12-Day Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

Full Grand Canyon Rafting Trip Itinerary

Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash – 188 Miles Start: Page, AZ → Lees Ferry End: Whitmore Wash → Bar 10 Ranch → Scenic Flight Return

Day 0 – Pre-Trip Meeting in Page, AZ

Arrive in Page, AZ the night before your trip. In the evening, meet your guides and fellow guests for a mandatory pre-trip orientation. You’ll receive your dry bags, review packing tips, ask last-minute questions, and learn what to expect on the river.

Day 1 – Launch from Lees Ferry

After breakfast, hop on a bus for the 2-hour scenic ride to Lees Ferry, your launch point at the base of Glen Canyon Dam. Meet the full guide team, pack your gear into the rafts, and begin your descent into Marble Canyon. After a short day on the water, set up your first riverside camp under towering sandstone cliffs.

River Days – Raft, Hike, and Explore the Canyon

Each day brings a mix of exciting rapids, peaceful stretches, and incredible side canyon hikes. Highlights may include:

• Redwall Cavern, a giant amphitheater carved by the river
• The turquoise pools of Havasu Creek
• Slot canyons like Matkatamiba
• Towering waterfalls such as Deer Creek Falls
• Archaeological sites and ancient petroglyphs
• Iconic rapids like Hance, Hermit, Crystal, and the Big Drops

You’ll camp along sandy beaches each night, enjoy hearty meals prepared by your guides, and fall asleep under a blanket of stars.

Final Day – Helicopter Out from Whitmore Wash

On your last morning, float through the volcanic canyons near Whitmore Wash (Mile 188), where your river journey ends. You'll board a helicopter for a quick, scenic ride up to Bar 10 Ranch on the North Rim. Enjoy a shower and a meal before taking a charter flight back to Page, AZ or Las Vegas, NV.

You’ll be provided with two dry bags:

• Large dry bag for your camp gear and clothing
• Day dry bag for items you’ll want access to while on the raft

Essential River Clothing

• Quick-dry shirts (long-sleeve for sun protection)
• Quick-dry shorts or swimsuit
• River sandals with secure heel straps (e.g., Chaco, Teva, Astral)
• Wide-brimmed hat & sunglasses with retention strap
• Lightweight rain jacket (doubles as splash protection)
• Synthetic fleece or puffy jacket for cool mornings/evenings

Camp Clothing

• Comfortable clothes for camp (e.g., cotton t-shirt, shorts or pants)
• Warm layer (e.g., hoodie or fleece)
• Sleepwear
• Camp shoes (lightweight, like Crocs or sneakers)

Personal Gear

• Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, etc.)
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
• Reusable water bottle
• Small quick-dry towel
• Personal medications

Optional but Helpful

• Lightweight sarong or buff for sun protection
• Waterproof camera or phone case
• Journal, book, or small game

A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.

The Day Before Trip Departure

Please plan to arrive at Page, Arizona the day before your trip departure. As such, you will require accommodations in Page, AZ. If desired, Wilderness River Adventures will arrange your stay at Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas for an additional cost. Resort confirmations will be sent along with your trip instructions. You will be charged for your stay at the time of booking.

The Evening Before Trip Departure

The evening before your trip departure you will need to attend our “Meet & Greet” orientation at WRA Headquarters, 199 S. Kaibab Rd, Page, Arizona 86040 at 5:00 pm.

Your river journey ends at Whitmore Wash (River Mile 188), where you'll say goodbye to the rafts and gear. From there, you'll board a helicopter for a short, scenic flight up to Bar 10 Ranch, located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

From the ranch, a charter flight is provided back to either Page, AZ or Las Vegas, NV, depending on your trip itinerary and travel arrangements.

We will confirm your post-trip flight location and timing in advance. We recommend booking any outbound commercial flights for the following day, to allow plenty of buffer time.

Yes. We provide Coast Guard approved life jackets. These are required to be worn by everyone at all times on the river.

Our oar-powered rafts are 6' X 18' rafts made of Class VI base fabric with a Urethane coating. They are rowed by one of our qualified guides and are capable of carrying five passengers per raft. On our oar trips as many as five rafts and 24 passengers can be on one trip, which offers a more intimate canyon experience. We also utilize a Motor Support raft to carry gear, food, and equipment on our summer adventures.

Each of our 18' oar-powered rafts safely transports up to five passengers, and is usually accompanied by five or six other oar-powered rafts in the group. Powered by the mighty currents of the Colorado River and expertly navigated by your guide, you'll feel all that the river has to offer as you traverse miles of spectacular canyons, camp out under the stars and enjoy spectacular riverside meals.

Because oar-powered rafts accommodate only four or five guests, people often choose to diversify their trip by riding with new friends each day. You'll also have the opportunity to be a passenger with a variety of guides, each with a distinctly different personality and unique knowledge of the Colorado River. By late afternoon, all the oar-powered rafts in your group will be nestled on the beach as you settle in for an evening of storytelling, relaxing, and reflecting upon your day.

We also offer a "Hybrid Option" - Our oar-powered "hybrid" raft, also known as a stern-mount, holds six guests who paddle down the Colorado River, guided by our paddle captain. With our hybrid-rafting trips, each day you'll have the choice of riding in the paddle raft and putting your paddling skills to the test, or riding as a passenger in one of the other oar-powered rafts accompanying the trip. Paddle rafting is a team effort enjoyed by all and a true rush of adrenaline for the paddlers, as well as onlookers.

Unlike other rivers that use a scale of I-V, the rapids in Grand Canyon are rated on a scale of 1-10. A "1" is flat water and a "10" is the most difficult rapid to navigate, although still considered “runnable.” The river is a pool drop river, which means before and after each rapid, there is calm water. The river itself is dam-controlled. During your trip, you will see some fluctuations in the river levels. This change in water levels can change the ratings of rapids.

Our rafts are rugged, designed for safety and equipped with complete first-aid kits and emergency communication equipment. Also, on our rafts, there's always a spare outboard motor, plenty of extra fuel and tools stored safely below—just in case replacement or repairs are needed.

All passengers and guides will wear a comfortable Class V life jacket at all times while on the raft.

Wilderness River Adventures guides are highly experienced. Not only are these exceptional men and women trained to take you safely through the most challenging rapids, your trip leaders and guides are also required by Wilderness River Adventures and the National Park Service to:

• Be capable of safely navigating the river.
• Be capable of operating the emergency communications equipment carried and know the evacuation procedures.
• Be knowledgeable of State, U.S. Coast Guard and National Park Service regulations applicable to rafts carrying passengers for hire.
• Must possess a current certification in Wilderness First Responder or a current certification in Emergency Medical Technician credentials.
• Must possess a current certification in CPR.
• Must possess a current Food Handlers Certification.

Out on the river the sun can be intense. Prepare by bringing plenty of sunscreen, bring clothing that will let you dress in layers—including lightweight long pants and lightweight long-sleeved shirt. Be sure to bring a hat.

You’re sleeping under the stars, lulled to perfect relaxation by the sounds of the nearby river! To ensure a comfortable night’s sleep we provide you with a cot and sleeping bag. Tents are available, but our guests love the experience of falling asleep under a canopy of shining stars.

During the day, you will urinate in the river per National Park Service regulations. Each evening when we arrive in camp, a sanitary portable toilet is set up just outside of camp in a scenic location along with a hand washing system.

For oar raft trips the minimum age is 12. We encourage family rafting trips—being together on these adventures is exciting for both parents and kids, and sharing the beauty and thrill of being on the river is an awesome family experience.

You'll enjoy three hearty meals a day with a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat. Meals are prepared by your guides; cooked in Dutch Ovens, Griddles, and BBQ Grills. Due to the limitations and nature of our buffet-style meals, we are unable to accommodate dietary requests such as Kosher meals. We do accommodate Vegetarian and Gluten Free. If you or any participant in your group have any special dietary requirements, please notify our office 4 weeks prior to trip departure.

We provide sleeping bags, a cot, ground tarp, tent, waterproof gear bags, (one for your clothing and one for your sleeping bag) a waterproof box and dry bag for your day gear, and a folding camp chair. You’ll also receive a logo drinking cup. We include all eating utensils, water, soft drinks, snacks and food.

If desired, Wilderness River Adventures will arrange your stay at Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas for an additional cost. Resort confirmations will be sent along with your trip instructions. You will be charged for your stay at the time of booking.

There are several options for experiencing the full Grand Canyon by raft, each varying in length, pace, and how your trip ends. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

12-Day Trip (Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash)

• This classic trip covers about 188 miles of stunning canyon and includes many famous rapids and side hikes.
• You’ll finish at Whitmore Wash and take a scenic helicopter ride to Bar 10 Ranch, followed by a charter flight back to Page, AZ or Las Vegas, NV.
• Perfect if you want a full canyon experience with a dramatic helicopter exit and a slightly shorter time commitment.

14-Day Trip (Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek)

• This longer journey covers roughly 225 miles and continues beyond Whitmore Wash into the Lower Canyon.
• You’ll have more time for hiking and exploring remote side canyons.
• Your trip includes transportation from Las Vegas to Page, AZ at the beginning of your trip, and Diamond Creek to Las Vegas or Page, AZ at the end of your trip.
• Ideal if you want the complete Grand Canyon river experience and don’t mind a bus transfer at the end.

15-Day Trip (Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek, slower pace)

• This trip follows the same route as the 14-day but moves at a more relaxed pace, with extra time to enjoy hikes and soak in the scenery.
• Great for travelers who want to fully unwind and explore without rushing.

No matter which trip you choose, you’ll experience the incredible beauty, adventure, and history of the Grand Canyon.