Rafting the Grand Canyon

Hi

I am looking to do a paddle rafting trip of the Grand canyon. I have up to a week so i realise i can only do part of it. I am young (ish) 32, and quite fit and i will be travleing alone from Ireland. I would like to try a fairly averturious trip as its not often that i would do such a holiday. Can anyone point me in the right direction. I am looking for a company with a good reputation and paying a bit extra isn%26#39;t a major issue

thanks

mark

Rafting the Grand Canyon

Hello Mark,

I haven%26#39;t rafted the canyon yet (only hiked down to Phantom Ranch), but have been researching, so I will share what I have learned.

Here is the official park website with explanation of the raft trips:

nps.gov/grca/…whitewater-rafting.htm

And the list of approved outfitters for the trip you want to take:

nps.gov/grca/…river-concessioners.htm

I have heard very good things about O.A.R.S.:

http://www.oars.com/grandcanyon/

They offer both raft and dory (wooden boat) trips. You should read about both to see which you might prefer.

In your timeframe, you will either go from Lees Ferry to Phantom Ranch and hike up (an ascent of 4400 vertical feeet); or hike down to Phantom Ranch to meet the boats, and go from there to Whitmore Wash.

I have heard that the really gnarly rapids are on the lower part, below Phantom Ranch, while the upper part may offer better side-canyon hiking opportunities. Hopefully someone who has actually done it can confirm that.

You might have to investigate several of the companies to find one that has space for you on the dates you want.

Good luck to you!

Mari

Rafting the Grand Canyon

Hi irishmark, I did a 6 day motorized trip last year. The website CanyonMarie gave you about river concessioners is a good one to see what companies are on the river. Then just google the company names and start researching.

Even a motorized trip is a true adventure! Motor (40hp) is small, not distracting and it sure came in handy as we watched as those paddle boats were going nowhere in the current!

Whatever way you decide to go,';Just do it'; You will not regret it. Amazing, adventure. Yes, the rapids are better after Phantom Ranch. They still have some good hikes there too. You%26#39;ll need more time if you decide to not hike in or out.(grueling and hot hike, You must be in great hiking shape for it) Most of the companies are similar. I have heard good things about many of them.

I did Arizona River Runners, they were fine. Canyoneers comes recommended from ';Red Rox';(from this forum) who is on vacation now.

Just read their websites, see what dates you need and if they have the kind of trip you want available.

Come back to TA to ask more questions, but as I noticed, not too many people post here about the different companies or trips.

Choices get limited fast, so you need to make some decisions soon, some will be booked now, it depends on how flexible you are with dates and outfitters. It truly is a wonderful trip of a lifetime. Have fun planning.

The website listing the various companies has ';clickable'; links, so you won%26#39;t need to Google anything---just click.

I suggest you look at several to start, perhaps the ones mentioned so far here, and read about the various types of trip. Then start looking for a company that has an opening at the time you want to come. Many of the trips book up a year in advance, but there should be vacancies here and there.