Whitewater rafting is a thrilling way to experience the Grand Canyon, and whitewater rafting at Grand Canyon West is truly an experience like no other. Hualapai River Runners offers the only 1-day whitewater rafting tours of the Colorado River, as well as 2-day adventures.
What You Need To Know about Whitewater rafting
Rafting trips depart from the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs, about two hours from the West Rim. When visiting, please keep in mind that Grand Canyon West is in Mountain Standard Time. Be sure to leave early enough to arrive on time for any scheduled tours.
Your trip begins with an hour-long bus from Peach Springs to the Colorado River. Travel on this maintained dirt road is somewhat rough, but you can expect beautiful scenery and occasional wildlife despite the rugged ride. Nothing quite beats the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon coming into view as you make the gradual descent down to the river.
What’s Included at Whitewater rafting
- Transportation to the Colorado River from the Route 66 Park (across from Hualapai Lodge) via Diamond Creek Road
- Certified river guide trained on river conditions, river rescue, swift water rescue, and emergency medical procedures
- Personal flotation device (PFD)
- Dry bag to store your personal items
- Hike to Travertine Falls
- Lunch and assorted snacks & beverages as needed
What To Bring to Whitewater Rafting
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Hat
- Sunglasses (sunglass rope holders)
- Water-proof phone case (can be purchased at the lodge retail)
- Extra change of clothing (optional)
- Panchos (optional)
- Towel (optional)
What To Wear to Whitewater Rafting
- You may get wet, don’t wear your Sunday’s best
- Breathable, quick drying clothing
Where To Arrive
- Check in is at the Hualapai Lodge located at 900 AZ-66, Peach Springs, AZ 86434
Age Restrictions
Rafters must be 8 years of age and older.
Water Temperature
The water is 45° Fahrenheit year-round.
Available Rafting Dates
Rafting tours are offered March thru October.
Two-Day Adventure at Whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon
Saturday
Check-in is at the Hualapai River Runner Front Desk at 6:30 a.m. You will depart from Peach Springs for an hour-long bus drive into the Grand Canyon, arriving at the launch point on the Colorado River, where your whitewater rafting adventure begins.
You will raft to Travertine Falls, where you will enjoy a short hike to a beautiful natural waterfall, ideal for photographs. Continue rafting to Spencer Canyon, where you will camp for the night. Spencer Canyon is where the Hualapai story begins and where you’ll enjoy a dinner of steak, salad, corn on the cob, baked beans and assorted non-alcoholic beverages.
Sunday
Start the day with a hot breakfast and an optional short hike before loading the boats and packing the gear for the second day of the trip. From this point, you will board powered rafts and head down the river.
WHAT TO PACK to Whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon
In preparation for your rafting trip on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, we recommend the following personal gear:
- Shorts (lightweight, fast drying material)
- T-shirt (lightweight, fast drying material)
- Hat with visor and strap
- Rain jacket/poncho (for use through rapids)
- Tennis/athletic shoes or water shoes
- Lightweight jacket/polar fleece sweatshirt
- Lightweight pants (fast drying material for sun protection)
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Extra socks and shoes
- Swimsuit (optional)
- Refillable water bottle
- Bandana
- Towel
- Sun block (SPF 50+)
Cameras
All cameras should have straps. We recommend keeping your camera in a zip lock bag, even when it is in your Ammo Can (we supply the Ammo Can). Disposable waterproof or panoramic cameras are excellent choices for your trip.
Experience Hualapai Traditions
During your adventure, you’ll get one-of-a-kind, authentic insights into the lifestyle, culture and traditions of the Indigenous people who call the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River home. When you raft with the Hualapai River Runners, these are just some of the things you can expect to learn about during your experience.
- The shelters and homes the Hualapai built along the walls of the Grand Canyon.
- The tribe’s history, including the 1874 La Paz and how the Canyon served as a refuge
- The significance of the Colorado River for the Hualapai and the Yuman language family tribes
- The “Spirit Mountain,” Wikahme myth
- The geology, plant and animal life, and Hualapai historical sites along the river
