We gave this trip considerable thought before booking, and overall it was a memorable experience with several outstanding aspects, but also several areas that would benefit from meaningful improvement. First, the positives. The guides were exceptional. They were professional, hardworking, safety-focused, and consistently maintained a positive attitude despite challenging conditions. Peyton, in particular, was outstanding and deserves special recognition for his leadership, dedication, and ability to make the best of every situation. The guides are clearly the organization's greatest asset. That said, there were several operational and quality concerns that significantly impacted our experience. Our itinerary instructed us to arrive at 7:00 a.m., which we did. However, we did not depart until nearly 11:00 a.m. Much of that time was spent loading canoes and equipment, which became an all-hands effort involving guests. This lengthy delay reduced valuable time on the river. The quality of the equipment was another concern. After paddling approximately 15 miles on the first day, we arrived at camp around 5:00 p.m. only to discover that the rental tent was in poor condition. Tent poles had been repaired with duct tape, the zippers were broken, and the stove was not operational. Fortunately, the guide was able to improvise a repair, but these are issues that should have been identified during routine equipment inspections before the trip began. As a result of these delays, dinner was not served until approximately 8:25 p.m., when everyone was simply exhausted and ready to eat and sleep. Food was another area where expectations did not align with what was advertised. Prior to the trip, I specifically informed the owner that one member of our group was a selective eater who enjoys foods such as beef, chicken, pasta, and eggs. Despite that advance notice, dinner consisted of cheeseburgers on both the first and second evenings. While the food itself was well prepared, there was very little variety. The website references meals such as salmon and brisket, creating an expectation of a more diverse menu. Instead, our dinners consisted primarily of cheeseburgers and stir fry. Again, this is not a reflection on the guides--they prepared excellent meals with the ingredients they were given--but rather on the planning and provisioning process. River conditions were also challenging due to unusually low water levels. At multiple locations we were required to exit the canoes and walk them over shallow, rocky sections. While I understand that river levels are outside your control, it is something prospective guests should be made aware of in advance when conditions are expected to be unusually low. The most disappointing aspect of the trip was the take-out location. Rather than ending at a maintained boat ramp or designated landing, the trip concluded beneath a highway bridge in an area littered with trash. We encountered two homeless individuals living nearby, observed discarded garbage throughout the area, and I personally saw two used hypodermic needles. It was a startling way to conclude what had otherwise been a beautiful river experience. The steep path used to carry the canoes and equipment back to the vehicles was also covered in debris. Ironically, the two homeless gentlemen kindly assisted everyone in carrying gear up the hill, for which we were genuinely appreciative. However, the overall condition of the take-out site left a lasting negative impression. In summary, the people made this trip worthwhile. Your guides demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and outstanding customer service under difficult circumstances. However, there appear to be systemic quality control issues involving equipment maintenance, trip logistics, menu planning, and the condition of the launch and take-out facilities. Addressing these areas would substantially improve the overall guest experience and allow the outstanding work of your guides to truly shine. Despite the concerns outlined above, we do not regret taking the trip. The river itself was beautiful, and your guides worked incredibly hard to overcome challenges that were largely outside of their control. Our hope is that you view this feedback as an opportunity to strengthen the overall experience. With better equipment maintenance, improved logistical planning, greater menu variety, and a more suitable take-out location, this could easily become an exceptional trip from start to finish. read more

Highly recommend this company. In particular our guides, Mark, Grant, Kalib and Stephen were excellent, calm, professional, skilled, kind, friendly cannot say enough good things about them. We went on a three day guided "theme" canoe trip on the Gunnison river. Our theme was "Native plants, people and wildlife" Our interpreter, Stephen is an excellent teacher and has a breadth of knowledge. We were grateful that our trip leader Mark has years of experience on the water and as a guide. My husband and I were both impressed and grateful for how skilled and professional all the guides were. Most of us on this trip were novices. Colorado got much rain and snow this year which cause the river to be unusually high and fast. Our group needed a lot of help and some rescuing and this crew was swift and skilled. They worked really hard for all of us and kept us all safe! My husband and I are vegetarian. They were very concerned about us getting enough to eat. From beginning to end these four men took wonderful care of us. We plan on traveling with Centennial canoe again! read more

My experience with Centennial Canoe Outfitters can be summed up in one word; 'Unforgettable'. Yet, that sentiment is not only reserved to myself, but also to 15 of my closest friends that joined me on my bachelor party. This trusted tradition has become somewhat of a cliche', in that I have been on so many bachelor parties where the exact same occurrences happen. They are always a good laugh, but predictable. Our trip with Centennial Canoe Outfitters gave my friends and I some many new stories that we will always cherish. Everyone of my friends still text and email me about how special and unique our trip down the river was and how they would love to go again. Yet, my wife and I now have a child and one day I hope to go down the river with my daughter on a whole different adventure, but just as special. Thank you, Centennial Canoe Outfitters for giving this guy such amazing memories. read more

I have been using Centennial Canoe Outfitters every summer going way back. Every single trip has been filled with great memories and I have made many great friends in the guides and the fine people who make this all happen. The trips have been filled with fine paddling, poetry by Robert Service that leaves no eyes dry, fine food, music under the stars, and the amazing colors of the Colorado wild canyons. Thank you my friends at Centennial; I thank you for your care of the wild rivers, the attention to details, the careful choice in guides, your role in protecting this fragile region, and the friendship you offer to my students and to me. Geography at UNC would not be the same without our trips with Centennial! read more

Talk about an Epic trip. I've been down a few rivers with Centennial Canoe and years later I'm still telling stories of my adventure. I live and work over in the Middle East so when I do make it back to the States I want to experience green nature. The Centennial Canoe company has everything I need for camping and canoeing. The entire trip was well organized I didn't have to worry about anything. Plus let's not forget about the tasty food, every meal was prepared right on the spot. When the trip came to an end It was really hard to get in my car and head back to the urban jungle, I did not want it to end. read more

My wife and I have paddled with Centennial Canoe Outfitters for years and it's always the highlight of our summer. We look forward to the scenery, the water fights, the opportunity to meet fun and interesting new people and the delight in being one with nature. Every guide we've had has been helpful, interesting and knowledgeable. Even the food is commendable.Over the years, we've invited many of our friends along on these trips; most of them have come back for other trips on their own. CCO continues to deliver with excellence, professionalism and the personal touch. read more

My wife and I (in our 60s) were total newbies when it came to canoeing and camping out. We were assured by Marty that the 5 day trip we picked was right for us and it proved to be just that. Our guides helped us along the way as did other experienced fellow travelers. Besides being on the river, we really enjoyed the canyon hike on a layover day and examining Indian petroglyphs that few others get to see. Food and wine were more than adequate -- something we didn't really expect on a multi-day campout. The memories from that trip will be cherished forever. read more

Last summer I had the opportunity to float through the spectacular canyons of the Colorado River just west of Grand Junction CO. We paddled our canoes down river between islands and over several small riffles and even a few rapids. We saw Eagles, big horn sheep, River otters and then more Eagles. Then to make it a perfect day, our guides created a dinner that would stand up to many a restaurant meal that I have had. We saw beautiful country, amazing wild life, more stars than I have ever seen in my life and I gained weight. I will do this again! read more

One of the most enjoyable times I have experienced. I kind of had a feeling of what to expect, but you never know..until you get there. From before we put in the canoes, until after we got out of the river. All was just thrilling! The guides, the food and the people. It felt great to leave my cell phone in my car. All different people from all walks of life. We met at a morning departure breakfast, and soon we all became friends. I will be back to book another trip. This is must do. Thanks again, for the wonderful time read more

For the past several years, we have used Centennial Canoe as our outfitter to lead a group of middle school students down the Green River. Their professionalism, focus on safety, fun, exploration and education has made them an ideal partner for our experiential education program. The guides connect well with youths and truly enjoy being with them for the four days. The consistent performance by Marty, his staff and the guides they employ, is impressive and a key reason why we continue to engage with them year after year. read more

I usually am not one for online reviews etc... But my experience with Centennial Canoe was one to remember. And, I mean that in a good way. I was looking for something to do with my daughter over the summer and came up with the idea of canoeing. We had a BLAST!!! All was taken care of, Food, canoe training on and on. The guides were on top of everything. My daughter had a fantastic time as well. We did the 3 day trip down the Gunnison. Do yourself a favor and GO. Thanks Marty, we will be back! read more

It has been great working with Julia! She was really helpful with one of my University of Northern Colorado Center for Urban Education pre-service teachers on one of their trips. Julia worked with this student's needs and helped to accommodate a change! Thank you!! I will definitely keep working with this company and send more of my pre-service teachers to them for a great outdoor experience! It so important to be outdoors in nature and have these kinds of transformative experiences! read more

This was the first time I ever slept on the ground, but all misgivings were quickly expelled! I had a blast! The guides are wonderful, and great cooks - the food was fantastic - no hot dogs on this trip. You don't have to be experienced to enjoy this canoe trip. There's something really special about being on a river only accessed in this way, with people who's only goal is to make sure you have the best time possible. read more

We just returned for from out second trip with Centennial Canoe Outfitters, Inc. This year we canoed the Gunnison River. Our guides were Caleb, Richard and Stefan, and the owner of the company, Marty, also was a part of our trip. You will not find a better outfitter to canoe with! They are knowledgeable, professional, and personable. The food and service are outstanding! We will definitely go back again. read more

Marty worked seamlessly with us to plan the logistics ahead of time just to our needs and liking and offered keen insights. Our guides, Mike and Travis were just awesome. Their knowledge of the river and its surroundings deepened our student's appreciation for the ecology and geology we were paddling through. This is my fourth school trip with Marty and Centennial and we will definitely do more! read more

My wife and I have taken many canoe trips around the states and overseas, however, with Centennial Canoe Outfitters we know that everything is always so well organized and safe. From the first packing list to the final take-out, we know that we are in good hands, good company, and always great food. Once you find a great organization, you tend to keep coming back. Thanks Centennial. read more

I am so impressed with this company! They are great to work with and have wonderful staff. I am a professor in Denver and booked a trip for one of my students and Julia was so helpful with making a change and making it work for my student. I will definitely work with them in the future and talk more trips with them. read more

Our five day canoe trip on the Green with Centennial and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science was fantastic! Loved the stories, the food and the people on the trip. Fun, fun, fun! read more

The new owner is great! Big improvement. I went on the Farm to Table trip on the Gunnison. Great food and great guides.