Guide to Booking
Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

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.
   
   

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.

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: 3-4 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 hiking

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.

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.