Grand Canyon 1-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip
Run Rapids, hike the falls, picnic lunch
$399 per person
$359 per child
One Day Grand Canyon Rafting
White water rafting the Grand Canyon in 1-day is perfect for those who are short on time and want a true Grand Canyon rafting experience. Run rapids on the Colorado River, hike to Travertine Falls, and have lunch on the river bank – all in one day.
Discover the rich traditions of the Hualapai people and travel down river with a native guide. For those who want a bird’s eye view, the helicopter transport to the rim adds a highlight to your Grand Canyon rafting trip. In addition, this trip requires no hike in or out of the Grand Canyon.
***The helicopter portion of this trip is not available this year. Alternatively, our 3-day Grand Canyon Rafting trips use a helicopter to get everyone into the canyon. Additionally, 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 smooth water float discussed as “one day Grand Canyon rafting trip”. It starts near Page, Arizona just upstream from Grand Canyon and floats through part of Glen Canyon to Lees Ferry the start of the Grand Canyon.
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 at the same price you would get directly from the outfitter.
$359 - $399 per person
Children: $359 (ages 8 to 12 on trip date)
(call us about our military discount)
Includes: transportation from the Hualapai Lodge to the Colorado River and back, picnic lunch, beverages and snacks.
Rapids: Class II-III+
Length: 1 day/54 river miles.
Minimum Age: 8 years
Meeting Place: Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs, AZ.
Meets: 7:30am
Returns: Between 6:30 – 7:30pm
***Please note this is a wilderness expedition and at times trips get back hours later.
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 a scenic dirt road into the Grand Canyon. The motor rafts launch from Diamond Creek at the confluence with the Colorado River.
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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
The raft will be a 22-foot, motorized inflatable pontoon carrying 6-8 people. Typically 6-8 boats travel down river in a group.
Grand Canyon Rapids
The action begins with eight whitewater rapids within the first ten miles. You will get wet! The rapids are rated II and III+, which makes 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.
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.
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Trip Reviews
One Day Grand Canyon Rafting
You can check off another bucket list adventure! The one day trip was exciting and beautiful.
Unbelievable
I did the one day Grand Canyon trip on Sunday Oct 2, 2022. Sofie one of the two guides on the raft said the water was about a 7 out 10. The rapids were class 3,5 & 7. I was up front and was soaked most of the time. I loved it.
We were on the water 5.5 hrs. half was rapids and the other time was motoring looking at the canyon walls in awe. Around every bend was nature at its finest. When we stopped for Lunch Sophie called the main office on the satellite phone letting them know we were all safe. I really liked that. The bus driver was very nice and stopped multiple times on the 20 mile trip into the canyon explaining about the cactus, all the wild flowers and rocks. I was by myself as my sons flight was canceled due to the hurricane. The guides never made me feel like a fifth wheel.
I would do this trip again in a heartbeat.
Great Trip!
This was an awesome trip! This first hour or so was driving to the bottom of the canyon to the Colorado river…..unbelievable scenery. Then you get on your assigned boat….for the first half of the trip you hit rapids and they are a lot of fun….not that scary. After that you go to the waterfalls which was fun, different, very scenic. The last four hours you have a gentle ride back to the pick up spot….again scenery like most people have never witnessed. They could have spiced up the last 4 hours by allowing alcohol or making frequent stops to swim/recreate or maybe use the motor boats to get you back faster. Also, I read in reviews you might need rain gear due to the cold. We went in August….no rain gear needed….it was very warm at the bottom of the canyon. In fact don’t forget the sun screen. It is a long day….we did not get back to our car until 8pm, so it was a full 12 hr day. We really enjoyed it.
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