"Best Multi-Day Rafting Trips in America"

★★★★★ 4.9 OUT OF 2841 REVIEWS

Every trip below is fully guided and all-inclusive, with guides, meals, camping gear, and trip transportation included. Find the destination, level of whitewater, and number of days that feel right for you.

Grand Canyon
3-Day Grand Canyon River Trip

Helicopter into the Lower Grand Canyon for three days of whitewater, hikes, and desert nights. Then continue downstream by jet boat to Pearce Ferry.

  • Begins: Las Vegas
  • Best for: Shorter trip
  • Rapids: 16 Class II-III
  • Ages: 9+
Adults (16+) From: $2,075
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Grand Canyon
4-Day Grand Canyon Ranch & River Trip

One night at Bar 10 Ranch with horseback riding and cowboy BBQ, then helicopter into the Lower Grand Canyon for three days of whitewater rafting and exploration.

  • Begins: Las Vegas
  • Best for: River + Ranch
  • Rapids: 16 Class II-III
  • Ages: 9+
Adults (16+) From: $2,485
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Grand Canyon
6-Day Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

Six days in the Grand Canyon. Run Crystal Rapid and Lava Falls, hike hidden side canyons, sleep on beaches no road will ever reach, and helicopter out of the canyon.

  • Begins: Las Vegas
  • Best for: Rapids & Hiking
  • Rapids: 60+ Class III-V
  • Ages: 12+
Adults (16+) From: $3,995
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Grand Canyon
7-Day Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

Seven days exploring 188 miles of the Grand Canyon. Run famous rapids, hike hidden side canyons, camp beneath the stars, and helicopter out of the canyon.

  • Begins: Las Vegas
  • Best for: Extended Vacation
  • Rapids: 60+ Class III-V
  • Ages: 12+
Adults (16+) From: $4,525
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Utah
2-Day Cataract Canyon Express

Raft 95 miles of the Colorado River in two days. Run the legendary Big Drops and sleep beside the river in Canyonlands National Park before a shuttle back to Moab.

  • Begins: Moab, Utah
  • Best for: Quick Thrills
  • Rapids: 30+ Class III-V
  • Ages: 12+ 
Adults (16+) From: $1,150
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Utah
4-Day Cataract Canyon Classic

Raft through Canyonlands National Park, run the legendary Big Drops, and camp beside the Colorado River beneath the stars. Return to Moab on a scenic flight.

  • Begins: Moab, Utah
  • Best for: Whitewater
  • Rapids: 30+ Class III-V
  • Ages: 12+ (10+ Jul–Sep)
Adults (16+) From: $2,050
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Utah
5-Day Desolation Canyon Rafting Trip

The Green River through ancient, winding canyons, milder rapids, broad sandy beaches, rich history, and a stunning scenic flight to the river's edge.

  • Begins: Moab, Utah
  • Best for: Families
  • Rapids: 60+ Class I-III
  • Ages: 5+
Adults (16+) From: $2,560
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Utah
4-Day Southwest Sampler Adventure

Experience an overnight Colorado River rafting trip, a guided tour of Arches National Park, an off-road adventure on Hell's Revenge, and two nights at the Marriott.

  • Begins: Moab, Utah
  • Best For: Variety (3 trips)
  • Rapids: 6 Class I-III
  • Ages: 5+
Adults (16+) From: $1,150
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Idaho
5-Day Main Salmon River Expedition

Five days on Idaho’s Main Salmon, playful rapids, sandy beaches, and warm river days, with time to unwind, explore, and soak in the rhythm of a true wilderness escape.

  • Begins: Boise or Salmon, ID
  • Best for: Rapids & beaches
  • Rapids: 50 Class II-IV
  • Ages: June 12+ Jul/Aug 6+
Adults (15+) From: $2,395
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Idaho
6-Day Middle Fork Salmon River Trip

Six days on the Middle Fork of the Salmon. Clear water, hot springs, and thrilling rapids, winding through one of the most pristine wilderness rivers in the country.

  • Begins: Stanley/Salmon, ID
  • Best for: Rapids & fishing
  • Rapids: 100+ Class III-V
  • Ages: June 12+ Jul/Aug 7+
Adults (17+) From: $3,990
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Idaho
5-Day Lower Salmon Rafting Trip

Five days on the Lower Salmon, with warm water, playful rapids, and sandy beaches for swimming and relaxing. Family Magic departures add special activities for kids.

  • Begins: Lewiston, ID
  • Best for: Families & sunshine
  • Rapids: 56 Class II-III
  • Ages: July 1-15 10+ Jul/Aug 5+
Adults (17+) From: $2,190
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Idaho
5-Day Snake River Hells Canyon Trip

Five days on the Snake River through Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, with powerful rapids, towering basalt walls, and rich Nez Perce history.

  • Begins: Cambridge, ID
  • Best for: Rapids & beaches
  • Rapids: 40+ Class III-IV
  • Ages: June 12+ Jul/Aug 8+
Adults (17+) From: $2,290
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Oregon
Rogue River 3 & 4-Day Lodge to Lodge Trip

Three or four days on the Rogue River with lodge-to-lodge comfort, over 35 Class III–IV rapids, and wildlife, finishing with a shuttle back to Merlin.

  • Begins: Merlin, OR
  • Best for: Lodge to Lodge
  • Rapids: 35+ Class II-IV
  • Ages: 7+
Adults (16+) From: $1,890
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Costa Rica
9-Day Costa Rica Vacation Package

Nine spectacular days across Costa Rica: raft the Pacuare River to a jungle eco-lodge, soak in Arenal's hot springs, and finish on Manuel Antonio's beaches.

  • Begins: San Jose, CR
  • Best for: Tropical, variety
  • Rapids: 30+ Class III-V
  • Ages: 7+
Adults (16+) From: $4,895
View Trip & Dates

Find available dates across all trips

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New to Rafting? You Are in Good Company.

Most Western River guests are not experienced rafters, and many have never spent a night camping before their trip.


Your guides explain what to expect, help you settle into river life, prepare every meal, and manage the complicated parts behind the scenes. Western also provides detailed trip-specific information before departure, so you arrive knowing what to bring and how the experience will work.


The result is an adventure that feels far outside ordinary life, without feeling like you have been left to figure it out on your own.

Compare Every Western River Rafting Trip

Compare trips by duration, whitewater, minimum age and their starting location.

TRIP REGION BEST FOR DURATION WHITEWATER MINIMUM AGE BEGINS IN
GRAND CANYON 3-DAY RIVER TRIP Grand Canyon A shorter Grand Canyon experience 3 days 16 Class II–III rapids 9+ Las Vegas, Nevada
GRAND CANYON 4-DAY RIVER & RANCH TRIP Grand Canyon River adventure plus a ranch stay 4 days 16 Class II–III rapids 9+ Las Vegas, Nevada
GRAND CANYON 6-DAY RAFTING TRIP Grand Canyon Legendary rapids and canyon hikes 6 days 60+ Class III–V rapids 12+ Las Vegas, Nevada, or Page, Arizona
GRAND CANYON 7-DAY RAFTING TRIP Grand Canyon More time to explore the canyon 7 days 60+ Class III–V rapids 12+ Las Vegas, Nevada, or Page, Arizona
CATARACT CANYON 2-DAY EXPRESS Utah Big whitewater in less time 2 days 30 Class III–V rapids 12+ Moab, Utah
CATARACT CANYON 4-DAY CLASSIC Utah The complete Cataract Canyon experience 4 days 30 Class III–V rapids 10+ July–September; 12+ May–June Moab, Utah
DESOLATION CANYON 5-DAY RAFTING TRIP Utah Families with younger children 5 days 60 Class I–III rapids 5+ Moab, Utah
SOUTHWEST SAMPLER 4-DAY ADVENTURE Utah The most variety in one Moab vacation 4 days 8 Class II–III rapids 5+ Moab, Utah
MIDDLE FORK SALMON 5–6 DAY RIVER TRIP Idaho Clear water, hot springs, and continuous rapids 5–6 days 100+ Class III–V rapids 7+; water-level dependent Stanley or Salmon, Idaho
MAIN SALMON RIVER 5-DAY EXPEDITION Idaho Warm water, rapids, and sandy beaches 5 days 50 Class II–IV rapids 6+; water-level dependent Boise or Salmon, Idaho
LOWER SALMON 5-DAY RAFTING TRIP Idaho A family-focused Idaho river trip 5 days 56 Class II–III rapids 5+; water-level dependent Lewiston, Idaho
SNAKE RIVER HELLS CANYON 5-DAY TRIP Idaho Whitewater, beaches, wildlife, and history 5 days 40+ Class III–IV rapids 8+; water-level dependent Cambridge, Idaho
ROGUE RIVER 4-DAY LODGE-TO-LODGE TRIP Oregon Whitewater without camping 3 - 4 days 35+ Class II–IV rapids 7+ Merlin, Oregon
COSTA RICA 9-DAY VACATION PACKAGE Costa Rica Rainforest, hot springs, beaches, and variety 9 days (3 days on the river) 30+ Class III–V rapids 7+ San José, Costa Rica
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Compare Multi-Day Rafting Trips by Region

Western River has connected guests to new landscapes since 1961, when the company pioneered overnight rafting trips in the Grand Canyon. Each destination offers a distinct kind of trip. Pick a region to see its full lineup.

GRAND CANYON

3 Trips · 3–7 Days

UTAH

4 Trips, 2-5 Days

IDAHO

4 Trips, 5-6 Days

OREGON

1 Trip, 3-4 Days

COSTA RICA

1 Trip, 9 Days, Customizable

Where will your river journey take you?

From the red-rock canyons of Arizona and Utah to the mountain rivers of Idaho and Oregon, each region offers a different kind of rafting experience. Some trips are known for bigger whitewater and dramatic canyon walls. Others pair gentler rapids with warm water, sandy beaches, family-friendly camping, or riverside lodges. Explore the map to see where each adventure takes place, then compare trip length, minimum age, whitewater, accommodations, and overall experience to find the river that fits you best.

Map of the rivers we run at Western River Expeditions
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Why Guests Raft With Western River

The setting and pace of a Western River trip give you something most vacations cannot: days with no decisions to make, no wallet to carry, and nothing between you and the canyon. Guests routinely call it the best vacation of their lives. You'll step away from everyday decisions, settle into the journey, and spend your time enjoying the canyon and the people beside you.

Two guides hold a serving tray beside the river

Expert Guides & Personal Care

Western guides complete over 400 hours of training in river skills, first aid, rescue, cooking, and canyon interpretation. They also know how to help rafters relax and enjoy every part of the journey.

Campers sit beside a blue tent on a sandy Grand Canyon beach

All The Details - Handled

Meals, camping equipment, in-trip transportation, and river gear are included on every expedition. You show up; the rest is handled. First-time campers are surprised how comfortable multi-day river camping is.

A hiker looks down on the Colorado River from a Nankoweap ledge

Guiding Since 1961

Western River has guided multi-day rafting trips since 1961. That experience shapes every part of the journey, from preparation and equipment to the little details that can make the biggest difference.

Preparing for Your Multi-Day Rafting Trip

Still deciding whether a multi-day rafting trip is right for you? These guides answer the questions first-timers ask most. Every trip welcomes first-timers, and most guests have never rafted before they book.

What to expect if you have never rafted before.

Understanding the class I-V rapid rating system.

J-Rig, oar boats, paddle boats, and which trip uses which.

The practical items that make the greatest difference.

See how rafting, hikes, meals, and camp flow on the river.

Cots, tents, meals, bathrooms and what surprises first timers.

How to judge an outfitter, and how Western River measures up.

Charter a full departure for a group of 12 or more.

Planning a Family Reunion or Private Group Trip?

Some of the best river trips begin with the people you already want beside you. Families, reunions, milestone celebrations, and private groups can reserve an entire departure. Western handles the same guides, meals, equipment, and logistics while your group shares the experience together.

"Special Group Trips"

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Guest Reviews

"We are not a camping family"

★★★★★

Best trip ever. Amazing guides, terrific people, killer food, and adventure that you'll never forget. I'd give 6 stars if I could. We are not a camping family and still loved it.

Mark D. - TripAdvisor

"First time doing this"

★★★★★


3 teenagers plus 2 grandparents plus Western River equals amazing memories. We did the 4-day Cataract Canyon trip from Moab. First-time campers and a non-swimmer in our group of five, and every detail was perfect.

VacationBringsJoy - TripAdvisor

"This trip will change your life. Do it."

★★★★★



Our family and friends did the Grand Canyon 7-Day expedition. This trip was life changing. Best vacation of my life. Our family is already planning another. The Grand Canyon is magical and Western River does it right.

Katie L. - TripAdvisor

Facebook

 ★★★★★

360+ REVIEWS
Google

★★★★★

800+ REVIEWS
TripAdvisor

★★★★★

1K+ REVIEWS
Yelp

★★★★★

80+ REVIEWS

Adventure With Confidence

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which Western River rafting trip is best for first-timers?

    Most Western River guests are first-timers, so every trip is built to welcome them. For the gentlest introduction, Desolation Canyon in Utah and the Lower Salmon in Idaho run mostly Class I–III water with minimum ages as low as 5. If you want big whitewater on your first trip, the Grand Canyon's J-Rig handles the largest rapids while you hold on. See first-time rafting.

  • What is the difference between the rafting regions?

    Grand Canyon trips deliver the most iconic scale and the biggest name rapids with easy departures out of Las Vegas. 


    Utah rafting trips explore the red rock canyon country from Moab, with some trips exploring Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park.


    Idaho rafting trips explore remote wild-and-scenic wilderness areas that are a stark contrast to the desert rivers of the Southwest.


    Oregon rafting trips feature the Rogue River which provides a unique lodge-to-lodge river experience with no camping.

  • How much does a multi-day rafting trip cost?

    Western River trips range from about $1,300 per person up to $4000+. Pricing is all-inclusive: guides, all meals, camping equipment, and in-trip transportation from your meeting point. Many trips include private charter flights and helicopter transfers. Youth pricing is lower on select trips. Each trip page lists current dates and per-person rates.

  • Which trips are best for families with young kids?

    Trips with a minimum age of 5 are the most family-flexible: Desolation Canyon and the Southwest Sampler in Utah, and the Lower Salmon in Idaho, which offers a Family Magic departure with a dedicated kids' guide. The Grand Canyon 3-Day and 4-Day trips accept ages 9 and up. See family rafting trips for the full breakdown by age.

  • Do I need rafting experience to book?

    No. No prior experience is required on any Western River trip. Guides complete close to 400 hours of training, all guests wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets, and every trip begins with a safety briefing. What matters more than experience is picking a water level that matches your comfort. The Rapid Levels Guide explains the Class I–VI scale.

  • Can I book a whole trip for my group?

    Yes. Groups of 12 to 30 can charter a private departure with the same guides, all-inclusive setup, and no shared boats. Families, reunions, corporate teams, and milestone groups book private trips regularly. Minimum and maximum guest quantities for a private trip vary by trip. See private group rafting trips.

  • When is the best time to go?

    The answer depends on the destination and the kind of experience you prefer. Spring often brings cooler weather and stronger water flows. Summer brings warmer air, family travel dates, and warmer water on several rivers. Each destination page explains its season month by month.


    Note that in the Grand Canyon, river levels are controlled by Glen Canyon Dam, so they are consistent from April through September. 

  • What is included, and what do I bring?

    Every trip includes guides, all meals, camping equipment (the setup varies by river), in-trip transportation, and river gear. You bring personal clothing, sun protection, and river footwear. Western River sends a trip-specific packing list before departure. See what to wear and pack for the short version.

Didn’t find what you need? Call us! We’d be happy to chat.

Ready to find your perfect trip?

Get river maps, itineraries, camping details, weather, packing lists, travel logistics, and more, all in one place. Choose your destination or one or more trips and compare the details.

Vintage beige expedition guide booklet with compass emblem and stacked pages