Take Me To The River
A Colorado River rafting trip through Grand Canyon National Park provides a whitewater rafting and camping vacation like no other. Towering cliffs, cool lush grottoes, thrilling rapids, and giant sand beaches can be experienced throughout the canyon corridor while guides share their knowledge of the natural and human history of the area. Colorado River whitewater rapids are rated from one to 10, with 10 being the hardest runnable rapid and equivalent to rafting class IV+ whitewater on the international scale.
Each day on the river is different and full: a mix of rapids and smooth water, hikes to hidden side canyons, waterfalls, and remnants of ancient indigenous dwellings with pottery. Rafting lets you experience the canyon from a wonderfully unique and impressive perspective.
There are three different options for rafting the Grand Canyon; The Upper Section (6-8 days), Lower Section (8-11 days), or combining both (14-18 days). Travel and transfer days usually add 1-2 days onto any trip down the Grand Canyon.
Trip Type
- Adventure
- Bucket List
- Custom
Activities
- Camping
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Rafting
River Trips with Heli
Heli Ambassador and founder of First Descents Brad Ludden has made a career connecting people with impactful experiences, which all began on the river. Whether you are a client on a Heli trip or a young adult combatting a life-threatening illness in First Descents’ non-profit programming, Brad and the team here at Heli genuinely believe in the transformative power of a proper river experience.
Our river trips and the outfitters we use have been hand-selected by Brad and our in-house river expert, Tom Barry. The resume of river experience between Brad and Tom is extensive, and a growing list of noteworthy clientele have relied on their guidance to launch on the trip of a lifetime.
There are countless river outfitters and hundreds of river trips on the market.
At Heli, our difference is getting to know our clients and steering them to the right experience at the right time with the best crew.
Our Athlete and Expert Network is available to every customer to enhance your experience. Here are some examples of how we have leveraged our network on past trips:
- Culinary- Have your river meals cooked by a private chef with locally sourced ingredients and an elevated menu.
- Athletes- Kayaking lessons from world-renowned athletes or athletes on the trip to see athletes at the pinnacle of the sport run the rapids alongside you.
- Visual Media- Photo and video of your trip captured by award-winning outdoor creatives. Our roster includes National Geographic photographers. accomplished filmmakers,
- Artists and Makers- Designing a custom logo for your trip to live painting and music performances.
- Health and Wellness- From yoga to massage, meditation to life coaching, our network of wellness professionals is world-class.
- Storytellers and Entertainers- Expedition leaders, world record holders, and the everyday people we know will make your experience memorable. They may not have the notoriety or accolades, but they carry all of the Stoke!
Launch Day
There are three different options for rafting the Grand Canyon; The Upper Section (6-8 days), Lower Section (8-11 days), or combining both (14-18 days). Travel and transfer days usually add 1-2 days onto any trip down the Grand Canyon.
Upper Trips launch from Lees Ferry Boat Launch. Lower trips require a hike in via the Bright Angel Trail to the midway point of the canyon at Phantom Ranch.
Traveling Down River
A Colorado River rafting trip through Grand Canyon National Park provides a whitewater rafting and camping vacation like no other. Towering cliffs, cool lush grottoes, thrilling rapids, and giant sand beaches can be experienced throughout the canyon corridor while guides share their knowledge of the natural and human history of the area. Colorado River white water rapids are rated from one to 10, with 10 being the hardest runnable rapid and equivalent to rafting class IV+ whitewater on the international scale.
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Side Hikes
From the river, we are able to access many side hikes to incredible vistas, side creeks that create lush green environments, and archeological/historical sites. Grand Canyon trips are often called hiking trips with raft transportation. If you want to stay active, there is an opportunity to hike almost every day.
Camp and Culinary
As we move down the river, the guide crew sets up a camp kitchen, and assists guests in setting up their cots and tents. Regardless of whether you choose the elevated food options, or have our guides cook for you, you’ll be relaxing on your own private beach at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Games of Bocce Ball and other lawn games are common while the group relaxes and waits for dinner to be served.
Inflatable Kayaking
For the most active and adventurous, our inflatable kayaking option allows guests to take on some of the rapids from a single person inflatable kayak.
Final Day Takeout
Upper trips hike up the Bright Angel trail to the South Rim of the Grand canyon. For Full and Lower trips, there are multiple departure options, including a convenient helicopter out option. Many guests decide to charter a flight on the front or back end of the trip, and the Heli team has experience assisting with all of those logistics.
Life on the River
Each day on the river is different and full: a mix of rapids and smooth water, hikes to hidden side canyons, waterfalls, and remnants of ancient indigenous dwellings with pottery. Rafting lets you experience the canyon from a wonderfully unique and impressive perspective.
IncluSIONS
- Professional guide service
- All rafting and camping equipment
- Flights or Ground Transport from Las Vegas/Flagstaff to/from the Grand Canyon (transport differs by trip type)
- All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages on the river
- Heli trip planning and logistics assistance.
- Optional add-ons- Elevated F&B, Helicopter exit, Inflatable Kayaking.
- Alcohol
- Guide Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
Liz! Tom! That was the greatest trip of my life! Infinite gratitude! I don’t know how I will re-adjust to real life after this experience.
Meg
