thinking about doing it - but would like to hear from anyone that has taken this trip with them. thanks

We did a camping/hiking trip along the North Rim (but not to the bottom) with Elderhostel about 7-8 years ago. It was sponsered by Yavapai College. We had a great time.
Went rafting down the Colorado in the GC a few years later with an outfit called Hatch. Also a great and very exciting experience. (we got helicoptered out)
Which Elderhostel trip are you considering?

There are two trips in the new brochure that just came out: 1.Marble canyon- rim to river: exploring and rafting grand canyon, 1: Peach springs, arizona, exploring grand canyon:hiking and overnight raft trip. theae are running$959.00 for 5-nights. Includes, lodge, meals and helicopter flight out.Program is associated with Yavapai College. What do you think?

Hi djm-
Our rafting trip began up by Marble Canyon (you can access the Colorado from there) and ended up below Phanthom Ranch where we were helicoptered out. (5-6 nights on the river if I recall correctly). There's a recent thread here about the trip. It was remarkable and quite physical.
We've never been down via Peach Springs.
Have you ever been to the GC before? If not, the numero uno thing to do is to see and explore it from the South Rim - the classic view. Can you do this before either of the trips? You really need to see the Canyon from the top to appreciate where you are at the bottom.
The rafting trip was one of the most exciting things we ever did.
When do you plan to go?

Thank you for responding.
We are thinking about going w/ another couple in April or May. We have been to the Canyon about 5yrs ago with the same couple - but flew into LV and then rented a car to go to the dam and canyon- hiked part way down and back/went to Bryce and Zion (which we loved). How many days did you spend on this trip? I thought that the price sounded good.

Took a look at the Elderhostel trips you mentioned. They're really not like the Hatch trip I described which was all rafting and camping.
Our experience with the Elderhostel/Yavapai trip on the North Rim was all positive and we felt it was good value too. Of the 2 trips you mentioned, I believe only the one at Peach Springs has an overnight on the water. That would be my choice, but either should be a great experience.
Enjoy!