One Day
Grand Canyon Rafting Trips
Run Rapids, hike the falls, picnic lunch
$399 per person/ $359 per child
1-Day Whitewater Overview
The 1 Day Grand Canyon rafting trip is perfect for those who are short on time and want a taste of a true whitewater experience one mile deep in Grand Canyon. Run rapids on the Colorado River, hike to Travertine Falls, and eat lunch on the river – all in one day.
While on the river discover the rich traditions of the Hualapai people and raft downstream with a native guide. In addition, there is no requirement to hike in or out of the Grand Canyon.
The helicopter transport is currently not scheduled to run in 2023 and it will also not be possible to see the Skywalk on the day of your rafting trip. If you are looking for a rafting trips with a helicopter ride check out the 3-day Grand Canyon rafting trips. ***The helicopter portion of this trip is not available this year. Alternatively, you can do a separate helicopter tour of Grand Canyon which we find to be the best value for those interested in a helicopter experience.
Only One-Day Grand Canyon Rafting Trip
This is the only one day rafting trip in the Grand Canyon and the only one-day whitewater rafting trip in the area. There is a smooth water kayak float near Page, Arizona that starts and ends at Lees Ferry after floating through the end of Glen Canyon and the Black Canyon smooth water rafting trip below Lake Mead and near Las Vegas.
Longer Grand Canyon Rafting Tours
Those that are looking for more adventure can take a 2-day, 3-day or longer Grand Canyon rafting trip. Not sure which Grand Canyon trip is best for you, give us a call. We’ll answer your questions and guide you through the process. Find your perfect Colorado river rafting trip.
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1-Day Grand Canyon Rafting Trip Details
$399 per person (children $359)
- Price Includes: all taxes and fees, bus transportation from the Hualapai Lodge to the Colorado River and back, picnic lunch, beverages and snacks.
(Call us about military discounts) - Minimum Age: 8 years
- Meeting Place: Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs, AZ.
- Meeting Time: 7:30 a.m.
- Return Time: Between 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Rapids: Class II-III+ depending on water levels
- River Miles: 54 miles (9 miles of rapids, 45 miles of flatwater)
One Day Grand Canyon Rafting Map
1-Day Grand Canyon Rafting Tour Details
The one day trip begins at the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs, Arizona. We offer roundtrip transportation from Las Vegas to Peach Springs for an additional fee.
Drive times to Peach Springs:
- Grand Canyon South Rim, AZ: 2.5 hours, 133 miles
- Las Vegas, NV: 3 hours, 155 miles
- Kingman, AZ: 1 hour, 50 miles
- Seligman, AZ: 35 minutes, 37 miles
- Williams, AZ: 1.5 hours, 80 miles
- Flagstaff, AZ: 2 hours, 110 miles
If you are driving yourself, we recommend staying at the Hualapai Lodge the night before as the day begins early. Likewise, staying the night after your trip is also nice. Trips typically get back between 5:30 and 7:30 pm but it can be later.
Your day rafting adventure takes place on the Hualapai Tribal Reservation and is guided by the Hualapai River Runners. This provides a unique opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon with people who have a rich history within the Canyon and still call it home. Being mindful of cultural differences and keeping a flexible outlook will enrich your adventure.
Grand Canyon rafting day trips meet in the lobby of the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs, Arizona at 7:30 am. Initially, a scenic drive through the Hualapai Reservation down Diamond Creek Road (the only road into the Grand Canyon) takes the tour to the Colorado River. Here your guides and motorized rafts will be waiting.
One day Grand Canyon rafting trips use 22-foot, motorized inflatable pontoon rafts, which carries 6-8 people. Typically 6-8 boats travel together down river in a group.
Whitewater Rapids
The action begins right away with eight whitewater rapids within the first ten miles. Of course, you will get wet! Rated class II and III+, the rapids make for a wild roller coaster ride of wave trains. If you have back issues, please know the rafts have metal benches. Going through the rapids is a rough ride. After the rapids, the next 25 miles of river will be smooth water and incredible Grand Canyon views.
River Stops
During the day, you will hike and explore a beautiful side canyon with a waterfall called Travertine Falls, run more rapids, and enjoy a picnic lunch on a sandy bank. Lunch consists of deli-style sandwiches with chips, fruit, cookies, and trail mix. In addition, snacks, water, and soft drinks are available throughout the day. Please notify us in advance regarding dietary restrictions due to allergy or medical conditions so they can be accommodated.
River Bathrooms
A note about bathroom breaks: urination during the day, while not near a port-a-john, must take place in the river or in the wet sand next to the river as ordered by the Grand Canyon National Park Service.
Transportation out of the Canyon
After rafting 9 miles of rapids and an additional 45 miles of flatwater, you will arrive at your take-out point, Pearce Ferry. A 2 and 1/2 hour bus ride will bring you back to the meeting location at the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs. Trips typically return between 6:30 and 7:30 pm but it is full day in the wilderness and some trips get back later.
Hualapai Lodge
We recommend staying at the Hualapai Lodge the night before and after your expedition. The 1-day trip starts early for a full day of activity. This is the only lodging option in Peach Springs. There are train tracks that run near the hotel. If you are a light sleeper we recommend bringing ear plugs.
Discounted Rates
We have discounted rates for the lodge and are happy to book your rooms for you. See the rate for a specific date through our online booking portal by selecting a desired date. The price includes all taxes and fees.
Please know that the Hualapai Lodge at times runs out of space. However, if we cannot secure a room there are other lodging options nearby. Your lodging reservation can be cancelled up to 3 business days before your check-in date in order to receive a refund. Cancellations within 3 business days of your check-in date cannot be refunded.
Historically speaking weather patterns in Grand Canyon are as follows:
- March, April and May have cooler temperatures and can bring strong winds.
- June through August are the hottest months with temperatures between 95°F – 115°F.
- Monsoon season is July thru September and can bring afternoon clouds and rain showers. (See more about monsoon storm related cancellations below.)
- September and October have cooler temperatures.
We’ll provide you with this detailed 1-day rafting packing list when you book your trip. No matter what time of year, we highly recommend you bring waterproof rain gear (jacket and pants) to protect you from the splash of the whitewater rapids, rain and wind. There will be times when you’re in the shade and if you’re wet – even in the summer – it can get uncomfortable.
On one day Grand Canyon rafting trips in the spring or fall, you’ll want to bring layers to keep warm. Additionally, sun protection is a must as you’ll be spending a long day out in the Arizona sun. We have more gear information (please note this gear is for all river trips and is not specific to the 1 day trip).
If you have a group we can help you reserve spaces without having to pay for everyone in your group and/or having to gather their own medical and dietary information. Learn more about setting up a painless group rafting trip.
If there is an intense rainstorm the night before your day rafting trip the dirt road down to the river may be washed out. In this situation the Hualapai River Runners will do their best to clear the road allowing you to raft that day.
This could delay your launch by one to two hours, which will affect the pacing of your trip and your return time. However, if the road is unable to be cleared your trip will be cancelled and you will be given the opportunity to reschedule or you have the option of a full refund.
We have more information about variations in the Grand Canyon during the rafting season.
1-Day Payment and Cancellation Policy
Payment in full is required at the time of booking your 1-day Grand Canyon Rafting adventure. More than 30 days prior to the original trip date it is possible to cancel by forfeiting $75 per person. The remainder of the total amount paid will be refunded. Cancellations received within 29 to 1 day prior to the trip date and/or no shows will forfeit the total amount paid.
Please know that Rivers & Oceans is subject to the outfitter’s policies and cannot make exceptions for any reason to their cancellation policy. We are also subject to any changes made to the trip itineraries, departure dates, prices, and/or their reservation policies at any time.
Date Changes for One Day Grand Canyon Rafting
After reserving the trip, you may change your trip date one time by paying an additional $35 per person date change fee up to 2 days prior to the trip date. Unfortunately, date change requests received within 2 days of the trip date will forfeit the total amount paid. Please note, if you change your trip date and need to cancel your trip, the total amount paid will be retained and no refunds will be issued.
One Day Grand Canyon Rafting Reviews
An awesome experience for solo travelers and groups alike!
Exceptional Experience
My husband and I could not believe the kindness we received from Dale our guide. Our rapid ride experience through the Grand Canyon went way beyond our expectations. Also, Tom our bus driver was an amazing bus driver. I will never forget as long as I live the vacation I have ever had. I will return the gratitude by letting others know of River Runners. Thank you so much!
One Day Grand Canyon Rafting
You can check off another bucket list adventure! The one day trip was exciting and beautiful.
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Grand Canyon Rafting Day Trip Video
Smooth Rafting Options Near Grand Canyon
While this is the only 1-day whitewater rafting trip within Grand Canyon National Park, outside the park there are other full or half-day smooth water kayak trips without rapids. These trip are just upstream of Grand Canyon in Glen Canyon. There is also a rafting trip in Black Canyon near Las Vegas.
Start Planning Your Best Adventure
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Rafting Toilets in Grand Canyon
One of our most commonly asked questions here at Rivers & Oceans is the inevitable “What is the bathroom situation when rafting the Grand Canyon?”. While we wish it was just as simple as plumbing pipes and flushable toilets, we’re here to talk about The Groover, which is the next best thing.
Crystal Rapid – Grand Canyon
One of the more infamous rapids of the Grand Canyon is Crystal Rapid. It ranks between 7-10 on the Grand Canyon rapid scale depending on how high the river is flowing. The rapid itself is created from Crystal Creek entering on river right and Slate Creek entering on river left at the same point on the Colorado river.
Motorized versus Non-Motorized Grand Canyon Rafting Trips
One of the first questions we ask people looking to raft the Grand Canyon is “what is your preferred craft?” In this post we break down how trips vary depending upon the type of craft you want ride down the Colorado River. The two main types of trips are motorized and non-motorized rafting trips.
Keep Reading > Motorized versus Non-Motorized Grand Canyon Rafting Trips
