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 a wooden dory (ala John Wesley Powell who first ran
the river). The smaller the craft, the bigger the thrills. On the oar boats
and motorized crafts, you'll be mostly a passenger. On the paddle rafts and
dories you'll need to be doing some real paddling.
The length of a trip depends on water flow and the type of boat you're on.
A motorized raft will take you from Lees Ferry to Lake Mead in 8 days. Grand
Canyon Expeditions offers a popular 8-day trip. On an oar-
or paddle-powered raft or dory, expect to take 5-6 days from Lees Ferry to Phantom
Ranch and 7-9 days from Phantom Ranch to Diamond Creek. 3-day express trips
through the lower portion of the canyon are offered by Western
Rivers Expeditions. There are also smooth water half-day trips
on the Colorado River upriver from the Grand Canyon between Glen Canyon Dam
to Lees Ferry. Call Wilderness River Adventures at 800-528-6154 for information.
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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Tour West Whitewater Adventures
