Our Classic Adventure is the most popular Grand Canyon rafting adventure we offer. This expedition consists of five oar boats and one paddle boat. If available, a hard-sided dory boat may be substituted for one of the oar boats. Perfect for guests of all levels and experience, each rafter has the option to sit back and relax in the oar boat with three other guests, while the guide sits in the center and rows the boat down river, or join five other guests in the paddle raft for a more hands-on experience, while the guide steers from the back and calls paddle commands. This option is ideal for anyone who would like to paddle, but doesn’t want to commit to paddling 100% of the time.
Note: water levels & other logistics may preclude us from having a dory on your Classic Adventure. If that’s the case, you will be informed ahead of time.
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All of our Classic Grand Canyon rafting adventures traverse through the entire length of the Colorado River through Grand Canyon, which is 226 river miles. The Full Canyon option traverses that mileage in 14-16 days, depending on the time of year. This expedition begins at Lee’s Ferry and ends at Diamond Creek*.
In order to shorten this Grand Canyon rafting adventure, guests have the option to hike in or out of the trip, and choose to only see either the first 89 river miles (Upper Canyon option) or the last 137 river miles (Lower Canyon option). The Upper Canyon portion lasts 6-7 days depending on the time of year, starts at Lee’s Ferry with the Full Canyon travelers and requires a hike out of the Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail, a 7.5 mile strenuous hike.
Oppositely, the Lower Canyon portion begins with a hike into the Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail, where those hiking in join the Full Canyon guests. This option ends at Diamond Creek* and lasts 9-10 days depending on the time of year.
*Diamond Creek, a dirt road alongside Diamond Creek Wash, is the only road to the bottom of Grand Canyon, and could become impassible due to severe flooding. Although this is rare, it is possible that trips may need to continue to Pearce Ferry Road at river mile 279, and could cause our expeditions to return to Flagstaff very late in the evening or possibly the next morning.
LOWER CANYON
- 9–10 days
- 137 River miles
- 5 oar rafts & 1 paddle raft (if available, a hard-sided dory may replace one of the oar rafts)
- From South Rim, GCNP to Flagstaff
- Recommended Minimum age: 12
- Maximum group size: 21 guests
- 2024 Prices: $3,998-$4,320
- 2025 Prices: $4,230-$4,579
Photo ©Ralph Hopkins
Classic Adventures provide a direct encounter with the Colorado River and its countless rapids. You meet the river on its own terms, at its pace, quiet and still, pounding rapids, then quiet again. There is undeniable challenge, shared adventure, and personal satisfaction along with the flexibility to meet a variety of interests and changing moods.