What is the best time of year to go Colorado River rafting in the Grand Canyon?
Temperatures can vary throughout the year but the much cooler times to go rafting is April and October. However, the months in between bring clear skies and high temps make for a nice contrast to the 50-degree Colorado River. Milder weather is expected in shoulder months of the commercial rafting season. The desert often experiences a dramatic monsoon in July and August. Even with a regular monsoon, Arizona typically has very low humidity and dry heat. We have some tips and tricks on how to keep on cool on a river trip when temperatures soar.
Is the trip strenuous?
Most of the trips are moderately strenuous, with exposure to the elements. We encourage guests to participate in as many activities as possible. The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it. The guides will assess the difficulty level before beginning a side hike so you can choose whether to participate. They'll also demonstrate how to set up your campsite and wash your dishes when you're at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
Best Time for Big Whitewater when Rafting Grand Canyon
The Colorado River’s water levels through Grand Canyon are regulated every 9-12 hours and determined by the Colorado River Management Plan. Big whitewater in Grand Canyon is not during spring runoff like most other rivers as this river does not rely on the melting of the snow and ice for its water flow. The more electricity is needed in the surrounding states, Las Vegas, for example, the more water is let down the river. The commercial rafting season in the Grand Canyon National Park operates from Spring through Autumn.
What the best months to do Grand Canyon rapids rafting?
June until August are hot months with an average daily temperature of more than 100 degrees F.
In July, the hottest temperature can reach an average of 105 degrees and the highest at 115 degrees. However, with the river along the Grand Canyon section being about 50 degrees year round, it's easy to cool off thorughout the day. Additionally, summer rain brought about by the monsoon season brings along cloud coverage to alleviate the heat felt.
Grand Canyon National Park Weather & Spring and Fall Time Whitewater Rafting Trips
Is autumn really the best time to visit? Always consider the weather in the Grand Canyon as it varies from summer when it’s very hot and cools down during spring or autumn. Temperatures can fall to 50 degrees low and can rise to as hot as 115 degrees during the summer season. Nevertheless, regardless of the season, you have to take note that the Grand Canyon itself has its own temperature differences as you go along the way. For example, if you come closer to river mile 0, the temperature becomes cooler but it gets hotter when you go towards the west.
If you are planning a rafting trip, remember that there is also a temperature difference of 20 degrees from the river to the top of the rim. This is also another reason why tourists are advised to bring extra clothes appropriate for both warm and cool temperatures.
There is actually no wrong time to get that rafting experience you've always been dreaming of during the Grand Canyon commercial rafting season. However, if you want to go rafting during moderate weather, then you should go in May or September. During these months, spring and fall brings optimal weather conditions that can keep you relaxed as you take time to raft with your family or friends.
On the other hand, moderate weather conditions for a water rafting trip can be done in April and October. You only don't get to go white river rafting but you also get to see blooming flowers alongside your trips for the spring months. In October, the environment becomes more colorful as the leaves change colors marking the beginning of fall. Longer trips can also be planned as spring is also the start of the white rafting season. If you're lucky, you will be able to see the California Condors or the Bald Eagles.
Planning Springtime Rafting Trips
If you want to go out on an 83 degrees F temperature, then late April to early May is the best for you.
But don't worry about not getting your whitewater experience due to less water at this time of the year. Remember that the Canyon has a lot of faces to offer its prospective visitors no matter what time of the year.
Visiting Grand Canyon all year round
Still can't decide which season to go and visit the Grand Canyon river? Don't worry! You can do so at any time of the year. Winter can be shivering for you but it can certainly offer great picturesque scenes where the grand canyon is covered with snow. If you want to go during the heat of summer, you can enjoy side canyons and hiking.
Take note that the park service is heavily crowded during peak seasons including spring, summer, and fall. However, not a lot of people come to visit during the cold season.
Excitement seekers looking for the best raft experience can book their visits between the spring to autumn seasons. This will guarantee your Grand Canyon holiday with cold waters awaiting you at 48 degrees F. Meanwhile, those who are looking for quiet and peaceful multi-day holidays can visit the Grand Canyon from December to February. At this time of year, the weather tends to be chilly so don't forget to keep yourself warm against the frosty temperatures.
To be able to ensure a fun experience at the canyons, be prepared and have your booking ready in advance. Check the local weather as this will help you know what to expect and the best time suitable for you to come.
Is There a Bad Time For A Rafting Trip?
There isn't any bad timing to raft down the Colorado River. In fact, the water flows are regulated that can have motorized and non-motorized trips to operate throughout.
Did you know that water levels became so high sometime in 1983? This resulted in passengers taking a hike around crystal rapid. However, this was also the same time when Glen Canyon Dam received a lot of spillover from Lake Powell. The waters were released at 100,000 cubic feet every second. This turned Glen Canyon Dam to increase its water levels.
Well, this happened a long time ago and if you don't want to go for a high water level adventure, then the months of September to October offer slow-moving waters for your trips. The amount of water released at a specified time of the year also varies which is why it is difficult to guarantee exactwater levels. Nevertheless, rapids are felt throughtout the season whether in high or lower water levels.
Frequently Asked Questions about whitewater rafting at the Grand Canyon Park
Did you know the Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of the most studied landscapes in the world? The erosion created of the river Colorado makes the Grand Canyon as we know it today. The rim has been visited by more than 5 million tourists each year to look at its edge and see the immensity of the place. But to truly experience its majesty, you need to experience its hidden treasures.
Visiting the place for a day, taking pictures, visiting the gift shop, and grab some ice cream afterward would not be enough. Seeing the Grand Canyon might be a popular thing to do but if you want to complete your iconic American road trip, a planned whitewater rafting on the flowing waters at the bottom of the canyon will be one of those once in a lifetime adventures you should not miss.
Different guides offer unique experiences of the grand tour of the river Colorado. They vary in terms of itinerary, provided gears, and raft type. You can narrow down from their offering what suits you best. Some outfitters may offer 3-4 days motorized raft trips, some have a 5-7 days oar-powered raft trip with experienced guides that do more than just provide safety while on the water.
They also will cook and spice it up with their knowledge of geology, astronomy, and the local canyon folklore. Camping and pitching tents after your daily adventure on the water will be a thing to brag about in the years to come.
The commercial afting seasons run from April to October. But anytime is a good time as the river can provide the type of excitement that you seek. Mild weather rafting can be done in April, May, early June, September, or October. During the monsoon season, expect more dramatic desert thunderheads while navigating the waters.
Safety is one of the top priorities of The National Park Services. They regulate the outfitters' numbers of departures thus limiting the rafting outfitters' inventory as the park is operated in a controlled environment.
Since more people are spending more on experience and less on things, the increased demand for outdoor recreation has risen, and more generational trips with families are being booked in advance. The age requirement will determine if families will be qualified to book for different sections and raft types.
Starting on the Phantom Ranch, your outfitter will guide you on a thrilling water experience for 4 ½ days to 8 ½ days. You may see waterfalls and Native American ruins along the way while rafting. Communing with wildlife can also be possible.
Upper Grand Canyon Trips
Depending on your outfitter, the Upper Grand Canyon Trip will be a thrilling 3 ½ day to 5 ½ days trip that will take you 86 miles from Lee’s Ferry to Phantom Ranch located deep within the Grand Canyon.
Both upper and lower canyon trips will include a 9.5 mile hike from the Colorado River to the Grand Canyon Rim or vice versa.
Some adventurers who had experienced the best of Grand Canyon rafting said that it is an experience of a lifetime. Each day of your trip offers a different kind of adventure.
Waking up to the sound of rushing water and the smell of coffee, having breakfast with your group, forming a “bucket line” to help load the gears onto the boat as the Colorado River beckons you to continue your ventures once more. You will gain lifelong experience and friendship with your group while enjoying the spectacular white water rapids and stretches of calm waters after.
At the end of the day, while setting up for camp, you will witness the gorgeous canyon sunset and relive your day during dinnertime. The camaraderie and conversations will leave their mark on your memory for years to come including how you fall asleep on your sleeping bag under the blanket of stars.
There are a lot of companies that offer unique Grand Canyon rafting trips for their customers. Given the variety of options, there are criteria of selection that can guide you in choosing the best Grand Canyon rafting company.
Timing refers to the number of days to hike and explore the different areas of the Grand Canyon both on the water and side canyons. There should be time allotted to explore the area after the white water rafting trips.
Costs refer to the affordability of the trip, as well as, the quality of the experience. It also includes ease of travel to and from the trip as well as the location where the trip starts and ends.
