A raft trip down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon is an experience most people get only once in their lives. Park Service rules regulate the number of rafter that can take to the water each year, and waiting lists can be long. Rafting tours in the Grand Canyon offer floaters a way to get on the water that is both practical and comfortable and a chance to get the ride of a lifetime in a relatively safe environment.
Launch and Duration
You'll find that most tours last anywhere from three to seven days, although true river rats can sign on for longer trips. Many of them start in Marble Canyon and some go as far as Lake Mead at the downstream end of the Grand Canyon. Summer is very popular for rafting tours, even though some of the best rafting happens in late spring and early autumn.
Tour Amenities
Most tours that last longer than one day include camping gear and meals; many operators are very proud of the quality of the food they provide on these trips. Some tour operators throw in special activities before or after the float: spend time at a working cattle ranch; take a helicopter shuttle from Las Vegas to the river; float to Phantom Ranch and hike out of the canyon.
On the River
The Colorado River has lots of turns, and water conditions change frequently. There are plenty of whitewater rapids for rafters who want a hair-raising ride, and some tours travel calm sections of the river that offer first-timers and folks who don't want to get drenched a more mellow experience. The water is cold, no matter what time of year, averaging 50 degrees all the time. Everyone must wear a life jacket on the river, which makes the adventure much safer.
Things to Bring Along
The pros recommend a list of items to bring along on your rafting tour that includes quick drying shirts and pants, a couple of swim suits and socks. Rain gear and fleece will help maintain a bit of warm and dry. You'll need some water shoes while you're on the river, and you might want a dry pair for the beach. Bring sunglasses, a hat, sun block, lip balm with SPF, bug spray and biodegradable toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush).
Age and Ability
A rafting tour through the Grand Canyon may not be the best vacation if your family includes folks younger than 9 or 10. Shorter trips are great for pre-teens, and teenagers can handle just about any tour. Some tour operators can make accommodations for individuals with special needs.
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