3 Day Western Canyon Motor Raft Trip

  • Canyon Route: Whitmore Wash to Lake ( 92 river miles)
  • Meet: Las Vegas, NV
  • Return: Las Vegas, NV
  • Transportation: Charter fight from Las Vegas to Bar10 Ranch, helicopter to put-in point (Whitmore Wash) and return from take-out point (Lake Mead) to Las Vegas via ground transportation is included

  • Lodging: Homewood Suites by Hilton, Henderson NV - lodging night prior is optional (not included) Will meet at 10:15am Day 1 of your trip

  • Rapids: 5 major rapids rated 5 or above (1-10 rating scale)
  • Group size: 12-14 passengers per raft. 2 raft maximum
  • Minimum Age: 8 years old
  • Included: Camping gear w/ chairs & sleeping cots & pillow
  • Required Hike: None
  • Raft: S-Rig
  • Price: $1678  Deposit: $400
  • *Price incldues a $1/day suggested donation to the Grand Canyon Fund

Trip Logistics:

You will meet at the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Henderson, NV at 10:15am on the morning of day 1. You will then be transported to the Boulder Airport for a flight to Bar10 Ranch. At the ranch you can enjoy horseback riding, skeet shooting, a guided ATV ride close to the rim's edge (ATV not included in price), Country Western entertainment and a night sleeping under the stars in a double mattress covered conestoga wagon (based upon availability). On the 2nd morning, you will enjoy breakfast and be transported via helicopter down to the river to begin the 2nd leg of your adventure. Day 2 and part of 3 will be spent rafting/camping/hiking the Western most part of the Colorado river in the Grand Canyon. Early afternoon of day 3 you will board jet boat and enjoy the scenic ride to the upper region of Lake Mead where you will board an air conditioned bus  for the return to Las Vegas McCarran Airport or the Homewood Suites between 4-6pm.  Flight reservations departing Las Vegas on this day should not be scheduled before 6:30pm.There is a room block set up at the Desert Rose Resort for Grand Canyon rafters. 

Hotel Reservations/Transportation To & From

Hotel (trip’s start):

  • Las Vegas: Homewood Suites by Hilton in Henderson, NV

Transportation (trip’s start/end):

  • You will be picked up at the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Henderson, NV on Day 1 of your adventure.
  • Transportation from Homewood Suites by Hilton in Henderson, NV to Boulder airport, flight to Bar10 Ranch, helicopter down to river and ground shuttle back to Las Vegas is included in trip fare.

See our transportation page for additional information

Motor Raft Trip

Motor trips are the most popular of all trip types. There are more motor trip launches than any other combined, among all of the outfitters. Typical launches include 2 rafts, and group sizes between 22-28 depending on the outfitter. There are upper, lower, western and full canyon trips offered on motor rafts. Some full canyon trips continue straight through with the same group of passengers, while others will make a pit-stop to let off upper canyon passengers, and allow for lower canyon trip passengers to join the group for the rest of the trip.

  • Most popular of all raft types, offered by 11 of 16 outfittersMotor Raft Trip
  • Most comfortable seating positions of all raft types and great for guests who seek a sense of security with a larger raft type
  • Covers more distance per day compared to non-motor trips
  • Action packed trips – will see more in a day and get form one attraction to another more frequently compared to non-motor
  • Popular choice for those looking to see more of the canyon while having ample time for off raft exploration
  • Largest percentage of people choose this raft type
  • Popular choice for any age especially children/teens who seek more activities Minimum 8 years old 
  • Group sizes between 12-14 per raft, 2 raft maximum/trip
  • Rafts may vary slightly from sample image

Payment and cancellation policies:

  • $400 deposit per person required  to reserve your space(s)
    • If booking within 120 days prior to trip start, full payment is due
    • Cancellation 120 days or more  forfeits $200
    • Cancellation  119 - 61 days of the trip forfeits the deposit
    • Cancellation within 60 days of the trip forfeits the full fare
  • Final payment is due 120 days prior to trip start date
    • In the event you have to cancel you may wish to consider:
    • Substituting members on your reservation
    • Change trip or type to another available trip in the same year
    • File your trip insurance claim with your personal provider more information below

Purchase trip cancellation Insurance - Highly Recommended:

  • Insurance can help reimburse you in the event of illness or unforeseen circumstances
  • Most popular option listed below - click on link to view different levels of coverage with an immediate quote

Additional Trip Dates

IconFirst Day

You will meet in Las Vegas, NV and be driven to Boulder airport and will fly to Bar 10 Ranch. You will spend the afternoon and evening at this real working cattle ranch where you will enjoy horseback riding, volleyball, skeet shooting, riding Atvs (additional fee), ranching demonstrations, a country western program, and a night sleeping under the stars either on a roof top deck, double mattres covered conestoga wagons or indoors in dorm rooms with bunk beds. The next morning you are transferred into the river via helicopter and for the remainder of your adventure, you'll be rafting the Colorado river. Trips that do not include the ranch experience will helicopter right into the canyon shortly after arriving at the Bar 10 Ranch.

IconEvery Day

Each day you will be on and off the raft multiple times. Each itinerary regardless of the outfitter, includes daily side canyon hiking opportunities to some of the most beautiful scenery the Grand Canyon has to offer. After enjoying the excitement of fun rapids, you will stop for lunch which is prepared river-side on a beautiful sandy beach. You will be entertained with fascinating information on the history, geology, and ecology of the canyon. Often, there is another stop after lunch before arriving at camp for the evening. Tents are always available however depending on the season, many opt to sleep under the stars each night.

IconLast Day

Early afternoon of the final day you will board jet boat and enjoy the scenic ride to the upper region of Lake Mead where you will board an air conditioned bus  for the return to Las Vegas McCarran Airport between 2:00-3:00pm.  Flight reservations departing Las Vegas on this day should not be scheduled before 4pm.

"Our trip was the last outing of Sept 2017. It was very warm and we slept under the stars. The guides were great, the gear provided was great,the food was awesome - the checklist and expectation information are spot on for the trip .The usual TA questions to check off when writing a review are kind of funny - did this place have restrooms? Facilities are provided, but read the material and understand the nature of packing EVERYTHING in and out of the canyon. LOL. We loved it."
-Clarkston, MI

"Don't do this trip unless you want an experience of a lifetime. Joe and the Boys (our guides) safely navigated the river, cooked great food, helped us adapt to the river life, kept wild animals at bay (a raven absconded with a special food pouch) and somehow managed to arrange perfect weather. Each day started with a fresh cup of coffee and ended with a cocktail at rivers edge."
-Las Vegas, NV

"This trip is worth every penny and more! The scenery is absolutely amazing! Waking up every morning to new sights and new river adventures is awesome. I would re-take this trip every year if I could. The food is great! The guides are great! The trip is great! Don't wait! GO NOW!"
-Miami, FL

This was a much needed time of beauty and adventure! We were together with no phones and so much to see and experience. The river guides and organization made it seamless. All expectations were met and exceeded. Shad, Keifer and Austin led us on a super fun and informative trip. Our kids got to be just that and they encouraged them to let it all out:))) Thank you for a life changing time together.
-Monroe, LA

"We took the River and Ranch tour. Guides Roni and Jeff were incredible and worked their tails off. Great history on the geology and prior rafting expeditions added to the experience. Meals were top notch and plentiful. So many opportunities for first time experiences. No words describe the grandeur. Book it!"
-Hamilton, MT