Rafting is a unique and unforgettable way to experience the Grand Canyon, and the grand stretch of the Colorado River offers tons of destinations and routes to explore. This part, covering about 100 miles of water, is beyond just a scenic rafting destination. With 13 exciting rapids, ranging from low-intensity rapids (for beginners) to medium, provide some adrenaline-filled adventures for visitors.
A Western River expedition starts in the area of Whitmore Wash (river mile 188) and ends at Lake Mead (river mile 280), which is closest to Las Vegas. The rafting trip is suitable even for the younger guests or beginners, mostly because it does not involve a lot of hiking at the beginning or at the end of the trip. If you wish to, though, you can choose to join some optional side hikes. This is the best way to really explore any interesting side canyon, spring, geological site, and even rock art in the Grand Canyon.
The best thing about a rafting trip in the canyon, especially compared to a hiking one, is that you will not have to bear the weight of all your stuff on your back the entire time. Special rafts will do the work, and your rafting outfitter will even take care of setting up camp every time you settle in for the day. This gives you enough time to enjoy the trip and relax at the end of a long day.
Mornings are also spectacular in the Grand Canyon. As your guides prepare scrumptious and filling breakfasts to give you enough energy for another day of rafting, you can enjoy the magnificent sunrises. You can expect a relaxing, exciting, and a one-of-a-kind rafting trip that you and your family will never forget.
The best thing about this river is that it does not need melting snow to create those swells for great western river expeditions. This means, there is no need to go during the cooler months of the year, and the peak is usually during the warmer weeks. It is also at this time that the downstream water is stronger due to higher demand by the agricultural industry or by the hydropower plants in Las Vegas. Thus, rafting trips are offered between the end of March and October. April and May, however, are considered the best months for such a rafting trip. Because of its proximity to Las Vegas, it is a good side trip for out-of-town visitors.
You also have the choice between a Western River expedition lasting only one day (which is not enough, given how huge the Grand Canyon is) to 3 or 4 days.
There are quite a few outfitters out there who organize these Western River expeditions, and much like with the duration of the trip, you can choose whether you go by motor, oar, or dory raft. Of course, motor rafts are the easiest, but even the other options do not mean you will be doing hard work. The river guides will be doing most of the rowing, especially as you go through the rapids.
You will, however, be instructed on what to do through the swells. You will also be equipped with life jackets the entire time as a security measure. All you have to do is trust and listen to your guides and you will be sure to have a great trip.
You will also want to figure out the smaller details by your tour operator through us, so you know what to prepare for your trip. Most of the time, they will provide food and camping equipment. Still, you will want to get informed on what you should pack, including the appropriate clothing for the trip. While you will not be so far away from Las Vegas NV, there are no stores to buy stuff once you start rafting on the water rapids. Because all of the other details are taken care of, you can sit back and relax, enjoying all that Grand Canyon has to offer.
A whole rafting river trip of the whole Grand Canyon takes 6 to 7 days, but tons of visitors do not have enough time to do it. This is one of the reasons why others opt for one of the Western Rivers expeditions. Not only is it much shorter (max 4 days as opposed to 6 to 7 days), the rapids are also smaller, especially compared to the rapids on the upper river of the Grand Canyon (closer to Utah) Thus, it is more appropriate for families with younger children who would not otherwise make the other rafting trips.
Moreover, you can easily travel here from Las Vegas and back, where there are many available flights. Plus, you can combine it with a trip to Redrock Canyons and Jungle Lodge.
There is no need to head overseas to the Pacuare River in Costa Rica for white water rafting vacations, especially when the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon are there, with its majestic canyon and exciting river swells. The best part is, whatever your skill and other preferences are, you will surely find the right rafting trip for you right here at Advantage Grand Canyon!
