*Price includes a $1/day suggested donation to the Grand Canyon fund
You can either take a flight from Las Vegas to the South Rim or opt for ground transportation -not included in price. On the morning of day 1, you will begin your guided hike down to the river to meet your river guides will have your dry bags/camping gear. Your river trip will end at Lake Mead around 1:00 p.m. on the last day. Standard transportation package includes motorcoach transportation from Lake Mead to Las Vegas. You can plan on arriving in Las Vegas at approximately 6:00 p.m. If you need to catch a flight back home that same evening, it would be best to make a reservation for a flight that leaves after 8:00 p.m. We suggest you make arrangements to spend the night in Las Vegas and travel home the following morning.
Hotel at Trip’s Start South Rim, GC:
Hotel (trip’s end):
Transportation (trip’s start): South Rim
Transportation (trip’s end):
At trip’s end you will be driven back to Las Vegas. This is included in your trip fare.
In-bound duffel service: (not included)
See our transportation page for additional information
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 outfittersAt the start of your Lower Canyon adventure, this trip will begin with a mandatory hike into the canyon via the bright angel trail to meet your rafts. The trail is well maintained and has water stations at mile 1.5, mile 3, mile 4.8 and mile 9. On average, descent time from rim to river is 4-6 hours.
This is a strenuous hike, especially during the summer months between June-August, and should be considered only by those who are fit and healthy as you will be carrying all of your gear with you on your hike up. Please note that some outfitters’ itinerary can accommodate the “inbound” duffel service, a service which can transport your gear for a fee.
Click play for an actual look at the trail from a bird’s eye view. You will see where the hike will begin and end, as well as the location of toilets and drinking water facilities.
The elevation from river to rim is 4,830ft and has an average grade of 10% along its entire length. The upper four miles of the trail has the steepest changes in elevation mostly due to the switch backs, however does flatten out considerably as it nears Indian Gardens. As the trail approaches Devil’s Corkscrew it will once again steepen, and due to the lack of shading at this part of the trail, can be very taxing especially during the summer months. This is one of the reasons that hikes begin very early in the morning, to pass this section before temperatures peaks. From the Pipe Creek/River Rest-house to Bright Angel Campground, (over 1 mile distance) the trail passes over sand dunes until reaching the Bright Angel Suspension Bridge (also known as silver bridge) which crosses over the Colorado River.
Be sure to take advantage of the water sources and rest-houses during your hike, as it is imperative to take breaks regularly. Between rim and river, there are three composting toilet locations (1.5 mile, Indian Gardens, river rest-house) and three water sources along the trail (1.5 mile, 3 mile, Indian Gardens). Please note there is never potable water at river rest-house and due to occasional pipeline breaks, these water sources are never guaranteed. For this reason, it is recommended that you carry enough water (3 quarts minimum) for the entire hike.
Lower Canyon trips are taxing on the ankles/knees/hips and calf muscles. There is a significant amount of abuse that your joints endure due to constant downhill trekking, especially when you include the additional weight from your day or backpack. This descent should be attempted by those who do not have major joint issues which can cause potential problems during this hike. Note that you will be hiking into the heat. Depending on the time of year, the temperature at the rim can be in the upper 40’s and temperatures may reach 110 at the bottom. Trekking poles are highly recommended as they can significantly reduce the stress on your lower leg muscles/joints by distributing the weight to your upper body muscles. Focusing on strengthening your leg muscles (calves and quads) is a crucial part of a successful hike.
At least 2 months prior to your trip’s start date, begin using the stair master and hiking or using the treadmill with a slight incline. Slowly begin adding weight to your backpack in order to simulate what it will actually feel like on the hike. Keep in mind that you are traveling 1 vertical mile or close to 5,000ft in elevation gain/loss. 500 flights of stairs is equivalent to approx. 5,000 ft.
Payment and cancellation policies:
Purchase trip cancellation Insurance - Highly Recommended:
First DayYou will have arrived and spent the night at the south rim the day prior. You will wake early and begin your hike into the canyon, sometimes as early as 4:45am depending on the season. Upon the completion of your hike, you will meet your guides and the rafts at the bottom of the canyon. You will be handed your dry bags and transfer your clothing/personal products from your back pack to the dry bags. An orientation meeting will also take place upon the arrival of the last hiker. Lunch is served, and shortly after you will begin rafting down the Colorado river! The amount of rafting on this day is dependent on many factors and the trip leader will decide when and where to camp this evening.
Every DayWake up to the smell of freshly-brewed cowboy coffee – sounds of rushing water mingled with the murmur of sleepy voices echoing through the grotto’s of the canyon walls. Breakfast is hot and hearty – or as light as you want. After breakfast you will be asked to form a “bucket line” to help load the gear back on the boats and then the Colorado River beckons and you are off once again experiencing the rush of adrenaline as you continue on your journey back in time.
Enjoy spectacular white water of major rapids, such as Horn Creek, Granite, Hermit, Crystal, Upset and Lava Falls – you will see and enjoy dozens of additional sights, as well as stretches of calm water where you will relax in the warm sun and enjoy breathtaking scenery. Photographic opportunities abound in the lower canyon. Lunch on the Colorado River; build your own sandwiches, with chips, cookies, fruit and soft drinks. Relax, read a book or perhaps hike or fish before shoving off again for an afternoon of thrills and surprises. Late afternoon finds you at camp for the evening. Again you will be asked to help unload the gear from the boats. As your crew sets up the camp kitchen everyone finds their ideal camp spot and sets up their “home” for the night. Later you relax with a cool drink and hors d’ oeuvres, get better acquainted with your fellow river companions – as dinner sizzles on the grill. After dinner watch the sun set, join in the conversation of the group, and listen to the quiet of the canyon as you settle into your sleeping bag under a blanket of stars. Tomorrow brings another typical day on the Colorado River.
Last Day192 River Mile Trips/Lake Mead Exit - Your river trip will end at Lake Mead around 1:00 p.m. on the last day. Our standard transportation package includes motorcoach transportation from Lake Mead to Las Vegas. If you wish to arrange your own end-of-trip transportation, please let us know. Otherwise, we will assume that you wish to return to Las Vegas on our bus. You can plan on arriving in Las Vegas at approximately 6:00 p.m. If you need to catch a flight back home that same evening, it would be best to make a reservation for a flight that leaves after 8:00 p.m. We suggest you make arrangements to spend the night in Las Vegas and travel home the following morning.
"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
