Grand Canyon Rafting

Itinerary

DAYS 1 & 2»Meet your crew and rafts at 7:30 AM at Marble Canyon, Arizona, a dramatic launch point on the Colorado River (options for travel and accommodations described on next page). After a short ride to the river’s edge you’ll load your duffle into a dry bag, listen to a brief orientation from your guides and set off down the river. Drift lazily, relax, and then savor lunch on a white sand beach. Mighty House Rock Rapid and the Roaring 20’s set the pace for the next five days. Visit Vasey’s Paradise, a spectacular cascade of water that supports a lush hanging garden, and Redwall Cavern, a vast chamber carved by the river. Hike breathtaking side canyons or visit ancient Anasazi granaries.

DAYS 3 & 4 » After a leisurely swim in the warm, turquoise waters of the Little Colorado River, you’re on your way to Hance, Horn, Granite, Hermit and Crystal…all rapids respected for their huge waves. Western’s knowledgeable guides lead short hikes to hidden Elves Chasm and to pounding Deer Creek Falls.

DAY 5 » Spend some time exploring the azure green waters of renowned Havasu Canyon where countless tranquil pools beckon you to find your own private piece of this water paradise or explore other possible side canyons and waterfalls throughout this section of the canyon. After dining on Western’s famous evening cuisine, capture the dazzling glow of the sun on the canyon’s towering walls before it slips into the horizon.

DAY 6/7» Vulcan’s Anvil, a volcanic cone mid-river, signals the approach of Lava Falls, the Colorado River’s most notorious rapid. By late morning, you’ll meet your helicopter that will take you over the canyon rim to Bar Ten Ranch for a shower and lunch, before your return flight to Marble Canyon or Las Vegas.

Pre-Trip Travel Information

Prior to the start of your rafting adventure, you may choose to meet in either Las Vegas, Nevada and take a charter flight to Marble Canyon, Arizona where your trip begins or you may meet us directly in Marble Canyon.

Option 1: Meeting in Marble Canyon, Arizona
Your guides will meet you at 7:30 AM at the Marble Canyon Airstrip just across the street from the Marble Canyon Lodge. Complimentary parking is available at the airstrip. You will likely be driving in to Marble Canyon the night prior to departure. Modest accommodations are available at the Marble Canyon Lodge and may be booked by calling (800) 726-1789 or (928) 355-2225. Mention that you are a Western River guest and request our 10% discount. Make reservations early as the property does fill.

Option 2: Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada
(Additional charter flight cost $230. Flight reservations handled by Western River Expeditions.) Meet in the lobby of the Desert Rose Hotel, 5051 Duke Ellington Way, Las Vegas, NV at 5:00 AM for bus transfer to the North Las Vegas Airport and a flight to Marble Canyon. Picture ID is required for all passengers 18 and older. The Desert Rose Hotel is located near the MGM Grand. For reservations call (800) 811-2450 and mention Western River or go online at www.desertroseresort.com and use group code “WEST2010.” Block space & rates are only guaranteed up to 30 days prior to trip departure, and are then offered only if hotel space is still available.

The Desert Rose Hotel offers guests staying at their property free parking and baggage storage for $5 per bag. Luggage storage for guests not staying at Desert Rose is $15 per bag. A light continental breakfast is available for Desert Rose guests.

Post-Trip Travel Information

Your river trip ends at Whitmore Wash (mile 187) mid-morning on the last day. You’ll bid farewell to your guides and board a helicopter to exit the canyon. A scenic 10-minute helicopter ride will take you from the river to Bar 10 Ranch on the rim of Grand Canyon. At Bar 10 Ranch you will have the opportunity to shower and have a light lunch before boarding the aircraft for your flight to Las Vegas or Marble Canyon - destination must be pre-determined (return flight is included in the trip cost – picture ID is required for guests 18 and older). You will return to Las Vegas or Marble Canyon by about 3:00 PM.