We offer 8 and 9-day motorized rafting trips through the Grand Canyon. We also offer 14- and 16-day dory trips through the Grand Canyon. All of our expeditions run the entire length of the Grand Canyon from Lees Ferry, AZ to Pearce Ferry, AZ.

We take the time to make sure you have the best experience possible. We refuse to rush you. Our Grand Canyon raft tours become unforgettable trips for every participant. Only when you have looked up at its rim towering a mile above you, explored its many side canyons, ridden the Colorado River’s exciting rapids, and camped on the river’s beaches can you truly appreciate the Grand Canyon. Time never seems sufficient for all there is to see and do on a Grand Canyon river rafting excursion.

A dory is a hard-hulled boat approximately 18 feet long, carrying a maximum of 4 guests and one guide. The guide sits in the middle of the boat and uses oars to maneuver the boat. The dories provide an extremely graceful ride through the canyon.

This is a National Park Service regulation. Due to limited space on river trips, the National Park Service has restricted guests to one trip per year. Because of this, our guests can only go on one trip per year through the canyon.

The majority of our motorized trips are two-boat trips. Each boat carries 14 guests and two crew members. That is 28 guests total and four crew. Some of our motorized trips are one-boat trips and will take 14 guests and 2-3 crew members. Our dory trips take four guests and one guide per boat with five dories plus support boat(s). Our dory trips have 20 guests and seven crew.

Cots, camp chairs, tents, sleeping bags, self-inflatable sleeping pads (Paco Pads), ground tarp, waterproof gear bag, waterproof camera case (or bag for our dory trips), and a waterproof sleep kit bag.

A Colorado River trip through the Grand Canyon is an adventure! Most people will be more active on the river than at home. Carrying your camping gear to camp, walking uphill on sandy beaches, and getting on and off the boat can be strenuous. You may wish to have a medical check-up before your trip to ensure you are well enough to go on an adventure like this. We recommend preparing in advance for your trip with a pre-conditioning exercise routine. This will help to make your camping experience more enjoyable. Although all hikes are optional, some pre-trip conditioning may allow you to visit a spectacular waterfall or vista.

It is not uncommon for some of our guests to have never slept outdoors. If you think camping is a damp and “buggy” experience, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Although tents are available, most guests prefer sleeping out under the stars.

It is not a problem if you cannot swim. We supply U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs). Each person must wear one at all times when aboard one of our boats. We do stop at side canyons with swimming spots. You may find that you will enjoy them more if you take the time to learn to swim before your trip.

You are extremely unlikely to experience any motion sickness while aboard our rafts. This has not been a problem with any of our guests. The up-and-down action of the boat while going through rapids is fun and lasts for just a few minutes at a time. On calmer water, the motions most people feel are relaxing.

We recommend our motorized expeditions for people eight and older and our dory expeditions for people 12 or older. If your children have camping experience, enjoy the outdoor life, feel at home around the water, and adjust quickly to being with an adult group, they will most likely enjoy the trip with you. We leave the final decision to the parents. We require adults to accompany youth under 18 on our Grand Canyon rafting excursions. We do not have an upper age limit, but we recommend older guests consult with their physician and talk to our office if they are unsure that one of our trips is a good fit for them.

It is extremely rare for our guests to become involuntary swimmers from one of our motorized rafts. In our experience, this generally happens when guests are not holding on well (i.e., trying to take pictures or pretending to be on a bucking bronco). It is more likely (but still rare) that guests will become involuntary swimmers on one of our dory trips. Please remember this as you choose which type of trip to book.

Many of our guests are anxious about the rapids prior to their trip. If you are nervous about the rafts, one of our motorized trips may best fit you. On our motorized rafts, we recommend that those feeling incredibly anxious sit in the center rear of the boat first. Many of our guests who are anxious about the rapids find that they really enjoy them and end up sitting in the front of the raft for them!

We have accommodated people with disabilities in the past. Please contact our office to discuss your limitations and see if one of our trips is a good fit for you. If one of our standard trips is not a good fit for you, there are trips that are operated occasionally that can accommodate many different limitations.

We make an active effort to accommodate dietary needs. Please let the GCE office know before your trip if you have dietary restrictions. We will work with you and do our best to find alternatives for you to eat while on your trip. If there is something we can’t get or something you would like to bring, we can store it for you during your trip. If you have a food allergy, we do our best to accommodate your needs, but please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee there will not be cross-contamination.

We operate most of our trips during June, July, and August when many families plan their vacations. During the summer, average daytime temperatures range from 90-106 degrees, with an average of a 30-degree drop at night. Temperatures can reach 115 in the inner canyon during the hottest times of the year. However, the lack of humidity and frequent swimming, wading, or splashing, helps keep people comfortable. Temperatures are milder in the spring and fall and it can be very pleasant to be in the canyon. Although not common, it can be cool and rainy in spring. Many wildflowers are in bloom in April and May. In the fall temperatures are milder, and the canyon seems to glow in the fall light.

During the monsoon season (generally late July through August), tributaries and side canyons can bring sediment from the rain into the river. This causes the river to run muddy. The river can run muddy anytime there is rain in the area. Rain can also cause rim falls, which are spectacular waterfalls off the tops of the canyons.

The rapids change depending on the water levels of the river. Some are more fun in higher water, and others in lower water. Releases from Glen Canyon Dam control water levels. Whatever time of year you choose to go, you are sure to have fun!

The difficulty levels of each hike will vary and some are easier than others. Some hikes include short walks to shaded areas, while others take some rock scrambling and a little bit of climbing. The guides will let everyone know what to expect when they stop for a hike and they will also let everyone know if they suggest a specific type of footwear for a hike. Hikes are not mandatory and some guests prefer to stay back near the boats and read a good book or take a nap!