Need help...Grand Canyon Rafting recommendations

[Bloomer]

My family and I are planning on making a run to the Grand Canyon after 100s in the Hills. My 10 year old studied it in school last year and has become fascinated with the idea of seeing it. Can anyone please help with making a rafting recommendation close to the National Park area? Due to travel distance home, we will likely only be able to stay 1 full day and would like to see the overlook/sky walk and do a brief rafting event.

Any help with rafting recommendations and a place to stay is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[murf]

I think you have to make reservations well in advance - should look into it as soon as possible

 

[peacesells63]

That is too short of a time period for a whitewater rafting trip in the area, unfortunately. Even motor trips down 1/2 of the canyon are 3-4 days long, and then you have to hike in or out at phantom. There are a few outfits that do a 2 day motor trip through cataract canyon upstream, but most outfits have a 16 year old age limit. I would suggest either making a detour to colorado for some good short whitewater trips with plenty of cheap, short notice open seats, or spending all of your time exploring the canyon from the rim. You can spend a week on either rim of the canyon and still not see it all...

I highly recommend going to lee's ferry while you are in the area- where the raft trips launch from. There is an outfit that does a motorized half day trip from glen canyon dam down to lees ferry. very tame and scenic, and pretty cheap.

http://raftthecanyon.com/raft-the-river/half-day-raft-trips/

You can also look into some scenic rafting trips like the san juan. Beautiful area, and plenty of outfits doing short trips.

http://www.riversandruins.com/river-trips/upper-canyon-one-day

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I have done the float from Glen Canyon Dam down to Lees Ferry. Its nice but I would not go out of my way to do it again.

Based on your time frame I would just go to the North Rim. There is enough on the way and once you get there to satisfy anyone. I try to make the trip at least once a year and I still find it flat out amazing. Just returned from 4 days solo trip to the North Rim 2 weeks back and I could go back tomorrow.

You will not be disappointed.

 

[Bloomer]

Thanks guys. Wow!!! Those pics are amazing. I have some flexibility to extend by 1 day, but with the drive, cannot stay more than 2 days. I realized it was a tall order for 1 day when I typed it up, but thought I would give it a try.

We'll be in Durango for a few days before the trip to the Grand Canyon (recouping from 3 days of camping). Maybe can pick up a short rafting trip there for my oldest son. Sure do appreciate the quick replies.

 

[Funner]

Make sure you fully look into that skywalk visit. It was in my opinion very expensive and they don't allow cameras out on it, so no pictures. The will however sell you pictures of you on the skywalk
It is not like the national park visit where you pay $20 for entrance and drive in park and hike around.

 

[Hawkspring]

Do the north rim Toroweap overlook if you only have a day. Way less crowded, cool
Dirt road through Parashant, and stunning views. Its the narrowest portion of the canyon and really iconic.
The skywalk and south rim are both tourist traps.

 

[Bloomer]

I've heard the north rim is the place to go, we're just having trouble finding a place to stay. May have to delay till next year. Mentioned this to my son and he's really disappointed. Need to do a better job preplanning.

 

[Hawkspring]

Definitely remote, which is a blessing and a curse.

 

[GWcruiser]

The lodge, cabins, and the motel at north rim are not cheap, but well worth it for a night; sometimes can be available short notice due to cancellations. Also a lodge just outside the park boundary. North Rim is my fav; take a mule down and back for fun with the kids.

 

[GWcruiser]

Optional - head a bit farther north to Monticello, UT; overnight there and do Needles District of Canyonlands NP --- It's one of those really obscure no one knows about it places that is very nice. Islands District is a bit nicer view - comparable to (or better than) GC. Take the Colorado Overlook 4x4 Road -- it's a true 4 wheel adventure with a fair to nice view at the end. My stocker FJC (no rails at a rails required narrow spot) and my limited experience with it kept me for making the last mile... but your rig looks capable.

Needles:

Islands:

 

[Bloomer]

Thanks again for all the great suggestions. We've has some trouble finding a place. Going to check early next week for cancellations before we head out for Co. We've got some flexibility in our travels so may check again during the week if nothing opens up. All these great suggestions sure makes me regret not making plans further in advance. Will definitely start planning for next summer if it doesn't work out.

Thank you again for all the help. I really appreciate it.

 

[GWcruiser]

Here's a place I thought about staying ... they do have a few open rooms if you are flexible... very close to the North Rim - and in some ways more central to the park.

http://www.kaibablodge.com/index.htm
https://reserve3.resnexus.com/resnexus/reservations/lodging/9C1C0985-2326-4A2C-A795-27F91D529311

ps: when going into these parks - one night at a really high rate can actually improve the overall experience. Great room, eat a nice steak in a rustic restaurant, walk to and from your room, wander around the area in the evenings away from all the bustle of a town...

Ive done this sort of thing at a few parks I really enjoy and yes, it can add $1,000 to a trip (stayed in the Alwhanee Upper Floor Suite in Yosemite) - but when I look back, they were some of my best NP experiences.

Years back - first trip to the north rim - riding the mules down to the springs was also a really great experience. Your kids would remember it for a lifetime.