Tour Title: 1 Day Grand Canyon White Water Rafting
Tour Duration: 12 hours from Flagstaff
Tour Description:
Travel to Northern Arizona in a comfortable vehicle that seats no more than 14 passengers for an intimate and personal experience. The tour is fully narrated by some of the most experienced guides in the Southwest. We will make frequent stops for photo opportunities at great scenic sites, stretch your legs, and for bathroom breaks.
From Flagstaff, you'll start by traveling past towering Ponderosa Pines. We'll continue on past Historic Williams on our way to the Hualapai Indian Reservation.
We'll depart the Hualapai Lodge and take an hour drive down Diamond Creek road to the launch site. This is a particularly special road as it is the only one of its kind that takes you from the top of the Grand Canyon to the bottom. At the end of course, lies Diamond Creek and it is here that your rafting journey begins. You may even spot the Wild Donkeys that live in this part of the Canyon.
Upon boarding the custom-built, 8-passenger, motorized raft, your experienced Hualapai Indian River Guide (The Hualapai have been guiding these tours for over 30 years) will lead you on a 5-hour rafting journey of the Colorado River. The rafting excursion is 37 miles in length and it will be blast from beginning to end. You'll carve your way through the Grand Canyon, raft the Class II-IV white water rapids on this portion of the Colorado River (12 sets of rapids) and take a brief nature hike into a secret side canyon to the pristine Travertine Falls. After enjoying a light lunch on the banks of the Colorado River where the Blue Heron are know to nest, it's time to re-board your raft and set out again.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife in the area as you relax on a more gentle stretch of the Colorado River. You'll pass through the 4,000 foot cliff walls of the Grand Canyon, stop and explore a secluded wilderness area, and may even catch a glimpse of the Desert Big Horn Sheep or Peregrine Falcons in the area.
At the end of your rafting journey, you'll ascend 4,000 feet from the bottom of the Grand Canyon at the Colorado River up to the rim by helicopter (weather permitting). You'll have a chance to freshen up and shop at the Hualapai Indian Store at the Airport before loading up and heading home.
Pickup Times / Locations:
Pickups at ALL Flagstaff hotels.
Departure time is approximately 600AM from Flagstaff with pickups slightly before that depending on the specific guest hotel. Tour operator will contact guest the afternoon before for exact pickup time and answer any last minute questions.
Type of Transportation:
All of our vehicles will have large windows so you can enjoy the views with no obstruction. Although each of the vehicles is slightly different, the vehicle will be selected to maximize guest comfort, with full climate controlled and individual seating. No vehicle has more than 14 passengers to allow for a personal and intimate experience.
All vehicles have audio PA system in order to maximize you entertainment experience while on-board.
Sorry no in-vehicle bathrooms are available but we make frequent stops where clean bathrooms are available.
We can accommodate a collapsible wheel chair. For a rule of thumb, guest will need to navigate three steps in or out of the vehicle unassisted. Vehicle have assist bars and seat handle for ease of entry and exit. A collapsible wheelchair can be provided but must be requested 24 hours prior to tour departure.
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Options:
A light breakfast is provided at the beginning of the journey. Bagel w/ cream cheese, fruit and orange juice will provide some good nourishment to hold you over to lunch but not too much for the roller coaster ride to come.
Lunch is along the Colorado River. Hogi sandiches with chips and water and soft drinks to wash it down. Choice of vegetarian meals available but we must be notified at time of booking.
Due to the long day the guide will oblige the guests with a quick dinner to go opportunity (at the customers cost).
What to Bring and Wear:
Waterproof shorts (lightweight, fast-drying material), tennis/athletic shoes or river-type sandals, lightweight jacket/polar fleece sweatshirt, lightweight pants for sun protection, hat with retention strap or visor. Bring plenty of sun screen.
Water proof dry bags and ammo cans for storing cameras, sun screen, dry clothes, etc. and rain jacket/poncho for use through the rapids are provided.
Due to the risk of water damage it is recommended not to bring a high end camera but ,with the advancement of the quality, water-proof disposable ones are highly advisable.
Physical Activity Level:
Medium. Optional Light hiking and climbing over sandy and irregular surfaces required in order to see the Travertine Falls.
Motorized rafts due all the work, no need to row, just hang on and have fun.
Included:
Bottled water is provided, but guests are welcome to bring alternate beverages and snacks. Please no alcohol is permitted.
Breakfast and Lunch
Floatation Vests and Waterproof bags
Helicopter ride to exit Grand Canyon (weather permitting).
All permits and admission fees.
Not Included:
Guide tips not included (optional depending how the guest enjoys the experience)
Dinner not included but guide we will stop based on customers request.
Tour Availability:
Tour primarily departs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but may operate different days for larger groups. Tour operator requires four passengers minimum to conduct tour.
This tour is seasonal operates from March to October .
Cancellation Policy:
Guest can cancel up to 7 days before scheduled tour date and departure time and receive a full refund. Due to the cost of the trip and strict cancellation policy we suggest guests purchase travel insurance.
Tour Operator Information:
Complete Tour Operator details, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation email. We select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.
Guests will need to sign a waiver prior to finalizing the reservation acknowledging the cancellation policy and risk.