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  • ADVENTURES
    • COMPARE ADVENTURES
    • CLASSIC ADVENTURE
    • MOTOR ADVENTURE
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    • SPECIALTY GRAND CANYON RAFTING ADVENTURES
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GRAND CANYON RAFTING ADVENTURES
Trip Comparison Guide

Not Sure Which Grand Canyon Rafting Adventure is Best for You?

Use this handy trip comparison information about each type of Grand Canyon rafting adventure.  Understanding the 3 types of rafting expeditions based on type of raft, amount of physical exertion, interests and ages of your group, and the amount of time you have will help you choose the best option for your Grand Canyon life-time adventure!

Want more details on what each trip is like and the seasonal weather conditions in the Grand Canyon? Check out our quick Guide to Grand Canyon Rafting.

Trip Comparison: Three Types of Grand Canyon Rafting Adventures

Classic Adventure
Motor Adventure
All-Paddle Adventure
Bright Angel Trail Hike - What to Know for Upper and Lower Canyon Trips
Classic Adventure

Classic adventures are on oar rigs

Our Classic Adventure offers the most diverse craft type of all our adventures.

  • Three rafting trip options: (Upper Canyon, Lower Canyon, and Full Canyon) offer flexibility depending on how much time you have to raft
  • Boat Types: five oar boats and one paddle raft (if available, a hard-sided dory may be substituted for one of the oar boats)
  • Who this is for: Guests of all levels and experience, as each rafter has the option to choose their level of adventure and boat type each day
  • Upper Canyon trips involve rafting the first 89 river miles, considered the “upper section” of the Colorado River, then hiking up Bright Angel Trail on the last day of your expedition
  • Lower Canyon trips involve hiking down the Bright Angel Trail on the first day of your trip, then rafting the last 137 miles, or the “lower section” of Colorado River
  • Get the details on Classic Adventures here
Motor Adventure

Motor Adventures are on motor rigs

Our Motor Adventure is a wonderful way to experience the full, 226 river miles of the Colorado River through Grand Canyon. If you have a short timeframe, but want to see the whole canyon, this is the best option for you. Here’s what to expect on a motorboat:

  • Two Rafting Trip Options: The eight and ten-day options are the way to see the full canyon, with the least effort, in the shortest possible time. Our ten-day options are in the Spring and Fall only
  • Boat Types: Motor rafts require no paddling from you – just enjoy the fun, wild ride, and take in the beauty
  • Who Is This For: Ideal for multigenerational adventure groups and all fitness levels, or rafters who have a short time frame and want to see the entire canyon
  • Get the details on Motor Adventures here
All-Paddle Adventure

Paddle Adventures are in paddle rafts

Our All-Paddle Adventure offers the most active Grand Canyon rafting adventure as guests are required to participate on the paddle raft, every day. This is the most physically demanding expedition AzRA offers. You won’t be paddling all day, non-stop, but when you’re on the rafts, you better believe you’ll be paddling!

  • Three Rafting Trip Options: (Upper Canyon, Lower Canyon, and Full Canyon) offer flexibility depending on how much time you have available
  • Boat Types: Three paddle rafts that you’ll be in daily, and three support oar rafts that carry the gear downriver
  • Who Is This Trip For: This is the best choice if you enjoy a physical challenge, teamwork and sharing time on the river with others who have a similar zest for adventure
  • Upper Canyon trips involve rafting the first 89 river miles, considered the “upper section” of the Colorado River, then hiking up Bright Angel Trail on the last day of your expedition
  • Lower Canyon trips involve hiking down the Bright Angel Trail on the first day of your trip, then rafting the last 137 miles, or the “lower section” of Colorado River
  • Get the details on All-Paddle Adventures here
Bright Angel Trail Hike - What to Know for Upper and Lower Canyon Trips

Bright Angel Trail

Our Upper and Lower Canyon adventures require a beautiful, yet strenuous hike in or out of the Bright Angel Trail on the first or last day of the trip. While beautiful and a great opportunity to get up close and personal with the canyon, it is not for everyone. Click here to determine if the Bright Angel Hike is right for you.

  • Upper Canyon trips involve rafting the first 89 river miles, considered the “upper section” of the Colorado River, then hiking up Bright Angel Trail on the last day of your expedition
  • Lower Canyon trips involve hiking down the Bright Angel Trail on the first day of your trip, then rafting the last 137 miles, or the “lower section” of Colorado Rive
  • 7.5 mile (12 km) trail from Pipe Creek (not Phantom Ranch) to South Rim of Grand Canyon Village
  • 4,600 foot (1400 m) elevation climb or loss
  • Average pack weight is 15-25 pounds (6.8-11.3 kg) + 3 quarts of water (weighing about 6 pounds or 2.7 kg)
  • Average hiking time is 6-8 hours

Classic Adventures

  • Options: Full, Upper & Lower Canyon
  • Length: Full-14 or 16 days, Upper-6 or 7 days, Lower-9 or 10 days
  • River Miles: Full-226, Upper-89, Lower-137
  • 2022 Price: $2,500-$5,060
  • 2023 Price: $2,645-$5,360
  • Max Group Size: 21-24
  • Recommended Minimum Age: 12
  • Exertion Level: Moderate to Challenging
  • Hike Required: Only on Upper Canyon or Lower Canyon
  • Boat Types: Five Oar Boats & one Paddle Raft (if available, a hard-sided dory may be substituted for one of the oar boats)
See All Classic Adventures

Motor Adventures

  • Option: Full Canyon
  • Length: 8-10 Days
  • River Miles: 226
  • 2022 Price: $3,190-$3,740
  • 2023 Price: $3,375-$3,960
  • Max Group Size: 13-27
  • Recommended Minimum Age: 10
  • Exertion Level: Moderate
  • Hike required: No
  • Boat Type: Motor Rafts
See All Motor Adventures

All Paddle Adventures

  • Options: Full, Upper & Lower Canyon
  • Length: Full-14 or 16 days, Upper-6 or 7 days, Lower-9 or 10 days
  • River Miles: Full-226, Upper-89, Lower-137
  • 2022 Price: $2,600-$4,610
  • 2023 Price: $2,745-$4,875
  • Max Group Size: 18-24
  • Recommended Minimum Age: 16
  • Exertion Level: Moderate to Most Challenging
  • Hike Required: Only on Upper Canyon or Lower Canyon
  • Boat Type: Paddle Rafts
See All Paddle Adventures
CLICK HERE FOR A QUICK COMPARISON OF UPPER VS LOWER
ABOUT ARIZONA RAFT ADVENTURES

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USEFUL ADVENTURE TOOLS

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Bright Angel Trail: Upper | Lower
Rates/Dates: 2023 | 2024
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