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Everybody should experience Grand Canyon rafting at least once in their life. If you could create a river rafting trip on your own, it would be hard to do it any better than it already is. Listen to the podcast episode above to hear the full experience of rafting the Grand Canyon.
What is Rafting the Grand Canyon Like?
When people see rafters from the rim, they want to do it and it surpasses their expectations.
You start at the level of the rim, and it rises as you keep going. It rises at a level of 1000 feet for every 10 miles, until it is towering above you.
The level of color you will see from trace minerals is incredible: greens, oranges, tan and reddish hues.
If you do a trip the summer monsoons (late July, early August) the water is cold, and it may be raining; waterfalls sprout all over the canyon. Some are the color of tomato juice, clear or chocolate milk color. If you’re lucky enough to see that, it’s worth every moment of being cold. Be prepared to be very hot and very cold.
You can come into a rafting trip in many different ways: via hike, helicopter or at Lee’s Canyon if you opt of the upper canyon or the entire trip.
2 Different Options for Grand Canyon Rafting: Human-Powered or Engine-Powered
You can go human-powered or engine-powered. The motorized trip would take about 6 days, as opposed to a human-powered trip which could take up to 30 days as the trip is 226 miles.
The motorized trip can take up to 15 people and the boats are huge. They include two guides who set up food and camp and captain the boat.
Western River Expeditions is the company that Andy works for and is highly recommended for a motorized trip.
Hikes in the Grand Canyon
Some days are better for hiking, and some are better for rapids. On a motor trip you’re on the rapids for 3-4 hours a day. A rowing trip would be about the same. The side hikes are a worthy diversion from being on the boats.
Havasupai Falls is available to rafters (check out the previous episode!); there are quite a few trails that are only accessible from the river.
Must see hike: Matkatamiba
How Do you Bathe or Shower While Rafting the Grand Canyon?
There are no soaps allowed in side-channel to protect fish, you can use soap in the main body of water in order to shower (not within 100 feet of a channel).
Upper vs LOwer Grand Canyon
If you are going to raft any part, it’s recommended to raft the upper and lower. If you have to pick, raft the upper Grand Canyon and use Whitmore Wash for a helicopter exchange.
What Class of Rapids are on the Grand Canyon?
The rapids are class 3 and 4 with occasional class 5.
What’s the Deal with the Lottery Permit System?
If you’re going to do a commercial trip, you don’t need to enter a lottery. You can sign up and pay, you just need to book in advance by at least six months to a year. To do a private trip, you need to enter a lottery; you have a good as chance of anyone. You’ll need someone who has done the Grand Canyon before or has comparable experience.
Lottery Link:
https://grcariverpermits.nps.gov/login.cfm
How much Does it cost to raft the Grand CAnyon?
The minimum cost for a commercial group would be $1400 up to $3000 (for both engine and human-powered trips). For Andy’s company, this includes a helicopter ride, food, accommodations, etc.
How can you Raft the Grand Canyon on the Cheap?
Answer: find a rafting guide who can take you down and get a permit from the lottery!
No fees are allowed to be exchanged on a private trip; so you need to have a good friend with experience come along if you aren’t the experienced person.
You can hire a company to rent you a boat, send you off with meals, and take care of your human waste after the trip is over, that will run you around $60 a day. Now that’s a cheap adventure vacation you can afford!
How Old do you have to be to raft the grand canyon?
For the upper Grand Canyon, you need to be at least 12 years old. You need to be 7 years old to raft the lower Grand Canyon.
What if you have limited mobility?
For those with limited mobility, choose your company carefully as some require hikes or donkey riding. There are several companies to check out: Wilderness River Adventures, Hatch and Arizona River Adventures.
Top Things you should bring when rafting the grand canyon
- Care for your feet (they will be wet and dry over and over)
- Plenty of sunscreen and sun-clothing with SPF ratings
- Rain gear
- Warm clothes
- Quality splash gear.
Top tips for those who want to come raft the Grand Canyon
Find your boat friends and see if you have enough people to pilot a boat and jump on the lottery (rent all the gear for about $60 bucks a day), if you don’t have that community around you, take a commercial trip and decide what your constraints are: kids, time, motor vs. non-motor, just go do it!