Grand Canyon Rafting Tours

The Colorado River of the Grand Canyon is listed as one of the top-ten whitewater trips in the world. With 277 miles of heart pounding rapids, amazing scenery, and unique geology this trip is on the top of many peoples to do list. Most Grand Canyon Rafting trips are a multi-day wilderness experiences ranging for 4 days, to over 2 weeks to complete the full canyon journey from Lee's Ferry to Lake Mead. There are also one day rafting trips that start at Diamond Creek and end with a helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon's West Rim.

There are many variations of Grand Canyon Rafting trips, but the river is typically split up between the upper (Lee's Ferry to Phantom Ranch) and the lower (Phantom Ranch to Diamond Creek) sections of the Canyon. Those not doing the whole canyon will have a strenuous hike either in or out of the canyon depending on what section of the river you do. The most common type of watercraft used on these trips are Oar Powered Rafts and S Rigs (large motorized rafts). You can also find paddle raft trips, kayak support trips, and classic Dory Trips. Read the guide below to learn more about Grand Canyon rafting tours and options for guided trips.

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Guided Grand Canyon River Rafting

Guided rafting tours are one of the best adventures you can have at the Grand Canyon and we want to show you all the options for Grand Canyon Rafting Trips. You can also check out a list of some of our recommended trips through the canyon and on the Colorado River near Grand Canyon National Park below, just select a tour to check on availability and make a reservation. Keep reading to learn more about different trip options.

The Hualapai Tribe offers the only one-day whitewater rafting trip through the Grand Canyon for a taste of adventure without the week -long commitment. There are also beautiful and mellow smooth water floats right above the Eastern Grand Canyon in Glen Canyon and just below the Hoover Dam in Black Canyon. These family friendly trips on the Colorado River just outside Grand Canyon National Park offer amazing views and a comfortable experience for visitors who aren’t interested in whitewater rafting.

A guided mulit-day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon is the adventure of a lifetime for many people. Commercial Rafting companies offer quality trips with an array of options and receive a set number of permits annually. Due to their popularity, multi-day commercial river trips can book-up a year in advance. Not only is this the best way for inexperienced boaters to run the Grand, it is also the only guaranteed river trip since permits for non-commercial trips use a lottery system. Grand Canyon Rafting trips down the Colorado River are more than just an exciting ride, although there is plenty of excitement. Once you enter the Canyon, you're transported into a different world. Everything you need is on the boats that float you down the river and on commercial trips, you won’t be eating freeze-dried meals, or going without a cold beer. For those who have the time this is one Grand Canyon experience you shouldn't pass up.

Types of Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

Multi-day rafting trips start from Lee's Ferry, the South Rim, and a few other locations such as Las Vegas for some trips. This is the most popular way to raft the Grand Canyon.
One day whitewater trips start from Peach Springs, AZ, unless you are doing the trips as part of a vacation package where you can be picked up in Flagstaff or Phoenix. If you only have a day this is the way to go and the only one-day whitewater rafting trip in the Grand Canyon. This is also where the Grand Canyon Skywalk is located along the West Rim.
One day smoothwater rafting tours follow the Colorado River from below the Glen Canyon Dam near Lake Powell to Lee's Ferry (where Grand Canyon National Park begins) and through Black Canyon below the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead (near the Grand Canyon's West Rim). Although these relaxing one-day float trips are not in Grand Canyon National Park, rafting these beautiful stretches of the Colorado River are a relaxing way to get on the water and take in some amazing canyon scenery.
Self-guided single and multi-day rafting trips are also an option for experienced boaters. Check out our Grand Canyon Rafting page if you want more information on how to do a self-guided trip, or learn more about other Grand Canyon Tours.