12–18 Day Grand Canyon Rafting Trips
The Longest, Deepest, and Most Immersive River Expeditions in the Canyon
Grand Canyon Rafting TRIPS
12–18 Day Grand Canyon Rafting Trips
If you’re searching for the most complete, most immersive, and most awe-inducing way to experience the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park, these 12–18 day expeditions are the gold standard. No other trip style gives you more time in side canyons, more nights under the stars, or more chances to feel the canyon shift around you mile by mile.
These are the journeys that river guides call “life-changing.” The pace is slower, the days are richer, and the canyon reveals itself in a way that simply isn’t possible on shorter itineraries. Whether you choose a 12–14 day full canyon trip or stretch into 15–18+ days, you’ll experience the rare combination of deep silence, powerful whitewater, and ancient landscapes that have shaped Grand Canyon river culture for more than a century.
Unlike motorized trips, which cover more ground in fewer days, these extended expeditions operate exclusively on oar-powered, paddle-powered, hybrid, or dory boats. The result?
A journey that is unhurried, quiet, deeply connected to the river, and rooted in the timeless rhythm of rowing, hiking, and exploring.
Why 12–18 Day Trips Are the Canyon’s Most Extraordinary Adventures
1. Maximum Time on the Water (and in the Side Canyons)
Shorter trips can only stop at a handful of side hikes.
On 12–18 day expeditions, you may hike over a dozen of the canyon’s most iconic places, including:
- Nankoweap Granaries
- Elves Chasm
- Matkatamiba Canyon
- Deer Creek Falls
- Silver Grotto
- Tapeats Creek & Thunder River
- Havasu Creek
- Cremation Canyon
- Tatahatso Canyon
These aren’t quick photo stops — you’ll have time to explore, swim, climb, and absorb the landscapes that are inaccessible by road or foot.
2. The Quietest, Most “Pure” Canyon Experience
3. More Time to Bond With Guides and Group
Without motors, the canyon’s silence becomes a central part of the trip.
You hear:
- the dip of oars
- the echo of canyon wrens
- the current pulling through basalt narrows
- the rush of rapids long before you see them
For many travelers, this natural quiet creates a deeper emotional connection to the canyon.
3. More Time to Bond With Guides and Group
With 12–18 days together, guests form a tight-knit community.
Guides share:
- geology talks
- river history
- stories from decades on the water
- Indigenous cultural knowledge
- star navigation
- outdoor cooking techniques
Friendships made on these long trips often last for years — sometimes a lifetime.
4. Less Rushing, More Living
Extended trips allow guides to set a relaxed pace:
- longer mornings
- extended lunches
- more “layover days” where you stay in one camp
- evening hikes
- time to journal, sketch, or simply relax
This slow rhythm is why many repeat rafters say,
“If you can, go as long as possible.”
ADVANTAGE GRAND CANYON
Trip Lengths, Boats & Exit Options (Mile 188, 225, 280)
Whitmore Wash (Mile 188) — helicopter exit (rare for long non-motor trips)
Diamond Creek (Mile 225) — drive out
Pearce Ferry (Mile 280) — drive out
Most 12–18 day expeditions are non-motorized:
| Raft Type | Typical Trip Length | Style & Pace | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Oar Raft |
12–16 days |
Traditional, quiet, steady; lots of side hikes |
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|
Paddle Raft |
12–15 days |
Hands-on, active travelers, faster-paced days |
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|
Hybrid Trips |
12–16 days |
Mix of paddle & oar; excellent flexibility |
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|
Dory Boats |
14–18 days |
Fast, elegant wooden boats; limited seats; iconic |
Pricing for 12–18 Day Grand Canyon Expeditions
Because these are the most time-intensive trips in the canyon, pricing varies depending on outfitter, seasonal launch date, and raft style.
Typical 2025–2027 pricing ranges:
- 12–13 Day Oar Trip: $5,900–$7,500 per person
- 14–16 Day Oar/Hybrid/Dory Trip: $6,800–$8,900 per person
- 17–18 Day Dory or Oar Expedition: $7,900–$10,500 per person
Demand is highest for:
- dory launches
- late May–early June trips
- September trips
- anything 16+ days
These trips often sell out 12–18 months in advance, with dory seats sometimes gone 2+ years ahead.
Oar, Paddle & Hybrid:
What You’ll See Along the Way (by River Mile)
You’ll travel through millions of years of geologic history and dozens of landmark features.
Miles 0–30 — Marble Canyon Begins
- Little House Rock Rapid
- Badger & Soap Creek
- Sheer limestone walls glowing pink at sunrise
- Vasey’s Paradise
- Redwall Cavern (natural amphitheater the size of a stadium)
Miles 30–60 — Desert Springs & Ancient History
- Nankoweap Granaries (Ancestral Puebloan site)
- Eminence Break
- Kwagunt & Malgosa canyons
Miles 60–90 — Lush Side Streams & Pools
- Lava Canyon
- Carbon Canyon
- The Little Colorado River (turquoise blue, sacred waters)
Miles 90–120 — Entering the Inner Gorge
- Granite narrows
- Crystal, Granite, Hermit, and other major rapids
- Polished Vishnu Schist walls
- Remote beaches ideal for stargazing
Miles 120–160 — Waterfalls & Hidden Worlds
- Elves Chasm
- Deer Creek Falls
- Tapeats Creek to Thunder River
- Matkatamiba Canyon
Miles 160–188 — Toward Whitmore Wash
- Lava Falls (Mile 179)
- Whitmore Helipad (possible take-out)
Miles 188–225 — Extended Wilderness
- Basalt formations
- Travertine Canyon
- Gneiss and schist narrows
- Diamond Creek take-out
Miles 225–280 — Final Desert Stretch
- Peaceful meanders
- Towering volcanic formations
- Pearce Ferry Rapid
- Take-out at Pearce Ferry
Daily Life on a 12–18 Day Expedition
Every day follows a rhythm that becomes unexpectedly comforting:
Mornings
- Coffee at first light
- Hot breakfast
- Camp breakdown
- Rowing through early-morning calm
Midday
- Rapids, wave trains, long pools
- Side canyon hikes
- Lunch under shade
- Swim breaks
Late Afternoon
- Finding camp
- Setting up tents or sleeping under the open sky
- Hors d’oeuvres & storytelling
Evenings
- Fresh-cooked dinner
- Campfire laughter
- Absolutely unmatched stargazing
- Drift off to the sound of the river
These trips feel timeless — days blend together in the best possible way.
Who These 12–18 Day Trips Are Perfect For
✔ Photographers & Artists
Light changes constantly. Every bend reveals a new composition.
✔ Hikers & Explorers
Dozens of slot canyons, waterfalls, and high-elevation hikes await.
✔ Travelers Who Want the Full Canyon
Every major rapid and every major landmark in one journey.
✔ Return Rafters Seeking a Deeper Experience
Many travelers do a 6–8 day motor trip first, then return for a 12–18 day expedition.
✔ Those Seeking Solitude & Mindspace
Longer trips allow for internal reset — no noise, no crowds, no signal.
Who Should Avoid 12–18 Day Trips
These expeditions may not be ideal for:
- Travelers unable to camp comfortably for long periods
- Those with significant time constraints
- Guests uncomfortable with exposure to heat, cold, or remote environments
- Anyone expecting luxury accommodations
- Travelers unwilling to be without cell service for 2+ weeks
These are expedition-style trips, not luxury river cruises.
What’s Included
All outfitters supply:
- Waterproof dry bags
- Life jackets (PFDs)
- Tents, sleeping bags, pads
- All meals & snacks
- Drinking water, coffee, tea, electrolyte drink
- Camp chairs
- Safety equipment
- Guide expertise
- Return transportation from take-out to your meet location
Physical & Mental Preparedness
Because these are the longest trips offered, a baseline level of readiness helps:
Physical
- Ability to walk on uneven terrain
- Comfort climbing in/out of rafts
- Ability to carry 20–25 lbs briefly
- Good hydration habits
- Willingness to hike side canyons
Mental
- Comfort unplugging
- Adaptability to weather shifts
- Patience for long days
- Appreciation of slow travel
If you’re prepared for simple living, natural rhythm, and adventure, these trips deliver beyond expectation.
FAQs — 12–18 Day Grand Canyon Rafting Trips
Here are some major questions related to Grand Canyon Rafting Trips asked by customers.
Yes, for Western Canyon trips and some Full Canyon motor itineraries. Otherwise, shuttles are provided.
Talk to a Rafting Specialist
Ready to Plan a 12–18 Day Canyon Expedition?
Our experts know these long trips inside and out — raft types, guides, availability, seasonal conditions, price differences, and outfitter personalities.
the right dates / the right outfitter
the right raft type / the right take-out point
the best pace for your style
Risk-free holds while you finalize travel plans.
