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The rafting season is from April - October and each month has its’ own beauty. Spring and Fall trips feature more mild temperatures and cooler, more comfortable sleeping conditions. June through August trips are the more popular months and often reach temperatures between 100-115 degrees during the day. The monsoon season begins on June 15 and ends on September 30, but the storms peak between mid-July and mid-August. During this time, you can anticipate occasional showers periodically. These showers often come and go and are refreshing given the high temperatures. If you’re looking for a Grand Canyon raft trip with extended hiking grand canyon, outfitters offer these in spring and fall as the cooler temperatures allow for longer hikes.

While on the river, there are plenty of pit-stop opportunities, and disposable systems should you have to go #2 when not at camp. Just ask your guide and they will accommodate! There are even ways to pee into the river while on raft, privately! When docked at camp, a toilet facility also known as the "Groover" is always available. There is a hand wash station with an "OCCUPIED" sign leading down a path to the toilet. The restroom will have a toilet seat just like what you have at home, and is much more comfortable than a port-a-potty. It will be hidden away from the view of others as placement is carefully decided on by the trip leader (proximity to the kitchen - downwind and not too close to the river) and often will feature a gorgeous view of the Colorado river.

You’ll be happy to know that 70% of our guests have no previous river rafting experience, let alone never have spent a night sleeping outdoors so the answer is no, no previous experience is necessary for most Colorado river trips in the Grand Canyon. The only exception (by a couple of outfitters strong recommendation) would be a lower canyon all-paddle trip as the first couple of rapids are among the largest of the river, and there is very little time to get comfortable in the raft prior to these rapids. An open mind, a positive outlook will ensure you’ll make wonderful memories that will last a lifetime on your Grand Canyon Rafting Trip.

There are 16 commercial outfitters that offer Grand Canyon rafting adventures, and they are all unique in their own way. To begin, all must keep excellent safety records and history per national park regulations. All employ very experienced guides (trained in first aid) with thousands of river miles spent rafting Grand Canyon as well as other rivers in the world. In addition, you can expect high quality rafts/gear and everything you need to ensure an amazing rafting experience. What varies is their individual itineraries: Where trips begin or end, how many river miles they travel, how many days and the raft type. Some commercial outfitters will offer sleeping cots, while others a self-inflating sleeping pad. Some will offer camp chairs, even pillows and even a way to charge you camera battery. Some focus only on non-motor trips, while others offer motor as well as non-motor. These are some of the main differences between one outfitter to the next and I recommend calling us to discuss in further detail. Our Grand Canyon River Rafting experts will match you with the outfitter/trip the best fits your needs.

Regardless of raft type (motor, non-motor) these raft trips are active and include daily side canyon hikes (elective). On these hikes, you will often cross streams, have to step up onto larger rocks, so ideally getting some exercise prior is recommended. Break in your new shoes, walk around in your new river sandals a handful of times to avoid blisters. Walk around your neighborhood and perhaps use an elliptical machine or stair master for a couple of weeks prior. If, however, you are planning a partial canyon trip (upper or lower canyon route) which requires a strenuous 7.5-9.5 mile hike in or out of the canyon, a more serious workout program must be adopted at least 2 months in advance of your trip. Contact us and we can provide additional information.