Rafting trips through the upper Grand Canyon take you into an incredible landscape. You’ll start at Lees Ferry in a narrow, sheer-sided chasm, winding through the uplifted Kaibab Plateau. Iconic Redwall Limestone soars above you and the rim quickly disappears from view. And then the rapids start. Although the most infamous whitewater is in the lower canyon, you’ll get plenty of splashing up here, too. Hold on through the Roaring Twenties, Hance, and Sockdolager, just to name a few.
The first 61 miles of Marble Canyon are the most photographed, perhaps the most scenic miles of the Grand Canyon. Float beneath the hanging garden of Vasey’s Paradise and feel the impossibly soft sand of Redwall Cavern. Experience the incomparable confluence with the milky blue water of The Little Colorado River. Side canyon hikes are one of the great wonders of Grand Canyon. Wander the polished floors of Shinumu Wash. Hike to the iconic granaries of Nankoweap Canyon. Check out the test tunnels where the Marble Canyon Dam was almost built, or explore the twists and turns of Carbon Creek.
Your upper Grand Canyon rafting trip ends at Phantom Ranch, deep within the polished schist-and-granite walls of the Inner Gorge. This gem of the Colorado is indeed one of the most scenic places on earth.
Holiday River Expeditions is proud to offer Grand Canyon trips in partnership with our authorized Grand Canyon concessionaire affiliate, Outdoors Unlimited. They feel just as passionately as we do about running trips without motors. Choose between being a passenger or a participant on these whitewater river trips: both oar raft and paddle boat trips are offered. Make your reservations well in advance because demand for this world-class adventure is high! You can check current Grand Canyon trip availability here.
Please Consider:
Upper Grand Canyon trips involve a strenuous, 9-mile, uphill hike out of the canyon from the Colorado River to the South Rim; therefore, we recommended this trip only for people who are in good physical condition.
