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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Hike and raft through upper Grand Canyon then spend a day hiking to the South Rim
Upper Canyon Hiking Focused
6 Day Hiking Focused Whitewater Rafting in Grand Canyon
Distance hikers who want to spend some of every day on a trail will love our upper canyon hiking focused expedition! This trip perfectly balances rafting and hiking the trails of Grand Canyon between Lees Ferry and Phantom Ranch. When you’re hot from hiking, don’t worry, the Colorado River’s cooling rapids are waiting at the end of the trail! Each night, you’ll camp on a beach or rock ledge campsite along the edge of the canyon. The last hike of your trip will be ascending the Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim of Grand Canyon. As you take breaks on this hike, make sure to turn around and take in the vastness of the canyon that was your hope for the last several days.
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- 89 miles of rafting and hiking from Lees Ferry to Phantom Ranch
- Pre-trip stay at Cliff Dwellers or another lodge (double occupancy provided complimentary)
- Guided hikes to Grand Canyon’s most stunning destinations
- 9.5 mile hike up Bright Angel Trail
- minimum age 12 years old
“Wow. Hatch knows what they’re doing. You all have this down to a science, and your formula is spot on. I was not expecting to be comfortable on this trip (I’ve only ever camped for a few days at a time before), but at the end of 6 days I was ready to keep going for a full 12! ” – Nan E.
2024 Regular Rate
Cost per person
$2576
Cost per person
$2576
2025 Regular Rate
Cost per person
$2671
Cost per person
$2671
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:
The Bright Angel Trail
On the last day of your trip you’ll be up before the sun to hike the Bright Angel Trail from near Phantom Ranch all the way up to the South Rim of Grand Canyon. This all day hike is 9.5 miles long, mandatory, and strenuous, so make sure you prepare in advance! The trade off for all that work is the incredible views you’ll get as you turn around to see where you’ve been. This trip is only recommended for experienced hikers.
Transportation and Lodging
Hatch Books:
- Your pre-trip lodging in Marble Canyon, AZ
You Book:
- Transportation to Marble Canyon - make sure to arrive the night BEFORE your launch date!
- Transportation away from Grand Canyon’s South Rim for after your hike out
Get your trip packet!
Looking for specific details about what to pack, where to go, and how to prepare? Download the Upper 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!
Upper Canyon
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting in Upper 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). Experience Hance Rapid up close and personal. You’ll set up camp upriver from Phantom Ranch and prepare for your last night in Grand Canyon’s wilderness.
Wake up early to prepare for your guided hike out of the Canyon via Bright Angel Trail. Pack a sandwich for lunch and eat a hearty breakfast because you’ll need your energy. This hike usually takes between 6-8 hours before you will arrive back at the South Rim of the Grand 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
Not up for a long hike?
Hiking the Bright Angel Trail isn’t for everyone, but it is mandatory on Upper and Lower Canyon trips. If you’d rather not hike quite that far, check out our Full Canyon trip instead.
Begin your adventure at Lees Ferry and raft 188 miles to Whitmore Wash.
Testimonials
Food, geology and history knowledge was the best. I felt lucky to be able to take this trip with your guides!
Steve E.
JP, Kelsey, and Matt were all knowledgeable, engaging, and safety focused. Really good people!!
Rob W.
I would suggest two guides per hiking outing (on the more extensive hikes) as there is always a slower group and a fast group. In some of the hikes, the slower group was really really far behind. Other than that we enjoyed our guides tremendously and found them professional, knowledgeable, and extremely skilled.
Helen G.
The trip was magical to me and the hiking focus was a perfect match since i love to hike. The trip was thoroughly enjoyed, but more physical than expected. Not so much because of the hiking but also the accumulation of daily loading & unloading boats, tenting, boating, hiking combined. Wouldn't change a thing for myself ( i managed just fine) but i'd somehow stress this more in your description. Not everyone was as well prepared.
Nan E.
Wow. Hatch knows what they’re doing. You all have this down to a science, and your formula is spot on. I was not expecting to be comfortable on this trip (I’ve only ever camped for a few days at a time before), but at the end of 6 days I was ready to keep going for a full 12! Right on Hatch!
Ari D.
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