The Grand Canyon offers a plethora of activities centered around the Colorado River, from exhilarating rafting expeditions to scenic hikes and tranquil camping experiences. Visitors can embark on various adventures, ranging from one-day trips to extended 18-day journeys, each providing unique perspectives of the canyon’s majestic beauty. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping rapids or peaceful riverside camping, the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon caters to all adventure levels and preferences.
What Types of Rafting Tours Are Available on the Colorado River?
Grand Canyon rafting tours offer diverse options to suit different preferences and skill levels:
- One-Day Trips:
- Depart from Peach Springs, Arizona
- Cover the lower part of the canyon
- Guided by Hualapai Native American guides
- Include lunch and hikes to sites like Travertine Cavern Falls
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Cost: Starting from $429 per person
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Two-Day Trips:
- Involve paddling and motor rafting
- Overnight camp at the canyon bottom
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Start at Peach Springs and end at Pearce Ferry
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3- to 4-Day Trips:
- May start with a helicopter ride into the canyon
- Cover nearly 100 miles of the Colorado River
- Include rafting, hiking, and a jetboat ride out
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Cost: From $1498 per person for Western Canyon Rafting trip
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6- to 7-Day Trips:
- Cover nearly 200 miles from Lee’s Ferry to Lava Falls
- Include hiking, rafting world-renowned rapids, and exploring side canyons
- Conclude with a helicopter flight out
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Cost: From $2691 per person
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8- to 18-Day Trips:
- Full Grand Canyon trips covering 277 miles
- Start at Lee’s Ferry and end at Pearce Ferry
- Available in motor rigs (8 days) or non-motorized boats (14-16 days)
- Cost: Up to $7000 per person for an 18-day oar trip
What Skill Levels Are Required for Different Colorado River Activities?
Activity | Skill Level | Description |
---|---|---|
One-day and two-day trips | Beginner | Minimal hiking, guided by experienced rafters |
3- to 7-day trips | Intermediate | Requires some physical fitness, ability to handle whitewater rapids |
8- to 18-day trips | Advanced | Higher level of physical fitness and rafting experience needed |
What Are the Popular Hiking Trails Along the Colorado River?
- Bright Angel Trail:
- Length: 9.5 miles (round trip to Phantom Ranch)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Elevation Change: 4,400 feet
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Notable Landmarks: Phantom Ranch, Indian Garden Campground, Colorado River
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South Kaibab Trail:
- Length: 6.5 miles (to Phantom Ranch)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Elevation Change: 4,700 feet
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Notable Landmarks: Yavapai Point, Cedar Ridge, Phantom Ranch
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North Kaibab Trail:
- Length: 14 miles (to Phantom Ranch)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Elevation Change: 6,000 feet
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Notable Landmarks: Ribbon Falls, Roaring Springs, Phantom Ranch
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Rim-to-Rim Trail:
- Length: 23 miles
- Difficulty: Extremely Strenuous
- Elevation Change: 6,000 feet
- Notable Landmarks: North Rim, South Rim, Phantom Ranch, Colorado River
Where Can You Camp Along the Colorado River?
- Phantom Ranch Campground:
- Amenities: Restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, camp store
- Reservation: Highly recommended, through Grand Canyon National Park’s backcountry office
- Location: Bottom of the Grand Canyon, central point for hiking trails and rafting trips
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Fees: Camping fee plus backcountry permit fees
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Campsites Along the River:
- Part of multi-day rafting trips
- Basic amenities: Restrooms and fire pits
- Reservation: Included in rafting trip package
- Location: Directly along the Colorado River
- Fees: Included in rafting trip cost
What Guided Adventures Are Available on the Colorado River?
- Rafting Tours:
- Group Sizes: 12 to 30 people
- Duration: 1 to 18 days
- Costs: $429 (one-day) to $7000 (18-day)
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Requirements: Age limits vary (minimum often 9 or 12 years)
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Kayaking Tours:
- Group Sizes: Typically smaller
- Duration: Few days to over a week
- Costs: Generally more expensive than rafting
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Requirements: Higher physical fitness and kayaking experience
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Fishing Tours:
- Group Sizes: Small groups
- Duration: Half-day to multi-day trips
- Costs: Vary by outfitter and duration
- Requirements: Fishing gear, licenses, age limits apply
What Are the Specific Requirements for Colorado River Activities?
- Age Limits: Minimum ages range from 9 to 12 years
- Gear Needed: May include hiking boots, water shoes, personal flotation devices
- Physical Fitness: Higher level required for longer, more challenging trips
- Guides and Safety: All trips guided by experienced professionals
Experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon through these diverse Colorado River activities. From thrilling rafting adventures to serene hikes and camping experiences, there’s something for every adventurer along this iconic waterway.