It was 1869. Ten men in four boats were about to embark on a journey that would cover almost 1,000 miles through uncharted canyons and change the west forever. Three months later only five of the original company plus their one-armed Civil War hero leader would emerge from the depths of the Grand Canyon at the mouth of the Virgin River.

From it's earliest beginnings, when Major John Wesley Powell guided the first boats through the uncharted regions of the Grand Canyon, till the present-day guided tours on inflatable rubber rafts, the lure of the Canyon has drawn thousands of visitors down the Colorado River. Starting in about the 1960's, river running became so popular that it was necessary to implement many restrictions and to issue permits to qualified guides. While this has done a lot to protect the pristine beauty of the Canyon, it has resulted in long waiting lists for that "trip of a lifetime".

Still, it is possible to arrange for several guided tours through the Canyon. Options include large rubber rafts (motorized) or smaller rowboats. Here you will find a short description of each alternative, along with links to various other resources for rafting the Grand Canyon.

MOTORIZED TRIPS

Many commercial passengers on Grand Canyon river trips must base their decision regarding their "adventure of a lifetime" entirely upon the number of days the trip will take and whether or not it can be squeezed in between two weekends. Alas, motor trips provide a means of seeing more of the canyon in a shorter time and can be a heck of alot of fun with the right company and boatmen. Motor trips are offered on big, rubber "baloney boats" that carry from 12 to 16 passengers and crew. They are a rough equivalent of river mass transit. Running the rapids on one of these big boats is not as exciting as riding in a smaller rowboat, but the rapids in the Grand Canyon can be huge - so any size boat affords thrills enough.

A motor trip down the entire length of the Canyon, Lee's Ferry to Lake Mead (240 miles of river, 50 miles of lake), is normally being sold now as an eight day trip.
Most outfitters offer a "half canyon" motor trip option, Lee's Ferry to Phantom Ranch (87 miles). These trips are usually three to four days in duration. Passengers then must hike up a 10 mile trail to the South Rim. New passengers hike down the trail from the South Rim to join a four to five day motor run to Lake Mead.

Some outfitters are now offering five or six day motor trips from Lee's Ferry to just below Lava Falls (180 river miles), where passengers helicopter out to the rim while another bunch flies in for a three day trip going the rest of the way to Lake Mead. I do not recommend this so called "lower Grand Canyon" helicopter in to below Lava to Lake Mead run.
Of course, there are many variations of the above. Call any outfitter on the list and they'll tell you all about their latest motor ventures.

ROWING TRIPS

Rowing trips are slower, quieter, more exciting, and infinitely more personal than motor trips. To the more adventurous, rowing trips are worth the extra time and money.
The oar boats are normally 16-18 feet in length and carry a boatman with up to five passengers - sometimes less. The rides in the rapids are nothing short of amazing. Rowboats flip more often than the big baloney boats, but generally have comparable safety records.

All rowboats are not created equal. Two oar powered options are available in the Canyon. The majority of outfitters row inflatable rafts. However, two companies offer trips in colorful, exciting, little boats called Dories. Either way, if you have the time, and want a true river experience, take a rowing trip.

A rowing trip the entire length of the Canyon will take between 12 and 18 days. Upper Canyon trips range from five to seven days with the Phantom to Lake Mead section taking 8 to 10 days.

OTHER INFORMATION

The cost of this experience varies by outfitter, but you can generally plan on $175/day per person. This will include everything that you need, except for personal items.

Accommodations at the bottom of the Canyon are primitive. Most visitors sleep "under the stars" on the quiet, sandy beaches. Others will utilize a tent, which can be rented from your outfitter if you choose.

Meals are excellent. You'll be served more breakfast, lunch, and dinner than you can handle. Many folks actually gain weight on these trips. Plates and utensils are provided. Outfitters do not normally provide alcohol of any kind, but passengers may bring their own.

Weather in the Canyon varies by season. In the summer months it's hot in the Canyon - often approaching 115 F degrees during the day. Nights can be warm too. Spring and Fall are much cooler, but you can still expect temperatures in the 90's. Thunderstorms are possible anytime, but more likely in mid-summer, and the most rain falls in August. A good thunderstorm in the Grand Canyon is glorious!
Safety is a priority for Colorado River guides. Outfitters and their boatmen are cautious, careful folks. Moreover, they are strictly licensed and regulated by the National Park Service. These trips are about as safe as they can get, given the nature of river running. But make no mistake, the wilderness can be a dangerous place. You just have to be careful down there and use some common sense. Most reported injuries on river trips occur in camp or on hikes and are of the usual garden variety camping mishaps.

Outfitters will provide you with a suggested list of items to bring. They will loan you a waterproof bag for your clothes and, usually, a watertight can for your camera and daily use items ( e.g., sunscreen). You won't need much cash on the river, but bring some for last minute items, a shopping spree at Phantom Ranch (they take plastic too), and boatman gratuities (they don't take plastic).

You can learn more about Rafting the Grand Canyon by visiting Grand Canyon National Park.