Lots of travelers associate Grand Canyon rafting with multi-day, white-water expeditions. But there’s also a fantastic 1-day smooth water float tour that departs daily from the South Rim. Here’s a quick look at one of the National Park’s hottest day trips.

1 Day Grand Canyon Rafting

This rafting tour starts from Grand Canyon National Park. I’ll post up another story about West Rim rafting tours. Hang tight.

Trip starts in the morning from the South Rim. Travelers have a choice between taking a bus or an airplane Glen Canyon Dam in Page, AZ. The airplane package includes a jeep tour to Antelope Canyon.

There’s a two-mile access tunnel that leads to the base of the Dam. This is where the pontoon boats are docked. Rafts come with two outboard motors and can seat up to 19 people.

Glen Canyon Dam

The boats shove off from the base of the Dam’s 700-foot-retaining wall and begin the 15-mile float trip. This is a smooth-water tour so there are no rapids and so kids 4 years and older can do the trip.

First up is beautiful Horseshoe bend. This landmark is famous for the way its red sandstone cliffs contrast with the emerald waters of the Colorado. Past the bend, the boat will pullout and the guide will lead a short hike to a ancient petroglyphs.

This canyon rafting tour is all-inclusive and comes with lunch, free shuttle pick up and drop off, and ground/air transport. I do suggest you bring the following:

• Sunscreen
• Water (it will be provided, too)
• Brimmed hat
• Swimsuit
• River sandals or water booties
• Long-sleeved shirt
• A change of clothes
• A dry bag (optional)

Smooth-Water Float to Lee’s Ferry

The raft careens gracefully down the Colorado until it reaches historic Lee’s Ferry. This is the only crossing between the South Rim and the North Rim for miles. An old fort and a trading post are the only remaining structures. Downstream is where the rapids begin, and it’s where the white-water expeditions start.

The luxury bus from Lee’s Ferry features great A/C, and comfortable seats. Sights include the Navajo Indian Reservation and the Painted Desert. There’s a stop at Cameron Trading Post, which sells excellent Native American handicrafts.

South Rim Driving Directions

Here are drive times for select cities:

• Las Vegas – 5.5 hours
• Phoenix – 4.5 hours
• Sedona – 2 hours
• Flagstaff – 1.5 hours

In Arizona, take 1-17 north to I-40 West. Get off at Williams and take SR 64 north to the Park. From Vegas, take I-93 South to Kingman, AZ. Get on I-40 East. Get off at Williams and take SR 64 north. There’s a $25 fee to enter the Park. Here’s Google Map’s Grand Canyon directions.

Expect to spend a full day on this rafting tour. It’s extremely fulfilling, and is one of the few canyon day trips that let you experience the Grand Canyon from the ground up. Kids and groups love it, and there’s enough to keep even the most hardened adventurer happy. Parting words: Book in advance, especially in the summer months. You don’t want to let this one slip away.

Rafting tours noted in this post:

1 Day Grand Canyon Rafting Tour with Bus
1 Day Grand Canyon Rafting Tour with Airplane

Make it a grand day,