4 Day Western Paddle 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: Will need to be in Las Vegas the day prior to trip's start date (lodging not included in price)

  • Rapids: 5 major rapids rated 5 or above (1-10 rating scale)
  • Group size: 12-14 passengers per raft. 2 raft maximum
  • Minimum Age: 12 years old
  • Included: Camping gear w/ chairs & padded sleeping cots
  • Required Hike: None
  • Raft: Paddle Rafts
  • Price: $2144  Deposit: $300
  • *Price includes $1/day suggested donation to the Grand Canyon Fund

Trip Logistics:

You will meet at the McCarran airport at 10:45am on the morning of day 1. From the McCarran Airport you will be shuttled to the Grand Canyon Airlines Terminal at Boulder airport where you will board a flight that will take you to the Bar 10 Ranch on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon for your first night stay. 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 4 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 around 6pm. 

Hotel Reservations/Transportation To & From

Hotel (trip’s start):

  • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Airport South

Hotel (trip’s end):

  • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Airport South

Transportation (trip’s start/end):

You will be picked up at the Las Vegas McCarren airport on Day 1 of your adventure.

Transportation from Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Airport South, flight to Bar10 Ranch, helicopter down to river and ground shuttle back to Las Vegas is included in trip fare.

Transportation (trip’s end): 

At trip’s end you will be driven back to Las Vegas. This is included in your trip fare.

See our transportation page for additional information

All Paddle Raft Trip

Paddle raft trips are high in demand and low in supply as only 4 of 15 outfitters offer them. Your guide sits at the back and commands the team of 6-8 paddlers, who are digging into the water full time. These trips are recommended for those with multi-day paddle experience under their belt as many days in succession can become tiresome. A typical paddle trip will consist of 5-6 rafts or floatilla. Paddle trips travel at speed of the river 3-4 mph, more slowly and essentially doubling the trip duration when compared to a motorized trip. This slower pace offers a great opportunity for an intimate experience with the river while listening to your guide's extensive knowledge of the Grand Canyon. 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.

  • All Paddle TripLimited rafting type option, offered by 4 of 15 outfitters
  • Slower paced more intimate experience during calm waters
  • Great for those looking for a more physically demanding adventure while on raft
  • Great opportunity to listen to your guide’s extensive knowledge of the Grand Canyon while on raft
  • At times motor rafts are part of a flotilla, used to carry food supplies, camping equipment/gear.
  • Smallest raft type, very agile and allows passengers to ‘feel’ more of the rapids
  • Passengers paddle full time for days in succession and can cause muscle fatigue.
  • Recommended for those with previous multi-day paddle experience.
  • Minimum 12-16 years old - most outfitters
  • Group size between 18-24 dependent on what time of year
  • Rafts may vary slightly from sample image

Payment and cancellation policies:

  • One-third (1/3) of the total amount or $300 deposit ($500 deposit 2025 and beyond) per person required  to reserve your space(s)
    • 50% of your deposit is refundable up to 120 days prior to trip start
    • Deposit forfeited if cancellation occurs within 90 days prior to trip start
  • Final payment is due 90 days prior to trip start date and is non-refundable at this point, unless vacancies are able to be filled
  • In the event you have to cancel, you may 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
  • The outfitter reserves the right to cancel, delay or reschedule any excursion do to:
    • Weather/river conditions/lack of sufficient reservations:
    • In this event deposits/payments will be totally refunded or applied to another trip according to your wishes    

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. Most trips 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.

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 around 6pm.

"WOW!!! If you are looking for an exciting, yet relaxing excursion in some of the most beautiful and remote wonders of the world.....LOOK...NO...FURTHER!!! They were top notch and won't leave you disappointed...unless you just aren't the adventurous type. The crew of always incredible - engaging, helpful, funny, accommodating, ..., the list goes on and on."
-Phoenix, AZ

"There is a reason this outfiter is family owned and operated since 1971.  Fantastic, personalized service....from initial contact to taking out of the river on the last day!  Took 9 day trip down the Grand in April 2019 and it was epic.  Can't really describe it, you need to experience it for yourself."
-Redwood City, CA

"The guides provided the right balance of geology, history, funny anecdotes and time to just take it all in. The food was very good, with fresh fruit and salads, chicken, steak, salmon, etc.  The trip was physically challenging with temperature extremes, but completely doable with an average fitness level and "can do" attitude.  To end each day on a cot under the stars, was a real treat.  At no time did we feel rushed, but we were always busy.  I don't remember the last time I was completely in the moment, and this trip forced that.  It was such a wonderful experience, and we are so happy"
-Tacoma, WA

"My wife and I just completed a 7 day raft trip down the Grand Canyon.  It was an incredible trip.  We're both geologists, so this was an experience of a lifetime, but it was made even more enjoyable by the professionalism of the crew.  The guides were friendly, fun, knowledgeable and experienced on the river. There were also passionate about their love of the Grand Canyon and about giving us the best experience possible.  It was clear this was more than just a job to them.  Wonderful trip."
-Denver, CO