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Grand Canyon Whitewater PO Box 2848, Flagstaff, Arizona 86003 United States of America [email protected] 800-343-3121

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This service is operated by Grand Canyon Whitewater, LLC., a Concessioner under contract with the U.S. Government and administered by the National Park Service. The Concessioner is responsible for conducting these operations in a satisfactory manner. Prices are approved by the National Park Service.

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Grand Canyon River Rafting

Find your perfect grand canyon trip.

Rafting the Grand Canyon has been our passion since 1970. We can’t wait to share this incredible experience with you! Our staff will be with you every step of the way from helping you find the right trip until you return home – exhausted, sandy, and full of happy memories.

Our river crew will guide you through famous rapids, take you to waterfalls deep within the canyon, and wow you with their backcountry culinary skills. We strive to make Grand Canyon river trips a reality for those with an adventurous spirit and desire to see the canyon up close.

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"The trip was amazing! Seeing the canyon from the river was unbelievable. The scenery, excitement, relaxation, rhythm of sleeping and rising with the sun.....all of it made this time one of the most relaxing vacations I have ever had! Everyone should do this!" - Lyn, age 62

Grand Canyon River Expeditions

Grand Canyon river trips are much more than a tour. These multi-day expeditions can have an empowering effect as passengers travel along the river through world-famous whitewater and hike to unimaginable places. Completely unplugged from the distractions above the rim, our guests find it easy to spend quality time with family members and friends – old and new. Each day is capped with a hearty meal and camping under a canopy of stars. Explore our trip types or contact our helpful staff to find a Grand Canyon itinerary that’s just right for you.

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The Grand Canyon - As Good as it Gets

On your Grand Canyon white water rafting trip you'll experience moments of pure thrill, times of absolute serenity, a feeling of togetherness with your group, and a deep connection with nature - all of which combine to create a truly life-changing experience. You'll learn about the history and geology of the mighty Colorado River. You'll make wonderful new friends and form bonds that can last a lifetime. And you'll do it all under the guidance and experience of the best guides in the business.

Best of Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

If you’re hungry for Grand Canyon River rafting, with loads of white water rapids and lots of miles, this is the Colorado Rafting Trip for you.  So relax and enjoy the grandeur of the Grand Canyon on one of our five Best of Grand Canyon Colorado River rafting trips.

Let Wilderness River Adventures show you the Colorado River like you’ve never seen it before on this thrilling 3 ½-day or 5 ½-day trips. On these Grand Canyon rafting expeditions, your journey will take you 86 miles from Lee's Ferry to Phantom Ranch (deep within the Grand Canyon).

Let Wilderness River Adventures be your guide on a 4 ½ and 6 ½-day trips.  On these Grand Canyon rafting expeditions, your journey will take you 102 miles from Phantom Ranch—deep within the Grand Canyon—to Bar 10 Ranch. 

Experience the best of the Grand Canyon-in grand style on our guided  5 ½ , 8  ½ and 14 day trips. If you simply can't get enough river rafting, this is the trip for you. Experience it all with over two weeks of Colorado River Adventures, spanning a full 225 miles, including 73 rated rapids, making for a canyon Grand Tour you'll never forget. 

A - Lees Ferry

Grand canyon rafting map, b - phantom ranch, c - whitmore wash.

The Adventure Begins

Each day, you'll wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and the sounds of rushing water mingled with the murmur of sleepy voices echoing through the canyon walls. Breakfast is hot and hearty-or as light as you want. After filling up, the group will form a "bucket line" to help load the gear back on the boats. Then the Colorado River beckons and you're off once again to experience a day of adventure as you continue on your journey onward.

Immersed in Nature

You'll enjoy the spectacular white water rapids and stretches of calm water, encouraging you to relax in the warm sun and enjoy breathtaking scenery. When lunchtime comes, you'll create your sandwiches, grab a cold drink, and relax with a book - or perhaps hike or fish - before shoving off again for an afternoon of surprises.

Settling in for the Night

Late afternoon finds you at camp for the evening. As your crew sets up the camp kitchen, everyone finds their ideal camping spot and sets up their home for the night. You'll relax with a cool drink and hors d' oeuvres and get better acquainted with your fellow river companions, as dinner sizzles on the grill. After a mouthwatering dinner and experiencing a gorgeous canyon sunset, you'll join in the conversation of the group, and listen to the quiet of the canyon as you settle into your sleeping bag under a blanket of stars.

Grand Canyon Dreams Come True

For many of our guests, rafting down the Colorado River though Grand Canyon is the dream of a lifetime. At Wilderness River Adventures, we pride ourselves in being the premier Grand Canyon adventure company—a reputation we’ve earned through unsurpassed guest satisfaction in Grand Canyon raft trips. Unimaginably beautiful scenery, the dramatic contrast of calm waters preceding the thrill of whitewater, spectacular meals and guides that know the Colorado River like none other—all setting the scene for the greatest adventure of your life.

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Explore the Grand Canyon like never before!

Welcome to grand canyon expeditions.

GCE has been an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service since 1964. Our trips allow you to experience areas of the Grand Canyon that are only found from the water, explore side canyons that hide emerald pools, hidden waterfalls, beautiful flowers and plants, and wildlife that is just as laid back as you are. Relax and enjoy sleeping under the endless tapestry of stars, eating delicious meals, and letting life on the Colorado River become part of who you are. Grand Canyon Expeditions rafting tours create memories that last a lifetime.

Call us or book now for an adventure of a lifetime!

8 & 9 Day Motorized River Trip

An out-of-this-world adventure. In eight memorable days, you will cover approximately 277 river miles, negotiating nearly 200 exciting white water rapids in safety and first-class comfort.

14 & 16 Day Dory River Trip

For those who want a longer, more in-depth and up-close experience a dory trip is for you. Since most people raft the Grand Canyon only once, it makes sense to have time to drift, to wander, and to ponder.

What Makes GCE Different

With over 57 years of rafting the Grand Canyon, our intimate knowledge of the Grand Canyon and its breathtaking geologic features, rich historical sites, and hidden wonders, make your vacation an experience, and not just a Colorado River whitewater trip. Take the opportunity to raft 277 scenic miles through Grand Canyon on our 8 & 9 day motorized and 14 & 16 Day Dory Trips. During your Grand Canyon rafting experience our guides will take you on tours that include everything from hiking and swimming in side canyons to running class IV whitewater rapids that spray refreshing jets of liquid diamonds into the air.

Typical Day on the River

Check out the itinerary for what a typical day looks like rafting through the Grand Canyon.

All of our expeditions begin and end in Las Vegas, Nevada. Be sure to arrive the afternoon or evening the day before to your river trip. Las Vegas is served by many major airlines, making travel arrangements easy….

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Get some of your questions answered with our FAQ’s. If you find that you still have some unanswered questions please don’t hesitate to call or click here to message us!

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Grand Canyon Trips

Explore Trips

Discover the adventure of a lifetime with Hatch River Expeditions’ diverse range of Grand Canyon tours. From the thrilling rapids of motorized expeditions to the serene rhythm of oar-powered journeys and the exploratory spirit of hiking-focused adventures, we offer experiences tailored to every type of adventurer.

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Motorized Trips

Hiking trips, phantom ranch weather forecast.

Excited for your trip down the Colorado River? Be sure to check the weather immediately before your trip so you can make last minute adjustments. Click here to view the 7-cay forecast .

MOTORIZED TRIPS

Experience the Grand Canyon like never before on our Motorized Trips. Perfect for thrill-seekers and those looking to maximize their canyon exploration, these trips offer speed, excitement, and unparalleled canyon views.

Connect with the river’s soul on our Oar Trips. Ideal for those who seek a closer bond with nature, these eco-friendly journeys provide a peaceful yet engaging way to experience the canyon’s natural beauty.

HIKING TRIPS

Explore the Grand Canyon’s hidden gems on foot with our Hiking Focused Trips. Tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, these adventures combine the thrill of rafting with immersive hiking experiences, revealing the canyon’s secrets up close.

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CLASSIC ADVENTURE

Motor adventure, all paddle adventure, specialty adventures, what grand canyon rafting trip is best for you start here .

Under third-generation family operation, we take pride in our long-standing history of providing high quality and experiential Colorado River rafting adventures in Grand Canyon. You will see places you have never seen before, do things you’ve never done before and awake every morning to beauty so breathtaking the images will last a lifetime. With an emphasis on adventure, hiking, education, safety and fun, our guides come from diverse backgrounds and knowledge and river running, and are sure to provide you with an adventure of a lifetime.

Share the experience of a lifetime with us!

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Top 5 Reasons to Raft Grand Canyon As Soon As Possible!

Experience the natural wonder.

Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. It’s one of the few places left in the world that is still completely disconnected from cell phone service too! Rafting down the Colorado River is one of the best ways to experience the true majesty of Grand Canyon. It’s one thing to see it from either the South Rim or North Rim, but it’s a whole other view and experience from the river looking up. You’ll see stunning views, cascading waterfalls (yes, waterfalls in the desert!), towering cliffs, natural history left behind from those who came before you, and amazing flora and fauna.

Adventure and excitement

Whitewater rafting through Grand Canyon is an exhilarating adventure that’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping. You’ll be navigating rapids and taking on challenging terrain, making it a thrilling experience you won’t soon forget.

Learn about history and geology

Grand Canyon is a treasure trove of geological history and cultural significance, from the original river runners all the way back to the original peoples that called Grand Canyon home (11 Native American tribes are associated with Grand Canyon National Park). A Grand Canyon trip provides an opportunity to learn about both geology and human history that you likely wouldn’t learn just from a day trip to Grand Canyon National Park. You’ll get to see the layers of rock that tell the story of the canyon’s formation, and you’ll watch it grow and subside around you in a truly remarkable way that few get to experience.

Unplug and disconnect

Grand Canyon rafting trips offer a very unique chance to completely unplug from the distractions of modern life. This is so rare in our world today, and it is truly one of the best reasons to do this Grand Canyon river trip. You’ll be off the grid, surrounded by stunning scenery, without your phone pinging at you every two seconds, and without the daily distractions of life. Our days cause us to be so distracted, but to truly disconnect from it all brings us back to nature, to our most simple selves, and provides us the opportunity to get to know ourselves better.

Make memories

Finally, taking a Grand Canyon rafting trip down the Colorado River provides you with memories that will last a lifetime. It’s an adventure you’ll look back on fondly for years to come, whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or solo, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Which Grand Canyon Rafting Trip is Best for Me?

Between our three different Colorado River rafting trip options, you’re sure to find the best one for you! We have a handy Trip Comparison Guide to read all the details, but below are some bullet points of each of our trip types to help you start considering the best option for you.

Our Classic Adventure

This Grand Canyon whitewater trip offers the most diverse craft type of all of our adventures. You’ll have three length options and typically three different boats to choose from each day.

If you have 14-16 days, our full canyon river trips are a great option as you will get to see all 226 river miles from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek. If you have only a week or so and are capable of a strenuous and very difficult hike on the Bright Angel Trail, our 6-7 day upper canyon trips are a great choice, as well as our 9-10 day lower canyon trips. You will miss one portion or another when choosing either of these options, but you can’t go wrong on either half. And many times, when our guests choose to do just an upper or just a lower, they will come back to do the other half.

If you are looking for some excellent Grand Canyon whitewater experience, our Classic Adventures are the way to go because of all the different boat options you can choose from each day. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to really feel the river move below you, choose our paddle raft and help maneuver the raft down river with 5 other paddlers and an expert river guide steering and commanding the boat. If you’d like time to sit back and take in all the scenery, choose one of the 4-5 oar boats while one of your river guides rows you down river. When available, we’ll send a hard-sided dory boat on this adventure as well, which is a fun and different ride than the other rubberized rafts. It adds a whole new level to the experience as you feel every wave and every riffle rock the boat.

Our Motor Adventure

Our 8 or 10 day motorized adventures are a great opportunity to see the entire 226 river mile stretch in a little over a week. This trip does NOT require a hike in or out of Grand Canyon either so is an excellent option for those who have less time but are apprehensive of hiking Bright Angel Trail. These Grand Canyon river adventures feature one or two 37 foot motorized rafts, powered by 4 stroke engines. These rafts make for a secure feel for those a little more leery about the whitewater you’ll experience on these trips, as they sit high off the water, and flips and unexpected swimmers are much less likely. Our motor trips have a younger recommended minimum age of 10, which allows multi-generational families to experience Grand Canyon together.

Our All-Paddle Adventures

If you’re ready for the most active Grand Canyon whitewater experience we have to offer, this is your trip. You are required to participate on the paddle raft every day to help get the trip down river from Lee’s Ferry to Diamond Creek. This Grand Canyon rafting trip features 3-4 paddle rafts and 3 support oar rafts carrying gear down river.

You’ll be able to choose a 14 day full canyon option, a 6 day upper canyon option, or a 9 day lower canyon option. Please note that the 6 day upper canyon and 9 day lower canyon options require a hike on Bright Angel Trail, a strenuous and difficult 7.5 mile hike with a mile elevation change.

Where our Grand Canyon Raft Trips Start and End

Full canyon travel logistics.

You’ll start and end your trip in Flagstaff, AZ, where we’ll meet you the night before your launch date for an orientation at 7 PM to go over all the logistics you need to pack up for your Grand Canyon whitewater rafting adventure. Bright and early the day of launch, we’ll pick you up by bus, transport you to Lees Ferry, where you’ll meet your guides and start your adventure! On the last day of your trip, you’ll pull into Diamond Creek, where we’ll meet you by bus and transport you back to Flagstaff where you started.

If you are reserved on our Motor Adventure , our 14-16 day Classic Adventure , or our 14 day All-Paddle Adventure , you’ll start at Lees Ferry and travel 226 river miles down stream to Diamond Creek. Our trips do not go to Pearce Ferry unless Diamond Creek is washed out from flooding because we believe it’s best to maximize your amount of time in Grand Canyon National Park than spend a whole extra day traveling through a less exciting and mostly sediment-filled stretch of the river. Lake Mead sediments have caused the disappearance of most rapids, and the best hikes and rapids are all upstream of this section. We prefer to utilize that extra day to hike along the main Grand Canyon river corridor.

Partial Canyon Travel Logistics

Upper canyon.

If you’re on our 6-7 day Upper Canyon Classic Adventure or our 6 day Upper Canyon All-Paddle Adventure , you will meet us in Flagstaff, AZ the night before your trip for an orientation to help you pack for your trip. Bright and early the day of your launch, we’ll meet you at the hotel, pick you up by bus and transport you to Lees Ferry, where you’ll meet your guides and go down river! On the last day of your trip, you will hike out on the Bright Angel Trail from Pipe Creek (not Phantom Ranch, as this will cut 2 miles off of your hike by starting at Pipe Creek). Once you hike out, you’ll be at the South Rim Village of Grand Canyon, where we do not provide transportation. We recommend you stay the night at the South Rim that evening so you’re not having to rush out of the Canyon, and can experience the beauty of Bright Angel Trail. It’s also really nice to take a shower after your river trip and your hike out!

Lower Canyon

If you’re on our 9-10 day Lower Canyon Classic Adventure or our 9 day Lower Canyon All-Paddle Adventure , you will meet us at the South Rim Village the night before your trip for an orientation with your hiking guide. Transportation to the South Rim is not included, but there are plenty of options for getting yourself there, which will be sent to you upon making your reservation. The day of your hike in, you’ll start your descent down the Bright Angel Trail as the sun is rising, which makes for a glorious introduction to Grand Canyon. You’ll meet your guides at Pipe Creek beach, and you’ll start your river trip! On the last day, you’ll pull into Diamond Creek, where you’ll help unload all the rafts, and we’ll have a bus waiting for you to take you to Flagstaff, AZ.

Why We Don’t End our Trips at Pearce Ferry or Whitmore Wash

We fundamentally believe that the longer you can spend time in Grand Canyon National Park proper, the more you’ll be able to explore the most phenomenal side canyons, water falls and scenery available to rafters. Going to Pearce Ferry adds a whole day to our trips, and ultimately doesn’t add much to the adventure. It would in fact, take precious hiking time away.

Ending at Whitmore Wash would cut 1-2 days off your adventure. Sure, that might help you in your vacation time-line planning, but we really find it important to be down in the Canyon as long as you can. The longer you’re down there, the more settled into river life you become, and the more you can immerse yourself in the disconnected world.

Our length of trips allows us to offer a pace that is comfortable, and not rushed, but also provides ample opportunity to get off the rafts and hike and explore Grand Canyon by foot, and not just by raft. If you’re excited to hike while on your trip, AzRA is known as the biggest hiking company in Grand Canyon, and it would be our pleasure to share this magical place with you!

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Rivers & Oceans

Rafting and Adventure Travel

Best Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

Updated: September 18, 2023

With over 100 different options, one question we often hear is “ what is the best Grand Canyon rafting trip? ” In this post we break down what makes for a quality white water rafting experience and discuss our favorite trip options for rafting the Colorado River within Grand Canyon National Park.

Criteria for Selection

Our criteria focuses on time in the Grand Canyon, cost, and quality of the experience. While the number of days is a major variable regarding time, the time to hike and explore side canyons is equally valuable. We selected rafting trips that were not rushing through a section of the Colorado River.

Our belief is you are better off covering a little less of the canyon with more time to explore than vice versa. We also value the more affordable trips and the quality of the experience. This last variable includes the ease of travel to and from the trip, the location where trips start and end as well as how the trip accesses the river.

In addition, all of these rafting trips have availability throughout the summers of 2024 and 2025.

Our Top 5 Grand Canyon White Water Rafting Trips

• Full Grand Canyon 7-day Motorized Rafting Tour – 2nd Best for Families
• Full Grand Canyon: Colorado River 14-day Hybrid Expedition
• Upper Grand Canyon 6-Day Hybrid Rafting Trip
• Western Grand Canyon 3-Day Motorized Rafting Tour
• One-day Motorized Grand Canyon Rafting Trip – Best for Families!

Why Certain trips didn’t make the Cut

Dory and other specialty trips being more costly do not make the cut. You’ll also notice a lack of all-paddle rafting trips on the list. While many people think they will be bored if they aren’t paddling all day every day, we find many end up preferring to hang out on an oar raft or motor raft while taking in the views and get more than enough exercise with all the hiking and scrambling to waterfalls.

Best Grand Canyon White Water Rafting Trip

1. full grand canyon 7-day motorized rafting trip.

While there are purists out there that say you have to use a human-powered raft to run the Grand Canyon, the 7-day motor trip is the most common tour for a reason. The trip allows rafters to see the entire Grand Canyon and run all the rapids while having time to stop at many of the side-attractions, all in just over a week. This trip provides the best overall value and is the most popular rafting trip for families. Kids as young as 8 can go one these trips. Depending upon the outfitter, trips costs around $3400 per person which comes out to about $485 per day.

Video: Full Canyon Motorized Rafting Trip

If you are looking to spend less per day check out the runner-up one-day or 14-day trips. Importantly, Full Grand Canyon rafting trips do not require the 7.5 mile hike in or out of the canyon unlike the Upper and Lower trips. We also recommend the full canyon motor that ends at Whitmore Wash with a helicopter ride out of the canyon. This trip can meet and end in Las Vegas making for simplified logistics.

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2. Full Grand Canyon: Colorado River 14-day Hybrid Rafting Trip

This is the best deal on a per day basis with the cost being around $350 per day. The total trip costs around $4900 per person. Kids must be at least 12 year old for these tours.

The best full Canyon hybrid trips run from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek providing even more time to explore the canyon than on the 7-day motor. The problems with this trip is many people can’t get away for two-weeks. Others can’t imagine 2-weeks without a shower and sleeping on the ground.

Hybrid trips have mainly oar rafts with one paddle raft. We find this to be the best combination for human-powered trips. Most people don’t want to paddle every day and others prefer paddling on days with easier white water.

In addition, many people who expect they will want to be in the paddle boat end up preferring the oar raft. While, other people who initially think they will not want to do the paddle raft at all end up loving it! Having the flexibility to be or not be in this craft is ideal. An additional advantage of a small subset of hybrid trips is they also bring a dory.

On a 14-day tour there are abundant opportunities for lengthy side canyon hikes, discovering the Canyon’s secrets, and soaking in the scenery. Finally, there is no requirement to do the hike in or out at Phantom Ranch on a Full Grand Canyon rafting trip, making this trip more accessible.

3. Upper Grand Canyon 6-Day Hybrid Rafting Trip

For those not wanting the motor raft experience and do not have two weeks for a full Grand Canyon experience. While the lower is known for Lava Falls and Havasu Creek, the Upper section rapids increase throughout the trip ending with the largest rapids on the last full day of rafting.

Starting at Lees Ferry means seeing each rock layer up close as you gradually descend through geologic time. Both the Canyon walls and whitewater build in size as you float downstream, giving you time to gradually take in the experience.

This trip includes a hike out of the canyon at Phantom Ranch , the deepest point in Grand Canyon. The hike covers 7.5 challenging miles along the Bright Angel Trail . This stretch of the Colorado River includes exciting rapids (class II-IV), tranquil flows, archaeological sites, and side canyon explorations. You will camp out on beaches in the bottom of the Grand Canyon. If you enjoy the trip come back and do the lower canyon next!

4. Western Grand Canyon 3-Day Motorized Rafting Trip

Those that want to spend a bit of time camping along the Colorado River, rafting Western Grand Canyon is a great option. The 3-day tour is the best Grand Canyon rafting trip that meets and ends in Las Vegas . They also include a helicopter flight into the launch point for the trip at Whitmore Wash. There is an option to spend a night at the Bar 10 Dude Ranch on the North Rim before starting your trip.

The 3-day trip runs fun rapids but still has some time to explore. It floats to the end of Grand Canyon at Pearce Ferry within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. We see many people do this stretch and then decide come back to do the full canyon motor trip.

5. One-day Motorized Grand Canyon Rafting (Best Family Rafting Option)

This is the only way to spend one day rafting whitewater rapids in Grand Canyon . There is a one-day flat water run just below Lake Powell but it doesn’t have any whitewater. Also, this trip is the most affordable. Depending upon when you go the 1-day motor will run around $350 to $400 per person. You can spend more for a helicopter ride out of the canyon and a stop at the Hualapai Skywalk. There is also no required hiking with this trip. Conveniently, this trip is the closest white water rafting to Las Vegas .

Some people say this isn’t the “real” Grand Canyon because it is below where many companies end there trips at Diamond Creek. However, the one-day tour runs the lower Granite Canyon of Grand Canyon passing the spot where the Powell Expedition in the late 1880’s decided to split because they were worried they would never make it out of the canyon!

The canyon is still deep, the views incredible and there are many memorable Class II and III rapids (Grand Canyon Class 4 through 7). The most challenging rapid is class III+ Killer Fang Falls which historians believe led to the demise of the Honeymoon Couple, Glen and Bessie Hyde in 1928. The trip even has time for a short side-hike to Travertine Falls. We see excellent reviews for this trip. Plus, all the guides are members of the Hualapai Nation, bringing a unique cultural perspective to the area.

The Family Rafting Option

The one-day Grand Canyon rafting trip is best for families due to the price-point being lower than other trips and kids as young as 8 years old are able to go on the trip. Doing a one day trip also makes for an excellent introduction to rafting and requires way less work for parents. While this is the best Grand Canyon rafting option for kids we feel the Rogue River in Oregon , the Salmon River in Idaho and Lodore Canyon in Utah are all even better river trips for families with kids.

Concluding Thoughts

Any rafting trip in Grand Canyon will be an amazing experience. However, the list above shows the best Grand Canyon rafting trips for most people. Our collection has a variety of lengths from one-day to 14-days with different types of craft and seeing different sections of the canyon so as to meet everyone’s needs. One important variable is availability, all these trips are common meaning it will be easier to find you preferred date even when trying to book last-minute .

Those looking for more information may also want to read our posts about the different types of Grand Canyon crafts and how rafting the Grand Canyon varies by season .

Interested in us finding available trips for you, please contact us . Our service is free and covered by the outfitters . We guarantee the same rate as you would pay going directly with an outfitter. One call to us gets you availability for all 17 Grand Canyon rafting companies.

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Experts in wilderness travel, we have extensive connections within the industry through our 60+ combined years guiding most of the trips we offer including hundreds of rafting trips in Grand Canyon.

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Rafting at the Grand Canyon

Ask any of the 22,000 Colorado River runners who brave Grand Canyon white water river rafting trips each year to describe the experience and you're likely to hear that it is "the trip of a lifetime." Licensed Grand Canyon river rafting companies vie with eager private boaters for the limited Grand Canyon Colorado River rafting permits the National Park Service makes available every year. Kayaks, dories, oar-powered inflatable rafts, and graceful motorized rigs are the watercraft of choice through this world-class Grand Canyon whitewater rafting wonderland. Trips are moderately expensive and last anywhere from one day to just over two weeks. There are also different levels of excitement available for these trips. Float trips tend to be milder and travel mostly on the smoother part of the Colorado River with fewer rapids. Other Grand Canyon river rafting trips take on the Class 5 rapids head-on! If you have the desire to travel through the Grand Canyon via water, there is a Grand Canyon river rafting trip for you.

Many Grand Canyon river rafting trips depart by van from Flagstaff or Las Vegas and put-in at points like Lees Ferry, located about 2 1/2 hours from Flagstaff and about 50 miles north of the North Rim entrance. These trips start booking up a year in advance, but it never hurts to keep an eye out for last-minute cancellations or unfilled spots. Grand Canyon river rafting trips are definitely one of the most memorable Grand Canyon experiences a person could ever experience.

How to Choose a Grand Canyon River Rafting Trip

Common elements of all trips.

Rafting through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River is absolutely one of the best trips you will ever take in your life. The Grand Canyon is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, and the only one you can spend a week peacefully floating through. The scenery and geology change mile by mile, and the mood of the canyon shifts just as much as evolving clouds and light create a spectacle for the senses. A lack of cell phone service and Wifi will help bring your family closer together, and you will likely develop friendships with the other passengers that can last a lifetime. Kids struggle to comprehend how they can survive a week without interacting with their friends on social media, but it is beautiful to watch them blossom time and time again after just a couple of days of being present and engaged with the world around them. Guides do the majority of the work so that you can enjoy the canyon and quality time with each other. Still, everyone is expected to participate in loading and unloading the boats each day, and working together as a group is one of those intangible things that makes rafting through the Grand Canyon so memorable.

You will sleep on sandy beaches underneath one of the best night skies the country has to offer. On a night without a moon, the Milky Way lights up the sky between canyon walls a mile high. Have satellite races and count shooting stars with your loved ones as you lay in bed. You aren’t allowed to fall asleep until you’ve seen 2.

Days start early with the intention of packing up and leaving camp by 8 or so in the morning. This allows for ample time hiking upside canyons, to Ancestral Puebloan ruins, or to waterfalls, and for relaxation time at the next camp in the afternoon. Everyone will stop and have a deli-style lunch around lunchtime, and dinner around dinnertime. Leave your watch behind and embrace falling into a natural rhythm. The food is outstanding, but dietary accommodations can be made as long as ample notice is given to the company you book a trip with.

Most of the time spent on the river is in flatwater, providing plenty of time for guides to explain the geology, ecology, and human history of the canyon, as well as regale you with countless colorful stories from their previous river trips. This, of course, is punctuated by the thrill of whitewater rapids. There are over 80 named rapids and they are rated on the Grand Canyon scale of 1 - 10, but some days will be calm and some will feel like an adrenaline roller coaster.

@southwestmedia Have you ever gone whitewater rafting? This one of the most incredible experiences of a lifetime. #grandcanyon #grandcanyonrivertrip #grandcanyonnationalpark #bucketlist #adventuretime ? Acid Cowboy - Disco Lines

Grand Canyon White Water Rafting One Day Trips

Smooth water rafting below glen canyon dam (horseshoe bend float trip).

Duration: Around half a day. Route: This trip often begins below the Glen Canyon Dam, near Page, Arizona. It covers the smooth waters of the Colorado River as it winds through the canyon walls. Experience: Suitable for families and those looking for a more relaxed rafting experience without intense rapids.

White Water Rafting in the Grand Canyon

Duration: Full-day trips can last around 8-10 hours. Route: These trips venture into the Grand Canyon, tackling sections of exciting white water. Launch points can vary, and trips may cover different parts of the river. Experience: Geared toward those seeking a more adventurous experience, with the opportunity to navigate through challenging rapids.

Hybrid Rafting Trips

Duration: Some companies offer hybrid trips that combine smooth water rafting with a shorter section of white water rafting. Often these are combined with helicopter tours of other nearby attractions. Route: These trips may cover both calm and more challenging sections of the Colorado River. Experience: Provides a mix of relaxation and excitement, catering to a broader range of preferences.

Grand Canyon River Rafting - One Day Trips

Before choosing a trip, the first thing to consider is whether to do a private or commercial rafting trip. Private trips are for experienced river rafters who want to organize the whole adventure on their own. Permits are awarded through a lottery system, and the permit holder must have been on at least one Grand Canyon river trip before. Permits are applied for over a year in advance. For more information, please see https://grcariverpermits.nps.gov/

Commercial trips are run by professional outfitters and are typically booked 6 months - 1 year in advance. Outfitters provide the boats, guides, food, water, tents, waterproof bags, and sleep kits. Experienced guides know where the shade is when it’s hot, how to keep you drier when it’s cold, and understand the logistics of how to go on the best hikes during the day and still get the best camps at night. If you don’t want to figure any of that out on your own, keep reading!

The first thing to take into account before choosing a commercial Grand Canyon river trip is whether you want to do a motor or oar-powered trip. Motor trips are shorter and can carry more amenities, while oar trips are longer and a little more rugged.

Motor trips are generally considered more appropriate for all ages and ability levels. They typically consist of two 37’ rafts that are each powered by a 25 hp motor, allowing you to cruise through long flatwater sections and run more rapids in a given day. Grandma, Grandpa, little Billy, and even Aunt Esther with the trick knee are all welcome on a motor trip. If you want to get wet, you can sit in the front and be slapped in the face by the best waves the Colorado River has to offer. If Grandma prefers a smoother, drier ride and wants to watch little Billy get slapped by waves all day, she can do that too by sitting towards the back of the boat. Motor trips fall more on the ‘glamping’ side of outdoor recreation and have more storage for things like professional cameras and evening cocktail ice than oar trips do. Companies set their own policies on age restrictions, but 8 years old is often the minimum. There is no maximum and able people in their 80’s come on these trips every year.

Oar trips are longer, more intimate, and more appropriate for those with outdoor experience. Each boat is rowed by a trained boatman and typically carries 4 passengers, so the atmosphere is quiet and seems to facilitate conversation that meanders with the river. You’ll hear canyon wrens singing as you float by, spot trout swimming beneath you, and feel your adrenaline pump at the growing thunder of an approaching rapid. Although it doesn’t happen every trip, there is always a risk of oar boats flipping in a rapid. (Please note: f-l-i-p is the worst four-letter word on the Colorado River, followed closely by w-i-n-d.) It is considered one of the safer rivers to unintentionally swim, but is certainly not an experience recommended for the faint-hearted.

Oar trips have a lot of variation in the number and types of crafts offered. The most common boat is the 18’ long raft. Dories are also rowed with oars by a single boatman, but are slightly smaller and made of wood or fiberglass, so they tend to slice through the water and fly up the faces of waves. Paddle boats are run by a paddle captain, who steers from the back and gives commands to 6 paddlers. They are great for a workout and usually the most fun boat on the river, plus there is always the option to participate on easier or harder days. Each company has a different combination of oar boats, paddle boats, and dories, so check before you book. Some companies will also send along a motor boat strictly for carrying gear to provide you with the same camp amenities enjoyed by motor trip passengers.

This is where it gets a little more complicated. The length of trip you can do is highly variable and depends mostly on whether or not you hike in or out of the canyon. Both motor and oar trips may exchange passengers at Phantom Ranch, who must hike the Bright Angel Trail 10 miles with a mile of elevation change. This allows you to participate on half of a 12-16 day oar trip or 7-10 day motor trip, although the lower half of the canyon takes slightly longer than the upper half.

The hike itself is spectacularly beautiful, but very challenging even for those in shape. Steep switchbacks near the river called the Devil’s Corkscrew are notoriously difficult. Heat radiates off the black Vishnu Schist when temperatures in the shade during June and July can already be 120 degrees. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even hyponatremia are common problems along this stretch of the trail when hiking in. Indian Gardens is the halfway point and offers bathrooms, ample shade beneath large cottonwood trees, and a creek to cool off in. Beyond Indian Gardens, the trail is steep and very sun-exposed. There are more frequently spaced water spigots, but also another long set of switchbacks to climb before reaching the South Rim. It is not recommended to do this hike during June or July because of extreme temperatures that make it by far the most dangerous part of the entire river trip. Young children, the elderly, those with heart conditions, and those unaccustomed to steep terrain or hiking at altitude tend to suffer on this hike. It is not uncommon for people to miss their river trip by underestimating this challenge and not being able to complete the hike. Go at your own risk.

You don’t have to hike at all. Full-length trips without exchanges are the best to do because it gives the whole group more time together and no time is wasted waiting for everyone to hike in or recover from the hike. However, this may not be realistic due to time or budgetary constraints. Upper half trips start at mile 0 and end at mile 88. Lower half trips start at mile 88 and can end in several different places depending on the company you book through. Many companies have passengers take a helicopter flight out of the canyon at Whitmore Wash, mile 188, after surviving the grand finale rapid, Lava Falls. Some companies take you downstream to Diamond Creek at mile 225 where you can bus out. Others take you all the way to the Grand Wash Cliffs at the very end of Grand Canyon, mile 280. Alternatively, those looking for a quick adventure can helicopter in at Whitmore Wash, experience a few moderate rapids and camp for just 1 night.

The last stretch of the canyon below Whitmore Wash is the hottest with the least to do, but the helicopter ride and charter flight back to civilization from the Bar X Ranch do add substantial costs to the price of the trip.

Both the upper and lower halves of a Grand Canyon river trip are unforgettable, but there are a few differences worth noting. The upper half has the potential for more hikes to archeological sites and more interesting geology. Although both halves feature the same rock layers, the colors are a little bolder in the upper half. Additionally, since you observe each one rising from the Earth around you as the canyon grows deeper on the upper half, you tend to hear more about each layer from your guides. The lower half has more big rapids and more waterfall hikes. You run most of the biggest and baddest rapids in Grand Canyon right after hiking into the lower half, but will still enjoy more tranquil days once you survive the Upper Granite Gorge. If price is a big concern, do the upper half, but if the thrill of whitewater is more important, do the lower half.

Trips vary extraordinarily in the number of days they take to complete the upper half, lower half, or whole canyon. This makes a huge difference in the quality of the trip. Longer trips offer more time for hiking, more time with a beer in hand and toes in the sand at camp, and fewer long days on the water. You simply don’t have as much time to see all the hidden gems in Grand Canyon’s side canyons on a short trip, and it can make the whole experience feel more like a bus tour. Unless the whole point of going is only to prove to family and neighbors you did something adventurous, I highly highly recommend taking the longer trip when presented with different options.

One last thing to consider are trips with a certain focus. Some companies offer yoga specials, hikers’ specials, kayaker support trips, etc. There is one string quartet trip every year, where they search for the best acoustics in Grand Canyon’s labyrinth for making music. Guides will always tailor their trips to the group they have, but if a focused trip will significantly enhance your experience, ask about options before booking.

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Advantage Grand Canyon

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Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas with VIP Skywalk & Pontoon Boat Ride

Book the ultimate Grand Canyon getaway with this combo tour that begins with a helicopter flight from Las Vegas. Get a birds-eye-view of Hoover Dam and the Grapevine Mesa Joshua Trees en route to the West Rim. Then descend to the canyon floor for a pontoon boat cruise on the Colorado River. Finish with VIP access to the Skywalk, a glass-bottom deck that hovers above the sandstone walls. A souvenir photo and coach transfers are included. ** Please note: Effective for travel prior to April 1, 2024, the price displayed does not include a USD30 per person fuel fee. This fee is payable direct to the supplier on the day of your tour **

• Grand Canyon helicopter combo tour from Las Vegas
• View Hoover Dam and the sandstone canyon walls on a helicopter ride
• Land on the floor of the Grand Canyon Take a pontoon boat cruise along the Colorado River
• Marvel at the breadth of the canyon from the glass-bottom Skywalk at Eagle Point with skip-the-line admission
• Hotel transport and souvenir Skywalk photo included

Leaves from Las Vegas | Multi-Attraction Tours

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MORE GRAND CANYON RIVER RAFTING TRIPS

Whitewater Rafting Trips in the Grand Canyon

Whitewater rafting trips in the upper or lower grand canyon.

The ultimate bucket list river trip, Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trips are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The view from the rim is spectacular, but the view from a raft is even better. The river and the canyon are a world unto themselves. Discover fascinating geology and biodiversity that is only accessible via the river or rugged footpaths.

The best river trip in northern Arizona, Grand Canyon puts you in touch with the power of the Colorado River. Run infamous rapids such as Hermit, Granite, Crystal, and Lava Falls. Hike through impossibly beautiful side canyons and swim in crystalline pools. Let the bird song and glowing canyon walls fill your days.

Holiday can arrange five- to nine-day rafting trips through either the lower or upper sections of Grand Canyon. These trips involve a nine-mile hike into or out of the canyon from the South Rim to the Colorado River; we recommend that only those in good physical condition consider these trips. Reservations should be made well in advance; demand for this world-class adventure is high. Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trips are run by outside affiliates who are authorized Grand Canyon concessionaires.

Looking for a Colorado River Rafting trip that is easier on your pocketbook and your busy schedule? Check out any of Holiday’s alternative “Grand” canyon river rafting trips! The Colorado River and its tributaries extend far beyond Grand Canyon, north into Utah and Colorado where they run through different ancient canyons. Big rapids, cultural sites, dramatic geology, beach campsites, hiking options, and canyon scenery, these alternative canyons have it all for a fraction of the cost and time.

5–6 Day Upper Grand Canyon

The Upper Grand Canyon is an amazing place with legendary landmarks such as Vasey’s Paradise, the Little Colorado River, and Redwall Cavern. Although the most famous whitewater is found in the lower canyon, the upper still holds some major rapids such as Nevills and Hance. Starting at Lees Ferry, the canyon opens to us as we begin the float into its vast interior. It all starts as a narrow, sheer-sided chasm, winding through the uplifted Kaibab Plateau. The first 61 miles of Marble Canyon are the most photographed, perhaps the most scenic portion of the Grand Canyon. The rim moves out of view as the canyon broadens to its full, 13-mile width. Then we enter the foreboding inner gorge with its exquisite, polished granite. This gem of the Colorado Plateau is indeed one of the most scenic places on earth!

8–9 Day Lower Grand Canyon

The Lower section of the Grand Canyon is characterized by its granite gorges and punctuated by massive whitewater. Legendary rapids reside in this lower portion of the canyon, beginning with Horn Creek and continuing through Hermit, Crystal, and Lava Falls. Hold on to your hats: not only will this be a wild (and safe!) ride but you'll want those shady hats for the many epic side canyon hikes peppered throughout the lower gorge. The lower canyon has every ingredient to make a memorable trip. All that's missing is you!

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Grand Canyon Rafting Trips 101: a Beginner’s Guide

updated: January 25, 2021

You know you want to go rafting in the Grand Canyon.

The trip is often cited as America’s #1 adventure vacation.

Why? The Canyon is simply out of this world.

So to experience it slowly, from the bottom?

Even better!

Whitewater rapids, hidden slot canyons, sandy beaches, great people, and tasty meals are just the beginning of the fun.

This video sums up the experience, check it out:

That’s why they call it the Trip of a Lifetime!

The first step in planning a river trip can be overwhelming.

You have to choose from over a dozen companies that do guided tours through the Canyon. Worse yet, each of these individual companies offers about a dozen of their own different choices of raft expeditions.

Going through all of their websites makes you want to pull your hair out!

Let’s start from the beginning, defining where all the Grand Canyon rafting trips begin and end.

Places to Begin and End Your Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

All the river trips don’t start and finish in the same places. There’s a number of variations, so I’m going to outline them for you here.

Sometimes I’ll call the location where you begin your trip the “put-in.” It’s the place where you first enter the Colorado River. The spot where you end is called the “take-out.”

One way that the Grand Canyon is measured is in “River Miles.” If the Colorado River was a paved road, its length through the Grand Canyon would be 277 miles.

Glen Canyon Dam – The Minus Level

The smooth-water day trips begin at Glen Canyon Dam near Page, Arizona. In terms of river miles, the dam would be at mile-marker minus fifteen (-15). You’re driven through an access tunnel to reach the shore of the River at the bottom of the dam.

The day trip through Horseshoe Bend wraps up 15 miles downstream at Lee’s Ferry. If you want to steer clear of any “excitement,” this is a perfectly simple float with no white water rapids.

Lees Ferry – Ground Zero

Lees Ferry is considered to be the beginning of the Canyon. It’s at “Mile Zero.”

Most river trips start here. There’s a launch ramp, a campground, and little other development in the area.

The commercial tour companies drive you to Lees Ferry from someplace more civilized. Marble Canyon AZ and Page AZ are the closest “cities,” but there’s almost nothing but a lodge and a gas station in Marble Canyon.

Phantom Ranch – The Divide

The only way to get to Phantom Ranch is by mule, on foot, or on that boat you rode in on! There’s occasional helicopter traffic, but that’s only for official National Park Service use.

You’re now a vertical mile below the rim. Phantom Ranch is far from the outside world, but there’s some basic services here – like lemonade!

Most companies begin or end some of their raft tours at Phantom Ranch . The 10-mile Bright Angel Trail connects Phantom Ranch to the South Rim Village, where you can finally find some air-conditioning and pizza. If you choose this option, be prepared to hike a strenuous 10 miles up or down the trail. It’s no joke.

Some companies provide vehicle transportation to or from the South Rim. Others let you find your own travel connections. The Historic South Rim Village is the centrally developed area of Grand Canyon National Park.

Sometimes you’ll see references to Pipe Springs . This is the river access on the Bright Angel Trail. Pipe Springs is about 1.5 miles closer to the South Rim Village than Phantom Ranch, at the bottom of the Canyon. Generally companies will drop you off at Phantom Ranch, but pick you up for the “put-in” at Pipe Springs.

Trips that begin at Lee’s Ferry and end at Phantom Ranch are considered the top half or upper half of the Canyon .

Trips that begin at Phantom Ranch (Pipe Springs) are considered the lower half or bottom half of the Canyon .

Whitmore Wash – The Beginning of the End

From Phantom Ranch it’s a dramatic ride through the biggest, baddest rapids to the next portal – the Whitmore Wash Helipad, at river mile 187. By now you’ve been through the best of the Grand Canyon.

There’s no road to the Colorado River at Whitmore. It’s a helicopter pad where you’ll be whisked away to the Bar X (10) Ranch on a remote part of the North Rim. You’ll then be flown again to another airport, usually in Las Vegas NV or Page AZ. So if your trip involves Whitmore, you can expect an included helicopter ride and charter flight!

Some trips begin at Whitmore or farther downstream at Diamond Creek . These tours exist for those that only have a short window of time. They’re still awesome experiences, but they miss the best that the Canyon has to offer.

As opposed to the upper trips and lower trips, I refer to trips that start at Whitmore or Diamond as the bottom . The section is more commonly referred to as Diamond Down .

Diamond Creek – Maybe The End

Diamond Creek is the next access point at River Mile 226. This is a popular place to finish your rafting trip and exit the Canyon, particularly for non-motorized trips. Your outfitter will drive you to civilization, likely in Peach Springs AZ, Flagstaff AZ, or Las Vegas. There’s nothing here at Diamond but a ramp and a parking area.

You’re not missing much by ending a trip at Diamond Creek. Farther at Separation Canyon (Mile 240), commercial trips often pick you up in a jet boat for the rest of the way to Lake Mead at speeds up to 35mph anyway.

The whitewater day trips begin here at Diamond Creek.

Interesting fact : Diamond Creek Road is the first place that you can drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon after Lee’s Ferry. That’s 225 river miles without any access to roads!

This is a 26-mile dirt road completely on Hualapai Tribal Lands, requiring a high-clearance vehicle. The Hualapai charge a toll of at least $65. In most cases you shouldn’t have to worry about these fees when an outfitter is handling your transportation.

To “drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon” here is definitely not a worthy vacation activity. It’s a lot more trouble than it’s worth, and the Canyon isn’t quite as Grand down here.

The road begins in Peach Springs, Arizona .

Pearce Ferry – The End

Pearce Ferry (Mile 281) is the main take-out at Lake Mead. There aren’t any views of the broader lake from here.

When they say your trip ends at Lake Mead, that most often means Pearce Ferry. There’s nothing more than a ramp and a rough parking area here, though the impressive “Pearce Ferry Rapid” is located about one mile downstream.

Companies will drive you from here primarily to Flagstaff AZ or Las Vegas.

Driving distances from Pearce Ferry:

• Flagstaff – 210 miles
• Lees Ferry – 330 miles
• Las Vegas 110 miles

Looking a bit further, South Cove (Mile 297) is an historic take-out point for the Grand Canyon at Lake Mead. Fluctuating water levels of the lake create a level of unpredictability beyond Pearce Ferry – namely the problematic Pearce Ferry Rapid.

So now you have a better understanding of where to access the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. You’re more prepared to check out all the Grand Canyon Rafting Companies, but first…

Motors, Oars, Paddles, Hybrids, Dories, and Duckies!

There’s a choice to be made among a variety of different boats.

Motorized Rafting Trips

Motor trips involve large pontoon rafts, sometimes affectionately called “bologna boats.” These can hold a lot of passengers – 10 or more.

There’s usually a couple of crew members on board, in addition to the pilot. The pilot sits in the rear and steers with an outboard motor.

These large rafts offer the highest sense of safety. They’re so sturdy that the pilots deliberately may steer into rough water for a more exciting ride. Motor trips are the fastest option if you want to see as much of the Grand Canyon as you can in a limited time . These trips entail the least number of days, and are therefore less expensive, too.

The motorized rides are big business for the raft companies. It’s more of a roller coaster ride than a rafting experience, watching the Canyon pass you by at a higher rate of speed.

Or to put it another way, motor trips are like driving a car down a scenic road.

Non-motorized oar trips are more like riding a bicycle down that road.

Non-Motorized Rafting Trips (Oar Trips)

Oar trips use smaller rafts, usually 14-18 feet long. They’re piloted by a single “boatman” that simply rows down the River with two long oars.

These rafts typically hold about four passengers, in addition to the boatman.

Paddle Trips

Paddle trips are where you actually get to paddle down the river with your own muscle and sweat.

The typical arrangement is that six “passengers” use individual paddles, instructed and assisted by a guide that gives direction from the back (and paddles too).

Hybrid Trips

Hybrid trips involve a combination of oar boats and paddle boats. You’re given a choice each day between active involvement on the paddle boat or just relaxing on an oar raft, piloted by one of the guides.

Most paddle trips are set up as hybrid trips.

Some outfitters offer trips on a dory. Resembling a large canoe, dories are typically 17 feet long and constructed of wood and fiberglass. Readers of the best book about rafting the Grand Canyon, The Emerald Mile , are no strangers to the craft.

Dories traditionally offer a more rigid and elegant ride, and more comfort too. There’s the ability to lounge back through the slow stretches, and the ability access your gear more easily. They have a reputation for offering the ultimate Grand Canyon rafting experience.

Oar Trips vs Motor Trips

No matter which oar trip you choose, you’ll have a more intimate experience than the motor trips. You’ll be up close and personal with the River, and maybe even swimming in it!

The simple rhythm of the oars splashing the water’s surface is something you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life.

Unfortunately, these tours are much more expensive than the motorized trips.

If you’re a crazy thrill seeker that enjoys getting pummeled by the big whitewater, some companies offer kayak support . Sometimes they have inflatable kayaks (Often called a ducky) available too.

Finally, there’s all kinds of specialized trips available. Some have a strong focus on hiking. Others specialize on a subject like geology or yoga. One company even offers a string quartet that serenades you through dinner!

Grand Canyon Rafting Safety and Deaths

You don’t have to know how to swim. Stringent rules require you to wear an approved life-jacket at all times on the water (Often called a personal flotation device, or PFD).

All of the commercial outfitters are known to have excellent safety records. It’s simply in their best interest for your trip to be injury-free.

The National Park Service doesn’t publicly release its safety statistics, but Tom Myers (Co-author of Death in the Grand Canyon ) reports that Grand Canyon rafting injuries “occur at a rate similar to golf and bowling.”

As with any thrilling outdoor activity, accidents and even deaths sometimes do occur. The only comprehensive record of deaths is found in the book listed above.

Private Permits

So regarding those stinky guides and their high prices and their speedboats and string ensembles… maybe you just don’t want ‘em!

This National Park belongs to you, a citizen! Maybe you want to just blow up an inner tube, pack a few sandwiches, and go!

Well hold on there, Alexander Supertramp. Putting together your own rafting trip through the Grand Canyon is a huge undertaking… an expedition. All sorts of things can go wrong.

The good news is that the legendary 20-year waiting list for Grand Canyon rafting permits is ancient history. Read more about how much easier it is to win river permits these days, and what comes next if you actually get one.

When is the Best Time to Go?

The best time to go is when you can!

The first thing to know regarding timing is that multi-day commercial tours are only available from April 1 until the end of October.

Motor trips only run from April 1 until September 15.

The majority of people book their commercial trips for the common vacation months of June, July, and August.

I think the best time to go on a motor trip is late May. The river should be quieter than the summer months, and the beaches will show less impact after the quiet winter.

Additionally, the summer months are HOT at the bottom of the Canyon. Like 110-degrees-HOT. May should be slightly cooler (Like only 100 degrees vs 110).

Monsoon thunderstorms roll through the Canyon in July and August. In addition to the obvious precipitation, this means flash floods, so your guides are less likely to show you some of the slot canyons.

Whenever it rains, the river is likely to be thick and brown with sediment, like the picture of the kayaks above. This is okay when you get used to it, but obviously less picturesque.

It’s impossible to predict when the water will be blue-green, but the chances of clear water are better in late May, June, and in late September.

The best time to go on a NON-motorized commercial trip is probably late September into October. This is for one simple reason – there won’t be any motor trips out there! The Inner Canyon also has some of the best weather of the year at that time, too.

Private trips are available year-round. September, October, and March into April are the most desirable times to score a trip. These months have the best combination of pleasant weather and fewer people on the river.

The remaining summer months are okay, but crowded with motor boats. You also have more competition for permits throughout these traditional times for summer vacation.

Winter is okay too, so long as you don’t mind the cold… and the short daylight hours. The Canyon is exquisitely quiet in winter.

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About Jamie Compos

I'm the guy behind DownTheTrail.com. I love the outdoors, and the Grand Canyon is my favorite destination. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter (at the bottom of the page), or else I'll slip a rock into your backpack when you're not looking.

October 29, 2023 at 3:53 pm

Hey i am looking fr mild rafting trip(f3 or less) fr me and my wife, i hv always dreamed of floating the grand canyon,we r looking fr a 4/5 day trip , to enjoy warm weather and not so rough rapids , what would be your thoughts on the best time to go, thank you .

November 1, 2023 at 1:24 pm

All of the rafting trips in the Grand Canyon will have fairly rough rapids.

Single day trips through smooth water are available through Horseshoe Bend, just slightly upstream of Grand Canyon.

2-Day trips on the lower, downstream end are available through Hualapai River Runners. There’s a few rapids here but they’re not very big.

4-6 Day trips (closer to your desired length of time) are run through the “Upper” Grand Canyon from Lees Ferry to Pipe Creek. This has some bigger rapids (but not the absolute largest to be found in the Canyon), and you’re required to do a long hike out of the Canyon at the end of the trip. This is offered by a number of companies.

Finally there’s the “Lower” Canyon downstream of Pipe Creek, but this has the biggest rapids.

For a nice warm time of year I’d recommend April or October. May and September are guaranteed to be warmer, but have a greater chance of getting blazing hot like June, July, and August.

Hope this helps!

March 17, 2022 at 11:29 pm

I was a guide at 15. My grandfather took the first outboards motors down. I’ve done100 trips with ours and motors, roughly. The sandersons, my family,were along the first. I own pre dam runs on film.

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OARS Grand Canyon

1802 W Kaibab Ln #250, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Local Phone: 928-714-7936 | Toll-Free: 855-541-4797

Office Hours

April-September Mon-Fri: 7am – 7pm, MST; Sat-Sun: 8am – 6pm, MST

October-March Mon-Fri: 8am – 6pm, MST

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Trips do not meet here. Refer to your trip confirmation email for meeting locations.

Welcome to OARS Grand Canyon

In 1969, OARS became the first exclusively, non-motorized rafting company authorized by the National Park Service to run trips on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon. In 1987, Grand Canyon Dories founder and conservationist, Martin Litton, passed the reins to OARS founder, George Wendt, so that he could carry on the dory legacy. Today, OARS & Grand Canyon Dories maintain an ongoing commitment to conservation and responsible travel through unequaled access to more rivers—by raft or dory—than any other organization in the world.

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There’s a reason that more than 70% of OARS travelers each year are repeat guests or were referred by a past OARS traveler.

Family-owned & operated for 50+ years

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oars GRAND CANYON Adventures

Grand Canyon Dories: Lees Ferry to Pipe Creek

Location: Grand Canyon, Arizona Adventure Level: Challenging Minimum Age: 12

Grand Canyon Dories: Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash

Grand Canyon Dories: Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek

Location: Arizona Adventure Level: Challenging Minimum Age: 12

Grand Canyon Dories: Lees Ferry to Pearce Ferry

Grand Canyon Dories: Pipe Creek to Whitmore Wash

Grand Canyon Dories: Pipe Creek to Diamond Creek

Grand Canyon Dories: Pipe Creek to Pearce Ferry

Grand Canyon Dories: Whitmore Wash to Pearce Ferry

Location: Grand Canyon, Arizona Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 7

Grand Canyon Rafting: Lees Ferry to Pipe Creek

Grand Canyon Rafting: Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash

Grand Canyon Rafting: Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek

Grand Canyon Rafting: Lees Ferry to Pearce Ferry

Grand Canyon Rafting: Pipe Creek to Whitmore Wash

Grand Canyon Rafting: Pipe Creek to Diamond Creek

Grand Canyon Rafting: Pipe Creek to Pearce Ferry

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The Full Grand Canyon

13–15 days A Full Trip Grand Canyon rafting trip traverses the entire length of the river from Lee's Ferry down to Pearce Ferry. A full trip through the entire canyon allows for extra time to explore the numerous side hikes and ancient Native ruins. View Trip >

The Upper Canyon

5–7 days An Upper Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trip floats the first 88 miles from Lee's Ferry through Marble Canyon down to Pipe Creek. This trip includes a hike out of the Canyon via the Bright Angel Trail. View Trip >

The Lower Canyon

8–10 Days A Lower Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trip floats the remaining 192 miles from Pipe Creek to Pearce Ferry. The Lower is home to the infamous Crystal Rapid as well as Lava Falls... some of the biggest rapids on the river. This trip includes a hike into the Canyon via the Bright Angel Trail. View Trip >

All-Paddle Trips

5–15 days The ultimate "sports car" rafting trip. A Grand Canyon paddle rafting trip is the ultimate way for you to participate in traversing the Canyon. Six paddlers power the boat and a guide steers from the stern, definitely a team effort. View Trip >

Extended Trips

7–15 days These trips take place during times of optimal temperatures. They allow for more exploration of the side canyons and a slower pace on the water. Ideal for those who may be sensitive to the hot desert temperatures of summer. Trips available in April & September. View Trip >

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Speciality Trips

Join us for guided 1/2 day motorized or 1, 2, or 3-day self-guided kayak trips, where you'll find yourself immersed in the majestic canyon walls connecting Glen Canyon and Grand Canyon. Our guided motorized tours operate from March to October, while self-guided kayak adventures run from February to October in 2024. These smooth water adventures are ideal for those craving a Colorado River experience but are short on time.

Our guided motorized tours offer Half-day trip options, allowing you to float 10 river miles through the horseshoe bend, beginning at petroglyph beach. Self-guided kayak tours provide flexibility in trip duration. Floating all 15 river miles from the base of the Glen Canyon Dam can take 7-9 hours to complete, with the option to discuss the duration with your captain. Alternatively, beginning at river mile 10 offers a 4-6 hour float until you complete your trip.

For those seeking a longer adventure, you can extend your self-guided kayak trip to 2 or 3 days. Take time to explore the numerous side canyon hiking opportunities and enjoy camping at one of the many beautiful sandy beach campsites along the way. Additional information about self-guided kayak tours can be found in the latter part of this page.

Half Day Guided Motorized Raft Trips  BOOK HERE

You will board the boat at Less Ferry and for a scenic backhaul boat ride up river past horseshoe bend at which point, the boat will turn around and float back down river. During this time you'll step into an invigorating 3.5-hour educational voyage via motorcraft through the immaculate waters of Glen Canyon – an indelible escapade for our shared guests! Stand in awe of the majestic 1400ft sandstone walls enveloping you as our seasoned guides unravel enthralling tales about the vibrant history of the indigenous peoples who once thrived in this extraordinary locale. Envision a pause at a captivating petroglyph panel, where our knowledgeable guides will submerge your group in the ancient enigmas of the region. Indulge in the diverse array of wildlife that graces the landscape, ensuring each moment is an unparalleled encounter with nature. On this adventure, you will learn about the canyon's history from your knowledgeable guide as you travel downstream on this guided smooth water float trip. Breathtaking views will leave you speechless as you gaze at the canyon walls standing thousands of feet in the air on either side of you. You will also make a stop to see ancient petroglyphs left by Ancestral Puebloans in this 200 million year old canyon. 

Your guides are not merely experts but also impassioned narrators, eager to divulge the mysteries and marvels of Glen Canyon to your group. This isn't just a journey – it's an odyssey of exploration, an opportunity for our guests to forge a connection with the splendor and history that render Glen Canyon and the Colorado River incomparable destinations.

The absolute pinnacle of experiencing the serene grandeur of the Colorado River is aboard our half-day Horseshoe Bend Raft Trip. This is a genuine delight for individuals of all ages and abilities. It's tranquil, picturesque, and uplifting as you gently drift 10 miles down the river, with stops at some of its most awe-inspiring sights.

Page, AZ Start & End:  BOOK H ERE Included with round trip transportation from Page, AZ, this half-day adventure ensures convenience from start to finish. Check-in begins at 7:15 am at the headquarters in Page, AZ. Departing promptly at 8 am, you'll travel comfortably in an air-conditioned bus for the 45-minute journey to Lee's Ferry. Upon arrival, you'll board a motorized pontoon for the backhaul upriver, marking the beginning of your raft trip. The float portion of the adventure will conclude upon your return to Lee's Ferry. Anticipate returning to Page, AZ around 1 pm, completing your unforgettable excursion. Please note that trips with round trip transpiration from Page do not launch on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. When : March 15 - October 31, Not Running Tuesdays or Wednesdays Meet:  Page, AZ Check In: 7:15am Launch : 8am Return: 1pm Trip Duration: 3.5 Hours On Raft, 5 Hours Total Adults $111.50  (16 & up) Children $98.38  (4-15) *Prices above do not include 9.9% Tax or gratuity

Marble Canyon Start & End:  BOOK H ERE For groups of 6 or more with their own transportation to Lee's Ferry in Marble Canyon, you have the option to commence and complete your journey at Lee's Ferry Marble Canyon AZ. Starting from Lee's Ferry presents a slightly more cost-effective choice, avoiding the 1.5-hour round trip transportation associated with starting in Page, AZ. Additionally, this option operates daily throughout the week from March 15 to October 31. Upon arrival, you'll embark on a motorized pontoon for the upstream journey, marking the beginning of your raft trip. You'll then float back down to Lee's Ferry, where the trip will conclude. As listed above, you may choose to begin and end in Page, AZ. When : March 15 - Sept 30 - 7 Days A Week Meet:  Lees Ferry Marble Canyon, AZ Check In: 30 min prior to launch Launch : 8:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm Trip Duration: 3.5 Hours Adults $105.93  (16 & up) Children $93.46  (4-15) *Prices above do not include 9.9% Tax or gratuity

*Lees Ferry is situated 45 minutes from Page, AZ, 2.5 hours from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and 4.5 hours from both Las Vegas, NV, and Phoenix, AZ.  

About The Rafts These motorized pontoon rafts comfortably seat up to 22 passengers and run on quiet, clean and fuel-efficient outboard Honda marine motors. There will be plenty of moments when you'll quietly float down the river with the motor turned off, while your guide takes you back in time with stories of this historic and magnificent canyon.

Refreshments Cold water and Lemonade is provided on the raft. You are welcome to bring a sack lunch and small cooler with your own beverages.

Life Vests Because this is a smooth water trip with no rapids, life vests which will be provided for all, are optional for adults however children 12 and younger must wear a life vests at all times while on the raft.

*Cancellation Policy For Trips Beginning And Ending In Page, AZ:  You will receive a full refund minus a $10 per person processing fee for cancellations that meet the following criteria: Cancellations must be made 48 hours before the trip's scheduled departure. Cancellations within the 48 hour cancellation window and no-shows are subject to a 100% cancellation fee.

*Cancellation Policy For Group Bookings Beginning In Marble Canyon, AZ:  Cancellation Policy for group bookings: You will receive a full refund for cancellations that meet the following criteria: Cancellations must be made 7 days before the trip's scheduled departure. Cancellations within 7  days of the  cancellation window and no-shows are subject to a 100% cancellation fee.

*National Park Pass:  Proof of purchase of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area entry fee for adults 16 years of age and older is required to take the float trip. You may purchase the $15 individual pass at check-in or  here . here . 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Kayak Trips - Self Guided - Half Day - Full Day - 2 or 3 Day

About This Trip On this adventure you will enjoy the peace and serenity of Kayaking the Colorado River through majestic Horseshoe Bend in your own or with a partner in a tandem kayak. You will meet and park your vehicle at Lees Ferry in Marble Canyon to begin your adventure. You will board a motorboat and be driven up-river to launch your trip, and kayak back downriver to Lees Ferry to end your adventure.

Half-Day (4-5 Hours) Put-in: Petroglyph Beach, just above Horseshoe Bend - 10 Miles of Kayaking Take-out: Lees Ferry

Full-Day (7-9 Hours) Put-in:  Kayak Beach - 14 Miles of Kayaking Take-out: Lees Ferry

2-3 Day Overnight Camping Put-In: Kayak Beach - 14 Miles of Kayaking Overnight Camping Take-out: Lees Ferry *The only additional charge for day 2 or 3 is the rental equipment **No camping permit needed ***5% NPS (National Park Service) fee is added to trip fare

Price: (Backhaul Service) $80/person. Half-Day - Full-Day & 2 or 3 Day = Same Rate (Taxes not included) Vessel/Rental Options: 12 To Choose From $35: Kayaks: Single Inflatable, Single Hardshell Sit-In, Single Hardshell Sit-On $50: Kayaks: Tandem (2 person) Inflatable, Tandem Hardshell Sit-In, Tandem Hardshell Sit-On $35: Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP) $80: 14 Ft. Canoe (2 person) $80: 10 Ft. Paddle Raft (4 person) $90: 10 Ft. Oar Raft (2 person) $5/day: Dry Bags $10/day: Sleeping/Paco Pad Cancellation Policy:  48 Hour Cancellation Policy, 3% processing fee. No Refunds wihtin 48 hours prior to launch date. Minimum Age:  5 Launch Months/Times: February: 9am, 11am March Thru October: 7am thru 1pm (Every 30 Min)

All Rentals include: Vessel, paddle and Life Vests (required) ***You are able to supply your own equipment: any watercraft, luggage or gear over 100lbs will incur a surcharge.

*Minimum Passenger Policy:  There is none however there is a $150 minimum spend.

*National Park Pass:  Purchase of a Glen Canyon National Recreation Area entry fee for adults 16 or older is required to take the float trip. You may purchase the $15 individual pass or $30 vehicle pass (good for 4 persons) on your way to the meeting location at Lees Ferry. There are other park pass options detaild here .

Why Page, AZ?

The perfect location for a quick getaway, Page Arizona is a hidden gem with an array of notable attractions and tours such as the Horseshoe Bend , Antelope Slot Canyon Tours Kayak Day Tours to name a few. There are 23 hotels and 22 restaurants within a 10 mile radius! Just 2 hour drive from Flagstaff, AZ and 2 hour drive from the South Rim, Grand Canyon Village

Getting to Page, AZ – Driving directions

From Phoenix, AZ, click here

From Sedona, AZ, click here

From South Rim, Grand Canyon,  click here

From Flagstaff, click here

From Las Vegas, click here

Alternate Transportation Options visit our transportation page here

To Learn about Multi-Day Grand Canyon Raft Trips, Click Here

To Browse Multi-Day Grand Canyon Raft Trips, Click Here

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COLORADO RIVER RAFTING WITH THE HUALAPAI RIVER RUNNERS

Your guide for a one-day whitewater rafting journey.

For some, the Colorado River is a critical water supply; for others a place for adrenaline-inducing adventure. For the Hualapai Tribe of Northern Arizona, it’s both of these and so much more. Before embarking on a whitewater rafting trip, take a deeper dive into the mystery and majesty of one of the longest rivers in the United States.

THE COLORADO RIVER: A TRANSCENDENT TRIBUTARY

The Colorado River is the sixth-longest river in the nation at 1,450 miles, flowing through seven states, two nations and 11 national parks and monuments. The waters carved about 277 river miles through the Grand Canyon, with 110 miles running through the Hualapai Indian Reservation and Grand Canyon West.

THE HA’YIĐAĐA

The Colorado River is revered as a life-giving source, known by the Hualapai as “Ha’yiđađa,” the backbone or spine of the river. The river and the riparian ecosystems through the canyon flow through the hearts of the Hualapai people, who believe they were created from the sediment and clay of the river.

Indigenous peoples of all tribes recognize the sacredness of water and its interconnection among all living beings. The Hualapai see the river as a living, breathing entity with its rapids as a force to be respected, revered and protected.

“Without water, life wouldn’t be sustainable,” said Hualapai River Runners Operations Manager Dugan Steele. “We grew up respecting water; it’s alive, we are told. So when you look at it, you see the rapids, it’s kind of like a breathing entity.”

When you go on a whitewater rafting trip with the Hualapai River Runners, you’ll be led down the river by a majority of Indigenous river guides. These certified experts share their narratives to educate and inspire visitors to protect and take care of this life-giving and sacred resource.

ONE-DAY COLORADO RIVER TOUR

With the only direct road leading to the Grand Canyon, the Hualapai River Runners offer the only one-day whitewater rafting experience on the Colorado River. This one-day guided rafting tour takes you about 55 miles through the deepest part of the Grand Canyon, estimated at 3,500 to 4,000 feet. As you make your way, the elevations change from where you start at the top of the canyon to the bank boarding your boat to where you disembark at the end of the trip. This causes the rock formations and environment to change dramatically, offering you the chance to experience more of the environment.

GORGEOUS RIVER GORGES

Your one-day rafting trip is an adventure through different ecosystems that begins in the highlands at Peach Springs before you make your way down to the river on a one-hour bus ride. From here, you go to Diamond Creek before ending at Pierce Ferry. This journey takes you through different elevations that change the scenery around you. Keep your eyes peeled to see different types of geology and rock formations as well as vegetation. Wildlife is abundant. You could see bighorn sheep and reptiles like chuckwallas and lizards, maybe even a rattlesnake. Less common but equally exciting sightings include deer, eagles and bobcats.

SIGHTSEEING AND HISTORY LESSONS

Your river guide is not only certified to safely traverse the Colorado River but is also an expert at sharing points of interest along your 55-mile rafting trip. In the first half of the journey, you’ll conquer rapids, whereas the second half is rapid-free, allowing for sightseeing. Steele says your Hualapai river guide will point out the storage facilities, campsite and ledges made into the rock left by men attempting to build the Bridge Canyon Dam in the 1940s, a project that stalled in 1968 after years of public opposition. As the boat glides past Separation Canyon, you’ll learn the story of the Powell Expedition and the three men who attempted to hike out in 1869. During monsoons, waterfalls are sure to surprise and delight, plus views of the famous Skywalk and Guano Point.

Steele says you’ll also learn more about the Hualapai Tribe, from the shelters and homes the Hualapai built along the walls of the Grand Canyon to the tribe’s history, including the 1874 La Paz and how the Canyon served as a refuge to the significance of the Colorado River for the Hualapai and the Yuman language family tribes. Plus, you’ll hear the oral histories of the Hualapai creation story stemming from the canyon. And every trip includes a moderate hike and short climb to Travertine Cavern Falls with lunch along a sandy beach.

THE HUALAPAI RIVER RUNNERS

Since 1988, the Hualapai River Runners have offered the only one-day rafting trip on the Colorado River and two-day paddle trips. The company employs Indigenous people of their tribe and neighboring nations, including Chemehuevi, Havasupai, Hopi, Navajo, Mohave, Paiute, Yavapai-Prescott Yavapai-Apache, Colorado River Indian Tribes and Zuni.

“Many river guides start after high school, working up to become certified guides. They take pride in the opportunity to give back to their communities while educating visitors about their culture and lifestyles,” said Steele. “The jobs created by the attractions help Hualapai and other Indigenous people support themselves.”

In contrast, your ticket purchase supports the Hualapai Tribe. This sovereign nation does not receive federal funding, with proceeds from your ticket helping sustain the Indigenous peoples that call the Hualapai Indian Reservation home.

After this bucket list adventure, you’ll leave knowing more about these vibrant people, their past and present, and leave with a better understanding of their sacrifices, struggles and successes. And most importantly, you’ll become an environmental steward, conserving natural resources and traveling sustainably.

PLAN YOUR WHITEWATER RAFTING TRIP

What to Bring on a Grand Canyon Whitewater Rafting Trip

B ringing the right gear is arguably the most important part of preparing for any multi-day river trip —and even more so if it’s multi- week . You can save yourself a lot of grief and wasted space by fine-tuning what you really need to bring along and what you're better off leaving at home. I learned this (occasionally the hard way) last fall during 21 days of rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon with seven friends. 

The rafting trip was, of course, incredible beyond words. It was also a lesson in thresholds and preparation. Spending three weeks self-supported in any backcountry automatically comes with a level of discomfort, but The Big Ditch is uniquely hard on both gear and your body.

For three weeks, we were sand-logged from start to finish. The sand along this stretch of the Colorado River is so fine and invasive that it's actually more than just an annoyance. It clogs the zippers and seals of every piece of gear. It worms its way into the fibers of every fabric and micro-rubs your skin non-stop. Then there's the weather. The floor of the Grand Canyon is dry, arid, and either scorching hot or bone-chillingly cold depending on the time of year. 

Related: 5 Awesome Unconventional River Rafting Trips

So, while having the right layers, the right sleep setup, and the right dry gear is crucial for any rafting trip, your river kit needs to be seriously dialed in to do the Grand.

What I Wish I Didn't Bring Rafting the Grand Canyon

When it comes to gear, the beauty of rafting is that you don’t have to haul your belongings on your back—just row them downriver. That means you can pack more than the bare minimum, while still running the risk of overpacking and/or leaving essentials behind. If you don’t bring the right items to stay dry, cool, and comfortable, those inescapable frustrations—day-in and day-out with 150 more river miles ahead of you—will start to sour those breathtaking views.

Before we get into the do's and don'ts, let's just start off by naming my worst decision: grabbing hiking poles and adding them to my pile of gear. Half a river trip involves trekking and Grand Canyon hiking is notorious for steep climbs with loose rocks—which is why I thought hiking poles would be helpful. But the hikes from the river’s bottom aren’t as developed as those from the top, which meant there was a lot of scrambling over huge boulders. 

I brought my hiking poles on the first few hikes only to realize they were more helpful stashed away. Not only did I not need them for hiking after all, but they were a pain to pack on the boat, given they’re too pointy to be stuffed into a dry bag and too long for most dry boxes. So you can nix those from your load-out list right away.

Assuming you already have a list of the usual must-haves for a river trip, like water shoes, sun shirts, and maybe a dry suit depending on what time of year you’re going, here are the best pieces of gear I was very grateful to have—and a couple of rethinks. 

What to Pack on a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

Waterproof, knee-high boots might be the single best item I brought on the trip. Chacos or Tevas are great on the raft during the day, but the more your skin is exposed to the elements, the drier it gets, which becomes painful past a certain point. What’s more, constant abrasion from all that sand once at camp can create small cuts that can lead to bacterial infections like tolio, which runs rampant on the Grand and other multi-week river trips. In short: You need to protect your feet when you can.

From bighorn sheep to great blue herons, wildlife is one of the coolest parts about being down in the canyon. I was surprised to find I was the only person in the group who'd brought binoculars. Soon enough, a favorite pastime as we slowly cruised flatwater or relaxed at camp was zooming in on canyon walls to spot what was quietly hiding in the surrounding cliffs—from abundant canyon wildlife to the odd lone hiker.

Merino is ideal for temperature regulating, as it can hold heat and still be breathable. These properties could not be better-suited to shoulder-season river trips where temperature, sun, and wind conditions are constantly fluctuating as you move through the canyon.

Personal headlamps are crucial, but outdoor lanterns that you can place on a table are such a nice, small luxury to illuminate things while cooking, on dish duty, or just hanging out playing cards. Some people brought solar-rechargeable lanterns, but they didn’t hold their charges long and if we forgot to pull them out to charge on the boats during the day, they weren’t helpful.

Rafting is all about luxury while roughing it. Who wants to sleep with their head on a blow-up camping pillow for 21 days straight? A lot of people bring full-size bed pillows, but they take up a lot of room in your dry bags—and sand gets permanently embedded in them.

One of the best parts of being on the river for weeks at a time is being able to completely disconnect—but you’re still going to want the content. Bringing a GoPro camera meant I could keep my phone off and away but still capture memories. And because it’s waterproof, super durable, and was attached to a floating mount, I also got rad footage of us sending Lava, hitting holes in Sockdolager, and nearly swimming in Crystal.

In this day and age, it’s nearly impossible to go three weeks and not use some kind of electronic that’ll eventually need to be recharged. We kept everything pretty low-tech, but BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank was the perfect size to charge up the GoPro every other day (or a smartphone five times, a tablet twice, or a laptop once).

There are two types of dry bags: zippered and roll-top. While both are just as reliable for most rivers, the sand down in the Grand Canyon truly infiltrates everything . When fine sand gets into zippers, it’s like throwing a wrench in a machine. Two of the zippered duffels we brought failed by our second week. Luckily, we had enough space in other roll-top dry bags to tide us over, but save yourself the trouble and opt for all roll tops down here. 

Rechargeable headlamps are a great, sustainable option 95 percent of the time, but three weeks away from a power outlet isn’t one of them. Save your portable power bank juice and bring an old-school, AA battery-powered headlamp and a stash of backup batteries.

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Hiking "branch" stick? - Grand Canyon National Park Forum

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Hiking "branch" stick?

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Will I be able to easily find a branch once I arrive at the park? I will be hiking to Ooh Aah point eventually. I would also like to keep the stick for my moderate hikes in Sedona , including West Fork Trail. I am only taking a carry-on for the plane ride, so no poles are allowed.

Thanks a bunch!

6 replies to this topic

You could probably rent in Sedona too, check out the Hike House. Or maybe GC Market sells them and you could donate in Sedona after your trip.

aloes are the reason at least one of us always checks a bag!

You might consider checking to see if TSA will allow a folding/collapsable trekking pole in carry-on luggage, and if they do, making a small investment in a trekking pole from the likes of Black Diamond and Leki (to name just a few). They are very light in weight, and easily fit into a carry-on bag. You will never have to hunt around again for a stick that you might not find anyway.

Thanks for the quick and helpful response.

I agree with CDR's suggestion of renting them. To be honest, Ooh Aah is such a short distance down that you aren't going to need a walking stick.

You would be hard pressed to find a straight stick of the length/girth/strength needed to be a walking stick. On the Rim, a majority of the trees are Pinyon pine, juniper and Ponderosa pine.

TSA prohibits hiking poles in your carry on. Obviously, you are going to read/hear about some that were successful doing it but it would depend on how carefully, they are checking your bad.

If you are checking luggage, there are collapsible poles which might fit in your suitcase. For example there is one from various sources that comes apart and packs in a little case 14 inches long.

https://ryderwalker.com/blog/how-to-carry-trekking-poles-on-plane/

It is indeed illegal to remove anything (even a stick) from a US National Park.

If you are going to Grand Canyon before Flagstaff, you could probably buy one in Tusayan (the town just outside the park entrance) or in the main bookshop and gift shop inside the park next to the main visitor's center.

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• Where to eat at GCNP South Rim
• Should I fly above the grand canyon?
• Sunrise & Sunset times at the Grand Canyon
• Hiking below the rim
• How important is it to drink water?
• How do I make reservations at Phantom Ranch?
• What should I expect on an overnight mule trip to Phantom Ranch
• Is there 1-day Rafting at Grand Canyon National Park, Sedona or Nearby?
• Are jeep tours available at the Grand Canyon?
• Can I hike to Havasu Falls?
• Tips for visiting GCNP South Rim
• Should I Use GPS to get to the Grand Canyon or anywhere in northern Arizona?
• Which Helicopter Tour Should I take at the South Rim?
• What to do after dark?
• Where can I ride a bicycle at the GC South Rim? Are bike rentals available?
• What to expect on an over night hike to Phantom Ranch
• What can I expect on a Grand Canyon river trip?
• Visiting the Grand Canyon National Park with disabilities