Colorado
Experience the Grand Canyon from below on a whitewater rafting trip. All you need is one day — the Hualapai River Runners offer the only 1-day motorized whitewater rafting tours of the Colorado River. The more adventurous can embark on a 2-day paddling excursion and stay overnight on the banks of the mighty Colorado River.
Whitewater
rafting Trip
Highlights
- Conquer exciting rapids
- Lunch along the banks of the river
- Hike to the Travertine Cavern Falls
- Spot local wildlife
- Learn about the Hualapai Tribe and their connection to the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River from certified Hualapai Tribe river guides.
During your adventure, you’ll get one-of-a-kind, authentic insights into the lifestyle, culture and traditions of the Indigenous people who call the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River home.
- The shelters and homes the Hualapai built along the walls of the Grand Canyon.
- The tribe’s history, including the 1874 La Paz and how the Canyon served as a refuge.
- The significance of the Colorado River for the Hualapai and the Yuman language family tribes.
- The “Spirit Mountain,” Wikahme myth.
- The geology, plant and animal life on the river and through the canyon on your bus trip to the bank.
- Hualapai historical sites along the river.
Whitewater Rafting Tickets
one-DAY
RAFTING
The only one-day rafting trip on the Colorado River.
STARTING FROM $429
TWO-DAY
RAFTING
Ride the rapids and stay the night on the Colorado River.
STARTING FROM $799
Rafting Adventures
one-Day rafting adventure
The One-Day Adventure includes motorized whitewater rafting, a moderate hike and short climb to Travertine Cavern Falls and lunch along a sandy beach. You will traverse 40 miles of the Colorado River with an experienced guide and conquer the rapids within the first 12 miles with a smooth float along the last 25 miles. The rapids are adventurous enough for thrill-seekers, yet those who may be timid need not worry — your guide will have your safety and enjoyment in mind. Throughout the adventure, water, soda, juice and snacks are available. Be sure to let us know about any dietary needs when making your reservations.
Rafting 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 you can expect beautiful scenery and occasional wildlife despite the rugged ride. Nothing quite beats the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon coming into view as you make the gradual descent down to the river.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Transportation to the Colorado River from the Route 66 Park (across from Hualapai Lodge) via Diamond Creek Road
- Certified river guide trained on river conditions, river rescue, swift water rescue, and emergency medical procedures
- Personal flotation device (PFD)
- Dry bag to store your personal items
- Hike to Travertine Falls
- Lunch and assorted snacks & beverages as needed
WHAT TO BRING
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Hat
- Sunglasses (sunglass rope holders)
- Water-proof phone case (can be purchased at the lodge retail)
- Extra change of clothing (optional)
- Ponchos (optional)
- Towel (optional)
WHAT TO WEAR
- You may get wet, don’t wear your Sunday’s best
- Breathable, quick drying clothing
WHERE TO ARRIVE
Check in is at the Hualapai Lodge located at 900 AZ-66, Peach Springs, AZ 86434
*Age Restrictions: Rafters must be 8 years of age or older.
*Water Temperature: The water is 45° Fahrenheit year-round.
*Available Rafting Dates: Rafting tours are offered March thru October.
Two-Day rafting adventure
The Hualapai River Runners’ two-day rafting trip departs from Peach Springs, Arizona, and offers a jam-packed two-day itinerary of fun and adventure.
Rafting 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.
Saturday
Check-in is at the Hualapai River Runner Front Desk at 6:30 a.m. You will depart from Peach Springs for an hour-long bus drive into the Grand Canyon, arriving at the launch point on the Colorado River, where your whitewater rafting adventure begins.
You will raft to Travertine Falls, where you will enjoy a short hike to a beautiful natural waterfall, ideal for photographs. Continue rafting to Spencer Canyon, where you will camp for the night. Spencer Canyon is where the Hualapai story begins and where you’ll enjoy a dinner of steak, salad, corn on the cob, baked beans and assorted non-alcoholic beverages.
Sunday
Start the day with a hot breakfast and an optional short hike before loading the boats and packing the gear for the second day of the trip. From this point, you will board powered rafts and head down the river.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Transportation to the Colorado River from the Route 66 Park (across from Hualapai Lodge) via Diamond Creek Road
- Certified river guide trained on river conditions, river rescue, swift water rescue, and emergency medical procedures
- Personal flotation device (PFD)
- Dry bag to store your personal items
- Hike to Travertine Falls
- Lunch and assorted snacks & beverages as needed
WHAT TO BRING
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Hat
- Sunglasses (sunglass rope holders)
- Water-proof phone case (can be purchased at the lodge retail)
- Extra change of clothing (optional)
- Ponchos (optional)
- Towel (optional)
WHAT TO WEAR
- You may get wet, don’t wear your Sunday’s best
- Breathable, quick drying clothing
WHERE TO ARRIVE
Check in is at the Hualapai Lodge located at 900 AZ-66, Peach Springs, AZ 86434
*Age Restrictions: Rafters must be 8 years of age or older.
*Water Temperature: The water is 45° Fahrenheit year-round.
*Available Rafting Dates: Rafting tours are offered March thru October.
What To
Pack
In preparation for your rafting trip on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, we recommend the following personal gear.
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.
Where to stay
You can stay at the Hualapai Lodge, situated on the longest remaining stretch of the original historic Route 66 and the starting point for all of the Hualapai River Runners’ whitewater rafting adventures. The hotel offers comfortable standard and double suites, a concierge to help you plan your adventures, an onsite restaurant and a trading post.
If you’d like to extend your trip and travel two hours to Grand Canyon West to walk the sky at Skywalk, explore Eagle Point and Guano Point, Zipline and more, you can stay at the Cabins at Grand Canyon West. Your reservation includes one complimentary general admission ticket to Grand Canyon West (available at check-in). These rustic cabins can accommodate up to six guests and feature a mini-refrigerator and microwave, plus an expansive porch with wooden benches and seats.
