7 Day Oar Hiker's Special

2023 Hiker's Special

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Currently not bookable

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2024 Hiker's Special

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Not booking

Learn More

Upper Canyon

A Grand Canyon river trip for the serious hiker. This is one of our most adventurous and beautiful river trips. Each day will be full of hidden slot canyons, clear blue streams, ancient archeology and adventurous whitewater. Finish up the river trip with an arduous 8 mile hike out of the Grand Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail. Trip price includes optional ground transportation from Las Vegas, NV to Marble Canyon, AZ on day 1.

We are currently not accepting 2023 reservations for this trip. Read our blog to learn more.

Trip Information

7 Days, 6 Nights

Begins
Las Vegas, NV or South Rim Grand Canyon
Ends
South Rim Grand Canyon
River Miles
89 Miles from Marble Canyon to South Rim
Minimum Age
12 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
Ground transportation from Las Vegas, NV to Marble Canyon, AZ on day 1 (optional)
89 river miles in oar 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 does not include: Lodging before and after your trip, transportation from the South Rim after trip ends, National Park entrance fee, personal travel insurance, and gratuity.

>Reservation Info/Cancellation Policy

Trip Itinerary

Pre-Trip

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.

Day 1

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. Then guests board shuttles for a brief ride to the launch point at Lees Ferry. Guests repack into the provided dry bags and get underway by late morning. Let the journey begin!

River Days

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.

Final Day

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.

What people say

“I wanted to let you know how glad I am that I booked my trip with ARR. [It] was an amazing group of rivermen to spend 10 days in the grand canyon with! Every single one of your guides was knowledgeable about the area, fun and positive, and just full of laughter the entire trip. Your equipment was top notch as well and I felt safe and well cared for the entire time. In other words, I'm already planning my next trip with ARR! Thank you so much for making my first Grand Canyon trip absolutely unforgettable.”
— Nicole, Richmond VA

“This was a trip of a lifetime. We enjoyed everything from the morning coffee, to the duffel line, from the stories on the river, to the songs sung around camp, to the delicious meals, to the breathtaking view around every corner. We loved the side hikes, camaraderie of the crew and passengers, and most all the time to get away from phones, emails, news, etc and just enjoy one of the most amazing wonders of the world. We felt like we were part of the canyon. I know I will carry this trip with me forever.”
— Erin, Sarasota, FL