One Day Grand Canyon Rafting 2024 Season

1 Day Whitewater

The one day rafting trip is best for those who are short on time or want a taste of a true whitewater experience a mile deep in Grand Canyon.

Native Culture

Discover the rich traditions of the Hualapai people and travel the Colorado River with a native guide.

Action Packed

Run rapids on the Colorado River, hike to Travertine Falls, have lunch on the river bank, and take an optional helicopter ride to the rim – all in one day.

Optional Helicopter Ride

For those who want to fly, the helicopter transport up to the rim an added highlight. While those who prefer not to fly stay on the raft and float downstream.
(The helicopter is not operating for the 2024 Summer, please check out these helicopter tours.)

No Mandatory Hike

There is no requirement to hike in or out of the Grand Canyon.

Or Learn About

3 to 18 Day Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

“I cannot tell you how impressed I was with the trip, the organizational skills, and knowledge. Once I decided to go every detail of the adventure was planned, organized and implemented without a hitch.”
– Steve G.

Grand Canyon 1-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip

Your 1-day Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trip takes place on the Hualapai Indian Reservation. This is a unique opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon with people who have a rich history within the Canyon and still call it home.

You will raft the Colorado River for 35 miles from Diamond Creek to Quartermaster Canyon. From here either take a helicopter ride to the rim of Grand Canyon West or stay on the river for 19 more miles of rafting to Pearce Ferry. Lunch is provided. If you choose to fly out by helicopter there is also an option to visit the Grand Canyon West Skywalk.

There are nearby 1/2 and full day smooth water rafting trips without rapids.

family at travertine falls, Grand Canyon
helicopter taking people out from rafting trip
One Day Grand Canyon motor raft stop

This is a full day of Grand Canyon white water rafting and exploration.

One Day Grand Canyon Whitewater (2024)

Meeting in Peach Springs

  • Rafting Trip: $429/person + tax (8.5%), $359/child (8 to 12 years old) + tax
  • Helicopter + Rafting Trip: Not currently available
  • Skywalk + Helicopter + Rafting Trip: Not currently available
    ***Approximate costs. To find the costs for specific dates use the button above.

Pick Up / Drop off in Las Vegas

  • Rafting Trip: $653/person
  • Helicopter + Rafting Trip: Not currently available
  • Skywalk + Helicopter + Rafting Trip: Not currently available
    ***Approximate costs. To find the costs for specific dates use the button above.

ONE DAY GRAND CANYON RAFTING FAQ’s

How much does the 1-day Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trip cost?

The Grand Canyon whitewater rafting price is $465 per person (tax included) in 2024 for those who wish to drive to Peach Springs, Arizona. Price includes all river related safety gear, transportation from the Hualapai Lodge to the Colorado River and back, picnic lunch, beverages and snacks.
The following can be added to your one day Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trip:
Helicopter out of Grand Canyon $199 per person (tax included) – Not currently available for 2024
Visit to the Skywalk – Not an option in 2024

Is there transportation from Las Vegas to 1-day rafting trips?

Yes, we offer one day Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trips with transportation from/to Las Vegas. You will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel. If you’re staying in a vacation rental, pick ups can be arranged at the nearest hotel, casino, or grocery store.

When can I raft in Grand Canyon in a day?

One day Grand Canyon rafting trips run every day from March 15 to October 31st.

Are there any age restrictions for the 1-day Grand Canyon rafting trip?

Yes, all rafters must be at least 8 years old.

Where does the Grand Canyon whitewater rafting day trip start?

The trips begin at the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs, Arizona. Peach Springs is a 3 hour drive from Las Vegas and a 2.5 hour drive from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. On the day of your trip, you will check-in at 7 a.m. From the Hualapai Lodge, you will take a bus ride to the Diamond Creek put-in on the Colorado River.

What are the Grand Canyon rafting options near the South Rim?

The closest and only one-day whitewater rating trip in Grand Canyon is this, the Hualapai River Runners, one-day trip. It is a 2+ hour drive from the South Rim to the meeting location in Peach Springs. The 4 to 8-day Upper Grand Canyon rafting trips end with a hike up to the South Rim. While 5 to 12-day Lower Grand Canyon trips start with a hike down from the South Rim. In addition there are half day floats in Glen Canyon lying just upstream from Grand Canyon with a 2+ hour drive from the South Rim to Paige, Az.

Is there a helicopter ride available with the one day Grand Canyon rafting trip?

Not running in 2024 at the moment – For $199 per person you can add a helicopter lift out of Grand Canyon to your trip. You will raft 35 river miles and arrive at Quartermaster Canyon between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Here you will take a quick 6-7-minute helicopter flight back to the rim of the Grand Canyon. From here, you’ll take a bus back to the Hualapai Lodge, arriving between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

What if I don’t take the helicopter?

If you forgo the helicopter you will continue rafting for approximately two more hours. Enjoy the scenery of the Canyon for 19 more river miles and arrive at Pearce Ferry, where you will take a bus ride back to Peach Springs, arriving the Hualapai Lodge between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. The Skywalk is not available with this option.

Will we run rapids on the Grand Canyon one day rafting trip?

Yes! The action begins right away with eight Grand Canyon whitewater rapids within the first ten miles. You will get wet! The rapids are rated II and III+, which makes for a wild roller coaster ride of wave trains. After the rapids, the rest of the river trip will be smooth water and incredible Grand Canyon views.

What activities are on a Grand Canyon white water rafting day trip?

During the day, you will hike and explore a beautiful side canyon with a series of waterfalls called Travertine Grotto, run more rapids, and enjoy a picnic lunch on a sandy beach.
Lunch typically consists of deli-style sandwiches with chips, fruit, cookies, and trail mix. Snacks, water, and soft drinks are always available. If you have food allergies, let us know. Most dietary allergies can be accommodated.

What kind of rafts are used on the 1-day rafting tour in Grand Canyon?

Your raft will be a 22-foot, motorized inflatable pontoon, which carries 6-8 people. There are typically 6-8 boats traveling down river in a group.

What is the Skywalk?

The Grand Canyon West Skywalk is the only place where visitors can step out onto a glass walkway nearly 4,000 feet above the floor of the Grand Canyon. If you want to experience the Skywalk you will need to add on the helicopter to your trip.  Rafters who choose to do the Skywalk will be helicoptered to the rim first and will have approximately a 30-minute visit at the Skywalk. For 2022 it is unclear if rafters will be able to stop at the Skywalk.

Are there lodging options in Peach Springs?

If you are driving yourself, we recommend staying at the Hualapai Lodge the night before and/or the night after your expedition as it is an early start with a full day of activity. This is the only lodging option in Peach Springs. We have discounted rates for the Lodge and we are happy to book your rooms for you.

What is the weather like in Grand Canyon?

Historically speaking weather patterns in Grand Canyon are as follows:
March, April, May: cooler temperatures, strong winds
June, July, August: hottest months, temperatures between 95°F – 115°F.
July, August, September: Monsoon season can bring afternoon clouds and rain showers.
September, October: cooler temperatures
Learn more about Grand Canyon weather for rafting.

What is the water temperature of the Colorado river in Grand Canyon?

The Colorado River water temperature is around 50°- 55°F all year round. This is a whitewater rafting trip, so you will get wet!

What do I need to bring with me on the one day Grand Canyon rafting trip?

When you sign-up you’ll be provided with a detailed packing list. No matter what time of year, we highly recommend you bring waterproof rain gear (jacket and pants) to protect you from the splash of the rapids, rain and wind. If you’re rafting in the spring or fall, you’ll want to bring layers to keep warm. Sun protection is a must as you’ll be spending a long day out in the Arizona sun.

Find Your 2024 Grand Canyon Rafting Trip:

Video: Grand Canyon 1 day Rafting by News Station