Grand Canyon - Whitewater Rafting
The Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park is one of the
premier
whitewater rafting trips in the world. Absolutely stunning scenery
combined
with riotously excessive whitewater make for an unforgettable
experience.
Most trips begin at Lees Ferry at the northeastern end of Grand
Canyon National
Park or at Phantom Ranch within the park. Most trips take-out at the
midway
point at Phantom Ranch or at Diamond Creek on the Hualapai Indian
Reservation
just above Lake Mead. You can also go all the way through and take
out at Lake
Mead. If you start or end at Phantom Ranch you'll need to hike or
ride a mule
to or from the canyon rim.
Trips are also available starting at Diamond Creek . These trips
cover the
last third of the canyon and experience milder whitewater than the
trips further
upriver. This segment of the Colorado River is not as dramtic as the
run through
the main portion of the park, but it is stunning nonetheless.
Trips can be taken in a variety of craft - large, motorized rubber
rafts, oar-powered rafts, paddle rafts, or wooden dories (similar to
river pioneer John Wesley Powell).
No matter the craft, the scenery is spectacular and the thrill of the
rapids is extraordinary!
Waits for permits to run the main portion of the river is up to 12
years at
the present time, so you really need to use a commercial guide
service. Dozens
of them are available. Some operate year round, others part time.
Spots fill
up fast so you'll want to plan your trip well ahead of time. Most
companies
start accepting reservations March to May for the following year's
trips. Depending
on the boat used and length of trip, you should expect to pay about
$200-300
per day for a guided a trip.
Guide services to consider are listed below:
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Grand Canyon Bar 10 Ranch Rafting
