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Guide to Booking
Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

Below we guide you through how do you book a Grand Canyon rafting trip. Feel free to use our recommended steps or give us a call at 928-526-4575 we can walk you through the entire process and find you a trip guaranteed to cost the same as signing up directly with the outfitter. Make one call instead of 16. In addition, you can read our Grand Canyon rafting overview for more detailed information.

Guide for Planning a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

To research, find and book a Grand Canyon rafting trip takes around 7 days

How to Book a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip:

  1. Determine the type of raft you want to use.

    First, decide between a motorized or a non-motorized raft trip. If non-motorized choose between a paddle, dory, oar, or hybrid of the three human powered boats.

    Grand Canyon rafts and dories

  2. Decide if you are willing to hike in or out of the Grand Canyon to begin or end your trip.

    The hike is a strenuous 7.5-9.9 mile ascent (out) at the end of the upper canyon or descent (into) the canyon at the start of the lower canyon trip.Map for hiking into Grand Canyon on Bright Angel TrailElevation

  3. Consider how long you want to be rafting on the Colorado River.

    1 day
    2 days
    3 to 5 days
    6 to 9 days
    12 to 18 days

  4. Select which trips interest you.

    Full Canyon; Motor: 6-8 Days, Non-Motor: 12-18 Days, *No required hiking – does include elective daily side canyon hikes
    Upper Canyon; Motor: 4-5 Days, Non-Motor: 6-7 Days, *Requires strenuous 7.5-9.5 mile hike ascent from the canyon at end of trip
    Lower Canyon; Motor: 4-5 Day, Non-Motor: 7-9 Days, *Requires strenuous 7.5-9.5 mile hike descent into canyon at start of trip
    Western Canyon; Motor: 3-4 Day, Non-Motor: 5-Days, *No required hiking – does include elective daily side canyon hikes
    Diamond Creek Down; Motor: 1 Day, Paddle Boat: 2-Days, *No required hikingRafting routes for how to book a Grand Canyon rafting trip

  5. Choose when during the season you want to raft.

    Grand Canyon rafting seasons vary and each has their advantages. Decide which months you’d like to go between March and October.weather by month for Grand Canyon White water Rafting Trips

  6. Determine how many people will be going with your group on the trip.

    Figure out how many of your friends are interested in the trip(s) you are considering. If you have a large group consider a charter or custom tour.

  7. Contact outfitters or Rivers & Oceans

    Call 16 Grand Canyon outfitters to check availability for the trip type, number of people, time of year, number of days and section of river you desire. Or have Rivers & Oceans do a Grand Canyon trip search for you at the same cost as going directly through the outfitter. You can also contact us at the beginning of this process and we can walk you through each step.

  8. Book a trip from available launches that meets your needs

    Most outfitters will allow you to hold the spaces for a few days with a credit card on file that can be refunded without any charges. Be sure to convert your hold to confirmed spaces for your trip.

Want more detailed information, read our Grand Canyon Rafting Overview or download our Grand Canyon Trip Planner below.

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Grand Canyon Whitewater Rafting Guide
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Dispatches from adventure tours around the world and tips for intrepid travelers. Read Our Blog

Woman swimming rapid on Little Colorado River

Grand Canyon Rafting Insights for Seniors

November 24, 2024

In this post we discuss our favorite trips options, the type of activity to expect on the rivers, common challenges, amenities and optional times of year for Seniors.

Keep Reading > Grand Canyon Rafting Insights for Seniors

clean kitchen to avoid negative bear encounters

Navigating Dietary Limitations on Multi-day Rafting Trips

September 21, 2024

Whether you have allergies, follow a specific diet, or prefer certain foods, planning ahead is key to ensuring everyone enjoys the journey. Here’s how outfitters typically handle dietary concerns to make your rafting experience both enjoyable and safe.

Keep Reading > Navigating Dietary Limitations on Multi-day Rafting Trips

rafters in the upper portion of the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River

Upper vs. Lower Grand Canyon: Which Section is Best for Your Rafting Adventure?

August 8, 2024

Which section of the Grand Canyon is better, the Upper or Lower? This question arises frequently for guests considering the “Split Canyon trips,” which involve a mandatory 8-10 mile hike on the Bright Angel Trail. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which section is best for your adventure.

Keep Reading > Upper vs. Lower Grand Canyon: Which Section is Best for Your Rafting Adventure?

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About Us!

Experts in wilderness travel, we have extensive connections within the industry through our 60+ combined years guiding most of the trips we offer including hundreds of rafting trips in Grand Canyon.

There is no fee for our service, ensuring the cost of your expedition is the same as booking directly with the outfitter (Learn more).

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