Whitewater Rafting Trips in the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trips are run by outside affiliates who are authorized Grand Canyon concessionaires. Holiday can arrange five- to nine-day rafting trips with our partners are Outdoors Unlimited through either the lower or upper sections of Grand Canyon.

These trips are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The view from the rim is spectacular, but the view from a raft is even better. The river and the canyon are a world unto themselves.

Discover fascinating geology that is only accessible via the river or rugged footpaths. Run infamous rapids such as Hermit, Crystal, and Lava Falls. Hike through impossibly beautiful side canyons and swim in crystalline pools.

These trips involve a nine-mile hike into or out of the canyon from the South Rim to the Colorado River; we recommend that only those in good physical condition consider these trips. Reservations should be made well in advance; demand for this world-class adventure is high.

Looking for a Colorado River rafting trip that is easier on your pocketbook and your busy schedule? Check out any of Holiday’s alternative “Grand” canyon river rafting trips!

5–6 Day Upper Grand Canyon

Visit legendary landmarks such as Vasey’s Paradise, the Little Colorado River, and Redwall Cavern
Although the most famous whitewater is found in the lower canyon, the upper still holds some major rapids such as Nevills and Hance
A narrow, sheer-sided chasm, winding through the uplifted Kaibab Plateau
The first 61 miles of Marble Canyon are the most photographed, perhaps the most scenic portion of the Grand Canyon
Hike up and out to the rim on the iconic Bright Angel Trail

8–9 Day Lower Grand Canyon

Granite gorges and punctuated by massive whitewater
Hike from the rim to the river down the iconic Bright Angel Trail
Legendary rapids reside in this lower portion of the canyon, beginning with Horn Creek and continuing through Hermit, Crystal, and Lava Falls
Epic side canyon hikes peppered throughout the lower gorge, such as Elves Chasm and Deer Creek Falls
Swim in the turquoise pools of Havasu Creek (conditions permitting)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Upper section or the Lower section the better trip?

There are some distinguishing factors between the two. The Upper section is noted to have many of the more famous landmarks, such as Redwall Cavern and the confluence of the Little Colorado River. The Lower section has the more famous rapids, such as Crystal and Lava, as well as containing some of the longer hikes of the trip.

You should also consider whether you would prefer to hike up to the rim after your river trip (required for the Upper section), or hike down to the river from the rim (required on the Lower section).

What kind of boats will we be on?

Just like Holiday, Outdoors Unlimited do not use motors on any of their trips. You will be riding along on an oar-powered raft, or get in on the action in a paddle boat.

Find more FAQ’s here!

Why Choose Outdoors Unlimited?

Holiday has partnered with OU for many years, and the fit has always been seamless. Of the many outfitters operating in the Grand Canyon, OU most closely aligns with the values and ethos of Holiday.

They were founded in 1969, just a few years after Holiday. And like us, they abstain from the use of motors on their trips, and instead embrace the quiet majesty of the canyon with oar rafts and paddle boats. They employ experienced guides who have made a career of facilitating quality trips.

In their own words, OU was founded “because of the adventure and the love of the places we visited. As new techniques and technology have advanced in rafting, OU has worked continuously at being at the forefront of the industry’s evolution. The art of creating a quality river trip and facilitating a memorable experience, we believe, begins and ends with caring about what we do.”