Smooth-Water Rafting on the Grand Canyon Colorado River

The Colorado River, which carves through the Grand Canyon in northwestern Arizona, is world famous for thrilling whitewater rafting experiences. However, for travelers looking for a more serene setting on the river, the Colorado offers a number of sections where smooth-water rafting opportunities abound. These smooth-water sections of the river allow rafters to enjoy a much more relaxing time as they view the dramatic scenery of the Grand Canyon from the river's vantage point.

  1. Smooth-Water Rafting

    • First, understand what smooth-water rafting is and whether or not it is something of interest during a trip to the Grand Canyon region. Smooth-water rafting allows rafters the opportunity for a calmer experience than the typical whitewater rapids found in many sections of the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. While smooth-water rafting, which is similar to a relaxing float trip, rafters can sit back and gaze at the spectacular natural beauty of the canyon and its environment.

    Reservations

    • When planning a trip to the Grand Canyon and including smooth-water rafting in the itinerary, reservations far in advance of the planned river rafting excursion are necessary. Rafting on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon is a highly popular activity. Reservations for guided rafting excursions are almost always required, as tours tend to fill up far in advance. Making a reservation several months to up to a year in advance of the trip is advisable.

    Safety

    • Understand the safety precautions that need to be taken when participating in outdoor recreational activities in the desert. Remember that although rafting takes place on the water, the Grand Canyon is in an arid desert environment. Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen to avoid severe sunburns while being out on the river all day. Pay attention to and abide by all the safety measures and safety provisions set forth by the river guides. Following these safety steps will ensure a fun and enjoyable day of smooth-water rafting on the Colorado River.

    Half-Day and Full-Day Guided Trips

    • Decide whether a half-day or a full-day smooth-water rafting excursion is appropriate to fit within the trip itinerary. Half-day and full-day trips are the most popular option for smooth-water rafting opportunities on the Colorado River in and near the Grand Canyon. Guided half-day and full-day trips on smooth-water sections of the river are available at both ends of the canyon. The nature of the overall Grand Canyon trip itinerary, including the point of arrival and departure, will likely be a deciding factor when choosing a rafting excursion at either the western or northeastern end of the canyon.

    Western Grand Canyon

    • Guided trips at the western end of the canyon, easily accessible from Las Vegas, Nevada, tend to launch from either Diamond Creek, north of Peach Springs, Arizona, or Quartermaster, east of Meadowview, Arizona.

    Northeastern Grand Canyon

    • Guided trips at the northeastern end of the canyon, most easily accessible from Phoenix or Flagstaff, Arizona, typically occur between Glen Canyon Dam near Page, Arizona, to Lees Ferry.