Rafting Tours |

About Grand Canyon Rafting Tours

Exploring the Grand Canyon by river is an experience you truly won’t forget. Behind the geological wonders of the canyon, there lies a world of waterfalls and other rock formations that can only be reached through the Colorado River. If you’re chasing a rush of adrenaline, join a whitewater rafting trip or take things down a notch and raft through one of the most beautiful parts of the Western United States on a smooth water trip.

Canyon River Adventure

One of the most spectacular and popular Grand Canyon tours available! The Canyon River Adventure is one of the best ways to experience the region from several different perspectives in one day.

Scenic flight from Grand Canyon Airport to Page, AZ. Note: all guests must self-transport to Grand Canyon Airport and arrive no later than 6:00am (located at 3555 Airport Road, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023; follow signs for Grand Canyon Airlines.
Guided ground tour of Lower Antelope Canyon.
18 mile smooth water float trip on the Colorado River
Box lunch included
Return by motorcoach, minibus, or van.
$635 per adult (excluding tax).
$615 per child (age 4-11; excluding tax).
All guests must be at least 4 years old to enjoy this unique experience.

This tour sets off from the Grand Canyon Airport near the South Rim. You’ll board a sightseeing airplane and travel across the Grand Canyon East Rim and the stunning desert scenery to the city of Page, Arizona, home to some of the most magnificent natural landmarks. You’ll discover aerial sights of Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend, the famous near-circular twist in the Colorado River. Your touring airplane also offers headset narration in multiple languages to describe the scenery below you.

Upon landing in Page, you’ll be transported across the desert for a guided tour of the world-famous Lower Antelope Canyon. This photographic landmark has rippling sandstone walls and brilliant light beams that shine through the cracks, creating the perfect backdrop for one-of-a-kind photo moments. Your Lower Antelope Canyon tour is led by a Navajo guide who will show you the best photo opportunities and explain the history of this ancient canyon and the Navajo people. The walking tour includes active participation with stairs and the ability to climb ladders (not suitable for ADA guests); we recommend sturdy shoes for this tour (sneakers, crocs, sandal-type footwear).

After exploring Antelope Canyon, you’ll board your bus and ride to Lee’s Ferry to start the smooth water rafting trip down the Colorado River. You’ll first motor upstream to Horseshoe Bend, approximately 9 miles, then float downstream through its iconic 1000-foot canyon walls, a truly unique way to experience this popular section of the Colorado River.

There will be time to stop at a beach and see the Petroglyphs of the Puebloan people. The raft will dock at Petroglyph beach, where you can disembark and explore. The aptly named beach features authentic ancient Navajo petroglyphs, and your guide will share the meaning and history of the local Native Americans. Enjoy a box lunch on the river that a choice of Turkey Croissant – oven roasted turkey, cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato served on a buttery croissant OR Vegetarian/Vegan Wrap – Lettuce, red onions, red peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes in a spinach wrap with a side of balsamic vinaigrette. Lunch also includes a bag of chips, mandarin orange cup, and a cookie, and water will be available.

Your tour continues into Marble Canyon, which is where the Grand Canyon starts. From here, you’ll arrive at Lee’s Ferry, where your sightseeing adventure ends. Ground transportation will be waiting to drive you back to the Grand Canyon South Rim area, with a stop at the historic Cameron Trading Post.

All guests must be at least 4 years old to enjoy this experience.

Operation dates are April 1 through September 30.

Itinerary (all times are approximate)

6:00AM – Check-in at Grand Canyon Airlines Terminal
Address: Grand Canyon National Park Airport
3555 Airport Rd. Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
6:30AM – Depart Grand Canyon Airport to Page (Air tour en route)
7:30AM – Arrive Page
8:00AM – Depart for Antelope Slot Canyon Tour
10:30AM – Check-in at Wilderness River Adventures
11:00AM – Depart by Bus to Lees Ferry
11:45AM – Arrive Lee’s Ferry
Noon – Passengers depart for a approx. 2 to 2.5 hour raft tour (Boxed lunch included)
2:30/3:00PM – Boat arrival at Lee’s Ferry
3:15PM – Depart Lee’s Ferry to Cameron Trading Post
4:30PM – Arrive at Cameron
6:15PM-6:30PM – Arrive Maswik Lodge
6:30PM-6:45PM – Arrive at Grand Canyon Airport

Smooth Water Raft Tours

Make your visit to the Grand Canyon an even more memorable experience with this Grand Canyon Coach and River Trip. This daylong adventure starts with scenic ground transport to Page, AZ and Lee’s Ferry. From there, you’ll embark on a 2 to 2.5 hour smooth water float on the Colorado River through the iconic Horseshoe Bend and its dramatic 1000-foot Canyon walls.

The day begins on an early ground transport from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ. Travel by bus and enjoy the sights through the Navajo Nation lands, the Painted Desert, and the Grand Canyon’s Eastern Rim. There will be a short stop in Page before continuing to Lee’s Ferry to board your raft.

Your group will board a motorized raft. You’ll first motor up the Colorado River to Horseshoe Bend, approximately 9 miles, and then float through Horseshoe Bend- the iconic twist in the Colorado River where it makes a wide sweep around a curved sandstone escarpment.

It’s the perfect landscape for stunning picturesque moments. During your journey, the raft will stop at Petroglyph Beach to view ancient rock carvings and artifacts. Your experienced guide will share the history of the people who once roamed this region. Enjoy a box lunch on the river that a choice of:

Turkey Croissant – oven roasted turkey, cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato served on a buttery croissant
Vegetarian/Vegan Wrap – Lettuce, red onions, red peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes in a spinach wrap with a side of balsamic vinaigrette.

Lunch also includes a bag of chips, mandarin orange cup, and a cookie, and water will be available. The river portion of the trip ends at historic Lee’s Ferry. Board the awaiting ground transport for the return trip to the South Rim. The journey includes a stop at the Cameron Trading Post along the way.

This trip operates seasonally and is an all-day adventure that lasts approximately 12 hours. This tour includes ground transportation (motorcoach, minibus or comfortable van) between Grand Canyon South Rim and Glen Canyon Dam for $245 per adult (12+) and $225 for children (age 4 to 11). (Children under age 4 are not permitted on this trip. Prices exclude tax)

Operation dates are April 1 through September 30.

Itinerary April 15 through September 30 (all times are approximate):

6:15AM – Guests staying outside of park or The Grand Hotel check-in Grand Canyon Airlines terminal (Address: 3555 Airport Road, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023)
6:45AM – Pick up at Maswik Lodge
7:15AM – Depart Maswik for Page, Arizona (Photo stop at Glen Canyon Dam)
10:30AM – Check-in at Wilderness River Adventures
11:00AM – Depart Wilderness to Lees Ferry
11:45AM – Arrive Lee’s Ferry
Noon – Passengers depart for approximately 2.5 hour raft tour (Boxed lunch included)
2:30/3:00PM – Boat arrival at Lee’s Ferry
3:15PM – Depart Lee’s Ferry to Cameron Trading Post
4:30PM – Arrive at Cameron
6:15PM-6:45PM – Arrive Maswik Lodge & Grand Canyon Airlines terminal

Please Note for Rafters on Canyon River Adventure and Smooth Water Expeditions:

Guests are allowed to bring purses, 20” or less backpacks, hip packs, and camera bags, however, guests must ensure that no weapons or other contraband are in their bags.

Clothing Recommendations:

Late spring and summer — River water is 47° F (11°C) year round, so swimming is very cold and strongly discouraged for safety reasons. Participants should dress casually and in light colored layers. Tennis shoes or sandal-type footwear is recommended. Swimwear is appropriate, but bring other layers to cover. Recommended items are a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a light jacket (in case the wind picks up), towel, and lightweight, long sleeved shirt to cover arms or dunk in the river. Sturdy shoes – tennis shoes or sandal-type footwear are recommended (no flip-flops) are required for the Canyon River Adventure.
Early spring and early fall — Spring and fall trips are beautiful, but cooler, and the weather can be unpredictable. Participants should dress in layers, so they are warm enough in the cooler morning temperatures at the Grand Canyon, but not too warm once they get to the bottom of Glen Canyon. It is recommended that participants bring rain gear; rain or wind is possible. Any unneeded clothing may be left on the bus during the raft trip, since the same vehicle will be used for the return trip.

There is a ZERO weapons policy. As such, no one is allowed to bring items such as: firearms, knives (including pocket knives), batons, pepper spray, tasers, or any other form of weapon onto the property. Guests will need to declare items such as firearms, knives, defense spray, etc. Guests should NOT bring any firearms to Glen Canyon, even if a licensed carrier or a member of law enforcement. Additionally, there is no means of securement (gun locks, gun cases, etc.) for any passengers, nor will they store/transport weapons.

Whitewater Rafting Trips

Add some real fun and excitement to your Grand Canyon vacation with a white water trip down the Colorado River. These trips are not for the faint of heart. So large are the rapids that there is a special class rating on the Colorado.

For more information on Whitewater rafting trips, check out the National Park Service’s site.