About Canyon REO
Photo: Thomas Carson
For over 30 years, Canyon REO has helped thousands of trip leaders plan and outfit noncommercial river trips on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon and on other rivers in the U.S. We’ve created systems specifically for private boaters based on our own experiences as private boaters in Grand Canyon.
Let the Canyon REO family 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; hiking the side canyons or the Little Colorado, Deer Creek and Matkatamiba; getting soaked at Elves Chasm; watching a full moon light up the inner gorge from a sandy beach.
Photo: Elliot Ross
A trusted outfitter that stands out from others
We have earned a worldwide reputation for our excellent equipment, varied and flexible menu choices, generous portions of delicious food, on-time comfortable shuttles, and outstanding customer service. Our staff works hard to relieve the stress and hassle of expedition planning. Whether you’re an experienced trip leader or a first-timer, our professional outfitting, customized packing and customer service will help you have a true vacation and avoid the chaos and confusion over rafts and other gear, packing food, and arranging shuttles.
Testimonials
“You won’t be disappointed if you choose Canyon REO.”
Canyon REO is professional and easy to work with. Through the pandemic, a 2-year postponement of our trip, various shuttle details, meal planning, putting in and taking off the river – they nailed it. This was my 2nd REO trip and as the TL on the trip, their attention to detail was much appreciated. You won’t be disappointed if you choose Canyon REO.
Suzi M., August 2022
“Everything is top-notch.”
I am constantly astounded by the logistical prowess and quality of support these guys provide, I can’t recommend them enough! The family and their staff, besides being incredible people, are Canyon experts with decades of experience. Their pre-trip counsel and outfitting is un-paralleled! Honestly, everything is top-notch, they are the full package-excellence in equipment, communication and of course, the food (seriously!)
Aliyah C., February 2023
“I would outfit with REO again in a heartbeat.”
The REO crew provided expert advice for all of our questions. Customer service was outstanding with lots of care and feeding for several months prior to launch. Gear and food pack for 4 different dietary needs were met without hassle and to our specifications. All of our gear was in excellent working order. I would outfit with REO again in a heartbeat.
David T., March 2022
”Everything they provide makes for an unforgettable and seamless Grand Canyon experience.”
Two trips down the Grand Canyon now with REO, and both times they have been a class act, providing us with all the necessities to pull off such a wild and grand adventure – no easy task. I can’t thank them enough for their great boats, kitchen set ups, water filtering kits, food packs, etc… Everything they provide makes for an unforgettable and seamless Grand Canyon experience. Would recommend using them as an outfitter wholeheartedly and can’t wait until the next lap down the mighty river with REO.
Joey S., March 2019
“Using Canyon REO made the planning/execution of our last-minute trip about as easy as it gets.”
I’ve used Canyon REO twice to outfit private grand trips and the experience has been awesome! They go above and beyond to tailor to your group’s needs and experience level, not to mention the amount of time they spend prepping everything in advance. The staff are very friendly, and someone is always available for questions/advice leading up to the launch date. Using Canyon REO made the planning/execution of our last-minute trip about as easy as it gets. We look forward to working with REO again in the future.
Ellen D., July 2021
“Canyon REO is an absolutely reliable outfitter.”
After over a dozen Grand Canyon Colorado River trips outfitted by Canyon REO, I can confidently assure you that their services, outfitting, equipment, and advice are precisely what you need to ensure a premium quality expedition. Canyon REO is an absolutely reliable outfitter that will customize the menu, river gear and every detail of the trip to fulfill your requirements.
James D., 2018
“We would not hesitate to call Canyon REO again.”
We went to Canyon REO on short notice to outfit a Grand Canyon River trip. Boats. Gear. Food. Shuttles. We found them flexible and responsive as our needs changed. Communication was excellent. The food was fantastic and the organization efficient and thorough. We had a very experienced group – 65 Grand Canyon River trips among us. Canyon REO worked hard to help make this one of our best trips. We would not hesitate to call Canyon REO again.
Howard B., May 2019
“We’ve really had the trip of a lifetime.”
Highly recommended! We just completed an 18-day, 224 river-mile trip. All boats, food, river gear was supplied by Canyon REO. The meals were as delicious on day 18 as day 1, and we received excellent instruction in the use and preservation of our equipment and food stores. I especially loved the propone-powered fire pit for our nightly chair circle! The staff were super helpful and responsive, and we’ve really had the trip of a lifetime. We never could have done anything at all like this without REO! Thanks team!
Matt T., 2021
“They were members of the team the whole way through.”
Canyon REO gave us excellent personal attention in all the planning and execution of our trip for kayakers and rafters in August of 2020. The food was fantastic, the equipment and camping systems they provided were very effective and easy to use, and their expertise and experience helped us to have the trip of a lifetime. They were members of the team the whole way through. They did a great job of planning the food for special diets as well. I highly recommend Canyon REO!
Tom P., August 2020
Our Story
Donnie and Caroline Dove, the founders of Canyon REO, met on a commercial river trip in California. Later, the two went on their first Grand Canyon trip as a couple and fell in love with each other and the Canyon. After getting married, they moved to Flagstaff to start their family and Canyon REO, establishing one of the early rental companies tailored to Grand Canyon private boaters in the area.
Donnie, Caroline, their son Benjamin, and the experienced Logistics, Warehouse, and Food Room staff carry forth REO’s legacy outfitting boaters in Grand Canyon and on other rivers in the Southwest.
Our Team
Our experienced staff, with many experiences on the river and years of work in the river rafting industry. From the Logistics Team to the Warehouse to the Food Room, you’ll find yourself in good hands with the Canyon REO crew.
Canyon REO
Directions to
Canyon REO Warehouse
1619 N. East Street
Flagstaff 86004
From I-17: Follow I-17 directly into town, where I-17 turns into Milton Road. Follow Milton Road under the railroad tracks, where the road veers right and becomes Route 66. Go through 6 lights, and then turn left at the 7th light—Arrowhead Avenue. Go one block, turn right onto East Street. Canyon REO is 1.5 blocks farther on the left.
From I-40: Exit I-40 at Butler Avenue, exit 198. Turn west on Butler Ave (away from Little America) and at the first light, turn right onto Enterprise Drive. Get in the right lane, cross the railroad tracks and turn right onto Route 66. At the next light, turn left onto Arrowhead Avenue. Go one block and turn right onto East Street. Canyon REO is 1.5 blocks farther on the left.