Overview

Your Grand Canyon rafting vacation with Western River Expeditions covers 188 miles in 6 days, each day descending deeper into geologic time. The Grand Canyon is ever-changing, with massive walls that step back to expose eons of natural history, at one place dark and narrow, and at another lush with waterfalls thundering hundreds of feet in luminous free fall. Daily side hikes lead you to sparkling streams, pristine pools, green fern glens, and ancient Anasazi ruins. The astounding scenery through Grand Canyon National Park is enhanced by the thrill of over 60 rapids where Western’s unique J-Rig rafts will give you maximum excitement and safety.

This is the most famous rafting trip in the world. It is also our most physically demanding and rewarding trip.  Spending a week living in the outdoors is a life-changing experience but it requires preparation and physical capability on the part of the participants. Please review the physical requirements section below for further details.

Highlights

  • Spectacular Grand Canyon scenery
  • Hikes to waterfalls, Anasazi ruins, and in renowned  sites like Havasu Canyon
  • Exciting whitewater (III-V)
  • Delicious meals
  • Western's motorized J-Rig raft
  • Professional guides

Location

Grand Canyon

Itinerary

Day 1: Grand Canyon »

Meet your Western River Expeditions crew and rafts at 7:30 AM in Marble Canyon, Arizona, a dramatic launch point on the Colorado River (see options for travel and accommodations below). After a short ride to the river's edge you'll load your duffle bag into a dry bag, listen to a brief orientation from your guides and begin rafting the Grand Canyon. Drift lazily, relax, and then savor lunch on a white sand beach. Mighty House Rock Rapid and the Roaring 20's set the pace for the next several days. Relax at the water's edge in camp while your guides prepare a delicious dinner, then fall asleep to the most incredible star show in the world.

Day 2: Grand Canyon »

After a hearty breakfast prepared by your guides, you'll head downriver for more adventures. Visit Vasey's Paradise, a spectacular cascade of water that supports a lush hanging garden, and Redwall Cavern, a vast chamber carved by the river. Hike breathtaking side canyons or visit ancient Anasazi granaries. Relaxing stretches of river punctuated by exciting whitewater and interesting riverside attractions fill an unforgettable day.

Days 3 & 4: Grand Canyon »

After a possible swim in the warm, turquoise waters of the Little Colorado River, you're on your way to Hance, Horn, Granite, Hermit and Crystal...all rapids respected for their huge waves. Western's knowledgeable guides lead short hikes to hidden Elves Chasm and to pounding Deer Creek Falls.


Day 5: Grand Canyon »

Perhaps spend some time exploring the azure green waters of renowned Havasu Canyon where countless tranquil pools beckon you to find your own private piece of this hidden paradise - or explore other possible side canyons and waterfalls such as Matkatimiba, Fern Glen, or Tuckup Canyon located in this section of Grand Canyon. After dining on Western's famous evening cuisine, capture the dazzling glow of the sun on the towering canyon walls before it slips into the horizon.

Days 6 or 7: Grand Canyon »

Vulcan's Anvil, a volcanic cone mid-river, signals the approach of Lava Falls, the Colorado River's most notorious rapid, making rafting the Grand Canyon truly memorable. By mid morning, you'll meet your helicopter that will take you over the canyon rim to Bar Ten Ranch for a shower and lunch, before your return flight to Marble Canyon or Las Vegas.

7 Day Trip Note » Covering the same 188 miles of astounding Grand Canyon beauty as the 6-day Grand Canyon trip, our 7-day experience offers one more precious day on the river. You'll take additional side hikes to waterfalls, hidden grottos, and American Indian ruins. Plus, you'll have a little extra time to spend at renowned sites like Havasu Canyon.

Includes

  • Rafting 188 miles of amazing scenery and over 60 rapids
  • Short walks and longer more difficult hikes (all optional)
  • Camping equipment  includes cots, tents, sleeping bags, chairs and water-resistant bag
  • All meals  between departure and return
  • 8-10 min helicopter flight in the Grand Canyon from the river to the Bar 10 Ranch
  • An hour plus scenic return charter flight from Bar 10 Ranch to your starting point (Marble Canyon or Las Vegas)
  • Transfers from The Boulder Air Terminal to The Las Vegas Marriott

Physical Requirements/Expedition Guide

Please consider carefully any medical or health condition that would endanger yourself, or others on the trip, or diminish the enjoyment of an adventure vacation such as this. Factors of age, weight, lack of conditioning, heart or other disease can become exacerbated by the environment, remote distances from a hospital, and physical challenges of a rafting adventure. It is critical that you are in reasonable good health and physical fitness at the time of departure so that our staff can focus their attention equally on all trip participants.

For more information on our physical requirements and other trip details please click here for our Grand Canyon 6/7 Day Expedition Guide.