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5 Day Motor Hiker's Special

2024 Hiker's Special

Cost per person

$2,130

Book

2025 Hiker's Special

Cost per person

$2,200

Book

Upper Canyon

Our second shortest trip is filled with adventure. Even though this trip is only 5 days, it is still one of the most adventurous river trips we have. Expect each day to be filled with incredible Grand Canyon geology, spectacular whitewater, and hikes to little-known slot canyons. The final day, you’ll end your trip with a challenging, but rewarding 8 mile hike out of the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail. Because of this, you must call us to book — online reservations are not allowed.

Trip Information

5 Days, 4 Nights

5 Day Motor Hiker's Special Upper Canyon
  • Begins

    2024 Trips: Las Vegas, NV, or South Rim Grand Canyon
    2025 Trips: Flagstaff, AZ
  • Ends

    2024 Trips: South Rim Grand Canyon
    2025 Trips: Flagstaff, AZ
  • River Miles

    89 river miles from Marble Canyon to South Rim
  • Minimum Age

    8 years of age

What's Included?

  • A rigorous 8 mile hike along Bright Angel Trail
  • An active adventure – be prepared for the physical nature of the trip
  • 2024 Trips: Ground transportation from Las Vegas to Marble Canyon on day 1
  • 2025 Trips: Round-trip ground transportation from Flagstaff, AZ
  • 89 river miles on our motorized rafts
  • Experienced river and hiking guides
  • Side hikes to scenic vistas, hidden waterfalls, and more
  • Two dry bags and a camp chair
  • A tent, cot, pillow, sleeping bag, and sheet
  • Daily meals prepared in our camp kitchen
  • Snacks, water, electrolyte replenishment drinks, sodas
  • Arizona River Runners insulated cup

Cost listed above does not include: Lodging before and after your trip, transportation from the South Rim after trip ends (2024 only), National Park entrance fee, personal travel insurance, and gratuity.

>Reservation Info/Cancellation Policy

2024 Trip Dates

2025 Trip Dates

Trip Itinerary

2024 Trips

Las Vegas Option: Plan to arrive in Las Vegas at least one day before your trip departs. A representative from Arizona River Runners will meet guests early in the morning on the first day of your trip in the lobby of the designated hotel. We will send hotel reservation instructions once you book your trip.

South Rim Option: Best for guests traveling with their own vehicle. Park at the South Rim and arrange a shuttle to Marble Canyon, Arizona, the day before your trip. Reserve your room(s) at the Marble Canyon Lodge the night before your trip.

2025 Trips

Flagstaff: Plan to arrive in Flagstaff at least one day before your trip departs. A representative from Arizona River Runners will meet guests early in the morning on the first day of your trip in the lobby of the designated hotel. We will send hotel reservation instructions once you book your trip.

2024 Trips

Las Vegas guests will meet a representative early in the morning at the designated hotel. Board the shuttle for the scenic five-hour drive to Marble Canyon. Everyone will meet together with the river guides for orientation. Guests repack into the provided dry bags and get underway by late morning. Let the journey begin!

2025 Trips

Meet a representative early in the morning at the designated hotel in Flagstaff. Board the shuttle for the scenic 2.5-hour drive to Marble Canyon. Everyone will meet together with the river guides for orientation. Guests repack into the provided dry bags and get underway by mid-morning. Let the journey begin!
Each day there are opportunities to soak up the Grand Canyon vistas, experience the biggest whitewater in North America, and explore various side canyons, waterfalls, and streams. At midday, lunch is prepared on the sandy beaches next to the river. After a full day, it will be time to set up camp and then relax while sharing stories with new friends. As the sun sets over the canyon walls, appreciate a good night’s rest under a starry sky.

2024 Trips

Early in the morning on the last day, the rafts reach Pipe Creek Boat Beach, and guests pack up for the intense 8-mile hike out of the canyon via the Bright Angel Trail. The trail is well maintained, but it is all uphill, gains a vertical mile of elevation, and much of it is in full sun. There are many log steps and switchbacks built into the trail, and it gets steepest as you approach the South Rim. The trip with Arizona River Runners ends once hikers reach the trailhead of the Bright Angel Trail.

Guests should dedicate the entire day to this hike, and reservations should be made to stay overnight at the South Rim. Guests needing to return to Las Vegas should arrange a charter flight for the day after your trip ends. We will provide you with contact information to set this up.

South Rim Lodging: You will want to stay at the South Rim Village in Grand Canyon National Park the night after you hike out. Lodging should be booked as soon as possible. Reservations in the park open one year in advance and can sell out.

2025 Trips

Early in the morning on the last day, the rafts reach Pipe Creek Boat Beach, and guests pack up for the intense 8-mile hike out of the canyon via the Bright Angel Trail. The trail is well maintained, but it is all uphill, gains a vertical mile of elevation, and much of it is in full sun. There are many log steps and switchbacks built into the trail, and it gets steepest as you approach the South Rim.

After completing your hike out, you will meet our shuttle for the ride back to the designated hotel in Flagstaff, AZ. You will return in the evening, so we recommend staying another night in Flagstaff.

What people say

“The hike out trip was a perfect way to experience the canyon from 'the top down' on the river and then re-live it on the hike up. Of course, sleeping under the brilliant stars was also breathtaking.”
— Chris, West St. Paul, MN

“It was really a perfect mix of rafting and hiking. Can't say enough about the guides. [They] were so friendly and eager to share knowledge and love of the river and canyon. Safety was always emphasized. We had a great hike to Tabernacle. This was also the perfect time of year to be able to hike and raft and we had a great group of people on our trip.”
— Greg, Clarkston, MI

No question too small!

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