1-Day Grand Canyon White Water Rafting Details

The Hualapai Legacy

Your whitewater rafting adventure takes place on the Hualapai Indian Reservation with Hualapai River Runners guides. This is 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.

1-day Grand Canyon Whitewater Rafting Video

The Morning of Your Rafting Adventure

On the day of your whitewater trip, you will check-in at 7:00 a.m. with the Hualapai River Runners. Meet in the lobby of the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs, Arizona (Grand Canyon West). From the Hualapai Lodge, you will travel by bus 1-hour down the scenic and bumpy Diamond Creek Road into the Grand Canyon. The motor rafts launch from Diamond Creek at the confluence with the Colorado River.

Getting to Peach Springs

Drive times to Peach Springs from neighboring cities are as follows:

• 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

We recommend staying at the Hualapai Lodge the night before (more information below) as the day begins early. In addition, round trip transportation from Las Vegas is available for an additional fee. Read about travel from Las Vegas to Peach Springs.

Your Whitewater Experience

Typically 6-8 boats travel down river in a group. The 22-foot motorized inflatable pontoon rafts each carrying 6-8 people.

Grand Canyon Rapids

The action begins with eight whitewater rapids within the first ten miles. Expect to get wet! The class II and III+ rated rapids make for a 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, 25 miles smooth water provide incredible Grand Canyon views.

River Stops

During the day, you will hike and explore a beautiful side canyon with a waterfall called Travertine Falls. Then 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 always available. Dietary restrictions due to allergy or medical conditions can generally be accommodated.

River Bathrooms

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 per Grand Canyon National Park Service regulations.

Groups

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.

Transportation out of the Canyon

After 9 miles of whitewater and 45 miles of scenic flatwater you arrive the Pearce Ferry take-out point. At this point a 2 to 3-hour bus ride will take you back to Peach Springs. Expect to return to the Hualapai Lodge between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Please note at times trips do arrive back later.

Option 2: Helicopter Out

For select trips in 2025. If you choose a date with the helicopter lift you will arrive at Quartermaster Canyon between 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. From here a quick 6 to 7-minute helicopter flight takes you back to the rim of the Grand Canyon. Patience is a must as the helicopter can only take four people at a time. There is a covered waiting area located at the helicopter pad.

After your helicopter flight to the rim, you will wait in an air-conditioned building for the entire group to arrive. Once everyone has arrived, you will take a 2-hour shuttle back to the Hualapai Lodge. Expect to arrive back between 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. depending on the group size.

WHERE TO STAY

Hualapai Lodge

We recommend staying at the Hualapai Lodge the night before and/or the night of your expedition as it is an early start with a full day of activity. This is the only lodging option in Peach Springs. For light sleepers we recommend bringing ear plugs to minimize the sound from the nearby train tracks.

Discounted Rates

We have discounted rates for the lodge and are happy to book rooms for you. Our discount rate varies throughout the season and can be seen through our online booking portal by selecting a desired date.

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.

Please know that the Hualapai Lodge has limited space. If we cannot secure a room there are other lodging options nearby.

Weather

Typical Grand Canyon weather patterns:

• 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, July thru September, brings afternoon clouds and rain showers. (See more about monsoon storm related cancellations below.)
• September and October have cooler temperatures.

We have additional information about variations in the river during the rafting season.

Monsoon Storm Season: Rafting in July, August, or Early September

When an intense rainstorm occurs the night before a trip, the dirt road down to the river may wash out. In this situation the Hualapai Tribe 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. 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.

Water Temperature

The Colorado River water is around 50°F – 55°F year round.  You will get wet on this whitewater rafting trip and the water will be cold!

What to Bring Rafting

We provide a detailed packing list once 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 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.

For spring or fall rafting you’ll want to bring layers to keep warm. Sun protection is a must as you’ll be spending a long day out in the Arizona sun.  We have more gear information here (please note this gear is for all river trips and is not specific to the 1 day trip).

Payment and Cancellation Policies

Payment in full is required at the time of booking your 1-day Grand Canyon Whitewater 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. 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

After reserving the trip, you may change your trip date one time by paying an additional $35 per person fee up to 2 days prior to the trip date. Date change requests received within 2 days of the trip date will be treated as cancellations and 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.

DROUGHT AND THE COLORADO RIVER

Lake Powell lies just upstream of Grand Canyon and has to release water to Lake Mead for use by Las Vegas, Phoenix and California. Even in drought years, this will provide raftable flows for the entire season (March-October). Read our article about how drought is affecting rafting in the west.