Western Canyon River Rafting Expeditions: The Best Option For Beginners

Rafting is a unique and unforgettable way to experience the Grand Canyon, and the grand stretch of the Colorado River offers tons of destinations and routes to explore. This part, covering almost 100 miles of water, is beyond just a scenic rafting destination. With 5 exciting rapids rated 5+ (on a 1 - 10 scale), provide some adrenaline-filled adventures for visitors.

A Western Canyon expedition starts in the area of Whitmore Wash (river mile 188) and ends at Lake Mead (river mile 280), which is closest to Las Vegas. The rafting trip is suitable even for the younger guests or beginners, mostly because it does not involve a lot of hiking at the beginning or at the end of the trip. If you wish to, though, you can choose to join some optional side hikes. This is the best way to really explore any interesting side canyon, spring, geological site, and even rock art in the Grand Canyon.

What To Expect During Western Canyon Rafting Expeditions

The best thing about a rafting trip in the canyon, especially compared to a hiking one, is that you will not have to bear the weight of all your stuff on your back the entire time. Special rafts will do the work, and your rafting outfitter will even take care of setting up camp every time you settle in for the day. This gives you enough time to enjoy the trip and relax at the end of a long day.

Mornings are also spectacular in the Grand Canyon. As your guides prepare scrumptious and filling breakfasts to give you enough energy for another day of rafting, you can enjoy the magnificent sunrises. You can expect a relaxing, exciting, and a one-of-a-kind rafting trip that you and your family will never forget.

When Should You Go For A Western Canyon River Trip?

The best thing about this river is that it does not need melting snow to create those swells for great river trip along this section of the river. This means, there is no need to go during the cooler months of the year, and the peak is usually during the warmer weeks. It is also at this time that the downstream water is stronger due to higher demand by the agricultural industry or by the hydropower plants in Las Vegas. Thus, rafting trips are offered between April through mid-September. May and September, however, are considered the best months for such a rafting trip. Because of its proximity to Las Vegas, it is a good side trip for out-of-town visitors.

Booking Western Canyon River Trip

There are quite a few outfitters out there who organize these Western Canyon expeditions, and much like with the duration of the trip, you can choose whether you go by motor, paddle, or dory raft. Of course, motor rafts are the easiest and will be the shortest options

You will also be equipped with life jackets the entire time as a security measure. All you have to do is trust and listen to your guides and you will be sure to have a great trip.

You will also want to figure out the smaller details by your tour operator through us, so you know what to prepare for your trip. Most of the time, they will provide food and camping equipment. Still, you will want to get informed on what you should pack, including the appropriate clothing for the trip. While you will not be so far away from Las Vegas NV, there are no stores to buy stuff once you start rafting on the water rapids. Because all of the other details are taken care of, you can sit back and relax, enjoying all that Grand Canyon has to offer.

Can You Raft The Entire Grand Canyon River?

A rafting river trip of the whole Grand Canyon takes 6 to 8 days on a motorized raft. For those who can't spare that long of time on the river, they opt for one of the Western Canyon expeditions. Not only is it much shorter (max 4 - 5 days as opposed to 6 to 8 days), the rapids are also a great way to be introduced to the more intese ones found in the heart of the Canyon. Thus, it is more preferred for families with younger children who would not otherwise make the other rafting trips.

Moreover, you can easily travel here from Las Vegas and back, where there are many available flights. Plus, you can combine it with a trip to Redrock Canyons and Jungle Lodge.

Final Words

There is no need to head overseas to the Pacuare River in Costa Rica for white water rafting vacations, especially when the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon are there, with its majestic canyon and exciting river swells. The best part is, whatever your skill and other preferences are, you will surely find the right rafting trip for you right here at Advantage Grand Canyon!