Grand Canyon Rafting Adventure
Grand Canyon Rafting Sample Itineraries — Full, Upper, Lower & Western Canyon Trips
Glen Canyon Day Raft Trips
Visualize Your Grand Canyon Adventure — Trip Lengths, Routes, and Highlights
Wondering what a Grand Canyon rafting trip itinerary really looks like? This guide breaks down the four main rafting sections — Full, Upper, Lower, and Western Canyon — with sample itineraries that show trip durations, key landmarks, river mile markers, and highlight stops along the way.
Whether you have three days or two weeks, you’ll get a clear picture of what to expect on each section: where you’ll launch, how far you’ll go, what hikes you’ll take, and how you’ll exit. These itineraries aren’t tied to a single outfitter—they’re here to help you plan your ideal canyon experience with confidence.
GRAND CANYON RAFTING TRIPS
Daily Itineraries by Canyon Section
Full Canyon Rafting Itineraries
Trip Duration:
6–8 days (motor) / 12–16 days (oar, paddle, hybrid, dory)
River Miles:
0–188 / 225 / 280
Launch Point:
Lees Ferry
Exit Point:
Whitmore Wash (helicopter exit), Diamond Creek (drive out) or Pearce Ferry (drive out)
This is the ultimate Grand Canyon rafting experience. You’ll see it all: Marble Canyon’s polished limestone, thundering whitewater in Granite Gorge, turquoise side streams, and quiet lower reaches perfect for stargazing.
Nearly every major rapid in the park, including House Rock, Crystal, Hermit, Granite, and Lava Falls.
Must-See Highlights
Redwall Cavern, Little Colorado Confluence
Nankoweap, Elves Chasm, Havasu Creek
Vulcan’s Anvil – volcanic plug rising from the river
Incredible stargazing at remote river camps
Exit & Logistics
- Some Motor and few Non-Motor trips end at Whitmore Wash (Mile 188) with a helicopter ride out.
- Most Non-motorized and some Motor trips continue to Diamond Creek or Pearce Ferry.
- Pre- and post-trip lodging typically in Flagstaff for all Diamond Creek trips or Las Vegas or Page, AZ for Whitmore and Pearce Ferry exits.
Best For:
✅ Bucket-list travelers
✅ Groups with 1–2 weeks
✅ Anyone wanting the most comprehensive canyon experience
Compare raft types to find the best fit for your Full Canyon journey.
Upper Canyon Rafting Itineraries
Trip Duration:
4 days (motor) / 5-7 days (oar, paddle, hybrid, dory)
River Miles:
0–188
Launch Point:
Lees Ferry (Mile 0)
Exit Point:
Bright Angel Trail (Mile 88 – hike out)
Upper Canyon trips begin at Lees Ferry, the only spot within Grand Canyon National Park where you can drive directly to the river. This stretch is a spectacular introduction to rafting, featuring Marble Canyon’s soaring walls, gentle-to-intermediate rapids, and iconic side hikes.
Badger, Soap Creek, House Rock, and the “Roaring Twenties” stretch.
North Canyon, Saddle Canyon, or Nankoweap.
Must-See Highlights
Redwall Cavern – a massive natural amphitheater carved by the river.
Vasey’s Paradise – a lush cliffside spring cascading into the river.
Little Colorado River Confluence – sacred turquoise waters meeting the Colorado.
Optional Side Hikes
North Canyon narrows
Saddle Canyon pools
Ancient granaries at Nankoweap
- Rafting ends at Phantom Ranch, where guests hike 7.5–9.5 miles up Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim.
- A good level of fitness is required for the hike out.
- Most outfitters provide orientation in Flagstaff or Marble Canyon the day before launch.
Best For:
✅ Travelers short on time
✅ Active hikers in good shape
✅ Those seeking epic scenery, approachable rapids & classic hikes
Learn more about the Bright Angel Trail hike here.
Trip Duration:
5–6 days (motor) / 8–10 days (oar, paddle, hybrid, dory)
River Miles:
88–188 / 225 / 280
Launch Point:
Phantom Ranch (Mile 88 – hike in)
Exit Point:
Whitmore Wash (Mile 188) Diamond Creek (Mile 225) or Pearce Ferry (Mile 280)
Lower Canyon trips begin with a descent down Bright Angel Trail, dropping nearly 5,000 ft to Bright Angel Beach or Boat Beach (1 mile away from Phantom Ranch). From there, you’ll enter the heart of the canyon — a world of towering walls, powerful rapids, and hidden waterfalls.
Crystal, Hermit, Horn, Granite, Lava Falls (Mile 179).
Key Highlights & Side Canyons
Elves Chasm – an enchanting waterfall grotto
Deer Creek Falls – 180 ft cascade into the river
Matkatamiba Canyon – slot canyon exploration
Havasu Creek – turquoise pools and red rock
Exit & Logistics
- Take-out via helicopter at Whitmore Wash (Mile 188) with charter flight to South Rim or Las Vegas
- Diamond Creek (Mile 225) with shuttle back to Flagstaff.
- Or continue to Pearce Ferry (Mile 280) for a longer float.
Best For:
✅ Experienced hikers
✅ Whitewater lovers
✅ Adventurers seeking side hikes, waterfalls, and bigger rapids
Trip Duration:
3–4 days (motor)/ 4–5 days (non-motor)
River Miles:
188–225 / 280
Launch Point:
Whitmore Wash
Exit Point:
Pearce Ferry
Western Canyon trips are ideal for travelers looking for a shorter, more accessible adventure. Trips often begin with a scenic flight from Las Vegas to Bar 10 Ranch, then a 7 minute helicopter ride into the canyon at river mile 188, Whitmore Wash.
This stretch features basalt cliffs, gentle rapids, warm weather, and iconic formations like Pumpkin Springs.
Key Highlights
Basalt lava flows and cliffs
Pumpkin Springs — a colorful thermal pool
Travertine Canyon & Falls
Stunning desert sunsets & starry night skies
- 40 min. Jet boat ride
- Drive from Pearce Ferry exit back to Las Vegas.
Best For
✅ Families and first-timers
✅ Travelers short on time
✅ Those seeking a fun, lower-impact rafting experience
ADVANTAGE GRAND CANYON
Rafting Itinerary Comparison at a Glance
| Section | Duration (Motor / Oar) | River Miles | Highlights | Physical Demand | Best For | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Upper Canyon |
4 / 5–6 days |
0–88 |
Redwall Cavern, Little Colorado, Marble Canyon |
High (hike out/ascent) |
Scenic hikers, short trips |
||||||
|
Lower Canyon |
5–6 / 8–10 days |
88–225/280 |
Havasu Creek, Lava Falls, big rapids |
High (hike in/descent) |
Thrill-seekers, waterfall lovers |
||||||
|
Full Canyon |
6–8 / 12–16 days |
0–225/280 |
Everything: full rapids, hikes, scenery |
Moderate |
Bucket-list travelers |
||||||
|
Western Canyon |
3–4 / 4–5 days |
188–280 |
Pumpkin Springs, gentle float |
Low |
Families, time-limited guests |
Insider Planning Tips
Season matters:
- Spring and fall offer cooler temps and clearer water.
- Summer brings warm air, splashy waves, and monsoon rains.
- Check seasonal weather here.
Physical readiness:
- Upper and Lower Canyon itineraries require Bright Angel Trail hikes.
- Western Canyon offers the easiest access (helicopter entry, mild rapids).
Physical readiness:
- Motor trips are faster (6–8 days Full Canyon).
Oar, paddle, and dory trips provide slower, more immersive experiences (12–16 days).
Frequently Asked Questions About Rafting Itineraries
Here are some major questions related to Grand Canyon Rafting Trips asked by customers.
Related Guides & Resources
Grand Canyon Weather Guide
Bright Angel Trail Hike Info
Trip Lengths & River Map
Transportation & Access
First-Time Rafter Guide
Grand Canyon Trips
Let’s Build Your Dream Itinerary
Not sure which section or raft style fits your schedule, fitness level, or adventure goals? Our team has personally rafted these sections and will match you with the perfect trip.
One canyon. Dozens of itineraries. One expert team to guide you.
