Do you ever wonder if a mere river can seem magical? Rivers are a living part of mother earth, with their charm and personalities. They can be serene, but also wild and untamed, defying gravity as they flow.
Have you ever considered trying your hand at riding the rapids for miles? The thrill and excitement of being one with the force of nature are unparalleled, and river rafting is the perfect way to experience it. And what better place to go rafting than the Grand Canyon, a natural wonder carved by time and untouched by human hands?
According to Collins Dictionary, rafting is defined as “the sport of travelling on Rivers and streams by raft.” Imagine a life-changing experience as you coast on pure adrenaline and feel a deep connection with nature and its forces. Enjoy moments of serenity as you reignite your passion for adventure on a Grand Canyon rafting tour on the Colorado River, which winds through the valley.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about Grand Canyon River tours, so that the next time you crave adventure, you know where to go.
Highlights
Your Experience
If you’re looking for an unforgettable Grand Canyon River tour, look no further. Our tour includes comfortable air and road transportation, as well as our experienced guide who will keep you entertained with fascinating facts about the geological wonders, folklore, and astronomy of the canyon. Plus, they handle all the cooking, so you can fully enjoy your Grand Canyon Colorado River tour.
You’ll be amazed by the stunning waterfalls, Indian ruins, and towering cliff walls that rise nearly a mile above the ground, all while surrounded by the natural flora and fauna of the canyon.
Embark on an exhilarating adventure as you travel through 188 miles of the Colorado River, covering 67 rapids in either a motor-operated or oar-powered raft. This is a wonderful opportunity to satisfy your hunger for excitement and adventure while creating lasting memories.
So, sit back, relax, and take in the splendour of one of the best Grand Canyon rafting trips available.
Highlights
Your Experience
Experience the Colorado River like never before on this 3 ½ to 5 ½ day Grand Canyon water rafting tour. You’ll begin your trip in Page, Arizona, where a comfortable bus will take you to Lees Ferry.
Our tour guide will not only help you navigate the river, but they will also prepare all meals and provide interesting information about the geological wonders, astronomy, and legends of the canyon.
Campers will have the opportunity to explore the scenic terrain, including breathtaking waterfalls, ancient Indian ruins, and walls that reach over 4500 feet in height, all while surrounded by local wildlife.
Get your adrenaline pumping on this Grand Canyon Colorado River rafting Grand Canyon tour as you cover a distance of 88 miles of the Colorado River on a motorized or oar-powered raft and ride 28 river rapids.
Please note that this tour is especially recommended for experienced hikers in peak health, as it includes a 10-mile hike with a change of 5000 feet in altitude.
We recommend that you embark on a journey deep within the Canyon and rediscover yourself on these adventurous Grand Canyon rafting tours.
Highlights
Your Experience
Grand Canyon Rafting tours generally last 4-6 days and offer a comfortable and exciting way to explore the canyon.
On the tour, an experienced guide leads the group and the first activity is a challenging 10-mile hike from the South Rim to the Colorado River, following the Bright Angel trail and descending 5,000 feet in elevation.
During the hike, hikers can expect to see incredible sights such as ancient ruins, waterfalls, wildlife, and diverse plant life, all set against the backdrop of the canyon’s towering walls.
After the hike, participants can enjoy cruising along the river on a raft and navigating through rapids.
It is important to note that these tours are not recommended for individuals who are new to hiking or have poor physical health.
Highlights
Your Experience
Discover the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon by exploring its massive canyon walls that reach a height of 4,500 feet. These walls are home to a variety of wildlife such as canyon wrens and bighorn sheep, as well as waterfalls and ancient Indian ruins.
Learn about the history and legends of the canyon from our knowledgeable guide, who also takes care of meal preparation, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy your experience.
Take in the breathtaking scenery and sights as you hike up the Bright Angel Trail from the Colorado River to the South Rim.
For those who love rafting, the 12-day and 14-day Grand Canyon River rafting tours are perfect options.
These tours cover a distance of 225 miles and offer the opportunity to ride 67-rated rapids on a motorized raft.
To have a safe and enjoyable experience on a Grand Canyon rafting tour, it’s important to be well-prepared by planning and packing the necessary gear.
Essential camping equipment for a Grand Canyon water rafting trip includes:
Clothing:
When planning for a Grand Canyon rafting tour, it is important to pack comfortable clothing that is suitable for walking and hiking. This includes waterproof pants, comfortable tee shirts or shirts, hoodies, shorts, cargo shorts, sports briefs, and rain jackets.
Shoes & Socks:
Given that a significant portion of the tour involves walking on rocky and sandy terrain or being in the water, it’s essential to pack hiking boots, wet shoes, comfortable sandals or trainers, and fast-drying socks.
Outdoor Accessories:
To ensure a comfortable and hassle-free trip, pack a rafting bag with essentials such as a travel pillow, towels, headlamp, water bottles, gloves, moisturizer, travel wipes, insect repellent, pocket soap, a first-aid kit and sunblock.
Bags:
Bring a small duffel bag to pack items, a waterproof bag to store gadgets and medications, and a water-resistant gear bag to store the duffel bag, sleeping bag, water bottles, and other accessories.
The best time to plan a Grand Canyon rafting tour is April through September.
There are several reasons why these months are ideal for a Grand Canyon rafting trip, such as:
April, when the desert is blooming with beautiful cactus flowers.
May, when the cactus blooms are still present and temperatures are warming up, with clearer skies and streams.
June, when vegetation dries up, wildflowers fade, and temperatures are high. The days are longer, but this doesn’t necessarily mean there will be more hiking opportunities, instead, it offers more sunlight during the in-camp hours.
July, when the summer heat makes it ideal for swimming in the streams or rafting through rapids.
August, when the rapids are stronger due to the canyon dam’s increased water flow.
September, when the shadows in the canyon become more prominent and temperatures are more comfortable, offering a final chance to take a Grand Canyon River tour without freezing temperatures or frigid water.
The minimum age requirement for upper Colorado river rafting grand canyon is 12 years old. Families with children aged 9 or older may participate in the lower third of the Grand Canyon.
When considering Grand Canyon rafting tours, there are several factors to keep in mind such as medical condition, weight, age, and mobility. The experience may expose you to harsh natural elements like extreme winds, sun, rain and cold, so it’s important to consider how it may affect your health or any pre-existing concerns. This will ensure that your Grand Canyon rafting day trip is enjoyable and fulfilling not only for you but also for other visitors.
Week-long Grand Canyon River tours are the most popular and the best if you want the full adventurous, authentic camping+river rafting experience where you cover greater distances and rapids.
You can choose between a 3-day expedition, a 4-day tour, or the ultimate 7-day tour. On a 3-day trip, you cover shorter distances by hiking and river rafting in mild water rapids, perfect if it’s your first time. On the 4-day tour, you get the same activities as the 3-day trip plus a night stay at the Bar 10 ranch and an air tour.
The grand 7-day excursion is the ultimate among the Grand Canyon rafting tours with an itinerary full of iconic sights and activities.
The first two-thirds of the Grand Canyon, from Lee’s Ferry to the Helicopter pad at Whitmore Wash, are covered by upper Grand Canyon rafting tours.
Lower Grand Canyon rafting trips proceed from the Helicopter Pad to Lake Mead via the lower, or last third, of the Grand Canyon.
You can expect to pay between $1500-$2000 for a 3-4 day rafting trip and upwards of $3000 for a 6-7 days expedition.
The Grand Canyon does not provide any one-day white water rafting Grand Canyon experiences. The available entry and exit points of the canyon prohibit one-day expeditions.