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Grand Canyon 3 Day

Grand Canyon 3 Day Travel Planning

  • BEGINS: [See email confirmation for departure time] - Las Vegas
  • TRIP LENGTH: 3 days, 89 miles
  • MINIMUM AGE: 9
  • FEATURING: Grand Canyon National Park, Parashant Nat'l Monument
  • RAFTING: Class II-III whitewater combined with calm stretches
  • BOAT TYPE: Western's J-Rig
  • HIKING: Short walks over moderate terrain (all optional)
  • CAMPING: Cots, tents, sleeping bags, chairs & water-resistant bag
  • MEALS: All meals are prepared for you between departure & return
  • TRANSFERS: Bus, plane, helicopter and jetboat transfers to/from Colorado River/Las Vegas
  • ENDS: Approximately 3:00 PM - Las Vegas Marriott

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Grand Canyon 3 Day Travel Route

Map of Flight to Bar Ten Ranch

Physical Requirements on a Grand Canyon Trip

Please consider carefully any medical or health condition that would endanger yourself, or others on the trip, or diminish the enjoyment of an adventure vacation such as this. Factors of age, weight, lack of conditioning, heart or other disease can become exacerbated by the environment, remote distances from a hospital, and physical challenges of a rafting adventure. It is critical that you are in reasonable health and physical fitness at the time of departure so that our staff can focus their attention equally on all trip participants.

Read More about Physical Requirements

Itinerary & Travel Details

Your Grand Canyon vacation begins with a scenic flight from Las Vegas, over Lake Mead and the western section of the Grand Canyon. On the north rim of the canyon, you will delight in a thrilling helicopter ride from the remote landing strip down into the depths of the Grand Canyon on the edge of the Colorado River. Here, the Colorado River’s famous rapids, though still exciting, are a bit tamer. Scenery in the lower 100 miles of the Grand Canyon is astounding. Massive sandstone cliffs conjure up imaginary shapes. Hidden waterfalls and pools carve their way down to the river. Wildlife is abundant, with frequent sightings of elusive Blue Heron, soaring hawks and eagles, and majestic Big Horn sheep. At night, the canyon walls unveil a heaven of innumerable stars. To top it off, Western’s Grand Canyon 3-day rafting trip offers easy access from Las Vegas, Nevada. Come join Western River Expeditions on an incredible and unforgettable Grand Canyon journey.

DAY ONE »

Meet in the lobby of the Las Vegas Marriott Hotel [CHECK CONFIRMATION FOR EXACT DEPARTURE TIME]. A motor coach will take you to the Boulder Terminal. Enjoy a beautiful flight from Las Vegas to Bar 10 Ranch on the rim of Grand Canyon. Shortly after your arrival at Bar 10, a helicopter will take you deep into Grand Canyon to join your welcoming crew and rafts. After orientation and introductions, you’ll be on your way downriver surrounded by soul-stirring scenery. Hold on for Kolb and Mile 209 Rapids!

DAY TWO »

Our J-Rig rafts enter awesome Lower Granite Gorge with a series of moderate rapids including Granite Spring, Diamond Creek and Travertine. We take some time to hike, explore and play at Travertine Grotto, a fantastic series of hidden waterfalls and pools. Run the biggest rapids of the trip, the “230’s.” After your day of adventure, you’ll savor another of Western’s delicious dinners at the river’s edge and appreciate the unforgettable experience of sleeping under the stars.

DAY THREE »

As you near Lake Mead, the river calms and the canyon widens. Savor your final morning in Grand Canyon as you head down river and across Lake Mead to where a shuttle will return you to Las Vegas. You will travel by way of the recently completed Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge with views of the Hoover Dam. Your arrival time in Las Vegas will be approximately 3:00 PM.

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WHERE/WHEN TO MEET

Grand Canyon Las Vegas Marriott

Meet at Las Vegas Marriott »

LOCATION:
325 Convention Center Drive, Las Vegas, NV
Meet in the lobby of The Las Vegas Marriott

DEPARTURE: Boarding begins at 5:45 AM and bus departs at 6:00 AM for bus transfer to the Boulder Municipal Airport. A one-hour flight will bring you to the Bar 10 Ranch. Picture ID is required for all passengers 18 and older. A grab-and-go breakfast will be provided at the Marriott the morning of your flight.

RETURN TIME:
approximately 3:00 PM
Upon the conclusion of your river expedition, a charter bus will return you to the Las Vegas Marriott.

NOTE: For those choosing to stay somewhere other than the Las Vegas Marriott, it is your responsibility to arrive at the designated time and place mentioned above.

LV Marriott & Western River Block Reservations »

TIP: Plan at least 1 night before and after your trip.

As a guest of Western River Expeditions, you'll receive preferred room rates and availability at the Marriott. The 2025 rates are $179 for King rooms/ $189 for Two Queen Suites plus taxes and fees (these rates are based on double occupancy). Our blocks are limited and there are no cancellation penalties prior to 72 hours in advance of your stay. Once the block is sold out we cannot guarantee rooms or pricing. Click the link below to make your reservations online as soon as possible.

If you are unable to reserve using our online link, you may contact Kristy, our specialist at the Marriott, directly at 1-740-332-2888 or direct email- Kristy.Fukuda@marriott.com. Please allow a 72-hour response window for messages. Be sure to mention the Western River Expeditions Block.

NOTES FROM THE LAS VEGAS MARRIOTT:

  • PARKING: $18 per car/ per day for hotel guests and $25 per car/ per day for non-guests
  • BAGGAGE STORAGE: $10.00 per bag/ per day for hotel guests and $25.00 per bag/ per day for non-guests
  • CANCELLATION & NO-SHOWS: Cancellations within 72 hours of the arrival date and no-shows will be charged 1 night’s room and tax.


2025 MARRIOTT/ WESTERN BLOCK RATE LINK

While in Vegas

The Marriott is near the famous Las Vegas Strip, but away from the chaos. Enjoy either one! Taxi services, Uber or the Monorail are all convenient to the Marriott for transport to/from the hotel.

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Things to do in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Pieros

Piero's Italian Cuisine »

Assuming you are staying at the Las Vegas Marriott on Convention Center Drive, you can stroll next door to Piero's Italian Cuisine for a surprisingly pleasant dining experience. Unlike virtually everything else in Las Vegas, Piero's doesn't look like much from the outside. Why? Because this is the place where the local big names and celebs from Mick Jagger to Michael Jordan go to enjoy a nice meal, undisturbed. Go inside, eat the cuisine, you'll suddenly see why.

Las Vegas the Strip

Cirque du Las Vegas »

Taxi: The concierge at the Marriott recommends a Taxi to The Strip rather than via the nearby Monorail.

Walking: Walking around the Vegas Strip is epic, but note that city blocks are gargantuan and distances are very deceptive.

Monorail: A short walk from the Marriott is the Convention Center Monorail Station that leads directly into the heart of the famous Las Vegas Strip. You will need to navigate through Bally's Casino before emerging into the open air on The Strip.

On The Strip: A focal point for the best of the strip is probably somewhere near the famous dancing fountains that grace the front of the Bellagio. The Cosmopolitan, Caesar's, Paris, are nearby. Any Cirque du Soleil show is going to impress. The Bellagio "O" show is a consistent crowd pleaser. The "Wicked Spoon" is a top rated all-you-can-eat-Vegas-buffet, located in the Cosmopolitan. Options are endless... Plan your activities carefully if you're getting up early in the morning for the river!

LAS VEGAS WEATHER
Bar Ten Ranch is 80 miles from St. George, Utah

Weather Forecast on the River »

Use this weather forecast only as a general guide. As your trip will span miles of river, this forecast from the nearest major weather station may not be indicative of the entire region where your trip will take place. Weather in the canyon may vary greatly from any specific forecast.

See Nearest Weather

Post-Trip Travel Information »

Grand Canyon Lower Quatermaster A mid-stream transfer from lumbering raft to speeding jetboat will take place around mid-morning. Once your jetboat arrives at the takeout ramp on Lake Mead, you'll grab a boxed lunch as you board a motor coach for Las Vegas. The return motor coach should arrive at the Marriott Hotel in Las Vegas by 3:00 PM on the last day of your trip. We highly recommend that you stay another night in Las Vegas. However, if you choose to fly out the same day your trip ends, make sure you book a late evening or night flight out of Las Vegas to ensure you have ample time to get to the airport. Taxi service is available from the Las Vegas Marriott to the airport.

Expedition Guide

Expedition Guide & Packing List

Want to download (almost all) of this info?

The Expedition Guide for each trip contains the packing list, and most of the info seen on this page. Combine the "offline" handiness of the Expedition Guide with the online resources of this travel planning page.

Keep the PDF on your phone, or print it out for quick "offline" reference.

Download Guide

How to Pack for your Grand Canyon Rafting Vacation

Get a better idea of each of the items on your packing list. See an example of each item and understand why we recommend you pack it for the river.


PACKING LIST

Packing the Best Camera for Rafting

Choosing the right camera for whitewater rafting is an important decision. With so many options out there, we discuss the pros and cons of the more common cameras we see on the river.

Do you REALLY need "Quality" Rain Gear?

Western River Expeditions sent two of our intrepid guides to answer the question once and for all: "What is Quality Rain Gear and Why Do I Need it?"

See how we pack for a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

What does it take to host a party for up to 28 people for more than a week through 277 miles of the Grand Canyon on a massive inflatable raft?

(Note: the video shows how we pack the rafts for the entire 277 miles of Grand Canyon)

The Morning of Your Rafting Trip

  • Check out of your accommodations & eat a good breakfast
  • Meet in the lobby of Las Vegas Marriott
  • Check Confirmation for exact departure time
  • Come dressed and ready to raft (see diagram on Packing List)

Items Provided by Western River Expeditions
  • Transportation to Boulder Terminal from Las Vegas Marriott
  • Charter flight from Las Vegas to Bar 10 Ranch
  • Motor coach return from river to Las Vegas
  • Professional, licensed guides
  • All meals between trip departure and return
  • All eating utensils and souvenir insulated bottle
  • Unlimited water and lemonade
  • Freshly laundered sleeping bag and sheet
  • Cot (28” x 74”)
  • Tent and ground cover
  • Water-resistant dry bag for sleeping gear and personal duffle bag
  • Custom rafts
  • US Coastguard approved whitewater life jackets
  • Wilderness First-Aid kit
  • Sanitary Facilities
Get the Gear with Redrock Outfitters

Through several decades of experience on the river, Western knows what clothing and gear will keep you smiling every second of your adventure. Specifically, we’ve bundled “The Works” for him, for her and one for gear in general. Get a FREE item with a “Works” purchase. For your convenience, you can order all these items online with Western’s retail division Red Rock Outfitters.

Things to Bring on the River

Duffel bag (approx. 12”x13”x24”), packed with personal items outlined on the packing list

Extra drinks, if desired. (Water and lemonade are available in unlimited quantities on the boats and in camp. Western does not provide beer, liquor, or soda pop. Guests arriving on the charter flight from Las Vegas must purchase beverages before leaving Las Vegas. These items are not available for purchase at Bar 10 Ranch. TSA regulations require that liquor be under 140 proof and stored in the original container. This must be purchased in Las Vegas and included in the 25 lbs limit per person or there will be a $15 charge. You may bring up to one-half case per person (12 cans).

Extra snacks, if desired. (Snacks will be provided during the trip)

Photo ID, a major credit card, and cash for gratuities.

Camera(s) - Phones as cameras in waterproof cases/sleeves (Cell service unavailable)

Things NOT to bring on the River
  • Car keys can be left at your hotel front desk, or with stored luggage while away
  • Unnecessary electronic devices (game devices for kids, etc.)
Valuables

You will want to have photo ID, a major credit card, and some cash for gratuities. All other valuables and jewelry should be left at home or in a safety deposit box at your hotel. In addition, as a safety precaution we suggest that you not wear rings on the river. Also, each year a few of our guests traveling on airlines arrive without luggage. With this in mind, we suggest you carry with you medications, prescription glasses, and anything you may not be able to replace the evening before your trip departs.

Extra Luggage

Transfer all your personal clothing and gear which you will need on your rafting trip to a small, lightweight duffle bag. Identify duffle bag with label, and leave any extra suitcases or luggage in your vehicle or at the hotel. Please DO NOT BRING SUITCASES on your river trip. As part of your camping equipment package, we provide a water-resistant bag in which you will place your duffle bag as well as the sleeping bag that we provide.

Post-Trip Travel Information »

Grand Canyon Lower Quatermaster

A mid-stream transfer from lumbering raft to speeding jetboat will take place around mid-morning. Once your jetboat arrives at the takeout ramp on Lake Mead, you'll grab a boxed lunch as you board a motor coach for Las Vegas. The return motor coach should arrive at the Marriott Hotel in Las Vegas by 3:00 PM on the last day of your trip. We highly recommend that you stay another night in Las Vegas. However, if you choose to fly out the same day your trip ends, make sure you book a late evening or night flight out of Las Vegas to ensure you have ample time to get to the airport. Taxi service is available from the Las Vegas Marriott to the airport.

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Rafts on the Grand Canyon 4 Day

Named after Western’s founder, Jack Currey, the “J-Rig” is a patented craft offering the most flexible and comfortable ride on the river. If you’re a thrill seeker, you can sit up front where the waves hit hardest, or ride aft for more protection. There are plenty of calm sections along the river where you can move freely around the boat and trade seating positions throughout the trip.

Western's J-Rig Raft