Grand Canyon Rafting: Questions & Answers

You should consider carefully any medical or health condition that would endanger yourself or others on the river. It is critical that you are in reasonable health and physical fitness at the time of departure so that our staff can focus on providing you with an incredible experience rather than managing medical emergencies.

Physical fitness on a rafting trip is probably the very best way to get the most out of your adventure. We have a fitness preparation program available at www.river-fit.com to help guests prepare.

Specific exercises that are directly applicable to rafting:

• Strength: Gripping ropes is a universal constant. Start with stress balls, then move to pull-ups and resistance training to build your capacity to pull yourself up or stabilize your body.
• Lungs & Heart: Try burpees, running, cycling, or rowing — any sustained cardiovascular activity that builds endurance for all-day rafting.
• Flexibility: Sitting in a raft is different from sitting in a chair. Regular stretching and yoga help you adapt to the unique positions you'll hold on the river.
• Balance & Mental Awareness: Practice balance exercises on uneven terrain. Knowing your own limits is vital for keeping yourself safer.
• Hydration: Get used to drinking a lot of water as you exercise. In the hot sun, even simply sitting on a raft requires proper hydration.

Swimming is a great way to prepare. If you have concerns about your physical condition, consult your physician.

6-Day and 7-Day: All guests must be 12 years old at the time of travel. Due to safety concerns for all of our guests, this policy is not flexible.

4-Day and 3-Day: We will take guests as young as age 9. Due to safety concerns for all of our guests, this policy is not flexible.

We do not have a maximum age for our guests. However, if you are over 70 years of age, the decision to participate should be made carefully considering your health status and physical fitness.

If you are pregnant, you will not be permitted to go rafting. Our trips take place in remote wilderness settings where immediate medical attention is unavailable. While you will not always be pregnant, the river will always be here. If you think there is a chance you may be pregnant after making your deposit, you should secure cancellation insurance so you can cancel for any reason.

If you use a CPAP machine, please ensure that you can complete the trip if your CPAP machine fails or runs out of battery. Also, please carefully consider any underlying medical conditions that may contribute to your use of a CPAP machine. Lightweight devices with 1.2 lb long-lasting batteries are available if you need to upgrade.

Our meals are served buffet or family style, with any custom per-person preparation are  limited to guests with severe allergies only.

• 6/7-Day: Except for breakfast on the first day, all meals are prepared by our guides on the river, beginning with lunch and dinner on your first day. The final day will include lunch at the Bar 10 Ranch.
• 4-Day: Breakfast is provided by the Las Vegas Marriott on the first day. The staff at the Bar 10 Ranch prepares breakfast on the first morning at the ranch. The guides then prepare lunch and dinner on Day 1 at the river, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Day 2. Day 3 includes breakfast and lunch prepared by guides, with a lunch box provided by Capriotti's on Day 4.
• 3-Day: Breakfast is provided by the Las Vegas Marriott. Lunch and dinner are prepared by our guides on the river.

Typical Menus

• Breakfast: Bacon, eggs to order, blueberry pancakes with assorted syrups, sausage patties, hash browns, fresh-baked muffins, fresh fruit, and orange juice, coffee, hot tea, cocoa, and apple cider every morning.
• Lunch: Cold-cut sandwich options (turkey, ham, pastrami, roast beef) with assorted breads, cheeses, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and condiments. Tuna salad with cranberries and sweet relish. PB&J, fresh fruit, chips, and cookies on every lunch spread.
• Dinner: New York strip steak with seasonal vegetables, rice pilaf, macaroni salad, and dinner rolls. Pasta with rich tomato meat sauce. Shrimp cocktail and appetizers. Desserts include New York cheesecake and fresh-baked Dutch oven cakes (dessert options may vary during fire restrictions).

Snacks: Trail mix, granola bars, Chex mix, Ritz bits, Rice Krispies treats, and candy bars served mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

Due to space limitations and the nature of our buffet-style meal service, we cannot accommodate every dietary request. We can provide the substitutions below with at least two weeks' advance notice.

• Severe Allergies: Bring at least two Epi-pens. Describe your allergy in detail at booking. We make every reasonable effort to avoid cross-contamination, serve peanut butter on a separate table with disposable utensils, and allow you to read labels in the kitchen during meal prep.
• Vegetarian: Garden burgers, tofu, or a Portobello mushroom replace the steak. Vegetarian pasta sauce replaces the meat sauce. Tuna salad and similar dishes can be prepared meat-free. Peanut butter is always available at lunch.
• Gluten-Free: Gluten-free bread replaces standard lunch bread, garlic bread, toast, and English muffins. Gluten-free pasta and pancakes replace the standard versions. Corn tortillas replace flour tortillas in wraps. Gluten-free snack bars are stocked.
• Dairy-Sensitive: Many meals offer dairy-free options. Most cake and muffin mixes contain dairy or whey, and several desserts are cake-style products. If you are highly sensitive, we recommend bringing supplemental snacks and desserts that meet your dietary needs.

To maximize the common welfare of all guests and to allow our guides to focus on providing an incredible experience, we do not make special meal preparations for picky eaters. Guests may bring supplemental items if they do not require special preparation by our guides or use of limited cooler space. We will always have an ample supply of snacks, fresh fruits, vegetables, and side items to choose from. Please contact us if you would like to review our standard menu before booking.

Water & Lemonade: Western River supplies a generous amount of cold water and lemonade. Bring along your own water bottle (24 oz. or larger) to stay hydrated.

Beer, Wine & Soda: Western does not provide beer, liquor, wine, or soda. If you'd like to bring these beverages, they must be in cans only. Guest drinks are not kept in our limited cooler space, but we will have a space available for you to store them.

6/7-Day

A brief stop will be made in Page, AZ for guests to purchase beverages from the local convenience store before boarding the raft. If you choose to bring hard alcohol on the charter flight from Las Vegas to Page for the 6/7-Day trip, it must be under 140 proof and in its original container - all according to the FAA. Glass containers of beverages should not be brought on the river.

Hard alcohol is allowed at your own discretion. Storage will be provided on the boats. Be aware that alcohol increases dehydration in the hot desert environment, so drink responsibly and maintain proper hydration.

Controlled substances, such as marijuana, are illegal to possess in Grand Canyon National Park.

We bring a variety of snacks on every trip, generally served mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

You may bring your own snacks. If you have special dietary needs, bringing some of your own is a great idea. Any special dietary requests must be made at least two weeks before your trip.

Deposits will be applied toward your final payment. They can also be transferred to another trip date within the same season, prior to final payment.

If reservation is being made within 120 days of the trip departure date, full payment will be due.

6-Day & 7-Day: An initial non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to secure your space.

4-Day & 3-Day: An initial non-refundable deposit of $300 per person is required to secure your space.

Deposits are applied toward your final payment or transferred to another trip date (within the same season only).

Payment in full is due 120 days prior to trip departure and is non-refundable. We reserve the right to cancel your reservation if full payment is not collected by the due date. Payment may be paid by credit card, check, or wire transfer.

You may make partial payments by credit card or by mailing in a check, providing the full balance is paid by the final due date. For payments over $10,000 and for large international payments, a check or wire transfer is preferred.

We offer a 48-hour courtesy hold, no deposit required. Exceptions to this standard courtesy hold time may apply during peak booking periods or for large groups.

Bookings for Grand Canyon trips are released a year or more in advance. It is recommended that you make your reservation as early as possible, as popular dates sell out quickly.

A non-refundable deposit is due at the time of reservation. Payment in full is due 120 days prior to your trip date. Our cancellation policy applies in every instance, and there will be no exceptions for any reason.

Depending on availability and advance notice, you may have the option to transfer your reservation to another date. Transfers into the following season are not allowed.

While we fully expect to operate each of our scheduled departures, there may be times when circumstances beyond our control require us to cancel or reschedule. We will make every effort to provide alternative dates.

If you are concerned about the possibility of having to cancel, you will find information about cancellation insurance at westernriver.com/cancellation. Some of the most difficult situations occur when a guest needs to cancel a few days before a trip begins. Cancellation insurance can provide peace of mind in these situations.

Please contact our office if the date you desire is sold out. We will be happy to place you on our waiting list. We also offer exciting alternative trip dates and locations if you have flexibility in your schedule.

Each trip type has a comprehensive packing list developed with careful consideration over many years of experience. All of your river trip items should be packed in a soft-sided duffel bag (12 inches x 13 inches x 24 inches). Print or download the packing list specific to your trip for detailed guidance. View the full packing guide.

We recommend a good quality 2-piece rain suit rather than a wetsuit, as you will likely be taking it off frequently. Note the cold weather items on the packing list, especially if traveling in April or May.

A good waterproof sunblock and sunscreen lip balm are essential to protect you from the dry desert heat. A sarong is very useful to cover your legs and can also be wetted in the river to help you stay cool. You will want to have more than an adequate supply of sunscreen and will need to reapply frequently, especially on sunny days and after swimming.

You may pack belongings in sealed plastic storage bags. Western River will provide two dry bags for your use:

Day Bag: A water-resistant bag (~7" x 13") for items you need access to during the day like sunscreen, medications, camera, etc.

Gear Bag: A large water-resistant bag you receive upon arrival at the river. This holds your duffel bag and protects your belongings during river transit.

Cameras can be charged if you bring a portable charging device. Bring extra batteries or backup charging options since there are limited charging opportunities in remote areas.

Camera Guidelines:

• You are free to film and shoot photos; however, consult with your guides about when and where to use cameras.
• Wearing a camera in certain locations could endanger yourself or others. Respect your guide's judgment.
• Cameras cannot be mounted to poles or extension devices while on rafts.
• Shut down cameras during emergency situations for privacy and safety.
• We cannot guarantee the safety of your camera as it may become wet, sandy, or dropped overboard.

Camera Recommendations:

• Phones as cameras: Keep in "airplane mode" to preserve battery life. 
• Waterproof/Shockproof Digital Cameras: Great for everyday use, very affordable ($100–$300).
• GoPro and Similar Cameras: Excellent for capturing action shots and adventure footage. 
• Larger SLR Cameras: Possible to bring, but be sure to have a sturdy protective case. A Pelican case is a good solution.
• Small Float: Consider attaching your camera to a small float in case you drop it overboard.

No. Guests are not allowed to bring their own lifejacket or PFD. Western River Expeditions is subject to U.S. Coast Guard regulations, and all guests must wear the provided Type V life jackets. The newer generations of Type V life jackets are very comfortable and have high mobility, making them ideal for river trips.

No. Western River Expeditions and Moab Adventure Center do not allow the use of drones on any trips.

It is best to leave your jewelry at home or packed away. Rafting is an active vacation and jewelry often gets in the way. Items can be easily lost in the sand or river, or damaged during water activities.

Your meeting and ending location for the 4-Day and 3-Day trips is at the Las Vegas Marriott, and they will store extra luggage during your trip for a nominal fee. If you are staying at the Las Vegas Marriott before your 6/7-Day trip, they will also store your extra luggage.

Bring any needed medications. Keep them in your day bag for access during the day, or pack them in your duffel bag for storage in camp. Please check with your physician if you have any medical condition or are taking medications that may be affected by heat, sun exposure, or physical activity. Remember to bring extra medication in case of unexpected delays.

Wake up to coffee and a hot breakfast at the river's edge. You arrive back at camp in the early evening, and on the first night your guides walk you through assembling cots and setting up gear. While you relax with the rest of the group, the guides prepare dinner. Every night is different. Sleep in a tent or under the stars — the choice is yours. Learn more about Grand Canyon camping →

Western River Expeditions will provide the following camping equipment:

• US Coast Guard approved Type V life vests
• Cot (28" x 74") and ground cover
• Tent
• Sleeping bag and sheet
• Water-resistant day-use dry bag (7" x 13")
• Water-resistant gear bag (for protecting your duffel during river transit)
• Custom J-Rig motorized rafts

Note: You will need to bring your own small travel pillow for camping.

At approximately 52 degrees Fahrenheit, the water temperature is not ideal for extended periods of swimming. However, bathing in the river is a refreshing experience at the end of each day. You will use the river to quickly take a bath each evening, but will not be permitted to swim as hypothermia is a serious concern in such cold water.

Bathing in the Colorado River is a most refreshing experience. Here's how to bathe safely and effectively:

1. Placing your cot near the edge of the river can be convenient for quick access.
2. Scout out a shallow spot along the bank of the river.
3. Test the area with your foot to determine the depth and ensure it's safe.
4. Take a quick dip to get wet.
5. Scrub your body (and bathing suit) with a bath sponge and shampoo your hair.
6. Apply an after-sun lotion once you have bathed to aid in moisturizing your sun-exposed skin.

Dental Care: Use the clean filtered water we provide for brushing your teeth. Do not drink the river water.

Shaving: If you decide to shave, you must do it in the river only, not at camp.

Skin Care: Sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizer are essential for both men and women.

Contact Lenses: Bring extra solution and consider daily disposable lenses.

Laundry: You'll end up wearing the same clothes most of the time. Pack light and plan to wear items multiple times.

If you expect to be menstruating during your trip, we recommend the use of tampons rather than pads. A good strategy is to bring several sandwich-sized zip-lock bags pre-packed with individual tampons. Additional tips from previous guests:

• Bring a sarong for additional privacy and when changing clothes.
• Wear a two-piece swimsuit such as a tankini with swimsuit bottoms covered by shorts.
• Bring hand sanitizer, baby wipes, and non-applicator tampons.

6/7-Day: The Grand Canyon uses a rapid rating from 1–10. This upper two-thirds of the canyon holds all of the larger/infamous whitewater rapids in Grand Canyon. Water levels in the canyon are controlled by the Glen Canyon Dam. Throughout the rafting season, water flows remain relatively consistent.

3 & 4-Day: You will experience the equivalent Class III (moderate) rapids throughout the season as water levels of the Colorado River are controlled by the Glen Canyon Dam.

The water temperature is a chilly 52 degrees Fahrenheit. The water is released from deep in Lake Powell through the Glen Canyon Dam, which keeps it consistently cold year-round. This is why we recommend against extended swimming and why proper sun protection and hydration are critical.

Fishing is allowed in the Grand Canyon; however, we typically do not recommend it as an activity during your trip. All fishing is catch and release. You will need to obtain a license from Arizona Game and Fish. We recommend contacting them before your trip to understand current regulations and licensing requirements.

All of our river guides are certified with a minimum of Advanced First Aid, and many hold more advanced certifications including Wilderness First Responder and EMT training. If the injury or illness requires medical attention beyond what is possible on the river, we evacuate guests by helicopter to the nearest medical facility. Because we are in remote wilderness settings, it may take a while for more advanced medical help to arrive, so proper preparation and prevention are essential.

Be prepared for the heat and the possibility of cooler weather and rain showers. In April and May, weather can be quite variable. We suggest that you follow our suggested packing list carefully.

For current weather forecasts, refer to the 7-Day Phantom Ranch Forecast, as this is the most accurate forecast for the portion of the canyon in which you will be rafting. 

On the 3 & 4-Day trips you'll be 100 miles west of the Phantom Ranch weather station.

Our rafting season begins in April and ends at the end of September. The water remains close to 52 degrees year-round. Air temperature is the major difference when choosing your ideal month:

• April and May: Cooler, cacti bloom, wildflowers are abundant.
• Late August and September: Bighorn sheep and other wildlife are more abundant.
• Throughout the season: You will be traveling through one of the most beautiful and unique landscapes on Earth.

While some months may be more ideal than others, ultimately you will experience an incredible adventure regardless of when you travel. See our month-by-month guide →

Biting insects are of little or no concern in the Grand Canyon. We occasionally see horse flies, but we have effective methods for managing them. Many people worry about snakes and scorpions, but both are an important part of the desert ecosystem and rarely encounter humans. When we do see them, your guides are expert at moving them away from camp safely.