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The Grand Canyon National Park services list rafting and hiking as top things to do along with tours and ATVs. Additional things include camping and horseback riding. Advantage Grand Canyon's listed rafting tours are an endless scenic wonder that is rich in Native American history and loaded with adventure and fun. They are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. There is nothing like exploring the Grand Canyon by river.
You discover paradisiacal side canyons and hidden waterfalls. There are areas of the Grand Canyon National Park that are only accessible by river. As you lie under the blanket of stars every night on a Grand Canyon rafting vacation, you listen to mighty Colorado River sounds. Watch as the morning sun casts a glow through the Canyon's towering walls. Discover the exciting rush provided by the legendary whitewater of the Colorado River.
There is a difference between seeing the Grand Canyon an experiencing it. Nearly five million tourists visit the Grand Canyon every summer. Many stand at the rim and look over the edge to see how it is. They take a few pictures, visit gift shops, grab a snack, and wander off to another viewpoint.
Seeing the Grand Canyon is a great American road trip. There is so much more to experience than looking over the edge and taking pictures. There is a universal allure that makes people want to know what is at the bottom and around the bend.
The place is enormous! Those who decide to hike down into the Canyon for a different perspective soon discover it is bigger than they thought. The park service makes it quite clear not to underestimate the level of preparation or overestimate their hiking abilities for hiking into the Grand Canyon.
Every year people find themselves over their heads without sufficient drinking water, and so on. There is a better way to immerse into the Grand Canyon experience. It is not apparent to some observers at the rim there is a river at the bottom of the Canyon.
You can go whitewater rafting on the Colorado River that is there. Places you never imagined are rooted in the Canyon. There are hidden waterfall caves, and of course, whitewater rapids to experience! The difference in seeing and experiencing the Grand Canyon is evident when you begin interacting with it. You can attempt hiking, but you will quickly learn that it is more than a casual stroll. The ultimate Grand Canyon vacation is whitewater rafting on the Colorado River.
There are 16 rafting outfitters in the Grand Canyon. Each has different itineraries and access different sections of the Canyon. The Canyon is divided into various trip lengths. Mile Zero is Lees Ferry for many Grand Canyon rafting trips. Advantage Grand Canyon lists itineraries that are three to over twelve-day tours that are traveled by oar, motor, or hybrid raft trips. Motor trips cover more miles than oar-powered trips in a day.
Full Canyon Colorado River rafting trips cover the Upper and Lower sections of the river. This trip type covers either 188, 225, or 280 miles depending on the duration of the trip and the itinerary set by the outfitter per National park regulations. In this trip, you'll see all of the notable attractions offered in Grand Canyon especially the best whitewater rafting available. You can see the full canyon in as little as 6 - 9 days in a motorized raft and between 12 - 18 days on an Oar, Paddle, Dory or Hybrid raft trip.
More than 42 major rapids rated five out of a rating scale from one to ten. The Colorado River offers a unique experience for adventure seekers. Highlights include turquoise blue waters, Havasupal Creek, and Redwall cavern.
Upper Canyon trips put-in at Lees Ferry in Marble Canyon. The day before the trip, guests are driven to Lees Ferry to meet the guide and the other raft mates. There is a final briefing before hopping on board and beginning the trip downriver.
Throughout the trip, guests explore 88 miles of pristine, natural beauty while being surrounded by canyon walls that tower more than 4500 feet. You pass some of the most well-known geological formations of the region. The Toroweap and Kaibab formations are regarded as two of the most impressive features of the Grand Canyon.
Outfitter river guides have extensive experience and knowledge about Grand Canyon river rafting. The guide offers paddling advice and expertise about local culture, history, and native flora and fauna. Along the Upper Grand Canyon route, there are 19 major rapids; all rated five or above.
When not conquering the rapids, trek through side canyons and explore Native American ruins and cascading waterfalls. There is a chance of encountering local wildlife, such as tiny wrens or mighty bighorn sheep. Other sights include the Upper Granite Gorge, Vasey's Paradise, Nankoweap Anasazi, and Redwall Cavern.
Lower Canyon trips start in Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim with a 7 1/2 to 9 1/2 mile hike down the Bright Angel Trail. Depending on the itinerary, there are three starting points - Bright Angel Beach, Boat Beach, or Pipe Creek Beach.
You meet the guide and settle into the raft. Within a few miles, your experience Hermit and Granite Rapids. Lava Falls, Havasu Canyon, Crystal, and Serpentine Rapids await you further on the trip. This is whitewater rafting at its best. Other attractions include Granite Narrows, Havasu Canyon, Matkatamiba Canyon, Tapeats Creek, Deer Creek Falls, and Elvis Chasm.
A 100-mile journey takes place on the Western Canyon rafting tours. They occur in the Colorado River's Westernmost section. It begins at Whitmore Wash and ends at Lake Mead. The adventure starts and finishes in Las Vegas.
The trip includes a flight from Las Vegas to Bar 10 Ranch, a 10,000-acre cattle ranch where a delicious lunch and dinner are served that feature all-natural, grass-fed beef. The first day is almost always spent on the ranch with the opportunities to enjoy horseback riding, a country-western program, ranching demonstrations, ATVs, skeet shooting, volleyball or hiking the beautiful land. You'll have a choice to sleep in a room at the Bar 10 Ranch lodge, on the rooftop patio in a cot, or under the stars on a double mattress Conestoga covered wagon.
The following morning, after a delicious breakfast, you make a helicopter trip into Grand Canyon National Park to continue your adventure. The adventure is suitable for all fitness levels, including children. There is no strenuous hike at the beginning or end of the trip. The nearly 100-mile rafting leg of the adventure includes more than 13 low- to medium-intensity rapids (including 5 rapids rated 5 or above on a 1-10 rating scale) as well as and smooth flowing water.
All meals and camping gear is included. You wake up every morning to fresh-brewed coffee and rushing water sounds mingled with sleepy voices that echo through the Canyon. Breakfast is your choice of a hearty, hot meal or something light.
The camp is then taken down, and the rafts loaded. As the Colorado River beckons, you are off to continue your journey and experience another day of your adventure. You enjoy spectacular canyon river rafting over whitewater rapids and stretches of calm water, where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery and relax in the warm sun.
At lunchtime, build a delicious sandwich, a cold drink, and spend some time reading, hiking, or fishing before taking off for an afternoon of surprises. Late in the afternoon, you camp for the evening. While the crew sets up the kitchen, there is time to find the perfect camping spot and set up for the night.
Relax with hors d 'oeuvres and a refreshing drink as you become better acquainted with your river companions. Dinner sizzles on the grill. After indulging in a mouthwatering meal, you can join the group conversation or climb into your sleeping bag, blanketed by the stars.
For many, canyon river rafting on the Colorado River is an experience of a lifetime. The dramatic contrast of calm waters and thrilling whitewater, unimaginably beautiful scenery, guides that know the Colorado River better than anyone, and spectacular meals set the scene for an excellent adventure.
Grand Canyon rafting trips are more than a tour. There are multi-day expeditions that have an empowering effect on your travel along the Colorado River through world-renowned whitewater or hike to unbelievable places. You are entirely unplugged from the distractions above.
It is easy to spend quality time with family and friends - new and old. Each day ends with a hearty meal and camping under the stars. Grand Canyon rafting tours last for a variety of durations. The number of miles and the route determine the number of days. Advantage Grand Canyon offers river trips that range from three days traveling 88 miles to 18 days traveling 280 miles.
Three- to five-day trips are available on the Upper, Lower, and Western routes. The Upper and Lower routes are traveled by motor raft because only then can you trail this distance in such a short amount of time. On the Western route, there are options of motor, oar, or dory rafts. Three- to five-day rafting trips are an excellent way to experience camping and rafting in the Grand Canyon for a few days.
Lower and Upper river trips require a strenuous hike at the beginning and end. The Western Grand Canyon river rafting trips do not. Three-day rafting trips are the shortest available. They are some of the most popular options available for the Western and Upper canyon routes.
Upper river trips take four days. They begin at Lees Ferry and end with a hike up the Bright Angel Trail. Lower trips are five to six days in length. They begin with a hike into the Canyon. Western river trips las three to five days. They require no hiking and on this western route, guests are transported into the Canyon by helicopter.
Six to nine day trips are available on the Upper, Lower, and Full Canyon. You will see part of the Canyon on Upper and Lower routes on a non-motor raft. Full Canyon rafting trips (6-8 days in length) are on a motor raft. Upper and Lower Grand Canyon rafting trips require a hike at the beginning and end. Full Canyon trips do not.
Six to nine-day Grand Canyon rafting trips are ideal for those who are looking for a unique experience for an extended time. These canyon rafting trips are available in motor, oar, paddle, hybrid, and dory options. The non-motor raft trips that navigate the Lower and Upper Canyon routes require a 7.5 - 9.5-mile hike on the Bright Angel Trail. Full canyon raft trips do not require this strenuous hike as you are driven to the launch point and exit either by helicopter or a drive out of the canyon.
Guests for six- to eight-day trips meet at Marble Canyon, AZ, Page, AZ, Flagstaff, AZ, or Las Vegas, NV. The route for six- to eight-day Full Canyon motor trips begins at Lees Ferry and ends at either Lake Mead (280 miles), Diamond Creek (225 miles), or Whitmore Wash (188 miles - helicopter exit).
Six- to seven-day Upper Canyon non-motor trips also meet in Marble Canyon, AZ, Page, AZ, Flagstaff, AZ or Las Vegas, NV however all launch at Lees Ferry in Marble Canyon . The route ends at Bright Angel Trail, South Rim, or Grand Canyon Village. It is an 88-mile trip. Seven- to nine-day Lower Canyon non-motor trips almost always at the Grand Canyon Village, or South Rim, and seldom in Flagstaff, AZ. You begin this trip with a 7.5-9.5 mile hike into the canyon via the Bright Angel Trail the morning of your trip start. Just as with full canyon trips, there are three end options - Lake Mead, Diamond Creek, or Bright Angel Trail.
Twelve to 18-day trips are Full Canyon river trips. There is no motor option for this duration as only a slower paced non-motor trip can offer extended raft trips in Grand Canyon. These extended Grand Canyon river trips allow guests to see all of the Canyon in 12 to 18 days. There is no required hiking at start or end as in partial canyon trips. Guests meet at Marble Canyon, AZ, Page, AZ, Flagstaff, AZ, and Las Vegas, NV. The route begins at Lees Ferry. There are three end options. - Lake Mead (280 miles), Diamond Creek (225 miles), Whitmore Wash (188 miles).
Group bookings are available, with a minimum number of guests needed to charter a rafting trip. The type of raft has some bearing on the number of people required. A motor raft requires 24 to 28 people. A non-motor rafting trip requires 18 to 22 people. Reservations and prices vary. Advantage Grand Canyon will accommodate if the desired dates are available.
Prices depend on the number of days, the area of the Colorado River, and the type of raft.
Grand Canyon river rafting season is from April to October. Every month has a beauty of its own. Temperatures are milder, and sleeping conditions are cooler and more comfortable in the spring and fall. A June to August Grand Canyon river rafting trip is among the most popular choices.
It is not unusual for canyon temperatures to be between 100 and 110 degrees during the day between June and August although very low humidity makes these temperatures more comfortable, not to mention the 45-50 degree water you are constantly being refreshed with multiple times per day. Monsoon season starts June 30 and goes through September 30. Storms peak between the middle of July and the middle of August. Occasional showers can be anticipated. Sporadic rain showers and cloud coverage in July and August provides relief from the strong sun making monsoon season very popular.
The cold river water and occasional showers that come and go are refreshing in the high temperatures. Those who wish to make an extended hiking and rafting trip are advised to book a Grand Canyon river rafting trip in the spring or fall when temperatures are cooler.
Traveling in any undeveloped and primitive environment presents some degree of risk. Situations can arise. All river trips carry gear to communicate with the Grand Canyon National Park emergency service. The river guides have advanced first aid and emergency medical training. In the rare case of an emergency, guests are evacuated by helicopter.
Common mistakes people make include wearing new shoes that have not been broken-in. They can cause sores and blisters. Not protecting your skin from sunburn causes discomfort for days ahead. Do not overpack—plan on washing clothes at lunch or camp. The heat and low humidity will dry items in minutes.
Do not underestimate how quickly you can dehydrate. Drink plenty of water, preferably with electrolytes. The Canyon's dry environment makes it seems you are not sweating. As you sweat, it quickly evaporates, giving the sensation of not sweating. Do not wait to drink water until you are thirsty. By that time, it is too late.
Whether you are on a motor or non-motor raft, the river trips are active. Elective side canyon hikes take place every day. On these hikes, you cross streams and step on large rocks. It is recommended to get some exercise before river trips.
Prevent blisters by breaking-in new river sandals by walking around in them for a handful of times. Take walks around your neighborhood or perhaps use a stair master or elliptical machine for a couple of weeks before the trip. If you plan a partial canyon trip that requires hiking 7.5 to 9.5 miles in and out of the Canyon, a more taxing workout program for at least two months in advance of the trip is recommended.
There are four types of non-motor raft trips. They are Dory, Oar, All-Paddle, and Hybrid, which is also called Classic Adventure where you can take turns in a paddle raft among passengers but not have to paddle 100% of the time. The only option that does require fit passengers to paddle 100 percent of the time are paddle raft trips. They are recommended for rafters with previous multi-day raft experience.
It is a matter of conditioning rather than skill. Guides will lead and direct the team. Muscle fatigue and soreness can quickly set in if the paddler is not prepared or used to paddling. Oar rafts and Dory boats are powered by the guide, who may, from time to time, let guests take the oars. Hybrid trips are paddle raft and oar raft combinations that are used to rotate among the guests. It is a great way to experience paddling the Colorado River without committing to 100 percent paddling as on an All-Paddle trip.
Fitness level and previous ailments and injuries determine which hikes are the easiest. Upper Canyon trips that include hiking in and out require greater stamina and endurance. They are more demanding on the lungs and heart. The Upper Canyon rout is easier on the joints but requires muscular strength.
An advantage is being acclimated to the Canyon's dry environment while rafting. As you ascend out of the Canyon, you also hike out of the heat. At the rim, the temperature is approximately 20 degrees cooler than the canyon bottom. It is highly recommended to use trekking poles. They significantly reduce the stress on lower leg muscles and joints by distributing the weight to the upper body.
You are encouraged to supply beverages for personal use. There are some specifics. Only canned beverages are allowed, no glass. If hiking into the Canyon, carrying liquor can be cumbersome. Advantage Grand Canyon provides a form to use to order alcohol. It will be waiting on the raft. Everyone is asked to drink responsibly.
Similar to choosing between the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, you have to pick a side of the Canyon. There are North and South Rims that are likely visited on separate trips. There is not a road across the Canyon. It is a mile deep and 18 miles wide.
The North Rim is 90 miles south of Kabab, Utah. The South Rim is four hours from Las Vegas, Nevada, 3.5 hours from Kanab, Utah, and 1.5 miles from Flagstaff, Arizona. The only lodging available below the rim of the Canyon is Phantom Ranch. It is on the Colorado River's north side, tucked beside Bright Angel Creek. Phantom Ranch can be reached on foot, by mule, or rafting on the Colorado River.
The Grand Canyon National Park South Rim opens May 15 to May 18 with limited access to day-use. Due to the COVID-19 health concerns, the North Rim is closed until further notice. Incoming traffic is accepted from six to ten AM.
You have access to No Name Point, Thor's Hammer, Duck on the Rock, Twin Overlooks, Pipe Creek Vista, and Navajo Point, along East Desert View Drive. The park service will direct you to turn around at Navajo Point. Picnic areas are available at Buggein picnic area, Thor's Hammer, and east of Yaki Road.
Full operation will be phased in. Services may be limited. There are currently plans for visitor access over Memorial Day Weekend. Entrance station hours, and access to more viewpoints, hiking trails, and roads will be extended. Visitors who drive on US Route 89 between Flagstaff or northern Arizona and Cameron will travel through Navajo Nation. Face masks are required at public businesses and facilities to slow the COVID-19 spread.
The Buggein picnic area, the picnic area east of Yaki Road, and a location by the South Entrance Grand Canyon National Park sign have restroom facilities. The following areas remain closed to guests.
Commercial services in the park are closed. Guests exploring the South Rim need to be self-sufficient. Bring enough water and food for the trip as well as hand sanitizer. The park service recommends arriving no later than nine or nine-thirty AM in case there is a traffic backup entering the park.
Guests who enter the park are allowed to stay throughout the day. There are no overnight accommodations. Grand Canyon National Park extended the suspension of commercial, private, research, or administrative Grand Canyon river rafting trips through June 13. When trips resume, there will be a 30-day advance notice to allow private boaters and companies to make travel arrangement adjustments and prepare for the journey.
