Rafting in Grand Canyon is at the top many a list of aspirational vacations. But, if you’re just starting to do your research on...
Types of Grand Canyon River Rafting Trips (and how to choose!)
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Spend extra time hiking into Grand Canyon's beautiful hidden places
Full Canyon Hiking Focused
12 Day Hiking Focused Whitewater Rafting in Grand Canyon
There is nothing like hiking in Grand Canyon. Here, dry rocky trails open up to cooling oases, waterlogged creek hikes reveal spectacular waterfalls, and steep climbs up the canyon’s slopes open up to breathtaking views. On our motorized rafts, you’ll have an opportunity to travel from one incredible hiking destination to the next by river. In between guided hikes, you’ll ride the Colorado River’s famous rapids with an experienced Hatch guide there to run the boat. Each night you’ll camp between the canyon walls on a sandy beach or rock ledge outcrop along the side of the river.
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- 188 miles of rafting and hiking from Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash
- Pre-trip stay at Cliff Dwellers or another lodge (double occupancy provided complimentary)
- Guided hikes to Grand Canyon’s most stunning destinations
- Helicopter ride & return flight to Las Vegas or Marble Canyon included
- minimum age 12 years old
- 188 miles of rafting and hiking from Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash
“I still cant talk about it without becoming emotional. The trip was outrageous and magical in every single way. I wont ever forget it. And thank you for supporting my vegan eating choices. HRE is top of the industry.” – Anne P.
2024 Regular Rate
Cost per person
$4998
Cost per person
$4998
2025 Regular Rate
Cost per person
$5183
Cost per person
$5183
What to Expect
A Colorado River rafting trip is an active vacation in a wilderness environment. To ensure you have the best experience possible, we recommend showing up with an adventure attitude, ready to roll with the rapid’s waves and whatever other challenges may arise. You’ll spend days hanging on through the Colorado River’s famous (and chilly!) rapids and scrambling down Grand Canyon’s unmaintained trails. At night you’ll camp on sandy beaches or rocky ledges between the canyon walls. There are no hotel accommodations or hot showers. The beauty of this type of vacation is the journey and discovery that comes along with it.
Learn more about what to expect on a Grand Canyon rafting trip with Hatch:
Transportation and Lodging
Hatch Books:
- Your pre-trip lodging in Marble Canyon, AZ
- Your helicopter ride out of the canyon and flight back to Marble Canyon or Las Vegas at the end of your trip
You Book:
- Transportation to Marble Canyon - make sure to arrive the night BEFORE your launch date!
Get your trip packet!
Looking for specific details about what to pack, where to go, and how to prepare? Download the Full Canyon Hiking Focused trip packet for the complete run-down.*
*If you’ve already booked, check the “View Info and Documents” section of your Activity Manager for this information. Your Activity Manager link is in your email!
Full Canyon
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting in Full Canyon
Sample Itinerary
Get an idea of what your trip could look like. Note: This is a sample only. We can never guarantee specific stops.
Arrive at Cliff Dwellers Lodge in historic Marble Canyon, AZ to begin soaking in the desert atmosphere. Shop, relax and enjoy a fantastic meal from Cliff Dwellers Restaurant. Get a good night’s sleep because tomorrow the adventure begins!
Meet Hatch staff in front of Cliff Dwellers Lodge at 8:00 or 8:30am (check your confirmation for your meeting time). Listen to a short introductory orientation and then load up the vans for a 20 minute shuttle ride down to the river. Guides will explain safety on the river and introduce you to our S-Rig rafts. Load onto the rafts and begin your GRAND adventure. Experience your first splash at the Paria Riffle and then cross under Navajo Bridge and take in your last glimpse of civilization for the next week. Enjoy the tour as your guides begin your Grand Canyon education. Have lunch on a beautiful white sand beach and experience your first rapids of Soap and Badger Creek, and House Rock.
Next up is the Roaring Twenties. You will pass below Vasey’s Paradise and frolic in beautiful Redwall Cavern. Hike to Ancestral Puebloan granaries at Nankoweap or in Saddle Canyon (2 miles roundtrip). Float and frolic in the warm Little Colorado River and perhaps hike the Lava Canyon Loop (4 miles roundtrip). Use Hance Rapid to prepare yourself for the larger rapids ahead. Horn, Granite, Hermit, and Crystal are next so be prepared for some impressive waves and epic splashes.
You might hike the Granite/Hermit Loop (6 miles roundtrip) or the invigorating Thunder River hike (8 miles roundtrip). Elves Chasm is the perfect place to make a splash. Enjoy Deer Creek Falls or hike up to the spectacular Patio above to find a hidden green oasis. Check out that Bright Angel Shale or Tapeats Sandstone as you pass through.
Relax and enjoy the turquoise waters at the famed Havasu Canyon where you will experience a true paradise. Play in the pools or hike up the creek for more sights. Reflect on the geological changes you have experienced and enjoy this old section of Canyon. You are now more than a mile down in the Canyon. The volcanic formation of Vulcan’s Anvil signals the approach of Lava Falls, one of the most famed rapids in the world.
Helicopter flights to Bar 10 Ranch begin around 7:00am so be prepared to see the sights from above. Lounge around or if time permits take a quick shower before your flight departs to take you back to Las Vegas, or Marble Canyon.
Weather Forecast
Wondering what to bring and wear on the Colorado River? Check the weather before your trip so you can make last minute adjustments!
7 Day Forecast
Click here for the 7 day forecast for Phantom Ranch at the bottom of Grand Canyon.
Safety Tips
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and a hat.
Phantom Ranch, US
4:39 pm,
Oct 23, 2024
84°F
clear sky
Up for a hike?!
Want to hike to or from the rim? Choose the Upper or Lower Canyon portion of this trip and hike the Bright Angel Trail!
Upper Canyon trips leave the river near Phantom Ranch and finish with a hike from the river to the South Rim.
Lower Canyon trips start with a hike from the South Rim to the river before their rafting adventure begins.
Testimonials
The Guide service was second to none. Each of the four boatmen, were knowledgeable and personable. They each in their own way went above and beyond to make my trip safe approachable, safe, fun, and memorable. Hatch is lucky to be able to employ each one of them.
Deb W.
The guides are such an important part of the trip experience. We feel very fortunate to have had such a great team. Dave, Lars, Zac and Josh were wonderful.
Caroline N.
JP was a great guide, knowledgeable, good sense of humor, all around good guy
Mike W.
I still cant talk about it without becoming emotional. The trip was outrageous and magical in every single way. I wont ever forget it. And thank you for supporting my vegan eating choices. HRE is top of the industry.
Anne P.
The guides contributed to a great experience. The only negative was the selection of hikes requiring technical rock skills that prevented most from participating.
Kim W.
I could write a whole paragraph on each of the guides. David, Lars and Jeremiah were excellent. Super Competent, Knowledgeable, and Outgoing. Each brought their own energy and talent. Super,super team…well done!
Martin M.
Totally exceeded my hopes and expectations.
James R.
One needs to know what this type of trip entails. For me it was everything I expected and hoped to enjoy.
Bernie N.
I know that activities are subject to change, but it would be helpful to have a general idea of what the river will be like for the next stretch and what to expect for tjhe hikes soley for the purpose of dressing appropriately. There were times when I got cold because I wasn't expecting things like super exposed winds or shade
Nic M.
for me, an awe inspiring trip. Never to be be forgotten
Ann S.
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