According to most estimates, the Grand Canyon is home to at least 80 big water rapids. While by no means exhaustive, the following list covers most of the major rapids (and some common put-in and take-out points) that can be found within the Grand Canyon's idyllic slice of the Colorado River.
Whirlpool Rapids Gorge—Niagara River, New YorkThe Niagara Gorge is a deadly section of exploratory rapids. As the water travels through, it reaches about 30 mph, creating the Class 6 Whirlpool Rapids, some of the most extreme in the entire world.
While other rivers follow a whitewater rating system of I-V, Grand Canyon rapids are rated on a scale of 1-10. Some of these rapids are extremely difficult to run unless you are a very experienced river runner who has run similar-sized rapids in the past successfully.
Lava and Hermit are the biggest and most challenging rapids depending upon the flows and craft being used to run the river. These two rapids have the most flips. Crystal, Horn, and House Rock Rapid also cause many rafters problems.
Feel the thrill of being at the river's edge! White Water Walk offers a first-hand lesson in the raw power and peril of the Niagara River's Class 6 whitewater rapids, some of the wildest in North America.
The Yellowstone River is classified as Class II-III rapids from Yellowstone National Park to Paradise Valley (the first 18 miles of legally navigable whitewater on the Yellowstone River).
Most of the rapids Hells Canyon are classified as a Class III and Class IV, which means you're in for a wild ride and you're definitely getting wet. The two most intense rapids are at the beginning of the trip. Both are Class IVs.
Futaleufu River, ChileA number of river rafting pros and enthusiasts consider it to be one of the most challenging rapids in the world. The white water rafting river is ensconced in the valleys of brooding cliffs. Especially, the Upper Section of the Futaleufu River is navigated by only expert rafters.
While most people can raft Class 4 rapids for their first time, there are several requirements. The minimum age to raft Class 4 rivers, depending on the river and company, is 12-14 years old. Many Class 4s recommend that you are in good physical condition, on the adventurous side, and know how to swim.
These rapids are often best saved for those who have rafted before, but that doesn't necessarily rule out the first-time adventure-seekers. If you're in great shape and ready for a physical and mental challenge, you may be ready for Class IV rapids rafting trip on your first river expedition.
The Niagara Gorge is a deadly section of exploratory rapids. As the water travels through, it reaches about 30 mph, creating the Class 6 Whirlpool Rapids, some of the most extreme in the entire world.
Lava Falls is the most famous and most formidable rapid in Grand Canyon National Park. Fabled for its steep drops and highly technical rapid layout, Lava Falls is rated as a Class 10 rapid, the highest rating a rapid can receive under the Grand Canyon's older classification system.