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One of the top holiday spots in the United States, Grand Canyon National Park is also one of the world’s most famous destinations for white water rafting. To help you prepare and plan for your next rafting adventure, we’ve taken a deep dive into everything you need to know about the Grand Canyon’s world-famous rapids.
According to most estimates, the Grand Canyon is home to at least 80 big water rapids. While by no means exhaustive, the following list covers most of the major rapids (and some common put-in and take-out points) that can be found within the Grand Canyon's idyllic slice of the Colorado River.
Rapids in the Colorado River can be rated according to two different rating systems: the traditional Class I to Class VI International Scale of River Difficulty (ISRD) and the region-specific 1-10 Grand Canyon river scale. To give you a better idea of what these ratings entail, we've listed a brief description of the ISRD classes and how they match up with the 1-10 Grand Canyon river difficulty scale:
Class I: A very relaxed stretch of the Colorado River. Expect occasional waves, minor riffle, and irregular yet easily avoidable obstacles. In the ISRD rating system, Class I is equal to Class 1 and Class 2 on the local Grand Canyon river rating system.
Class II: While still relatively straightforward, small obstacles and sudden waves may necessitate occasional maneuvering of the raft. If white water waves exceed 3 feet, this classification can be updated to a Class II+ scale. Similar to Class I, this level of rapid complexity is roughly equivalent to Class 3 and Class 4 on the Grand Canyon rating system.
Class III: At this level (comparable to Class 5-6 on the Grand Canyon system), rapid waves become larger and more difficult to avoid. Rafters can expect to encounter tight ledges and avoidable rocky outcrops. Depending on the collective competence of your Grand Canyon raft group, your tour guide may need to scout ahead of the group for any constricted sections.
Class IV: Intense and exciting rapids. At this rating (comparable to Class 7-8 on the Grand Canyon system), rapids are powerful yet still predictable. Rafters may need to exploit eddies in the river current to execute sudden maneuvers.
Class V: Analogous to a Class 9-10 rating on the rafting Grand Canyon rating system, Class V rapids are long and unpredictable. The rapids themselves are characterized by steep drops, unavoidable waves, and violent eddies in the river current. Due to the danger of self-rescue, Class V rapids are only suitable for highly experienced river rafting enthusiasts.
Class VI: Rarely attempted, this class of rapids is considerably more complicated, and thus more dangerous, than the previously listed rapid ratings. Featuring gushing water and difficult-to-avoid obstacles, these rapids require precise maneuvering and careful preparation to avoid dangerous mishaps.
Class VII-VIII: Similar to the Class VI rating, these rapid classes are characterized by tight passages, hard river turn maneuvers, and turbulent white water. As a result, Class VII-VIII rapids are only suitable for advanced canyon rafting experts.
Class IX-X: This classification covers the most complex rapids in the National Park. These rapids are not suitable for either amateur or intermediate river rafting. Even expert rafters should think twice before tackling this particular class of rapids. Expect extremely fast water flow and a wide range of underwater and out-of-water obstacles. Depending on dam-controlled water levels along the canyon river, Crystal Rapid and Lava Falls sometimes fall under the IX-X classification.
In some cases, both the ISRD and the Grand Canyon 1-10 rating system have required extensive revisions to factor in the dynamic development of new river channels. In a recent example, the Pearce Ferry Rapid had to be reclassified as a formidable Class VI rapid. The reclassification was spurred by the drought-induced retreat of Lake Mead around Pearce Ferry and the subsequent formation of turbulent new rapids around newly uncovered rocky outcrops.
If you’re ready to begin rafting in Grand Canyon National Park, all that’s left to do is to get in touch with an outfitter that accommodates your preferred route and raft type. To help you get a head start on organizing your trip, we’ve put together a 3-step guide to planning and booking a Grand Canyon raft adventure.
The full Grand Canyon route begins at Lees Ferry and ends at either Whitmore Wash, Diamond Creek, or Lake Mead. Over the course of this rafting trip, rafters will experience the full range of rapid systems in the Grand Canyon.
Starting at Lees Ferry and terminating at Phantom Ranch, the Upper Canyon section of the Grand Canyon river twists and turns for almost 90 miles. In addition to traversing a diverse collection of rapid systems, the Upper Canyon route will also provide you with plenty of opportunities to explore side canyons and admire ancient Grand Canyon geological formations. After taking out your raft at Phantom Ranch, Upper Canyon adventurers will need to exit the canyon floor by hiking up the 9.5-mile Bright Angel Trail.
One of the most popular stretches of Grand Canyon river rafting, the Lower Canyon begins at Phantom Ranch and ends at Whitmore Wash, Diamond Creek, or Lake Mead. Running for more than 192 miles. The Lower Canyon not only boasts the highest concentration of Class IV rapids, but it also includes Lava Falls and Crystal Rapid, the two highest-rated rapids in the Colorado River.
The westernmost section of the Grand Canyon begins at Whitmore Wash and ends at Leak Mead. For expert rafters, the highlight of the Western Canyon route is the dynamic canyon river system around Pearce Ferry Rapid.
One of the most popular raft types in the Grand Canyon, motorized rafts are a quick, comfortable, and stable way to traverse Grand Canyon river. If you're short on time and want to explore as much of the National Park as possible, motorized river rafting trips are probably your best bet.
As you might expect, oar-powered rafts are steered and propelled by a pair of long oars. As they're moderately slower than a motorized raft, oar-powered rafts are a great option for adventurers looking for slower-paced river rafting. Another benefit of oar-powered rafting trips is that passengers tend to get a more intimate 'feel' for how the Colorado River ebbs and flows.
One of the most physically intensive ways to experience the Grand Canyon, paddle rafting trips typically run with 6-8 passengers. Unlike motor and oar rafts, these passengers are given small paddles to help steer and propel their raft through the water.
While motorized, oar-powered, and paddle rafts use a heavy rubberized inflatable design, dory rafts use a rigid canoe-style design. While traditionally made from wood, dory raft frames are now built with fiberglass or closed-cell foam. Because of their narrower profile, dory rafts cannot hold as many passengers as motor, oar, or paddle rafts. However, thanks to their more streamlined design, dory rafts are considerably more maneuverable when traversing Grand Canyon river rapids. In addition to making the float and rapids sections more comfortable, this agility makes it easier for dory raft passengers to ‘feel’ the ebb and flow of the Colorado River.
Unlike the previously listed trip options, hybrid tours consist of more than one type of raft. In most cases, hybrid Grand Canyon rafting trips are run with 1 paddle raft and 5-6 oar-powered rafts. The main benefit of having a varied assortment of raft types is that it gives hybrid tour passengers the chance to experience both the relaxed atmosphere of oar rafting as well as the exhilarating rush of paddle rafting.
Please note, when you’re considering raft options, the range of rafts on offer will vary depending on your route and trip length selection. For example, if you plan on attending a 12-18 day full Grand Canyon rapids trip, your raft selection will almost always be restricted to non-motorized raft types. Check out our 2-step trip planning tool for a more detailed breakdown of route-specific raft offerings.
During the Grand Canyon rafting season in the Grand Canyon, there are only 16 companies (commonly referred to as river outfitters) that are allowed to run multi-day Grand Canyon rafting trips. These outfitters are licensed and regulated by the Grand Canyon National Park Service and provided with formal tour operator concession contracts. Different outfitters support trips in different sections of the Grand Canyon, so it's important to choose an outfitter that can service your canyon river route and raft type preferences.
Your outfitter will also supply you and your raft mates with a professional tour guide. Grand Canyon rafting guides take the stress out of river rafting trips, from handling trip logistics to providing and cooking all meals, snacks, and beverages. Although specific packing requirements may vary, outfitters can almost always be relied upon to provide basic camping and bedding equipment.
If you're thinking of rafting Grand Canyon National Park, Advantage Grand Canyon can help! We offer comprehensive advice and trip support for all 16 outfitters currently operating along the Colorado River. With the help of our trip finder database, you can search, categorize, and compare trip options across all 16 canyon rafting outfitters.
With more than 80 distinct big water systems, the rapids in the Grand Canyon are diverse in both size and technical complexity. As outlined above, the majority of the rapid systems in the Grand Canyon are rated as Class III rapids. However, the two largest rapids on the Colorado River, Crystal Rapid and Lava Falls, are often rated as Class IV+ rapids. Depending on the water level and flow rate of the Colorado River, the following may also be considered Class IV rapids: House Rock Rapid, 24 Mile Rapid, Hance Rapid, Sockdolager Rapid, Grapevine Rapid, Granite Rapid, Hermit Rapid, Bedrock Rapid, Specter Rapid, Dubendorff Rapid, and 231 Mile Rapid.
The cost of a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon is essentially determined by three main factors: trip length, raft type, and outfitter choice. For example, if you’d like to experience the full Grand Canyon, a 6-8 day motorized rafting tour will generally cost between $2,085 and $2,962 per person. For a longer, non-motorized trip, the price tends to be higher, costing between $3,210 and $5,630 for a 12-18 day tour.
If you’re looking for a more affordable way to experience the Grand Canyon, your best bet is probably a half-day Grand Canyon rapids adventure. Although half-day motor trips have been suspended for the 2020 rafting season, outfitters are still supporting half-day and full-day kayak trips. Broadly speaking, outfitter-run kayak trips will cost between $100 and $125 (this covers the cost of river transportation, safety gear, and kayak hire). Please note, however, that kayak trip costs do not cover the $15 Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee.
For a slightly longer yet still cost-effective trip, check out our multi-day motorized tours along the Upper Canyon, Lower Canyon, and Western Canyon routes. Lasting between 3 and 5 days, these tours are an affordable option at $1,080 to $2,314 per person.
If you’d like a personalized trip quote, you can get in touch with our friendly team at 888-244-2224 / 928-351-7711. Alternatively, you can send us a custom quote request by emailing info@advantagegrandcanyon.com.
The amount of time it takes to complete a full Grand Canyon tour is between 6 and 18 days. The specific number of days you spend on the Colorado River will depend on your time availability and raft selection preferences. If you’re only able to squeeze in a few days of rafting, you can still experience the entire Grand Canyon by taking a 6-8 day motorized raft tour. Equipped with environmentally friendly and ultra-quiet 4-stroke outboard engines, these motorized rafts can cover river miles and traverse rapids at a significantly faster pace than oar or paddle craft.
On the other hand, if you’re willing and able to devote more time to rafting the Grand Canyon, our outfitters also support longer rafting trips via non-motorized rafts. Running for between 12 and 18 days, non-motorized Grand Canyon rafting tours are arguably the best way to fully experience the thrilling white water rapids and towering vermillion walls of the Grand Canyon.
The “best” Grand Canyon rafting tour is a personal judgment, one that’s usually informed by an individual’s rafting expertise and general vacation preferences. For instance, for individuals who enjoy hiking, we often recommend multi-day trips in the Upper Canyon or Lower Canyon. Unlike a full Grand Canyon tour, rafting these sections includes a mandatory hike to ascend or descend the world-renowned Bright Angel Trail. Alternatively, for people looking to add a little more excitement to their canyon rafting tour, a full Grand Canyon trip may be a better option. Depending on the choice of take-out point, a full Grand Canyon trip can conclude with either a panoramic helicopter ride from Whitmore Wash or a thrilling jet boat dash across Lake Mead.
Barring closures due to periods of extreme weather, the Grand Canyon National Park is open all year round. However, if you’re looking to raft the Grand Canyon’s many rapids, you’ll need to visit during the region’s commercial Grand Canyon rafting season. While the specific starting date for canyon rafting is contingent on seasonal weather variations, the commercial rafting season usually begins in early April and ends in late October.
When it comes to the best time of year for rafting, the answer will inevitably depend on what you’re looking for in your rafting trip. If you just want to raft in the most ideal weather conditions, the best time to travel is probably between June and August. In addition to the more temperate weather conditions, this period also tends to be when the Colorado River experiences a peak in water levels and flow rates.
However, it’s important to note that the summer break is the busiest period of the commercial rafting season. If you haven’t booked an outfitter or accommodation in advance, you may find it difficult to secure a spot on your preferred rafting tour.
