Guide to Rafting the Grand Canyon
White water rafting in the Grand Canyon is a rare opportunity because as a result of overuse and drought, private and commercial rafting is highly regulated and capped. If you do get the chance, it could be pretty expensive too as prices range between several hundred dollars to $3,000. However, the amazing views and experience alone are worth it.
Regardless of whether or not you’ve been to the Grand Canyon, each stretch is incredibly different and the various canyon sections tell a different tale. The opportunity to raft down in the canyon and see the spectacular art and geological history made by nature will not only check off your list of visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World but also an adventure off your bucket list.
Grand Canyon Rafting Trips Require Patience
In order to even have a chance at rafting in the Grand Canyon, there are two options to go about it.
- Go through a commercial river trip with a professional guide—trips are reserved one or two years in advanced
- Non-commercial self-guided river trips—enter a lottery for a chance to raft the following year
The lottery for rafting opens every February for the first three weeks. People who are interested are interested must pay a $25 fee for the “lottery ticket.” If you’re one of the lucky few who win, you’ll must immediately pay a nonrefundable deposit of either $400 or $200, which goes towards your permit fees. Then you’ll be able to pick trip dates for the next year.
Those who did not win still have the opportunity to win throughout the year as people cancel or drop out. For more information on the Grand Canyon rafting lottery, visit nps.gov.
Preparing for a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip
If you choose to go on a commercial rafting trip, there are various skill levels available. The easiest is what’s known as a, “Smooth Water Float Tour,” where kids as young as 4 can ride and there are no white water or rapids. However, thrill seekers can be sure that there are various skill levels also available. Many of the trips range between 5-17 days long.
Since many of the trips are extensive, it’s more important than ever to make sure that you pack the right supplies and gear, keeping in mind that cell phones don’t work in the Grand Canyon, especially that far down. In addition, improving your endurance and core strength several weeks before the trip will make rafting a lot more fun and less tiresome.
There are many sections of the canyon to visit so if you have a particular section in mind or curious about what other areas look like, Google Maps has a Street View/River View of the Grand Canyon to check out. Open up a tab in your browser to maps.google.com and type in the location or “Grand Canyon.”
At first, this map view will pop up. Click on the little yellow person in the lower right-hand corner and drag and drop it to a location on the river.
Next, you’ll see some spectacular views of the Grand Canyon (and occasionally what appears to be someone in the river). Excited to go rafting here yet? We’ll help you figure out what to pack.
Grand Canyon White Water Rafting Packing List
Remember that you’ll be rafting in the canyon where sediments are frequently floating around in the water. Light-colored clothing is discouraged unless you don’t mind discoloration.
River Gear
- Duffle Bag for Personal Items
- Dry Bag for Items Accessible During the Day (available through commercial groups)
- Gear Bag Dry Bag for Sleeping Bag, Small Pillow, & Tarp (available through commercial groups)
- Two-Piece Rain Suit
- 3 Swimsuits
- 3 Quick-Drying Shirts
- 1 Pair of Quick-Drying Pants
- Neoprene Socks
- Water Sandals or Water Shoes
- Lightweight Fleece Jacket
- Hat With String or Hat Clip
- Gloves
- Sunscreen, Lots of It
- Sunscreen Lip Balm
- Sunglasses with Safety Strap
Campwear
- 2 Pairs of Pants, Underwear, Shirt, & Socks
- Sweater or Light Jacket
- Flip Flops
- Light Shoes or Hiking Boots
- 2 Sets of Capilene Long Underwear
- Sarong (Optional for Changing)
- Plastic Bags for Dirty or Wet Clothes
- Clothes Pins & Line for Drying Wet Clothes
- Daypack or Fanny Pack
- Water Bottle with Carabiner
- A Few Extra Carabiners
- Lotion or Aloe Vera
- Travel-Size Biodegradable Soap & Shampoo
- Camp Towel & Wash Cloth
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Tissues
- Eyedrops
- Glasses, Contacts, & Saline
- Waterproof Camera with Extra Batteries & Memory Cards
- Insect Repellant
- Headlamp or Flashlight
- Medication
- Photo ID, Major Credit Card, & Cash
- Zip Lock Bags for Valuables, Etc.
If you have any other essentials such as medication, nail clippers, etc. be sure to pack those too. Try to avoid any unnecessary items and remember that you’ll be outside all day and night with water on all sides and sun or rain in the sky.
Can’t wait a year or two out to go rafting? We understand and we won’t be jealous if you book a Grand Canyon rafting trip so long as you scratch your rafting itch this year with us. Check out the Colorado white water rafting trips we have available or contact us today to schedule an exciting trip outdoors.
