Ultimate Grand Canyon River Rafting Experience

It is no longer news that the popularity of whitewater rafting trips has become increasingly attractive recently, and for a good reason too. Many who have experienced the Grand Canyon adventure often remark on how wholesome the entire experience has been. Many have even made it a custom to return to their favorite spots regularly.

Ultimate Grand Canyon River Rafting Experience

One of the most popular rafting spots is the Grand Canyon. This famous historic site is interspersed by rivers with rapids of varying intensity, interspersed by breathtaking sites and a fantastic hiking landscape. There are also great camping sites to supply provisions and ensure that your trip is both adventurous and safe.

Vacationers who visit the Grand Canyon often find it challenging in an exhilarating way, and chances are you might find it thrilling also. But before you can enjoy your ultimate river rafting trip, there is certain information you will need to make the best of your trip. This article will offer you most of this information.

Why You Should Go for a Water Rafting Trip

Whitewater rafting vacation requires much planning and organization, and you might wonder if it is worth the trouble. The answer is a resounding yes! Whitewater rafting trips are fun, but they are more than just another recreational activity. Sure, you will enjoy your trip, but whitewater rafting has other benefits. Some of them include the following: 

Reduced Stress

This notion might sound contradictory because rowing a raft is exerting work. But a water rafting trip can reduce your stress. For one thing, rafting trips are an outdoor activity; and to add to that, battling rapids on a Colorado River rafting trip and enjoying the fresh air of the Colorado River, and you have conditions that could lead to stress reduction. Studies have shown that exercise and other outdoor experiences are good ways to reduce stress. 

Team Building and Family Bonding 

Whitewater rafting expeditions are usually done in groups that must work together to guarantee the trip's success. If you are an employer and a family wishing to improve group or family bonds, a rafting trip could be an excellent way to improve your camaraderie and bond. Working together on a project (especially a successful one) improves the social bond between individuals. A whitewater rafting trip can offer you all that.

Strengthen Your Cardiovascular Muscles

Whitewater rafting trips can be physically challenging, which is good for your muscles, especially those of your arms, back, and shoulders. The exercise will also improve the strength of your cardiac muscles, improving your health. 

Boosts Your Confidence and Self Esteem

Whitewater rafting trips are challenging and intimidating to go through. Many find that successfully going through such a trip gives them a feeling of accomplishment and usually boosts their confidence in their ability, which can easily translate to other aspects of their life.

Why You Should Go for a Water Rafting Trip

Beginner's Guide to Grand Canyon (and Colorado River) Rafting Trips

Undoubtedly, whitewater rafting trips are exciting with so many benefits, yet it is one trip you need to be thoroughly prepared for. Amongst other things, you need to leave with the right equipment and plan the best rafting route. Additionally, you will need to see other details, such as reservations and permits, before you can even begin your journey. Here are a few tips if this is your first rafting trip:

Bring Only the Necessary Gear

Space in most rafts is often limited, so you want to ensure that what you bring along is essential for the journey. Many beginners need clarification about this and carry lots of unnecessary stuff that becomes a burden. Here are some indispensable rafting gears you should have:

  • Swimsuit and Raingear: rafting is a wet sport, so waterproof materials are important.

  • High-Quality Sandal: these sandals should preferably have sturdy threads and strong straps. Flip flops are risky as they can cause you to slip on wet rocks or even get lost.

  • Sunscreens, Hats, and Polarizers: the sun can get high in the Grand Canyon summer, so have some protection.

  • Socks: socks help keep your feet warm after a long, wet day.

  • Plastic Bags: to store wet clothes and keep dry ones from getting wet. Store wet and dry clothes in separate bags.

  • Water Bottles: you can get quickly dehydrated during rafting and hiking trips. A sizable water bottle saves you from that.

Choose Your Route Carefully 

Water rafting adventures have varying difficulty rates. These difficulty rates are often a result of the kind of rapids you will encounter along the Colorado River. Rapids are divided into classes. If you're rafting for the first time or have little experience, you should go for Class I and II rapids. Class IV and V rapids are usually for experts because the current and rock formations are stronger and more irregular.

Make sure you do proper research and call your rafting trip outfitter, such as Advantage Grand Canyon, before beginning your journey; they will help you pick a route that is just right for your experience level. Also, find out your group's expertise before going forward with the journey. You are more likely to enjoy the journey if the route is comfortable for everyone.

Book Early

Rafting trip spots have a surprising way of filling up fast. Book as early as you can to ensure that you get a trip that matches your preferred length and difficulty. Currently, bookings for trips for 2023 are on and filling up fast.

Hire a Professional Outfitter 

The outfitter you choose should be experienced and capable of answering your questions and providing you with the best services. Outfitters will also ensure that the trip is as comfortable and safe as possible. Make maximum research and inquiry before hiring one.

Know Proper Swimming Techniques

To be safe, only go on a whitewater rafting trip if you're a good swimmer. Your guide will indeed ensure your safety as much as he can, but some rapids can be tricky enough to tip the raft. When this happens, you may have to swim to a nearby shore. Be as fit as possible before going rafting.

Always and Listen

As you journey, your guide or team leader will give you instructions on safety and the best way to navigate some tricky rapids. Always listen to them and apply what they say, you will fare better. 

The Best Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

Grand Canyon Rafting Trips come with so many options that you may feel overwhelmed just going through it. Records show that there are over 100 trips of varying lengths and difficulties. Fortunately, we can recommend some of the best options for you to make your decisions easier:

What are the Criteria for Selection?

When choosing trips, there are several things you want to bear in mind; you can't afford to consider only one side. Here are some criteria for selecting a rafting trip:

  • Affordability: you have to take account of your budget when planning a trip.

  • Length: consider how long you can afford to be away when planning a trip.

  • Difficulty: you have to check your fitness level before deciding on the trip's difficulty.

  • Experience: You also want the best experience from your trip, so you should also consider the sites along the way.

  • Availability: no matter how good the trip is, you can only take it if available.

Below are some of the best rafting trip routes based on the criteria outlined above: (Note that trips are most often classified by the type of boat you will use and the number of days it would take to complete).

One day Motorized Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

One day Motorized Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

The one-day trip is one of the shortest and most affordable rafting trips you can access. This is a trip that includes a straight run below Lake Powell. It has no required hiking trail and includes mind-blowing views of the Glen Canyon, which people with moderate rafting skills can easily overcome. Because of the short length of this trip, it could be the best option for you if you are short on time or you are into private trips.

Hybrid Upper Grand Canyon Raft Trips

This trip is a six-day journey designed to accommodate those who want the non-motor raft experience but can't afford to spend two weeks on a complete Grand Canyon tour. It runs across the upper half of the Grand Canyon, beginning from Lee's Ferry. It also includes some of the toughest whitewater rapids you'll encounter along any rafting trip.

At the end of this trip, you'll be required to hike across the deepest point in the Grand Canyon (Phantom Ranch) and is a tough 7.5-mile hike along the Bright Angel Trail. Campsites are set up along beaches at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

The Full Grand Canyon Hybrid Trips

The Full Grand Canyon Hybrid Trips

The Full Grand Canyon is a complete package lasting twelve to sixteen days. Although bulk payment may seem expensive, it is a good deal when split per day. This amazing trip across the Grand Canyon ranges from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek, with lots of hiking opportunities in-between. You will also encounter famous sites like Peach Springs, Lava Falls, Whitmore wash, and Pearce ferry.

Since it's hybrid, it includes oar rafts and a paddle raft. This provision gives you several trip options as you may not feel like taking paddle trips some days, while at other times, you wish to relax and take in the view. The views from this trip are especially breathtaking, and you get to experience part of the Grand Canyon that very few people ever will. 

Full Grand Canyon Motorized Rafting Trip

This trip lasts six to nine days and is completely a motor trip, meaning you don't get to paddle or oar while on it. If you are a purist who prefers paddle or oar trips to motor trips, this will not serve you.  However, many like this option because you can see more of the Grand Canyon in half the time. Observations from rafting outfitters have shown that this is usually the most popular river trip for families.

The trip begins at Lees Ferry and allows you to see every part of the Grand Canyon, including the spectacular gorges, amazing hiking trails, and hidden waterfalls. You also get to stop at popular side attractions and camp along the sandy beaches of the mighty Colorado River.

Western Grand Canyon Motorized Rafting Trip

The Western Grand Canyon is a mini-rafting trip that begins and ends in Las Vegas and lacan be done in only three days. It includes a helicopter flight to the launch point in Whitmore Wash.

You also have options for hikes along the canyon and experiencing nature at its most intense. You can also camp along the Colorado River during breaks between rafting and hiking. It is one of the most commercial trips you could find.

Experiences You Can Expect from Your Rafting Trip

People embark on rafting trips for various reasons, what can you hope to experience during a typical trip through the Grand Canyon?

A Sense of Adventure

Rafting journeys offer a sense of adventure that is missing in most routine activities. Just imagine sitting on the raft, with the breeze on your face, the splash of water, and the swaying raft as it bounces along the rapids and river runners. Each day presents a new opportunity for adventurous fun.

Spectacular Sites of Nature

Water rafting trips are often interspersed with different attractive and historical sites. You will encounter waterfalls, beautiful gorges, monumental architecture such as the Glen Canyon Dam, Lee's Ferry, and side canyons. Canyon hikes along famous hiking trails expose you to nature at its most powerful.

Dreams Come True

Finally, embarking on a whitewater rafting trip can be a dream come true for some. The maximum reward is the sense of accomplishment and the pure joy of finally fulfilling a long-held dream while marveling at the most glorious scene.

Experiences You Can Expect from Your Rafting Trip

How to Choose an Outfitter for Your Water Rafting Trip

Water rafting outfitters ensure you get the best experience as safely as possible. A good outfitter is licensed by the National Park Service to provide you with scheduling information, lodging, equipment, and experienced guides to ensure your safety during the trip. The guide will also maek sure that you follow the best routes and will often organize rafting teams in hand-powered rafts to navigate the rapids despite the team's experience.

There are many rafting trip outfitters, but you want to choose the best one, considering their importance. Here are some tips on choosing the right water rafting trip:

Top-notch Facilities

Some rafting outfitters are likely to offer lodging as part of their services, some in rural areas. Some of these lodges would be within the Grand Canyon National Park. Before hiring an outfitter, do some research about the kind of lodging they offer and the proximity of the nearest town.

Safety Protocols

Grand Canyon whitewater rafting or any form of rafting is an exciting sport that can get treacherous quickly without proper safety procedures. When hiring an outfitting company, quiz them intently about their safety process.

Consideration and Experience

Usually, a typical Grand Canyon rafting trip will have groups consisting of people of different ages and fitness, which could impact the trip if it isn't considered. Most trips often have varying degrees of difficulty, and the role of an outfitter is to ensure that everyone has as much fun as possible. 

When you inquire from a potential outfitter, find out if they have accurate records about the age and number of people on the trip. You can be confident that they will use this information to plan the trip in a way that benefits everyone.

Check Customer Review

Customers often offer the best insight into the company's services. Check the customer review on the company's website and the comments made under the company article. Do they sound satisfactory? Or is the general tone angry?

How to Choose an Outfitter for Your Water Rafting Trip

The Important Role of Advantage Grand Canyon

Advantage Grand Canyon is not exactly an outfitter but an aggregate that works to match adventurers with sixteen licensed outfitters. The outfitters under Advantage tick all the boxes and will provide you with the necessities needed for a trip.

Using the services of Advantage Grand Canyon can benefit you because they can easily match you with the outfitter offering the particular rafting experience you desire. They also have access to canceling information to help you with last-minute bookings, although it is always better to book in advance. 

The professionals at Advantage Grand Canyon are helpful and interested in giving the most rewarding experience. Fortunately, their ability matches their interests. With contacts to several outfitters, they are a reliable source of rafting scheduling and information.

You can benefit from this essential service by placing a call to the number on the site to book your space for the next round of rafting trips or subscribing to our newsletter for scheduling or other rafting news.

Conclusion

Water rafting trips are an exciting outdoor activity that has several benefits. You can ease stress and strengthen your cardio muscles in the process. But you will need proper planning to get the best out of your river trip. 

Advantage Grand Canyon matches adventurers like you to competent and licensed outfitters who will see the details of your trip and ensure that your water rafting trip is as enjoyable and safe as possible. With booking for the next round of trips ongoing and filling up fast, you need to contact us as quickly as possible to avoid missing out on an incredible adventure!