We put the Magic in Your Grand Canyon
Colorado River Expedition Planning

Welcome to Canyon REO—the professional river equipment outfitter of choice for trip leaders of non-commercial Grand Canyon river and rafting trips. We have earned a worldwide reputation for our excellent equipment, varied menu choices, generous portions of delicious food, on-time, comfortable shuttles and outstanding customer service.

For two decades, Canyon REO has helped thousands of trip leaders plan and outfit private river trips on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon and on other rivers in the U.S. and Europe. We've created systems just for private boaters, based on our own experiences as private boaters in Grand Canyon. Our staff works hard to relieve the stress and hassle of expedition planning for whitewater rafters. Whether you’re an experienced trip leader or a first-timer, our professional outfitting services and valuable Trip Leader’s Handbook help you avoid the chaos and confusion about gear, food and camp chores that can happen when trip details are overlooked. Canyon REO is the only Grand Canyon outfitter to offer the Log 'n' Blog Almanac™ with our All Inclusive Deluxe Package. This password-protected area enables trip leaders to easily communicate with their crews about equipment, food and shuttle preferences; and upload and share their videos, photos and impressions.

Let Canyon REO help you and your crew enjoy the magic of your Colorado River adventure—rafting and kayaking the river with the best of friends—testing out skills at Crystal or Lava Falls, those mightiest of whitewater rapids—hiking the canyons of the Little Colorado or Matkatamiba—getting soaked at Elves Chasm—watching a full moon light the inner gorge from a sandy beach camp.

Explore our site and call us to arrange your next Grand adventure!

About the Canyon REO Team

We’re committed to giving you the best service possible, and that wouldn’t be possible without our great team. These are the people who make Canyon REO tick, and make us a great choice for outfitting your trip, whether you’re in for an All Inclusive Deluxe Package, or just need a few items to round out your trip.

 Donnie Dove: Co-owner
Hometown: Flagstaff, AZ

I’m still an old river rat, and I am proud to say the only canyon trips I have done have been private. I am the co-founder of Canyon REO, along with my wife, Caroline. My passion is the river and helping private boaters have an experience of a lifetime on the Colorado.

 

 

 Caroline Dove: Co-owner and Logistics Coordinator
Hometown: Flagstaff, AZ

I met Donnie as a customer on a commercial river trip in California. Awhile later, we went on our first canyon trip as a couple and I was in love with Donnie and the Canyon. We got married, and moved to Flagstaff to start our family and Canyon REO. When I’m not busy here at work, Donnie and I are spending time with our amazing kids, Ben and Emily. In my spare time, I enjoy yoga, and traveling.

 

 Sharon Edgar: Food Room Manager
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

Friends and neighbors in Milwaukee got me into rafting. Our TL waited 12 years for his permit. We had always packed our own food for our week-long raft trips, but decided to use Canyon REO for our Grand Canyon trip. I was so impressed with their customer support and food pack that I came to Flagstaff to manage the food room for a season…that was in early 2005. I’ve been a private boater on three canyon trips, two in December; one in October…I like October better!

 Debbie Shepard: Salt River Reservations/Office Assistant
Hometown: Rothschild, WI and Mountvale, NJ

I moved to Flagstaff three years ago from New Jersey. My recent jobs include landscape gardener, financial manager at Columbia University, and a telecommunications company. I am an artist and a tap dancer with a love for the outdoors and the small town atmosphere of Flagstaff.

 

 

 Heather Black: Warehouse and Retail Manager
Hometown: Rohnert Park, CA

I have been working for Canyon REO for almost six years. I have worked in every department, including Canyon RIO, but found my niche two years ago with the responsibility of the warehouse. I ran the Grand Canyon for the first time in December 2008, and run various Southwest and California rivers throughout the year (when I get the time). I love the outdoors, rivers, and relaxing fun.

 

 Joe Solomon: Donnie’s Right Hand Man, Heather’s Left Hand Man
Hometown: Flagstaff, AZ

I’ve been working with Donnie since the beginning of it all. I began my river experience on the Arkansas River in Colorado. At one time I was a commercial boatman in the Canyon, where I further gained my passion for the river. I love classic cars, and things that go fast and have lots of power. I live here in Flagstaff with my wife, Mary.

 

 

 Thor Pfeil: Warehouse/Trip Coach
Hometown: Flagstaff, AZ

I like long walks on the beach, food and working on cars and trucks. I have been working for Canyon REO on and off for about four years. My first trip was with Canyon RIO in 3rd grade, and it was awesome. I now play on the Salt River.

 

 

 

 Casey Roberts: Salt River Operations Manager/Warehouse/Trip Coach
Hometown: Murrieta, CA

I’ve been working for Canyon REO for about a year and running rivers for over seven years. When I’m not driving shuttles you can find me on the Salt River as well as the big California rivers. I love rock climbing and have been down the Canyon twice, in December 07 and December 08.

 

 

 Tess McDaniel: Food Room
Hometown: Boulder, CO

My first rafting trip was in the Grand Canyon (lucky me!) with the Grand Canyon semester at NAU. I became hooked, no surprise. I am a geology senior at NAU and spend as many weekends and vacations as possible rafting and backpacking in the Southwest and Colorado Plateau.

 

 

 Johnny Beers: REO Logistics/Rio Operations
Hometown: Casa Grande, AZ

I started working as a guide in college and now I’m full time in the industry, making my mama proud with that degree! I work both with REO and our sister company Canyon Rio, it’s great, I still get to guide but have enough office time to recover from my sunburns.