So great...I'm doing it again (4th time). The challenge, the organization, the food...a great experience! read more

Still glowing from the experience, what a ride, what a ride ! 8 day moto raft trip was fantastic. Like many folks, I had looked down on the Grand Canyon from the rim, but this trip is full immersion! ... ha ha, sometimes literally ! GCW does a great job, providing camping gear, food, and the cool rafts. It is not "glamping", you gotta help unload the rafts, set up your camp etc, but all part of the experience. The trip leader (Rachel was super!) and guides are pretty great, working hard to make sure everyone is safe, well fed, and having a good time. Having a nice quiet Honda motor moves the rafts along, the 8 days was just right. We passed various oar trips that take longer and maybe have more cache, but looking at their faces, I think we were having a lot more fun! Going solo was interesting, met some nice folks, some goofballs, but all Good! Definitely recommend, gotta be a bit adventurous, but what a way to experience one of the natural wonders of the planet! read more

Grand Canyon Whitewater - Floating down the Colorado River! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

It's time. Visiting the Grand Canyon has been on your Bucket List all these years and the time has finally come. Let's do it! The best way to experience the wonders of the Grand Canyon is from the water and the best outfitter to help your dream become a reality is Grand Canyon Whitewater. This team is the best! Each step of the experience -the planning, the preparation, the rafting, setting up camp each night and the hike out are well thought out and designed to make your Grand Canyon experience the trip of a lifetime. When the time has come for your Grand Canyon adventure make Grand Canyon Whitewater your outfitter. You won't be disappointed. read more

What an amazing trip! We had a blast on our 8 day motor rafting trip on 22May19 with Grand Canyon Whitewater. From the moment I stumbled onto Grand Canyon Whitewater website and viewed the videos covering some of the logistics of this kind adventure travel, I knew this was the company to book with. I was not disappointed, they are a well oiled machine in preparing guests for the trip, disseminated information and answering questions. Once on the river, the guides were excellent and executing a smooth trip in the remote and rugged destination of the Colorado River. The meals were delicious, the whole camp set up from unloading and reloading the rafts to hygiene and equipment and storytelling were top notch. We loved the daily side stops and surprise hikes and adventures that awaited us. We look forward to our next trip with Grand Canyon Whitewater. Big thanks to Bill, Riley, Cora, Ruby and Brad! read more

Had a fantastic 5 day trip on the lower canyon whitewater with hike into the Canyon and HIGHLY recommend to anyone looking for an adventurous back-to-nature experience. The rafting itself is so much fun, like a natural roller coaster. The Arizona heat is ruthless, but Colorado river is always very cold and provides a great splash on the whitewater! And believe me, you will not stay dry on the raft! I was really impressed by the way GCW handles the trips. Starting from their website, which is really easy to navigate and providing a great amount of information in a very clear format, through the social page to interact with the co-rafters, to the excellent helpful and knowledgeable staff patiently answering every question, the customer service is impeccable. I feel like I received all the necessary information prior to the trip and was truly impressed by the great organization of the trip. During the hike into the Canyon, we were accompanied by 2 lovely Ladies, who were also boatmen with GCW, They gave the last useful info before the hike and were taking a good care of us on the strenuous hike down the Bright Angel Trail. I had a duffel bag muled in and would highly recommend this service, as the hike is tough and heavy enough on your legs without the extra load. After we reached the boat beach, we met our guides and, boy oh boy, they occurred to be FANTASTIC. Jason has 25 years experience on the Colorado river and his stoic nature was greatly appreciated. John's laughter was really contagious and Ted is a man of many talents: he played a guitar and harmonica for us! Amazing people. If you are considering taking a rafting trip down Colorado river you already know it is NOT a resort-type-of-holiday, but the beauty of the Canyon, camping under starry skies, interaction with other amazing people, turning your phone off, this all is so so worth it! I really enjoyed the fire line and the team work we did while loading and unloading the rafts, setting the camp etc. We had a super hot weather, so tents were not necessary and sleeping on the beaches was fantastic and very comfortable on the camping cots. The food was AMAZING, every day we had incredible meals and I had to pinch myself to believe they could actually prepare them in the middle of the wild! Pancakes, omelettes, fresh salads, fruit, appetizer, steaks, pork chops, spaghetti, fajitas and a freshly baked CAKE every day! Brownies from the dutch ovens were sooo goood. Everything you see on their website is true! All the produce they use is ORGANIC and sourced from the local farmers/suppliers. This alone deserves a 5+ stars! Unlimited cold soda and water and delicious snacks are a good fuel during the rafting. And I am not talking chepeast peanuts, they had some seriously good snacks and fruit with them! You can order some alcohol prior to the trip and it happened to be a great idea to sip some wine or beer in the evening and chat with others. Jason was the trip leader and he made sure we had a few of amazing hikes, with the highlight at the Havasu creek. Gorgeous turquoise pools! He also told countless stories, anecdotes and made sure that during the worst heat at midday we were chilling in some cool place. The rafts were very stable and the engines were rather silent, so for myself and other 27 people it was a great enjoyable ride. And the rapids, wow! It is a cannot-miss adventure! The view of the Canyon from the bottom is unforgettable, and the shooting stars at night are magical. I cannot say enough how great this trip was! Chapeau bas Great Canyon Whitewater! read more

My wife went on a trip with GCW with her dad when she was finishing high school. She loved it so much, she wanted to share the experience with me for our 10th anniversary. I have to say, it's going to be hard to top this for future celebrations. We did the four day motorized trip with the hike out at the end. Matt, Ted, Zulu, and Stolf comprised our fantastic crew. They were all friendly from the first minute, getting to know our names, helping us figure out what in the world we were doing, and getting us going on the river. Throughout the whole trip, the crew were a real pleasure to work with and talk to. They made us feel a little bit like family, and their friendliness never seemed patronizing. The food was great. I've always enjoyed camping and food over a fire or propane stove. This definitely took it up a notch, with salmon for dinner, eggs to order, and a nice spread for sandwich lunches. I also enjoyed working with the whole group to get dishes cleaned up after meals. We lucked out and got to sleep under the stars every night. The cots were a little bit of a pain to set up, but can't really complain when they're keeping you off the ground away from scorpions! The team did a great job picking out sites for us each night and setting up places to eat and use the toilet. I was also really impressed with how well the support staff helped us prepare for the trip. No details were left out in letting us know what to expect on our trip. I guess you never know exactly what to expect a trip to be like before you go, but I feel like we were well-prepared for what was in front of us. I can't wait until our kids are a little older and can go back to Grand Canyon with us. We'll definitely be going with GCW when they are! read more

I would highly recommend going with this group. Highly professional and a great sense humor. Very knowledgeable about the canyon and history. I was especially impressed with their emphasis on safety including the hygiene of their food preparation serving, clean up and sanitary needs of their guests. I cannot emphasis enough to potential clients that if you're hiking out of the canyon on the last day you need to be physically fit; it is a very challenging hike so please train for this if you feel you've let yourself go. The crew will get you up early on the last day so you can hit the trailhead early so you can take advantage of the morning temperature and shade. I have no complaints about this company, not even constructive criticism. A very memorable trip. The crew was well deserving of the recommended tip. Kevin Murphy- quincy Massachusetts read more

My husband, daughter and I went on the full canyon hiker's special trip this past spring. We all had a wonderful trip. I can't say enough good things about the GCW guides. Everyone of them seemed to truly love their job. They each had different backgrounds and interesting off season interests. Their enthusiasm was contagious. Brock was a great trip leader. His team seemed to respect him and he was able to lead without being authoritative. He and his team sensed our needs and adapted to all sorts of acclimate conditions, varying personalities and skill levels. The rafting through Grand Canyon is an amazing experience and I hope to do it again. read more

Amazing company with spectacular staff! From Day 1 on our eight day trip our four guides made us feel welcome and excited to be on the river. They were super knowledgeable, planned our trip to include all of the best stops and campsites that fit our group best. They also went with the flow when it turned out our 27 person group were a bunch of early birds and were willing to prepare coffee/breakfast early and leave camp early. This led to some spontaneous stops! The food was FANTASTIC each night with the crew working like a well oiled machine and they made sure to accommodate all of our dietary needs (gluten-free, vegetarian, non-beef, etc.) I seriously cannot thank Jeff, Jason, Holly, and Evelyn enough for such a wonderful week nor this company for making sure we were well taken care of! read more

My husband and I did the 8-day motorized trip from Lee's Ferry to Diamond Creek. The professional staff made it easy. All the equipment we needed was provided. The meals were excellent. The stories told about the geology and history were first rate. It was a wonderful way to see the Grand Canyon. read more

Our family of 4 took a 4 day/night lower canyon trip with Grand Canyon Whitewater. The scenery and rapids were fantastic. The day trips were fantastic. The other guests on the trip were great fun, friendly and helpful - we were a team! Jason and Holly always provided us with many facts about the canyon and the rapids. Grant knows his facts too, but needs to share these more with the guests to make the trip more interesting and to engage him more with the guests. The hike down on the Bright Angel Trail was very challenging, with the heat making it even worse. Once you reach Indian Gardens - don't expect that the rest of the trail is leveled off because it isn't. The trail narrows after Indian Gardens and declines once again. We found it to be much more dangerous at times on this part of the trail than the upper part of the trail. You do need to carry at least 2 water bottles and some salty snacks to help you make it down the trail. When we finished the grueling hike, I was expecting something really cold to drink - that was not the case - the drinks were luke warm. I was disappointed in the food on the trip. I wasn't expecting canned chicken noodle soup for an appetizer or canned fruit cocktail for breakfast. I also wasn't expecting a store bought pound cake for desert. One breakfast was just toasted english muffins and the canned fruit cocktail. The steaks served for dinner one night were of poor quality. Another night we were served lasagna - many of the noodles were not cooked. Finally, the pork chops served for another dinner were extremely overcooked. We have been on 2 other outdoor outings at different venues so we had set expectations for the food in our minds. The crew could have paid a little more attention to the little things. The drink bag was often empty. Dinner was served a little late 2 of the nights and eating at dusk was challenging. Some of the camp sites were difficult to deal with. The first day we weren't on the water long and the camp site chosen was between 2 big walls of rocks. It was hot enough on this trip without having to sleep between rocks that were giving off their heat. This spot also had an abundance of bats that flew above our heads all night long. That was a little unnerving. At another camp site there was limited easily accessible water access - this made it difficult as a woman to find privacy to urinate. Finally, I wasn't aware of some simple things until day 3 of the trip - that there was actually fresh fruit in the snack box or that there was a tarp in the bottom of our dry bag in case it started raining. Despite the constructive criticism, we have no regrets on taking this trip. It was an experience that we will never forget! read more

"Even as we were taking out at Diamond Creek at the end of my first trip two years ago, I knew I needed to return to the River and the Canyon with GCW. What I experienced the first trip was a huge sense of wonder at the magnificence and magic of the place. What I found during the 13 day trip in July of this year was a recognition of an inner strength, and an ability to flow in a world that is not always easy or friendly. There were many extraordinary challenges on this trip that could have ruined a vacation: thunderstorms and bucketing rain as we were setting up camp, private groups camping on larger sites which made it harder for us to find a site, winds blowing so hard the guides could barely keep the rafts moving forward. Weird things happened: the Can-X boats getting away and making an independent run down the River like so many rubber ducks in a row; the raft stuck at the bottom of Crystal; someone (not in our group) getting hurt enough that a helicopter had to come for them. And there were the usual discomforts and challenges: ants, sand everywhere (still finding that in odd places now that I'm home), the heat, sitting in wet clothes for hours on end, sore feet, the lack of privacy. But those all seemed an appropriate price to pay for the gifts of the trip. Gifts not to be found anywhere above rim for any price at all. The friendships. I traveled alone this trip, eager to test my mettle as a solo woman of a certain age. On the shuttle from the airport in Phoenix to Flagstaff I met the only other solo woman on the trip. From our first conversation we were bonded, and we spent the entire trip together. We shared a campsite, looked out for each other during blue bucket moments, and traveled together each day. Many people thought we came together as a mother, daughter team. The morning the group was to depart from Flagstaff for Lee's Ferry, a woman recognized me from the picture on the shared site. She and her husband were among the eight of us who did the entire 13 days together. In the course of that time I had the honor of watching her face fear after fear after fear and grow hugely because of it. The eight of us who traveled the full length of the River together will be in each other's lives in some way forever. The stars. After the thunderstorms passed, we had several nights in a row of clear skies. Jupiter glowed in the western sky, lighting the way for the billions of stars to follow. Going to sleep under bright stars and flitting bats was one of the most peaceful and satisfying things I've ever done. Eyes opening in the middle of the night to see the Milky Way splashed from one end of the sky to the other, not just one night but a week's worth of nights, was a gift almost beyond comprehension. Waking up in the pre-dawn light, watching the last stars fade away just as a canyon wren started her morning cascade of song, made me feel closer to the people who originally lived in the Canyon. It all made me feel closer to the life force that flows through us all. The guides. Starting with Jeff as leader, and including the 6 guides and Tyler in the supply boat, I cannot say enough about these amazing human beings and the job they do. Working in terrifically challenging circumstances over which he had no control, Jeff kept our well-being and happiness a priority the whole trip. While he juggled plans and problem-solving, he also worked as an equal with the other guides. He told great stories, terrible groaner jokes, and made us laugh when we might otherwise have not seen the humor in a given situation. The demands on all the guides are nearly impossible: row all day, navigate wild rapids in a way that is both safe and fun for pretty clueless people, cook incredible meals. Be available to help, comfort, and answer questions at all times. And yet they showed nothing but smiles and joy, and when we would comment on how hard something seemed, they shrugged it off as part of the job and a price they considered small for the privilege of the life they've chosen. Everything else: peregrine fledglings learning to fly; condors, ravens, and great blue herons; lizards with doleful gazes watching camp set-up; a herd of sheep across the river as we celebrated a successful run at Lava; hikes to picturesque waterfalls, up side canyons, over rocks millions of years old; a long smooth float on green water surrounded by canyon walls radiating every possible shade of red under a sky blue beyond any metaphor I know, when a thought floats through, "This is happy." Thank you to the guides - I want to come back in my next life as you. Thank you to GCW for the planning, the systems, the information - all intended to allow the best possible experience of a world in which humans do not fit easily. I'm already planning, wondering - can I make trip three happen?" read more

As one friend stated, this is a trip of a lifetime that you should take every year! I couldn't agree more! We took the motorized raft, filled to capacity,still comfortable!Our guide Ted and his swamper, Holly, and crew from the other boat with Brock at the helm gave us a never to forget experience through the upper canyon from Lee's Ferry to just past the notorious Lava Falls. With safety in mind at all times, we were given a tour of not only the adrenaline filled rapids, but a historical and geological timeline of the canyon's creation. A ride not to forget, they accommodate the thrill seeking junkies in the bow of the raft, as well as the meek in the "princess" seats towards the back. Camping under the stars every night was something everyone needs to do at least once, even though there are tents for everyone, this was a not to miss feeling of waking up in the middle of the night to satellites, shooting stars, and constellations galore! Food and drink? Every day was better than the day before, and the first day was more than we expected! Each meal was FRESHLY prepared on a private beach that we just rolled up on(ones that can accommodate 30 people). From the best breakfasts cooked on an open fire or propane flat top( gluten free and vegetarian options too!) to a very nicely displayed luncheon meat sandwich with all the condiments, to a magnificent dinner EVERY DAY! Fresh water is in abundance, and being in the dessert you will drink gallons of water. Brink your own beverages,beer, soda, etc. they'll keep it cold. We were there in the Fall, temps were warm, but not too hot, and the side excursions were stunning and at times exhausting(in a good way!) If there were Ten stars to give it wouldn't be enough! Book this trip NOW! read more

I travel a lot. This is probably the best trip i have ever taken. It was spectacular. I am not much of a group trip person but the group on this trip came together like a big family. The hike down was very hard but manageable,the side hikes were fantastic and the rafting was great fun and exciting. This is a wilderness trip so do not expect five star food and bathrooms but for someone who camps or backpacks the food and camp areas were just top shelf. We even had a few people in our group who had never slept outside and they did just fine. The river guides were great. Chris was lots of fun and informative. Amanda was VERY impressive. Hard worker; personable; remembered everyone's name; always smiling and greeting you by name. We will definitely be doing another trip with GCW soon. read more

I just returned from a 4 day, 3 nite trip down the upper Colorado. Jason, John and Ted were wonderful pilots and guides. The group jelled nicely, the teamwork was wonderful in getting the boats loaded and unloaded. there were several side hikes where we were able to see and exploreareas with fossils and an Ancestral Puebloan Village foundations. The waterfall in Clear Creek Canyon was amazing and playing in the Little Colorado River was a blast!! The colors and geology are beyond description. The stars at night are something you never see elsewhere. Our group did not use a tent and falling asleep staring at the sky is part of the incredible experience. The food is plentiful and really good. the hike up Bright Angel Trail is very strenuous. You have to be in good condition and need to take into consideration the heat, steepness and elevation changes. Remember to count the weight of the water in your backpack as you prepare for the trip. Being at the bottom of the Canyon is so different and moves you in ways you never thought about before. It is an experience of a lifetime!! read more

"Our guides, Jeff, Trevor, Brock and Tristan were amazing! Not only were they knowledgeable and professional, but were also personable, witty, attentive and down right fun to be with! The last evening around camp hearing stories and readings/poem from Brock was a wonderful, unexpected plus. Trevor was a cut-up and his humor was infectious. Jeff was a great captain and his expertise and concern for everyone's well-being was continually evident and it was difficult to believe that Tristan was doing an internship as he seemed so very competent and at ease with all aspects of the river and trip. I could not imagine having as much fun with any other guides and would definitely request them if I ever do another trip." read more

"This trip went above and beyond my expectations. The canyon is no joke and you have to take the heat and river seriously. I felt I was in very good hands with Jeff and the rest of the guides. This is something I wanted to do since I was 17 and I am so happy that GCW made this dream come true. Thank you for a wonderful vacation!" read more

This was high on my bucket list of items to do. We celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary and both our birthdays and we had the best time! I wasn't expecting to become as close to complete strangers but by the end of the trip, I was sad to leave to head home. Each guide and swamper had their individual style and overall as a staff, they were amazing! Ted was a great guide and even better first aid giver when a passenger was injured on the last day. It made us feel like we were in excellent hands and we will definitely be coming back in the future to raft with y'all again! read more

"This was the most spectacular trip experience! The staff was awesome. Chris and Amanda were very professional and were accommodating the entire trip. Chris was the first staffer I met post the hike in...he was high fiving and congratulating us on successfully completing the hike in. He offered electrolyte solution and snacks which were well received! The highlight were Havasu Falls and Lava Falls rapids as well as the side hikes and excursions! I enjoyed the wildlife including my meeting "Mr Tarantula" on my first night only witnessing a lizard having him for breakfast the next morning. :) The stars at night were simply mesmerizing and "spiritual". I will return to possibly complete the longer excursion with helicopter take-out! This trip completed one of my "bucket list" items from a promise from my father from a long time ago. Simply outstanding! Job well done!" read more

Its been almost a month since our trip and I'm still processing what this trip has meant to me. Without question it is the best trip I've ever taken! We can't wait to do it again!! What made this trip so special - the guides, the guests - will be different next time. But the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River ...they endure...And I Cant Wait!!" read more

It was a truly amazing experience. Rafting and hiking out is something I never saw myself doing just a few years ago. The guests and guides were so much fun to get to know and hang out with. There is no judgement and just good times. The peacefulness of the river was hard to leave behind and integrating back into reality took some time. Even though we had some cold, rainy days, we had the opportunity to see the canyon open up in a way that few others would - especially with some of the hikes that went with it. It is an experience I will cherish forever and look forward to doing again. read more