9 Popular Hikes and Walks on Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

9 Popular Hikes and Walks on a Rafting Trip

There’s plenty to explore during your Grand Canyon adventure

By: Eva Hatch

As a Hatch family member, Eva knows a lot about the river!

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Grand Canyon rafting trips are not just filled with fun rapids and camping. Every day there are a few stops at very special places in the canyon. These short hikes and walks take you to viewpoints, waterfalls, and pieces of canyon history. Although we can never guarantee a specific stop, we promise that wherever you go in Grand Canyon, you’ll find something special. All of these will be optional hikes and none will take you to the rim, but some of them can still test your stamina.

Let’s look at some of our most popular hikes and walks!

Elves Chasm is perfect for jumping!

Nankoweap – This hike is not for the faint of heart! It climbs nearly 1,000ft in a half mile, earning it the name The Grand Canyon Stairmaster. BUT the reward at the top of this steep uphill climb makes it all worth it. This hike leads to a set of Ancestral Puebloan granaries set inside a small overhang in the cliff face. The granaries provide one of the most spectacular views of the river below (see the featured image for this blog).

The Little Colorado River – Following alongside the Little Colorado River, this walk is mostly flat with a few big steps. The hike leads to a spectacular swimming area in the blue water of the Little Colorado. (At certain times of the year—like monsoon season—the water may be too muddy to play in. If so, you may skip this stop in favor of something more fun.)

Clear Creek – After an initial scramble over a Vishnu Schist wall you follow along a creek up a beautiful shaded canyon to a waterfall that comes out horizontally.

Shinumo Creek – Sometimes this hike can be more of a swim than a walk! Either way, it leads you to a waterfall with a pool to lounge in. 

Elves Chasm – This hike is more of a climb over rocks and ledges. Once you’re at the top you are rewarded with a magical waterfall. Climb behind it to jump into the swimming hole below!  

Blacktail Canyon – Looking for a nice, shaded stroll? This slot canyon hike is perfect! The canyon features one of geology’s greatest anomalies: the great unconformity. 

Stone Creek – A short walk in a rocky, sunny creek bed leads you to a small but gorgeous waterfall. 

Deer Creek Falls and the Patio – A quick little walk leads you to the awe inspiring 75ft Deer Creek Falls where you can swim and relax. If you want to hike more, follow a guide up above the waterfall to a shaded oasis called “The Patio.” 

Matkatamiba Canyon – This hike has two options: ONE—climb onto a ledge and follow a trail of additional ledges with a few up and down steps. TWO (the more adventurous option!)—follow the creek through a very narrow slot canyon and perform some canyoneering-like maneuvers. Both options lead to the same beautiful patio where you can explore or lounge the day away.

Whether you get to see some or all of these, you’ll be left wanting to explore even more!

*Note: Stops in Grand Canyon are at the discretion of the guides. They must take into account numerous factors, including: weather, crowding at various sites, fitness of the group, keeping the trip on schedule, and other considerations. We encourage you to communicate with the guides if there is somewhere special you would like to stop, but ask for your understanding if a request can’t be honored due to circumstances we simply can’t control. 

Are you ready to explore all the wonderful places Grand Canyon has to offer? That’s great!

Check out our trip offerings and start preparing for your Colorado River rafting adventure today!