Everything at the Grand Canyon comes back to the Colorado River. Over millions of years it cut down through the rising plateau, exposing nearly two billion years of rock. Within the national park it runs for 277 miles from Lees Ferry to the Grand Wash Cliffs, through some of the most famous whitewater in the world.
A full river trip is many people’s dream: one to three weeks of camping on sandy beaches, side hikes to waterfalls and running big rapids. These trips are run by licensed outfitters (or by private groups with a permit won in a lottery) and often sell out a year or more ahead. If you have less time, there are shorter ways onto the water.
What to see and do: The Colorado River & Rafting
A multi-day rafting trip
Commercial trips run mainly from about April to October, in motorised rafts (faster, typically a week or so for the full canyon) or oar and paddle boats (slower, longer). Many trips are split into upper and lower sections with a hike in or out at Phantom Ranch. Book well ahead with an outfitter authorized by the National Park Service.
Float through Horseshoe Bend
From Page, a calm half-day trip on the river below Glen Canyon Dam passes right through Horseshoe Bend. No rapids — ideal for families. See the tours page for the bookable trip.
River by helicopter at Grand Canyon West
At Grand Canyon West you can fly down to the canyon floor and take a short pontoon boat ride on the river.
Hike to the river
Fit hikers with a backcountry permit or a Phantom Ranch reservation can hike down the South Kaibab or Bright Angel Trail and spend a night by the river. Read our hiking guide before considering it.
How to get to The Colorado River & Rafting
- Multi-day trips usually start at Lees Ferry, near Page, with transport arranged by the outfitter. Half-day floats start in Page. Boat rides at Grand Canyon West are part of helicopter packages bought there or from Las Vegas.
Insider tips
- The river below Glen Canyon Dam is very cold all year — even in summer the water is chilly enough to be dangerous if you fall in.
- Ask outfitters about age limits: whitewater trips often have a minimum age.
- Summer river trips are hot during the day; bring sun protection and lightweight long sleeves.
Best tours & tickets for The Colorado River & Rafting
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to The Colorado River & Rafting:
River float trip from US$150 Page: Horseshoe Bend Colorado River Half-Day Rafting Trip
The easiest way to get onto the Colorado River in canyon country: a serene half-day trip on the river that passes through Horseshoe Bend itself, with a stop to see petroglyphs. A completely different view of the bend from below.
- Raft through Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River
- Ancient petroglyphs
- Wildlife spotting
Helicopter and boat from US$324 Grand Canyon West: Helicopter & Boat with Park Entry Options
Two short helicopter flights bracket a boat ride on the Colorado River at the bottom of Grand Canyon West. A newer listing with only a handful of reviews so far, but excellent ones.
- Helicopter down to the canyon floor and back
- Boat ride on the Colorado River
- Optional West Rim entry
Combined air and river tour from US$624 Grand Canyon West Plane, Helicopter & Boat Tour from Vegas
Rim to river in a day: fly from Las Vegas, drop to the bottom of Grand Canyon West by helicopter, float on the Colorado River by pontoon boat, then visit the viewpoints on the rim.
- Scenic flight from Las Vegas
- Helicopter to the canyon floor
- 20-minute pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River
Helicopter flight with landing from US$279 Grand Canyon West: Canyon Floor Landing Helicopter
If you are already at Grand Canyon West, this short flight drops you onto Hualapai land near the river, thousands of feet below the rim. Landings like this happen at Grand Canyon West, outside the national park — tours over the park itself do not land in the canyon.
- Land 3,500 feet below the rim near the Colorado River
- About 20 minutes on the canyon floor
- Live pilot narration
Helicopter flight with landing from US$529 Grand Canyon Helicopter Landing Tour with Las Vegas Transfer
The signature Las Vegas splurge: fly from Vegas to Grand Canyon West, descend some 3,200 feet below the rim and toast with champagne beside the Colorado River before flying back. Nearly two thousand reviews.
- Flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the Colorado River
- Landing on a plateau near the river at Grand Canyon West
- About 30 minutes on the ground with champagne and a light picnic
