6 Day Upper Canyon Dory Trip

  • Canyon Route: Lees Ferry to Pipe Creek ( 89 river miles)
  • Meet: Flagstaff, AZ
  • Return: Not Included - Trip ends upon hike out at South Rim
  • Transportation: Ground transportation from Flagstaff to put-in point (Lees Ferry) is included - Return from South Rim to Flagstaff, Phoenix or Las Vegas via shuttle service is not included

  • Lodging: DoubleTree by HIlton (not included in price) Will need to be in Flagstaff, AZ for an orientation meeting the night prior to trip's start date

  • Rapids: 19 major rapids rated 5 or above (1-10 rating scale)
  • Group size: 18 passengers
  • Minimum Age: 12 years old
  • Included: Camping gear w/ chairs & sleeping pads
  • Duffel Service: Possible PENDING AVAILABILITY
  • Required Hike: Strenuous 7.5 mile hike ascending Bright Angel Trail at trip's end
  • Raft: Dory Boat - also referred to as cataract boat
  • Price: $4599  Deposit: $1000
  • *Another deposit in the amount of $500 is due by November 1 of the year prior to your trip

Trip Logistics:

You will need to arrive to Flagstaff, AZ the night prior to attend a 6:30pm orientation meeting at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Flagstaff. Lodging is not included in the price. Early in the morning of day 1, you will board a bus for the 2 hour drive to the put in point at Lees Ferry. On the final morning, you will begin your guided hike up the Bright Angel Trail and your arrival at the south rim in Grand Canyon village will conclude your raft trip.  There are shuttle options to Flagstaff, AZ through Groome Transportation (not included) and they depart from the Maswik Lodge daily. There are also air/ground transport options to Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Hotel Reservations/Transportation To & From

Hotel (trip's start): Flagstaff, AZ 

A room block is set up at DoubleTree by Hilton in Flagstaff, AZ. More information to be provided.

Hotel (trip's end): South Rim, GC

  • Flying out after a day’s rest is highly recommended:
  • Majority of guests stay at the South Rim after the hike. Lodging is not included and must be arranged separately. We recommend calling Xanterra 888-297-2757, as soon as your reservation is confirmed. They accept reservations up to 13 months in advance. 
  • If there is no availability at the South Rim, Tusayan Village is a 10 minute drive outside the park. Click here for options.
  • There is a complimentary shuttle that circulates from the South Rim to Tusayan Village every 20 minutes during summer (mid-May to early-September) from 8am - 9:30pm.
  • You can also arrange a Taxi between South Rim and Tusayan Village through Xanterra 888-297-2757.

Transportation (trip’s start): Flagstaff, AZ

  • Via commercial flight from Flagstaff, AZ Puliam Airport (FLG)
  • Via ground shuttle from:
  • Las Vegas, NV (Greyhound) or
  • Phoenix, AZ (Groome Transportation, 928-350-8466)

Transportation (trip’s end): Trip ends after your hike out of the canyon at the South Rim

See our transportation page for additional information

Dory Raft Trip

Dory boat trips are offered by 5 of 15 outfitters. Consisting of 5 passengers in total, these rafts are powered and navigated by your guide. Often times Dory boats will be added to Oar trips making for a great opportunity to experience both vessels on the same trip. Dory trips travel at speed of the river 3-4 mph, more slowly and essentially doubling the trip duration when compared to a motorized trip. This slower pace offers a great opportunity for an intimate experience with the river while listening to your guide's extensive knowledge of the Grand Canyon. There are upper, lower, western and full canyon trips offered on non-motor rafts. Some full canyon trips continue straight through with the same group of passengers, while others will make a pit-stop to let off upper canyon passengers, and allow for lower canyon trip passengers to join the group for the rest of the trip.

  • Limited rafting type, offered by 3 of 16 outfitters
  • Smaller more agile raft type, allows passengers to feel more of the rapids
  • Rowed by guide,however at times passengers may row between rapids,during calmer waters-Rowing is not guaranteed,and at the discretion of the guide or trip leader.
  • Rigid boats made of hard wood
  • Travels slightly faster when compared to oar rafts
  • Faster response in rapids when compared to inflated rafts
  • Slower paced,more intimate experience while on Dory
  • Great opportunity to listen to your guide's extensive knowledge of the Grand Canyon while on the river
  • Minimum 12 years old
  • Group size between 16-20 dependent on what time of year
  • Dories may vary slightly from sample image

Hiking from River to Rim

At the end of your Upper Canyon adventure, this trip will conclude with a mandatory hike out of the canyon via the bright angel trail up to the south rim. On average, ascent time from river is 6-8 hours.

This is a strenuous hike, especially during the summer months between June-August, and should be considered only by those who are fit and healthy as you will be carrying all of your gear with you on your hike up.

 

Google Earth Video

Click play for an actual look at the trail from a bird’s eye view. You will see where the hike will begin and end, as well as the location of toilets and drinking water facilities.

 

 

 

Elevation

The elevation from river to rim is 4,830ft and has an average grade of 10% along its entire length. The upper four miles of the trail has the steepest changes in elevation mostly due to the switch backs, however does flatten out considerably as it nears Indian Gardens. As the trail approaches Devil’s Corkscrew it will once again steepen, and due to the lack of shading at this part of the trail, can be very taxing especially during the summer months. This is one of the reasons that hikes begin very early in the morning, to pass this section before temperatures peaks. From the Pipe Creek/River Rest-house to Bright Angel Campground, (over 1 mile distance) the trail passes over sand dunes until reaching the Bright Angel Suspension Bridge (also known as silver bridge) which crosses over the Colorado River.

3-mile-rest-house

Water/Rest-houses

Be sure to take advantage of the water sources and rest-houses during your hike, as it is imperative to take breaks regularly. Between rim and river, there are three composting toilet locations (1.5 mile, Indian Gardens, river rest-house) and three water sources along the trail (1.5 mile, 3 mile, Indian Gardens). Please note there is never potable water at river rest-house and due to occasional pipeline breaks, these water sources are never guaranteed. For this reason, it is recommended that you carry enough water (3 quarts minimum) for the entire hike.

Ascending the Bright Angel Trail

Upper Canyon trips/hiking up and out requires greater stamina/endurance and is more demanding on the heart and lungs. This route is easier on the joints but requires more muscular strength. An advantage is that you will already be acclimated to the dry canyon environment from your rafting adventure, and as you ascend you’ll be hiking out of the heat. The temperature at the rim is about 20 degrees cooler than at the bottom of the canyon. Trekking poles are highly recommended as they can significantly reduce the stress on your lower leg muscles/joints by distributing the weight to your upper body muscles.

Hiking-Bright-Angel-Trail1

Preparation for hiking the Bright Angel Trail

At least 2 months prior to your trip’s start date, begin using the stair master and hiking or using the treadmill with a slight incline. Slowly begin adding weight to your backpack in order to simulate what it will actually feel like on the hike. Keep in mind that you are traveling 1 vertical mile or close to 5,000ft in elevation gain/loss. 500 flights of stairs is equivalent to approx. 5,000 ft.

Hiking Tips

  • Hydrate the night prior – drink 6 to 8 glasses
  • Drink plenty of water w/electrolytes during your hike – You will sweat ½ to 1qt per hour
  • Take breaks and elevate your legs – do this to avoid lactic acid build up
  • Wet your hat/bandana/shirt – cotton stays wet longer, evaporation will keep your body temperature cooler
  • Eat snacks/food even if not hungry – essential for energy
  • Foot care – Break in your shoes prior to hiking. Bring extra socks as keeping your feet dry is essential. Use moleskin on hot spots and bring corn pads for existing blisters.

Payment and cancellation policies:

  • $1000 deposit ($500 for Western trips beginning at Whitmore Wash) per person required  to reserve your space(s)
    • $500 additional deposit is due November 1st of the year prior to your tripIf booking after November 1st of the year prior to your trip:
    • The entire $1500 or $1000 (for Western trips beginning at Whitmore Wash)
    • Final payment is due 100 days prior to trip start date
    • If booking within 120 days prior to trip start, full payment is due
  • Cancellation policy:
    • 360 or more days prior to your trip $250/person cancellation fee
    • 359 to 180 days prior to your trip $500/person cancellation fee
    • 179 to 90 days prior to your trip $750/person cancellation fee
    • 89 days or less prior to your trip $FULL FARE cancellation fee
  • In the event you have to cancel you may wish to consider:
    • Substituting members on your reservation
    • Change trip or type to another available trip in the same year
    • File your trip insurance claim with your personal provider more information below

Trip cancellation Insurance - Highly Recommended

  • Insurance can help reimburse you in the event of illness or unforeseen circumstances
  • Most popular option listed below - click on link to view different levels of coverage with an immediate quote

Additional Trip Dates

IconFirst Day

On the morning of day 1, you will meet to board a bus for the drive to the put in point at Lees Ferry. You will meet your guides as they provide additional instruction and your life jacket.  Shortly after you will be underway to begin your journey!

IconEvery Day

Wake up every morning to the smell of freshly brewed cowboy coffee and the sound of the running water echoing off of the canyon walls. A hot breakfast is served shortly after. Each day you will be on and off the raft multiple times as every day includes daily side canyon hiking opportunities to some of the most beautiful scenery the Grand Canyon has to offer. You'll be entertained and enlightened with fascinating information on the history, geology, and ecology of the canyon. In addition, you will see gorgeous waterfalls and streams rarely accessible outside of these multi-day raft trips. After enjoying the excitement of fun rapids, you will stop for lunch which is prepared river-side on a beautiful sandy beach. Lunch will be served and you can build your own sandwich with chips, cookies, fruit while taking in the breathtaking scenery, reading a book riverside or even fishing. Often, there is another stop after lunch before arriving at camp for the evening.  While your crew sets up the camp kitchen for everyone, you can find your ideal camp spot and set up your "home" for the night. While dinner sizzles on the dinner on the grill, you'll have time to get better acquainted with your fellow river companions and relax with a cool drink by your side. After dinner, watch the sun set, and listen to the beautiful sounds of the river while you nestle into your sleeping bag under a sky full of stars. Tents are always available however depending on the season, many opt to sleep under the stars each night. 

IconLast Day

You will raft a short distance this final morning to the drop off point to begin your 7.5 mile hike ascent up the bright angel trail to the top of the south rim (view video of hike ascent at trip's end) . Your raft trip concludes upon the completion of this guided hike. There are shuttles daily, to Flagstaff as well as Phoenix however we strongly suggest not making any outbound flights the same day of your hike. Many guests choose to stay at the south rim this evening and travel the following morning.

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