For many, a whitewater rafting trip into or through the Grand Canyon via the Colorado River is the experience of a lifetime. And it all begins right here at Lees Ferry.
Since John Wesley Powell’s remarkable groundbreaking trip in 1869, thousands of people have become part of the river-running community. The whitewater trips offered by local certified outfits allow visitors young and not-so-young to travel and experience breathtaking beauty, fierce rapids, ancient ruins, side canyon hikes and the unique geological history of the Grand Canyon. Innovative raft design and multiple generations of qualified river runners have opened up the river as a safe and exciting way to visit one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. Many of the river outfits now offer trips for disabled patrons.
Passengers and guides usually stay with us at Cliff Dwellers Lodge and dine at our restaurant before their adventure. The entire river trip follows 279 miles of water from Lees Ferry to Lake Mead. As raft and passengers paddle through the Grand Canyon, the river drops 1,709 feet to the lake and produces some of the most challenging and exciting rapids in the world. Every day, guests encounter torrent waters and heart pounding thrills. While most river rapids are gauged on a 1 to 5 scale (5 being the most challenging) the Grand Canyon is rated 1 to 10. This fact alone assures an adventure that you can carry with you for the rest of your life.
If whitewater thrills aren’t all you seek, the trip juxtaposes its rapids with serene side canyon filled with trickling streams and spectacular waterfalls. Nestled back in lush riparian oasis, you have the opportunity to explore prehistoric cliff dwellings and commune with the Grand Canyon’s unique and isolated flora and fauna. If you are a geology buff, a river trip allows you to venture back through geological history starting at the age of the dinosaurs and ending 1.7 billon years ago when the Southwest was covered by shallow tidal seas.
To become a part of the Grand Canyon river rafting community, book your trip with one of the 20 certified rafting outfits from our community. These outfits offer different adventure packages to fit the needs of guests. Trips vary in length from 7 to 12 days. Most of the outfitters allow singles or couples to sign up for group trips; or you can spend your time in the canyon with friends and family on charter trips. Lees Ferry Anglers and Cliff Dweller Lodge work closely with Hatch River Expeditions. They are our neighbors and they have been operating on the Colorado River for the past 65 years. They have a fleet of experienced boatmen and offer most of the packages mentioned above as well as four-day trips.
Visit Hatch River Expeditions for more information. No matter how you choose to raft the river, you must get reservations in advance. If you are planning a trip down river and need lodging and food contact us or give us a call at 800 962 9755.
