One question we are commonly asked is “Will I be bored?” The short answer is “not likely!” You might find yourself feeling exhilarated, challenged, sun-kissed, or in awe, but boredom doesn’t stand a chance.
Each typical day on the river follows the same flow: waking up with the sun, packing up camp, running rapids, exploring the canyon during side hikes, then pulling into camp at the end of the day to fall asleep under a starry sky. This may sound repetitive, but trust us, no two days in the canyon are ever the same!
Travel through Earth’s history
The Grand Canyon is a geologic wonder, with its walls exposing nearly 2 billion years of Earth’s history! The canyon changes as you travel downstream, with the walls growing taller on either side and exposing new rock layers. Float beneath red sandstone in the morning and next to ancient Vishnu Schist, some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth, in the afternoon.
Surprises around every bend
And it’s not just the rocks that change. Off river right, you’ll see the lush oasis of Vasey’s Paradise, or stop to explore the massive amphitheater of Redwall Cavern and play a game of frisbee. Be amazed as Deer Creek Falls becomes visible, a 100-foot waterfall in the middle of the desert, and take a chance to cool off in the natural swimming pool at the bottom.
Wildlife you won’t find anywhere else
Not to mention all the wildlife! Catch a glimpse of desert bighorn sheep up on a cliff, or watch a California condor soaring high above. You might share a rock with a lizard, see blue herons flying low along the shoreline, and hear the cascading song of a canyon wren in the distance.
World-famous whitewater rafting
Last but not least, you’ll blast through famous rapids like Hance, Hermit, Sockdolager, and Crystal! Start chanting “La-va, La-va, La-va” as you approach the big one: Lava Falls!
Still not convinced? Hear it from a past guest:
“The Colorado River and Grand Canyon provided me and my family such a perfect getaway from the noisiness and busyness of our hectic lives. What a fabulous opportunity to shun electronics (I even ditched my wristwatch) for seven days. And what a special week it was! Each day was filled with white water, adventure, and incredible vistas. Each night we slept under the stars and watched satellites and the occasional meteor. Seeing the night sky in the complete absence of light pollution is a must.
I was struck by how diverse the geologic features are. Day by day we floated further and further down river and back in geologic time. Each rock formation has its own story dating back hundreds of millions of years. The colors and shapes formed over time, the cliffs, caves and slot canyons: amazing.
Some days we’d go on a hike to a remote waterfall hidden deep in the mountains. It didn’t take much encouragement for all of us to jump in and cool off in crystal clear pools. Some were deep and cavernous, others shallow; each unique. It felt so special to be in places that only a tiny fraction of humanity has ever seen.
The wildlife was interesting, and I particularly liked the tiny tadpoles I found in the slot canyon streams. There were lizards, fish, and birds, but the most popular were the bighorn sheep. Nearly every day someone spotted these big beasts walking along the river banks.
Late in the afternoon we’d stop to set up camp. Unlike the rocky and sheer cliffs along most of the river, the campsites were all fine sand. It was great to just sit, swim, relax, and enjoy the most spectacular views.
The Grand Canyon you see from the rim is incredible but just a small fraction of this 200-mile-long wonder. Words can not express the awe and adventure of experiencing the Grand Canyon from the river.” Andy L, Alexandria, VA