Grand Canyon reward trip

August 14, 2005 4:47 PM

We want to take our company’s employees for a bonus trip to the Grand Canyon. We are based in Southern California, and there will be about 15 people, going for 4-5 days in mid-September. Any suggestions as far as extra special things to see or do for them? We are thinking helicopter ride, nice hotels, things like that... Thank you for some crazy ideas -
posted by growabrain to travel & transportation (16 comments total)

vegas daytrip? donkey/muletrain to the bottom?
posted by amberglow at 4:53 PM on August 14, 2005

A bonus trip as in "another trip", or a bonus trip as in "hahaha, you thought you were getting a check but instead we will confine you with your coworkers for days on end and force you to do these predetermined 'fun' activities, sucka"?
posted by cali at 4:55 PM on August 14, 2005

Does everyone have their own room? Are you letting them bring a friend/spouse/SO? Because those would be tops on my list.
posted by jrossi4r at 4:58 PM on August 14, 2005

Actually, Cali, it will be a real September surprise for all involved, as in "Let's shut down the place for a few days and just go & have fun somewhere else for no immediate reason"...
We are 7-8 people at work + their s/o's -
posted by growabrain at 5:14 PM on August 14, 2005

Haven't done it yet, but I was advised to do a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon duirng a full moon. From having been to Jellystone during a full moon, it sounds like great advice.
posted by theora55 at 5:30 PM on August 14, 2005

i live not far from the canyon in flagstaff. here's what you need to do: fly into pulliam airport in flagstaff; hire a coach to take you to williams; ride the grand canyon railway into the park (avoid traffic, see scenery, have unique experience); stay at el tovar (right on rim, right at train station, oldest/only hotel in park... very cool); spend days hiking several of the wonderful trails that descend the south rim;hire a 'copter i ya want, or mules; ride bus to desert view; hike a few a few more trails; ride train back to williams.
posted by RockyChrysler at 5:35 PM on August 14, 2005

Hiking isn't always fun for everyone - perhaps some alternate plans for those who don't like to walk all day would be a welcome thing?
posted by mr_crash_davis at 5:39 PM on August 14, 2005

What do you do - I want to come work for you....
posted by forallmankind at 8:04 PM on August 14, 2005

Hm... I was going to say a helicopter ride over nature's wonders isn't everyone's idea of a good time. Maybe offer a hike? crash is right though - pick a day when people have a choice of a few things, and make the hike one of those choices. Hiking in the Grand Canyon is one of the best things in the world, imho... others will not agree.

Also - don't feel the need to overwhelm people with fun/crazy stuff. Some people actually like to relax on their vacation. And this is a reward for hard work, right? Offer relaxing options.
posted by scarabic at 9:46 PM on August 14, 2005

Would a masturbation party be too risque?
posted by davy at 10:28 PM on August 14, 2005

Good massages after a hike, a place with nice hot tubs, hikes, helicopter rides, wine tasting, beer tasting, fireside hot chocolate, amazing breakfasts, and bring me with you!
posted by fionab at 11:02 PM on August 14, 2005

Stay at the Fray Marcos Hotel in Williams, Arizona and then take the two-hour train ride on the Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim.
posted by yclipse at 5:57 AM on August 15, 2005

Check out the Organ Stop pizza joint in Mesa, AZ. It's the world's largest organ and provides quite the unique experience.
posted by idiotfactory at 11:42 AM on August 15, 2005

Mesa is about 200 miles from the Grand Canyon's south rim. Probably not too realistic unless you're flying into PHX. Pretty cool music, though.
posted by coolsara at 9:31 PM on August 15, 2005

Thanks to all -
posted by growabrain at 7:43 PM on August 16, 2005

Go to Canyonlands National Park instead, and go for some hikes. Much less tourist infested. I've taken 4 one-week trips there. Very easy hiking in canyon river beds, you can do it barefoot, and you rarely exceed %1 grade.

No tents necessary either.
posted by blasdelf at 11:30 PM on August 16, 2005