What's the Minimum Age for a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip?

Quick Answer

Grand Canyon Expeditions recommends motorized rafting trips for guests 8 and older, and dory trips for guests 12 and older. There's no upper age limit. Adults must accompany any guest under 18 on every trip, and the final call on whether a child is ready is left to the parents.

What's the Minimum Age for a Motorized Rafting Trip?

GCE recommends motorized trips for guests 8 years of age and older. Motorized rafts are the steadier, more stable option of the two trip types, which is part of why the age recommendation starts younger here than on dory trips.

What's the Minimum Age for a Dory Trip?

GCE recommends dory trips for guests 12 years of age and older. Dories are smaller, more traditional rowboats, and it's more likely (though still rare) for a guest to become an involuntary swimmer on a dory trip than a motorized one. That's part of why the recommended starting age is a bit older for this trip type.

Is There an Upper Age Limit?

No. GCE doesn't set an upper age limit, but recommends older guests talk with their physician and with the GCE office directly if they're unsure whether a trip is the right fit.

How Do I Know If My Kid Is Ready?

GCE leaves the final call to parents, with a few things worth considering: whether your child has camping experience, feels at home around water, enjoys the outdoors, and adjusts easily to being part of an adult group for multiple days. Adults must accompany any guest under 18 on every trip.

What If I've Never Been Camping Before?

That applies to plenty of first-time guests, kids and adults alike. Most people sleep out under the stars rather than in a tent, and the experience tends to surprise people who are expecting a "buggy," uncomfortable version of camping.

Minimum Age FAQs

What's the minimum age for a Grand Canyon motorized rafting trip?

8 years of age and older.

What's the minimum age for a Grand Canyon dory trip?

12 years of age and older.

Is there a maximum age for a Grand Canyon rafting trip?

No maximum age, though older guests are encouraged to check with their physician and with GCE's office directly. Please also check our Essential Eligibility Criteria for more info.

Do kids need an adult with them on the trip?

Yes. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on every GCE trip.

Which trip type is better for younger kids, motorized or dory?

Motorized trips are the steadier option and carry the lower recommended starting age (8+). Dory trips carry a 12+ recommendation, partly because guests are somewhat more likely to become involuntary swimmers on a dory than a motorized raft.

Ready to Plan Your Family's Trip?

Whether your family fits the motorized 8+ recommendation or the dory 12+ recommendation, explore Grand Canyon Expeditions' rafting trips and find the right one for your crew.