The Grand Canyon is full of historical trails, let’s take a look at one of them! Here’s the story of the Bass Trail….
Walking History: The Creation of Bass Trail
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Hike the Bright Angel Trail into Grand Canyon before you start your rafting adventure
Lower Canyon Motorized
4 Day Motorized Lower Grand Canyon Rafting
Distance hikers with a few days to spend adventuring will love this trip! Our lower canyon motorized trips combine hiking, rafting, camping, and exploring into one spectacular vacation. Your trip begins with a hike from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim to the Colorado River. Then, you’ll raft down the river each day (with an experienced Hatch guide navigating your boat through the rapids). You’ll stop every day to explore side canyons, swimming holes, and other interesting place accessible from the river. Each night, you’ll camp on a sandy beach or rocky ledge beside the river. On the final day of your trip, catch a helicopter out of the canyon!
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- 99 miles of rafting from Phantom Ranch to Whitmore Wash
- 9.5 mile hike down Bright Angel Trail
- Helicopter ride & return to Las Vegas or Marble Canyon included
- minimum age 12 years old
“Trip of a lifetime only wish I was 10 years younger so I could have gone on the longer side hikes.” – DeAnn S.
2025 Regular Rate
Cost per person
$2432
2026 Regular Rate
Cost per person
$2432
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 Motorized 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.
Head over to the Bright Angel Lodge where you will meet your hiking guide at 5:00 a.m. in front of the fireplace and be ready to hike. This 9.5 mile hike averages between 5 and 6 hours. Arriving at the rafts around noon, get ready for an orientation before launching on the Colorado River. Lunch often occurs downriver a bit as our rafts travel through a few impressive rapids beforehand.
Hike to Shinumo Creek or Elves Chasm for a magical introduction to the diversity that Grand Canyon has to offer. Trek up Deer Creek to see a beautiful slot canyon that mixes history, nature and geology into one. Adventure into side canyons to hidden swimming spots. Lava Falls signals the end of the trip so soak in all the endorphins it will provide. Unwind at camp and enjoy our home cooked meals, especially those Dutch oven brownies!
Board a helicopter around 7:00 a.m. for a quick ride up to Bar 10 Ranch located on the rim of the Canyon. Take a few photos and enjoy the ride! Once at the ranch you will check in for a fixed wing aircraft flight and subsequent shuttle that will take you back to Las Vegas or the South Rim of 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
Get the 7 day forecast for Phantom Ranch at the bottom of Grand Canyon.
How to Prepare
Learn how to manage weather conditions you may encounter rafting in Grand Canyon.
Phantom Ranch, US
10:13 am,
Apr 21, 2025
75°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
I loved it! It was the right amount of days for me. I was telling my daughter, "For the amount we paid for the trip, we received way more than what we paid for." I realize Mother Nature had something to do with it too.
Gene M.
Trip of a lifetime only wish I was 10 years younger so I could have gone on the longer side hikes.
DeAnn S.
Sean, Dan, and Holden were exceptional guides! If there was anything we needed, they did all the could to accommodate us. This was my 3rd Hatch trip and they keep getting better!
Mike K.
All 3 river guides were phenomenal! Super friendly and helpful but also professional and always kept safety in mind above all else. We literally couldn't have enjoyed this trip as much as we did without them.
Ari E.
It rained on evenings one and three. The tarp provided was not waterproof. But that is part of the adventure.
Michael F.
We had great weather (it was cooler than usual), were able to do everything we wanted, and the rapids were awesome!
Marci S.
Great trip. Some of the equipment (folding chairs / cots) could be replaced, but the trip overall was excellent.
Andi R.
Matt was our boatman and guide for this trip. I would like to point out he is an excellent guide with in-depth knowledge of grand canyon geology. He provided wonderful insight about different types of rocks and terrains in the canyon. He also made the trip fun by telling jokes and riddles! 10/10 would want him as a guide again.
Parth S.
Carlos was an amazing guide!! He had geological and historical knowledge of the canyon that we enjoyed very much. He added to the fun and interest of the group, we always felt 100% safe, and he felt like family by the end of the 4 days! Excellent guide, great human.
Niki T.
It alway awesome in the canyon. Hatch did a great job in all aspects!
Jan P.
More from Hatch River Expeditions
Learn cool facts about Grand Canyon, tips for river trips, and what's happening at Hatch.
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