Grand Canyon 7-Day Lower Paddle Rafting Trip with Hike In + Helicopter Exit


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The best-organized trip I’ve ever taken. Our guides made every moment special.


Mary, Grand Canyon Expedition


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Under Original Ownership Since 1971

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5 Star Rated Rafting Trips

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 We Provide Everything You Need For a Great Rafting Trip

Overview

This 7-day "paddle only" expedition covers 100 miles of the Lower Grand Canyon from Phantom Ranch/Pipe Creek to Whitmore Wash. The adventure begins with a mandatory, strenuous 9-mile hike down the Bright Angel Trail to meet your guides and rafts at the river. You will then spend your days actively paddling 6-8 person rafts through the canyon's biggest rapids, including the roaring Lava Falls, while a support raft carries the heavy gear. The itinerary features daily hikes into beautiful side canyons to explore hidden waterfalls and pools. Evenings are spent camping on sandy beaches with hearty meals prepared by your guides. The trip concludes with a spectacular helicopter ride from the river to the rim, followed by a scenic charter flight back to Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon South Rim.


Trip Details

  • Itinerary
    Pre-trip evening (South Rim)
    Drive or fly to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Spend the night in a hotel or campground.

    Day 1 – Hike into the Canyon
    5:00 am - Meet our hiking escort in the lobby of the Bright Angel Lodge. Our guide will escort you down the trail to meet the rafts and guides at Pipe Creek. Be sure to bring plenty of water and salty snacks for the 9-mile hike.

    Days 2–6 – Rapids, hikes, and canyon life
    Each day on the river will include off-river hiking and exploring, as well as running major rapids. The guides will prepare hearty meals and snacks. Camping will be on beaches next to the river under star-filled skies. Every bend in the river opens a new vista.

    Day 7 – Take-out at Whitmore Wash & return to Las Vegas/South Rim
    The rafting trip ends on the 7th morning at Whitmore Wash. A short helicopter flight will take you from the River to the Bar 10 Ranch. From the Bar 10, you will be transported to Las Vegas or the South Rim via a scenic air charter flight.
  • Includes
    • Professional guide team for the full 7-day expedition
    • Helicopter transfer from the river at Whitmore Wash to the canyon rim
    • Scenic charter flight from the Bar 10 Ranch back to Las Vegas or the South Rim
    • 6-8 person paddle rafts with experienced guide
    • Meals and snacks from lunch on Day 1 through the final river day
    • Camp kitchen, plates, and utensils
    • Water, lemonade / sports drink, coffee, tea and select juices / soft drinks
    • Waterproof river bag (dry bag) for clothing and personal items
    • Ammo can for small valuables and camera gear
    • Sleep kit: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and ground cloth
    • Cots and camp chairs for each guest
    • Two-person dome tents available or in case of inclement weather
    • Coast Guard–approved life jackets
    • 32 oz water bottle and 12 oz coffee mug (souvenir)
    • Duffel bag for end of trip (souvenir)
  • Excludes
    • Travel to and from the Grand Canyon South Rim before the trip
    • Pre-trip hotel nights at the Grand Canyon South Rim
    • Grand Canyon National Park entry fee (payable upon arrival at the South Rim)
    • Alcoholic beverages and specialty soft drinks (guests may bring a limited personal supply)
    • Personal clothing, footwear, and toiletries
    • Travel insurance and optional trip-cancellation coverage
    • Guide gratuities
  • What to Bring
    • River clothing: quick-dry shorts and shirts, swimsuits, a lightweight long-sleeve sun shirt, and breathable layers
    • Warm layer and rain gear: a fleece or sweatshirt plus a 2-piece rain jacket and pants
    • Footwear: river-ready sandals with a heel strap (Chaco, Teva, Keen, etc.) and athletic shoes or light hiking shoes for walks and hikes
    • Sun protection: wide-brimmed hat or cap, sunglasses with a strap, sunscreen, and SPF lip balm
    • Personal items: toiletries, any required medications, a small personal first-aid kit if desired, a headlamp, and a camera
    • Backpack (to carry your personal gear) and water bladder or extra water bottles for the hike into of the Canyon
    • Photo ID for end of trip flight
    A more detailed packing list will be sent to you upon booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What rivers do you raft?

    We run the Colorado River and Green River – including Grand Canyon, Cataract Canyon, Desolation Canyon, and Westwater Canyon – as well as the remote Tatshenshini & Alsek Rivers in Alaska.

  • Is there a minimum age requirement for your rafting trips?

    Yes — the age requirement depends on the trip:


    • Grand Canyon: 12 yrs (motorized) | 14-16 yrs (rowing/paddle)
    • Cataract Canyon: 12-14 yrs (depending on flows)
    • Desolation Canyon: 6-8 yrs (min weight 50 lbs)
    • Westwater Canyon: 12-14 yrs (depending on flows)
    • Alaska: 14-16 yrs (depending on flows)
    • 1-Day Trips: 6-8 yrs (min weight 50–60 lbs)
  • What should I bring / how do I pack?

    We provide most major gear (cots, sleeping bags, dry bags, etc.). We recommend lightweight, quick-drying clothing layers, rain gear, water shoes, and extra camera batteries — especially since you’ll be “unplugged” on river time.


    We will provide you with a detailed packing list upon booking.

  • What happens if there’s an emergency?

    CRATE trips take place in remote wilderness areas where medical care, communication, and evacuations may be limited or delayed. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and will provide reasonable care in the field, but outside assistance depends on weather, terrain, aircraft availability, and local resources. Evacuations—including helicopter transport—are not guaranteed and may require moving to a safer location or waiting for conditions to improve. Wilderness travel carries inherent risks, and emergency response options can be unpredictable. In remote situations, evacuation costs are your responsibility; we recommend travel insurance.

  • Can I book a private or chartered trip?
  • Will I have cell service and power?

    On-river you will likely have no cell service — that's part of the unplugged, wilderness experience. Charging options for your phone or camera are limited to bringing extra batteries, portable power banks, or solar chargers.


Policies

  • Code of Conduct
    CODE OF CONDUCT 

    At Colorado River & Trail Expeditions, we are committed to providing safe, enjoyable, and memorable whitewater rafting experiences for our customers. Our success depends on the professionalism and responsibility of our employees, as well as the respect and cooperation of our customers. To ensure a positive and enriching experience for everyone involved, we have established the following Code of Conduct:

    Dignity and Integrity: 
    • We conduct ourselves with honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions, whether with employees, customers, or fellow adventurers. 
    • We treat all individuals with dignity and respect, valuing diversity and embracing differences. 
    Respect for All: 
    • Treat all individuals with respect, courtesy, and dignity, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic. 
    • Show respect and gratitude to your guides and crew members. They are there to ensure your safety and provide an enjoyable experience. 
    • Respect each individual’s need for privacy during personal moments such as changing clothes, urination, and bathing, by maintaining a discreet distance and refraining from intrusive behavior to ensure a comfortable and respectful experience for all. 
    Zero Tolerance for Disrespectful Behavior: 
    • Disrespectful behavior, including but not limited to harassment, discrimination, bullying, hazing, or any form of intimidation, will not be tolerated.
    Safety and Environmental Stewardship: 
    • Safety is our top priority. We follow all safety guidelines and procedures to protect the well-being of our employees and customers. 
    • We are committed to environmental stewardship and follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the areas we explore.
    Alcohol & Drug Policy: 
    • Alcohol consumption during trips should be responsible and respectful of others' comfort and safety. Alcohol should only be consumed in camp and in moderation. Excessive drinking is discouraged. 
    • The use of recreational drugs during trips is strictly prohibited.
  • Dietary and Allergies Policy
    Dietary Restrictions:
    We may not have the resources to fully accommodate restrictive diets in the wilderness, especially if they require special preparation. Our menu offers a variety of options, with limited gluten-free and vegetarian alternatives available if requested in advance. For non-dairy diets, we provide almond or soy milk, but not other substitutes. Guests are welcome to check ingredient labels in our camp kitchen.

    Allergies:
    If you have severe allergies causing breathing issues or anaphylaxis, consult us before booking. This rafting trip may not be suitable for those with severe food allergies due to potential cross-contamination. Non-severe allergy travelers must self-monitor food intake.

     
  • Health and Physical Requirements
    HEALTH & PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS
    People of all ages have enjoyed this river trip with us. Our major concern is that participants be in good health and good physical and mental condition. We do not recommend this trip for those with chronic heart trouble, back pain, severe arthritis, or for anyone recuperating from recent surgery. Pregnant women should check with their physicians. Factors such as age, weight, lack of conditioning, heart or other chronic diseases, may be exacerbated due to the unique environmental conditions and physical challenges of a rafting adventure. With this in mind, please let us know if you have any health conditions of which we should be aware.

    Essential Eligibility Criteria for Rafting Trips: 
    • Be able to wear & properly fasten Type V Life Jacket provided by CRATE (max. chest size 58”) 
    • Be able to get on and off the boat multiple times each day 
    • Be able to hold on to ropes, handholds, and safety lines aboard the raft 
    • Be able to assist in self rescue in case of falling overboard, such as swim to the raft and/or catch and hold on to a thrown safety rope. 
    • Be able to carry personal gear on and off the boat and to/from the campsite 
    • Be able to set up personal campsite (tent, camping gear, etc.) 
    • Be able to walk over sand, rocks, unimproved trails and other uneven terrain 
    • Be able to withstand extended environmental elements, including exposure to extreme heat, cold, wind, and rain.
    Lifejacket / PFD Policy
    All guests must wear our Coast Guard-approved life jacket (personal flotation device or PFD) at all times while on the water. To properly fit into a life jacket, guests must meet the following requirements:
    • Be at least 50 pounds
    • Chest size under 58 inches
  • Physical Capability Policy: Bright Angel Trail
    All participants on Upper and Lower Grand Canyon trips must be physically capable of completing a mandatory, strenuous hike. There are no optional or alternative routes into or out of the Canyon; this hike is essential for the expedition.

    • The Hike: You will hike the Bright Angel Trail, covering approximately 8-9 miles, with about a mile in elevation gain/loss.
    • Timeframe: For the average person, hiking down to the river takes about 4 hours, while hiking out of the Canyon typically takes 4 to 6 hours. It can definitely take longer than this.
    • Physical Requirement: Upper Canyon guests must hike out (uphill), and Lower Canyon guests must hike down (downhill).
    • Self-Sufficiency: You are required to carry all your own gear, food, and water in a soft, frameless backpack.
    • Extreme Conditions: Be prepared for desert environments where temperatures can reach 120°F.
    • Health Warning: Guests with a history of joint issues, asthma, heart conditions, or recent surgery must consult a physician before attempting this hike.
    Preparation: Training should begin months in advance and focus on cardiovascular stamina and leg strength.
  • Age Requirements GC
    Minimum Age Requirement:
    • Grand Canyon Motor: 12 years old at time of travel
    • Grand Canyon Non-Motor: 14 years old at time of travel
    • Grand Canyon Paddle Rafts: 16 years old at time of travel
    * All youth must be at least 50 pounds to fit properly into a PFD

  • Colorado River & Trail Expeditions Policies GC
    Colorado River & Trail Expeditions reserves the right to cancel, delay, or reschedule any expedition due to weather or river conditions or lack of sufficient reservations. In the event of cancellation or rescheduling by us, deposits and payments will be totally refunded or applied to another trip according to your wishes.

    Grand Canyon Restrictions: Rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is limited to one private or commercial trip per-person each year. We are required to submit the full legal name, address, and date of birth for all Grand Canyon customers to the National Park Service for their review. This information will be used only to enforce their “no repeat” policy. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact our office before reserving a Grand Canyon trip.

    Travel Insurance Policy:
    We strongly recommend that you sign up for travel insurance to protect the monetary investment you have made in your river trip.  For more information or to purchase the available plans, visit https://www.travelexinsurance.com/ or contact Travelex Insurance at 1-800-228-9792 and reference location number 44-0060.

  • Colorado River & Trail Expeditions Cancellation
    Cancellation Policy:
    Half of your deposit is refundable up to 120 days prior to departure if you must cancel your reservation for any reason. Final payment on your account is due 90 days prior to departure and is non-refundable unless you or we are able to fill the vacancy. We reserve the right to resell trips if final payments are not made in a timely manner and arrangements for late payments have not been made with our office.

    This means if you are unable to go on the river trip and have to cancel your reservation after your deposit and/or final payment has been made, we will not refund your money unless you or we are able to find someone else to take your place. It also means that we will not issue a refund if you arrive late and do not make it on the trip due to travel delays, flight cancellations, illness, or other reasons.

    Cancellation Policy for Private Groups/Charters:
    If you have joined a private charter trip, your deposit is non-refundable. Final payment is due 120 days prior departure. We reserve the right to re-sell trips if final payments are not made in a timely manner and arrangements for late payments have not been made with our office.

    Your deposit and your final payment are non-refundable unless you or we are able to fill the vacancy. This means if you are unable to go on the river trip and have to cancel your reservation after your deposit and/or final payment has been made, we will not refund your money unless we are able to find someone else to take your place. It also means that we will not issue a refund if you arrive late and do not make it on the trip due to travel delays, flight cancellations, illness, or other reasons.

FROM: $4,250.00

Meeting Location: 9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
Begins: 5 AM

Duration: 7 Days/6Nights

Age Restrictions: Minimum Age: 16 Years