Colorado River Rafting
Hualapai River Runners
Whitewater rafting is a thrilling way to experience the Grand Canyon, and whitewater rafting at Grand Canyon West is truly an experience like no other. Hualapai River Runners offer one- or two-day rafting experiences, led by experienced river guides.
In addition to exciting rapids, hiking at Travertine Cavern Falls, local wildlife viewing, lunch along the banks of the river, and the option to take an exciting helicopter ride from the river up to Grand Canyon West, participants will learn about the Hualapai Tribe and their connection to the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River.
About the Hualapai River Runners
Packages
One-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip w/ Helicopter | $470
- What's included
- Things to know
- Transportation to and from the Hualapai Lodge
- River guide trained on river conditions, river rescue, swift water rescue, and emergency medical procedures
- Dry bag in case you choose to take along a change of clothing
- Hike to Travertine Cavern Falls
- Lunch and snacks & beverages as needed
- Helicopter lift to Grand Canyon West. If you prefer not to fly there are other options
- You should bring plenty of sun screen.
- You will get completely drenched so quick dry clothing is recommended.
- Check in starts at 7 a.m. in the lobby of the Hualapai Lodge. (see HRR Concierge)
- Bus to the Colorado River departs the Lodge at 8 a.m.
- Minimum Age for this tour is 8 years.
- You can add on one of two optional tours: Skywalk or Zip Line. (add to order or ask HRR Concierge at check-in)
- The water is 45° Fahrenheit year round.
- Available Daily from March 15 - October 31.
River Special | $1,786
- What's included
- Things to know
- One Room for One Night at the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs, AZ.
- One-Day Whitewater Rafting for 4 participants. See above for details.
- You must call our reservation line to receive this promotion.
- The Hualapai Lodge is located in close proximity to an active Railroad. Trains pass by every 15-20 minutes. Complimentary ear plugs are available.
Waterwalk Add On | $50
- What's included
- Things to know
- Transportation from the Helicopter Terminal to the Skywalk.
- Front of Line Admission to the Skywalk.
- Transportation back to the Helicopter Terminal.
- This is an Add On tour for Whitewater Rafters ONLY
- You will have approximately 1 hour to visit the Skywalk
- You must use the Hualapai River Runners transportation (provided)
- Cameras and cell phones are not permitted on Skywalk
Two-Day Whitewater Paddle Rafting | $740
- What's included
- Things to know
- Transportation to the Colorado River from the Hualapai Lodge via Diamond Creek Road
- Experienced Paddle Captain trained on river conditions, river rescue, swift water rescue, and emergency medical procedures
- Two days and one night in the Grand Canyon
- Lunch & dinner on day one and breakfast & lunch on day two
- Short hike to Travertine Cavern Falls on day one
- Camping at Spencer Canyon
- Helicopter flight out of the Canyon to Grand Canyon West on day two. If you prefer not to fly then other arrangements can be made
- Transportation back to the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs
- Minimum age for this tour is 12 years.
- This tour requires physical strength and endurance.
- You will get wet. Quick Dry clothing is recommended.
- A Dry Bag is provided if you choose to bring a change of clothing.
- Bring plenty of Sun Screen.
- You can add on one of two optional tours: Skywalk or Zip Line. (add to order or ask HRR Concierge at check-in)
- The water is 45° Fahrenheit year round.
The Hualapai Experience | $3,013
- What's included
- Things to know
- One room for one night at the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs, AZ.
- Two-Day Whitewater Paddle Rafting for 4 participants. See above for details.
- Waterwalk for 4 participants. See above for details.
- You must call our reservation line to receive this promotion.
- The Hualapai Lodge is located in close proximity to an active Railroad. Trains pass by every 15-20 minutes. Complimentary ear plugs are available.
- Water Walk gives you access to the Skywalk for approximately one hour.
Grand Canyon Stargazing & S'mores | $71
- What's included
- Things to know
- Check-in for the tour begins at 6 p.m. in the lobby of the Hualapai Lodge (see HRR concierge)
- Bus to Diamond Creek departs the lodge at 7 p.m.
Trip Details
Gam’yu? (Hello, how are you?) The Hwal’Bay Ba:j, People of the Pines, welcome you. Thank you for your interest in Hualapai RIver Runners’ whitewater rafting trips.
Raft trips depart from the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs, about two hours from the West Rim. When visiting please keep in mind that Grand Canyon West is in Mountain Standard Time. Be sure to leave early enough to arrive on time for any scheduled tours.
Your trip begins with an hour long bus from Peach Springs to the Colorado River. Travel on this maintained dirt road is somewhat rough, but despite the rugged ride you can expect beautiful scenery and occasional wildlife. Nothing quite beats the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon coming into view as you make the gradual descent down to the river.
If you’ve booked a one day whitewater rafting trip, you will be traveling along 40 miles of the Colorado River with an experienced guide. You’ll experience rapids within the first 12 miles. These rapids are adventurous enough for thrill seekers, yet those who may be a little timid no need to worry. Your guide will have your safety and enjoyment in mind. Your first stop will be at Travertine Cavern Falls for a moderate hike and short climb up into the cavern. After your hike you will enjoy lunch along a sandy beach area. We also provide water, soda, juice, and snacks along the way. If you have any dietary needs, please let the concierge know upon making reservations.
After a nice lunch in the canyon, the last 25 miles of the river trip will be a smooth float. Each of our rafters will take a memorable helicopter ride (weather permitting) up 4,000 feet to the Grand Canyon West terminal and enjoy a unique view of the Grand Canyon. Once all rafters are up at the terminal, those who have purchased the Water Walk Tour will depart on a shuttle bus to Eagle Point and the Skywalk. Your bus driver will let you know where to meet and how much time you have at Eagle Point and The Skywalk. Once the tour is complete the group will head back to Peach Springs.
On your return, you will travel by bus 121 miles to the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs. Three-quarters of the drive back is on maintained dirt roads through a Joshua tree forest and Red Lake, a dry lakebed. The return trip will take around 2.5 hours.
The Hualapai River Runners’ two day rafting trip will also depart from and return to Peach Springs, but the itinerary is a bit different from the one-day trip.
FRIDAY NIGHT
Check-in at the Hualapai Lodge on Route 66 in Peach Springs, AZ.
4pm trip briefing at Hualapai River Runner front desk.
SATURDAY
6:30am Check-in at the Hualapai River Runner Front Desk and loading of gear and busses. Trips will depart from Peach Springs. After an hour drive into the Grand Canyon, you’ll arrive at the launch point and begin your whitewater rafting adventure.
Your first stop is Travertine Falls. Enjoy a short hike to this beautiful natural waterfall and bring your camera. Continue your trip to Spencer Canyon, your campsite for the night. Spencer Canyon is where the Hualapai story begins. Set up camp in the canyon for an enjoyable evening and dinner (steak, salad, corn on the cob, baked beans and assorted non-alcoholic beverages).
SUNDAY
Start the day with a hot breakfast and short hike (optional), loading of the boats and packing the gear for the second part of the trip. If you have purchased the Hualapai Experience of Water Walk add-ons, pack your personal items separately (jacket, wallet, phone, etc.), as you will take these items with you on the helicopter ride from the river up to Grand Canyon West.
Instead of continuing in paddle rafts, from this point you will board power pontoon rafts and head down the river to the Grand Canyon West helipads. This portion of the trip allows you to sit back and enjoy the natural beauty of the Canyon on smooth waters. At this point, if you are participating in the Water Walk or Hualapai Experience packages, you will disembark at the helicopter pads and disembark for the rest of the adventure. If you don’t take the helicopter from the river to Grand Canyon West, your journey continues down the river, until you are bussed back to the Lodge in Peach Springs.
After loading the Helicopters, enjoy the ride to the top of the Grand Canyon and home of Grand Canyon West. You will unload at the main terminal and board a shuttle to Eagle Point, where you can walk the world famous Skywalk and visit an Indian Village.
Your Hualapai River contact will let you know where and at what time to meet for the return trip back to Peach Springs, AZ. Expected arrival in Peach Springs is around 6pm.
Packing List
In preparation for your rafting trip on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, we recommend the following personal gear:
- Shorts (lightweight, fast drying material)
- T-shirt (lightweight, fast drying material)
- Hat with visor and strap
- Rain Jacket/Poncho (for use through rapids)
- Tennis/athletic shoes or river type sandals
- Lightweight jacket/polar fleece sweatshirt
- Lightweight pants (fast drying material for sun protection)
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Extra Socks and shoes
- Swimsuit-optional
- Bandana
- Towel
- Sun block (SPF 30+)
- Cameras – All cameras should have straps. We recommend keeping your camera in a zip lock bag, even when it is in your Ammo Can (we supply the Ammo Can). Disposable waterproof or panoramic cameras are excellent choices for your trip.
- Video Cameras – Video Cameras aren’t allowed while the raft is in motion. We have GO-Pros available for rent that are allowed during the float. More information on the Go-Pros can be found at the HRR counter. Since there is no place to recharge batteries we recommend you bring extra batteries. Video cameras will not fit in our Ammo Can, we suggest you check with your local sporting good or camera store for a waterproof bag.
Traveler Approved
English 
Chinese 
French 
German 
Spanish 
Arabic