If you’re looking for a last-minute Grand Canyon rafting trip, there is availability and we find people last-minute spots on a weekly basis throughout the season. Here are some tips to help you secure your spot on a trip.

Availability Changes Quickly

Availability for Grand Canyon rafting trips can change quickly, so it’s helpful to be prepared to make a decision quickly and take advantage of a complimentary hold. Outfitters often offer a complimentary hold for a short period of time, allowing you to secure your spot on a trip while you finalize your plans.

Last-Minute Booking Window

In general, Grand Canyon rafting trips can be booked a week to ten days out, but it’s not uncommon for people to book in a tighter time window. Deals are rare since outfitters are limited by the number of people they take per year, so they can sell spaces on a trip later in the season.

Calling is Best

When it comes to finding last-minute Grand Canyon rafting trips, calling us directly is often the most efficient way to find available trips. We can provide you with the most up-to-date information on availability and help you compare your needs to availability.

Flexibility Helps

Being flexible with your schedule and trip preferences can increase your chances of finding availability on short notice. The Grand Canyon rafting season runs from mid-April through mid-October, with peak season in June through August. By widening your date range, you increase your chances of finding an available spot. Some trip types are more popular than others and certain trips are just more common.

Be Willing to Run Different Sections

When looking for a last-minute Grand Canyon rafting trip, be willing to run different sections of the river. Depending on the year some sections (Upper, Lower, Full, Western) may have more availability than others, so by being open to different options, you increase your chances of finding a spot.

Be Prepared to Hike

In order to run the Upper or Lower section you have to be willing to tackle a challenging hike in or out of the canyon. Learn more about hiking in to or out of a Grand Canyon rafting trip. The Full and Western trips do not require any hiking but do have optional day hikes.

Consider Motor Trips

During the summer months, motor trips are the most common type of Grand Canyon rafting trip. These trips cover more distance in less time and can be a good option for those with limited time or who want a more laid-back experience.

Consider Smaller Groups

Another way to increase your chances of getting a last-minute trip is to only try to bring a small group. Smaller groups, ideally 2 to 4 people, are easier to accommodate since outfitter most often only have a few spots open on any trip. However, outfitters can sometimes find space for larger groups if there are cancellations or if there is extra space on a trip. In addition, we find smaller groups can usually be more flexible with their dates.

Work with a Reputable Company

Finally, working with a reputable company like Rivers & Oceans can make your life easier and increase your chances of finding a last-minute Grand Canyon rafting trip. Rivers & Oceans sells trips for all the outfitters (at no additional cost to you), so you don’t have to search through multiple companies to find available trips. Additionally, we can add you to our waiting list and notify you when a trip becomes available with any of the 16 outfitters. We guarantee the same price as working directly with the outfitter.

Explore Other Rafting Trips

If you can’t find a last-minute Grand Canyon rafting trip, don’t despair. There are many other multi-day rafting trips in the western United States that are worth doing. For example, you can explore the Salmon River in Idaho, the Yampa River in Utah or the Rogue River in Oregon. These trips offer beautiful scenery, thrilling rapids, and unforgettable experiences.

In Conclusion

Contrary to rumors, people book last-minute Grand Canyon rafting trips all the time. Increase your chances of finding a rafting trip by being flexible with your travel dates, keeping your group small, consider running different sections, and being prepared to hike. Once you find a spot be ready to act quickly and take advantage of the complimentary holds. Finally, if you can’t find a Grand Canyon trip consider running on of the other incredible rivers in the west.

Interested in us finding available trips for you, please contact us. Our service is free and covered by the outfitters. We guarantee the same rate as you would pay going directly with an outfitter. One call to us gets you availability for all 17 Grand Canyon rafting companies.

---