Grand Canyon Route Options

There are many combinations of put-in & take-out points which make up the 4 routes available for rafting trips in the Grand Canyon. Most routes have multiple exit locations which can explain how the same route can differ in trip duration from one outfitter to another. For example, a full canyon trip, offered by one outfitter can be rafted in as little as 6-days in length by traveling 188 river miles, while another can be 8-days in length and travel 280 river miles by another outfitter. For additional details on the differences between these Grand Canyon route options, click on the  route names highlighted in red.

 

Full Grand Canyon

The full canyon is considered as starting at river mile 0 (Lees Ferry, Marble Canyon, AZ) and ending at either river mile 188 (Whitmore Wash – helicopter exit), river mile 225 (Diamond Creek – Drive out) or 280 (Lake Mead – Drive out). This is a great option for those who wish to avoid the strenuous 7.5-9.5 mile hike at either the start or end of your trip as required on the upper and lower canyon route trips.

Cost Range:
$2,145 – $5,837
Raft:
Motor/Oar/Paddle/Hybrid/Dory
Meet:
Las Vegas NV, Flagstaff AZ, Page AZ or Marble Canyon AZ
Route Begins:
Lee’s Ferry – Mile 0
Route Ends:
3 options – Whitmore Wash – Mile 188, Diamond Creek – Mile 225, Lake Mead –Mile 280
Rapids:
38-47 major rapids rated 5 or above (1-10 rating scale)
 

Upper Grand Canyon

The upper canyon begins at river mile 0 (Lees Ferry, Marble Canyon, AZ) where you will simply be driven to and walk onto the rafts as the canyon walls are low enough at this point. These trips end at the bright angel trail or close to it at river mile 88 or 89 with a strenuous 7.5-9.5 mile hike ascending out of the canyon.

Cost Range:
$1,083 – $3,111
Raft:
Motor/Oar/Paddle/Hybrid/Dory
Meet:
Las Vegas NV, Flagstaff AZ, Page AZ or Marble Canyon AZ
Route Begins:
Lee’s Ferry – Mile 0
Route Ends:
Bright Angel Trail – South Rim, Grand Canyon Village – Mile 88
Rapids:
19 major rapids rated 5 or above (1-10 rating scale)
Required Hike:
Strenuous 9.5 mile ascent via Bright Angel Trail at trip’s end
 

Lower Grand Canyon

The lower canyon begins at the top of the south rim, Grand Canyon Village and descending into the canyon with a strenuous 7.5-9.5 mile hike via the bright angel trail. There are 3 take-out points depending on the outfitter’s itinerary – river mile 188 (Whitmore Wash – helicopter exit), river mile 225 (Diamond Creek – Drive out) or 280 (Lake Mead – Drive out).

Cost Range:
$1,780 – $4,275
Raft:
Motor/Oar/Paddle/Hybrid/Dory
Meet:
South Rim, Grand Canyon Village or Flagstaff AZ
Route Begins:
Bright Angel Trail – South Rim, Grand Canyon Village – Mile 88
Route Ends:
3 options – Whitmore Wash – Mile 188, Diamond Creek – Mile 225, Lake Mead – Mile 280
Rapids:
19-28 major rapids rated 5 or above (1-10 rating scale)
Required Hike:
Strenuous 9.5 descent via Bright Angel Trail at trip’s start
 

Western Grand Canyon

The western canyon trips is the western most 100 miles the Colorado river in the Grand Canyon and begin with a helicopter ride at river mile 188 (Whitmore Wash) into the canyon. After traveling 100 miles, you are driven out at river mile 280 (Lake Mead) at trip’s end. These trips all begin and end in Las Vegas and are a great option for those who wish to avoid the strenuous 7.5-9.5 mile hike at either the start or end of your trip as required on the upper and lower canyon route trips.

Cost Range:
$1,197 – $2,468
Raft:
Motor/Oar/Dory
Route Begins:
Whitmore Wash – Mile 188
Route Ends:
Lake Mead – Mile 280
Rapids:
5 major rapids rated 5 or above (1-10 rating scale)
Required Hike:
None at start or end