Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

Many Consider Rafting the Grand Canyon the Best Vacation in the World

Rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is the best-known whitewater rafting expedition in the world. For nearly 300 miles the river flows freely through a mile-deep gorge of ever-changing views and vistas, revealing the history of the earth in its multicolored layers of rock. The rapids are legendary, ranging from playful riffles to white knuckle thrills. Side canyon hiking and off-river exploration will take you to places of wonder, where you can frolic in waterfalls, swim in turquoise pools, stand amazed upon scenic overlooks, or relish the cooling shade of slot canyons and hidden grottoes.

Experience World-Class Whitewater Rafting with Colorado River & Trail Expeditions

Colorado River and Trail Expeditions is family and veteran owned.  Our founders David and Vicki Mackay met on a Grand Canyon trip in 1968.  Together they started Colorado River & Trail Expeditions(CRATE) in 1971. It is fair to say that the Colorado River and Grand Canyon run in our souls.  When the company first started we did backpacking as well as river running.  In fact on some of our early rafting expeditions we would spend one night off of the river backpacking to one of the Grand Canyon’s wonders.  We don’t do guided backpacking anymore, or spend nights off of the river, but we still believe that hiking off river is an important part of any Grand Canyon rafting trip.  Thus we decided to keep “Trail” as part of our name.

Your Adventure, Your Way: Personalized Grand Canyon Rafting

 Technically we are the smallest outfitter in Grand Canyon.  Where we operate approximately 20 trips per year. Because we are relatively small we offer a more personalized experience to our customers. From the moment you call our office to the warmth and expertise of our guides, you’ll immediately notice the difference. We’re committed to providing a personalized, friendly experience every step of the way.

Smaller Groups, Bigger Adventures

At CRATE we believe in not overcrowding our trips.  Our Grand Canyon rafting trips have smaller group sizes than most of our competitor’s trips.  

 Expert River Guides Who Bring the Canyon to Life

Our guides work extremely hard, love what they do, and they are experts in their field.  Most of them have worked for CRATE for over a decade and some much longer.  They are not only highly skilled boatman, but also knowledgeable in the history, geology, and ecology of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River. This expertise allows CRATE guides to provide a rich, educational experience alongside the thrill of Grand Canyon whitewater rafting.

Our Rafting Reputation

CRATE has built a longstanding reputation for delivering high-quality, unforgettable rafting experiences.  Our decades of experience have allowed us to continually improve and adapt our trips.  We have a loyal customer base that frequently returns for additional trips and often recommends us to others. Our high number of repeat customers speaks volumes about our Grand Canyon rafting trip’s quality of service and attention to detail.

Grand Canyon Whitewater Rafting Trip Options

We offer trips through the entire Grand Canyon from Lees Ferry to Pearce Ferry. We also offer trips that start/leave the Grand Canyon at Whitmore Wash via Helicopter.  Some of our rafting trips have an option to start or end at Phantom Ranch via hiking in/out of the Grand Canyon. CRATE offers motorized, rowing, paddle, and kayak support rafting tours.

Our river tours on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon range from 3-14 days in length.  It takes a minimum of 8 days to raft the entire Grand Canyon.  Our shortest trip is our 3-day Grand Canyon Ranch and Raft Adventure trip which is all inclusive from Las Vegas.

Choose from a variety of trip options tailored to your schedule and preferences:

• Full Canyon Expedition (8-14 Days): Raft all 277 miles of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, exploring iconic rapids and side canyons.
• Helicopter-Take-Out at Whitmore Wash (6-11 Days): Raft the first 188 miles of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon.
• Upper and Lower Hike-In/Out Trips: Start or end your adventure at Phantom Ranch, combining thrilling rafting with a strenuous and beautiful hike in or out of the Grand Canyon.
• Grand Canyon Rafting and Ranch Combination Trips:  Experience the ultimate combination of whitewater rafting and western hospitality, as your all-inclusive journey takes you from Las Vegas to the Bar 10 Ranch, and then down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, complete with meals, accommodations, and expert guides.
• Motor, Row, or Paddle: Opt for motorized rafts for efficient travel, or embrace the timeless adventure of oar-powered boats and paddle rafts for a more hands-on, traditional experience.