Can you float through the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon is one of the world's preeminent backcountry experiences. More than 20,000 people float through the canyon every year and more would if they could. “When I put my name on the list for a permit to do a private trip down the canyon, they estimated the wait was 10 years,” says Allen O'Bannon.



People Also Ask

Top 10 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Rafting the Grand Canyon
  • Colorado River Rapids Are Dangerous. ...
  • Skin Needs to Be Protected. ...
  • Bring Plenty of Alcoholic Beverages. ...
  • The Bathroom Situation is Very Primitive. ...
  • Some Optional Gear Is Worth Its Weight in Gold. ...
  • Your Eyes Need Protection. ...
  • Know That You Are Going to Get Wet.


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The Grand Canyon is rated Class IV with few Class V rapids and numerous Class I – III rapids as well. Because options range from paddling and navigating the rapids as a team to riding along in an oar-powered raft, the Grand Canyon is a great rafting trip for people of all ages and abilities.

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Options include motorized rafts, oar rafts, paddle rafts, and dories. To help narrow down your list of potential trip options, selecting a raft type that meets the desires of your group is a good place to start. However, your physical abilities and the length of your vacation time will affect your options as well.

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Every visitor to Grand Canyon West is required to purchase a General Admission ticket. Optional activities, such as Skywalk, helicopter, boat tours and zipline tours can be purchased at an additional cost. Explore ticket options, including bundled savings opportunities.

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Those who take trips to visit the Grand Canyon have three popular alternatives for reaching the bottom. The options are hiking, using a mule, or rafting through the Colorado River. Hiking and rafting are two popular activities in the Grand Canyon for gaining access to the bottom.

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The Colorado River through Grand Canyon averages 300 feet (91 m) across and about 40 feet (12 m) deep. The average flow is between 12,000 and 15,000 cubic feet per second (cfs).

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DO NOT attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day, especially during the months of May to September. Many options are available for day hikers. Both the South Rim and the North Rim offer rim trail hikes that have spectacular views of the inner canyon, some on paved trails.

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Class IV Rapids - Whitewater with Obstacles and More Technical Skills » Larger waves, narrow passages, and multiple obstacles to avoid requiring precise maneuvering to avoid upset.

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Prefer coming mid-week or at the beginning of the week: not surprisingly, weekends are the busiest at the Grand Canyon. Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the least busy days, followed by Wednesdays.

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The South Entrance to the park can get this busy during spring break, summer and weekends during the fall. If you arrive between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, be prepared for a wait between 45 minutes to 2 hours. Try to arrive before 9:30 am or after 4 pm.

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