Grand Canyon River

Everyone should take at least one trip to the Grand Canyon in his or her lifetime. The canyon and the Grand Canyon River that flows through it are national treasures that are available for all to enjoy. There are a number of great ways to experience these two natural wonders, including multi-day, Grand Canyon National Park river adventures, 1 day rafting tours, hiking treks, helicopter rides and airplane flights. There’s definitely not a lack of things to do, and the trips that I recommend later will make sure you get tour that meets your needs.

Where is the Grand Canyon River?

The Grand Canyon is located in the Southwestern U.S. adjacent to the lower Rocky Mountain range. The Grand Canyon river, a.k.a. the Colorado River, has flowed through the canyon for thousands of years, and, in the process, eroding its soil and stone. The walls of this canyon riverbed are now 4,000 to 6,000 feet high with dramatic bands of color from top to river. Lengthwise, the Colorado River is no lightweight: It starts in Colorado at the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park and flows 1,450 miles through Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California before emptying into the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. The Grand Canyon section of the Colorado River is 217 miles long.

National Park Status!

The Grand Canyon River is one of the most beautiful places in the United States and is protected under Grand Canyon National Park rules and regulations. These protections have been in place since 1919 when President Woodrow Wilson signed an act making the area a National Park in order to protect it for future generations. The Park’s guidelines are also intended to keep travelers safe as they explore the river and its environs.

River rafting is among the most popular things to do at South Rim. Whitewater rafting trips can last from three days to 25 days. Choose from oar, motorized, non-motorized and kayak adventures. I recommend that you book these excursions well in advance as they are very popular and seats are limited.

Grand Canyon River Tours

Looking for a mellow Grand Canyon river rafting tour? Try a 1-day, smooth-water float tour. These trips depart from the South Rim and head up to Glenn Canyon Dam in Page, AZ. Here’s where you start your rafting cruise, which takes you 15 miles downstream to iconic Lee’s Ferry. This trip is an absolute hit with families and groups. There are no-rapids and kids as young as 4 years of age can do it. If interested, click these links for more information:

South Rim Bus/Float Package

South Rim Plane/Jeep/Float Package

The airplane option is the deluxe water-rafting version. It includes a guided 4×4 Jeep tour of Antelope Canyon. The plane ride over is also quite awesome and lets you see the Painted Desert, the Navajo Indian Reservation and Desert Watchtower, among other things.

If you are starting out from Las Vegas and can’t make it to the South Rim, don’t fret. There’s an awesome helicopter and rafting package that takes you to the bottom of Grand Canyon West (a 4,000 foot descent!) before turning you loose on the Grand Canyon river at the base of Hoover Dam for an 11-mile float ride to Willow Beach. Use this link for more information:

Las Vegas Float Package

Float the River Today!

Rafting the Grand Canyon river is an exciting experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The adventure is further enhanced by the fact that you will be going through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world (it’s why the canyon was selected to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World.). Pick from extended whitewater rafting adventures or one-day float tours. Then make sure to bring a hat and some sun block and get ready to let the good times roll!

P.S. Looking for more things to do? Go here for a complete list of Grand Canyon tours