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Hike the Bright Angel Trail to the Colorado River then raft and hike the lower canyon
Lower Canyon Hiking Focused
7 Day Hiking Focused Whitewater Rafting in Grand Canyon
Distance hikers with a week on a Grand Canyon hiking adventure will love this trip. At the start of your trip, you’ll hike from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim to the Colorado River on Bright Angel Trail. After you arrive at the boats, your days will be split between rafting and hiking through the stretch of river between Phantom Ranch and Whitmore Wash. Our motorized rafts operated by experienced Hatch guides make it possible for you to reach as many exciting hiking destinations as possible. That means more waterfalls, swimming holes, slot canyons, and incredible viewpoints! At night, you’ll camp along the river’s edge on one of Grand Canyon’s many sandy beaches or rock ledge campsites. You’ll depart the canyon via helicopter,* getting one final view of Grand Canyon from the air before returning home.
*In rare instances, a helicopter may not be available for the September launch of this trip. Guests on a trip without a helicopter will hike out of the canyon on Whitmore Trail and take ATVs to Bar 10 Ranch where they will board a fixed-wing aircraft to their destination.
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- 99 miles of rafting and hiking from Phantom Ranch to Whitmore Wash
- 9.5 mile hike down Bright Angel Trail
- Guided hikes to Grand Canyon’s most stunning destinations
- Helicopter ride* & return to Las Vegas or Marble Canyon included
- minimum age 12 years old
“Definitely a trip of a lifetime!!! Loved being on the river for 7 days. We chose to sleep under the stars every night.The food prepared by our guides was great. ” – Jo C.
2025 Regular Rate
Cost per person
$3841
2026 Regular Rate
Cost per person
$3841
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
This trip starts with a hike from the South Rim of Grand Canyon all the way to the Colorado River. You’ll meet your hiking guide at Bright Angel Lodge at 5 a.m. to avoid hiking in the midday heat and meet up with our boats around lunch time. This all morning hike is 9.5 miles long, mandatory, and strenuous, so make sure you prepare in advance! As you head down the trail, make sure to take breaks and admire the view of the canyon you’re descending into. This trip is only recommended for experienced hikers.
Transportation and Lodging
Hatch Books:
- Your helicopter ride out of the canyon and return to the South Rim or Las Vegas at the end of your trip
You Book:
- Transportation to the South Rim - make sure to arrive the night BEFORE your hiking date!
- Transportation away from the South Rim or Las Vegas at the end of your trip
Get your trip packet!
Looking for specific details about what to pack, where to go, and how to prepare? Download the Lower 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!
Lower Canyon
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting in Lower 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.
Meet our hiking guide in front of the fireplace in Bright Angel Lodge’s lobby at 5:00 am sharp. It doesn’t hurt to arrive a bit early! We begin hiking down Bright Angel Trail early to beat that heat. The hike usually takes from 5-6 hours and you will arrive at the boats around lunch time. On a beach near Phantom Ranch you will meet your crew and prepare to depart on your expedition. Guides will explain safety on the river and introduce you to our S-Rig rafts. Load onto the rafts and away you go to begin your grand adventure. Prepare yourself for the large rapids ahead because Horn, Granite, Hermit and Crystal are coming so get ready 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 7:00 am so be prepared to see the sights from above. Check out the Bar 10 gift shop, showers, or nature center if time permits before you depart on your flight and later shuttle ride back to the South Rim of Grand Canyon or Las Vegas.
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
5:01 pm,
Dec 3, 2024
60°F
overcast clouds
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
Beyond words great!
James L.
Definitely a trip of a lifetime!!! Loved being on the river for 7 days. We chose to sleep under the stars every night.The food prepared by our guides was great. This trip is definitely not for "sissy's"......so if you R expecting someone to carry your bag and set up your tent ; this trip is not for you!! Your ability to live with sand everyday is a must. If you love a Great Adventure and enjoy the solitude of nature; check out this trip!!!
Jo C.
Guides were awesome and made the trip a truly memorable experience. Well trained and educated on the GC and personality plus.
Steve L.
Stunning overall experience.
Gary M.
The guides navigated the waters so we always were safe. The side canyon hikes were all superb - the water falls, scenery, geology were fantastic...
Michael V.
JP, Tanner and Jeremiah were all terrific. The only constructive criticism I can offer is that, as a second half guest, I felt that the orientation info was a bit random. A little more effort to welcome and orient the 2nd half arrivals would be appreciated.
Dave D.
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