The Colorado River is over 1400 miles long and carries water from the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains. The river is joined by many tributaries along its course and eventually reaches the Sea of Cortez.
Much of the water carried on the Colorado River is siphoned off for both agricultural reasons and as a water source for the States of California, Nevada and Arizona. The river is also a driver of tourism in Arizona as it fills the reservoirs of Lake Mohave, Lake Meade, Lake Powell and Lake Havasu. The river also travels through the Grand Canyon where the popular water sport of rafting has a well defined presence.
Colorado River Rafting
As the Colorado River travels over 200 miles through the Grand Canyon and the Grand Canyon National Park there are numerous opportunities for Colorado River Rafting. The Colorado River rafting trips discussed here are common trips that are accessible to most visitors to the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River.
Keep in mind that a rafting trip down the Colorado River does not have to be a white water, white knuckle ride. The companies that provide these trips are aware that many people are not looking to risk their life while they are on vacation and they offer a wide range of Colorado River rafting experiences from beginner on up.
Colorado River
Rafting Vacation Packages
Colorado River Rafting vacation packages will vary from a couple of hours to a couple of weeks. These trips include guides, prepared meals, camping or lodging and a wide variety of comfort options. A typical family package with children 5 years of age and above may include 4 days and 3 nights with two nights in a condo along the Colorado River and one night beach camping on the river.
During the rafting the entire family will experience the outdoors like never before and there will be stops along the way to visit landmarks and other places of interest. Many of the Colorado River Rafting vacation packages include a guide that pilots the watercraft and assistants along the way that help prepare food or bring food to your designated stopping points. The 4 day 3 night packages we reviewed cost about $595 for adults and approximately $495 for children.
First Time Colorado River
Rafting Safety
If you are considering a first time Colorado River Rafting trip for you or your family the rafting companies along the Colorado River are very sensitive to your concerns for safety and security. First time rafters can have a guide that takes care of the steering of the raft, preparation of meals, and the setup of a camp if you are traveling for more than one day. There is no experience required and life vests will be provided.
As mentioned above if you want a calmer ride and are not looking for white water action, the rafting company will recommend excursions that they have recommended to other first time rafters. Have fun and enjoy your Colorado River Rafting Vacation!
