Arizona's Grand Canyon has long been one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Every year, millions of travelers come to view its immense scenic wonders. And while they're at the canyon, many take part in amazing recreational opportunities like smooth-water river rafting.
One-day South Rim Grand Canyon float tours begin at Grand Canyon National Park Airport, located in Tusayan, Arizona. This tiny town is just a few minutes from the National Park's main gates. If your accommodations are inside the park (Maswick Lodge, the Thunderbird or El Tovar, for example), you'll have about a ten-minute drive to the airport.
There are two types of smooth-water float tours to choose from. One type (the most affordable) includes a motor coach ride to Page, Arizona. Page is where all smooth-water river rafting trips actually begin. You'll know you're getting close to the start of your exciting river adventure when your bus passes through the two-mile tunnel just before Glen Canyon Dam. Tour pontoon boats are docked at the base of the dam, which is more than 70 stories high.
You'll fly to Page if you take the other type of float tour. Once you land, a 4x4 Jeep will take you on a fascinating off-road drive to Antelope Canyon. This unique spot's world-renowned slot canyons are actually sandstone mazes carved by running water, and they reflect the sunlight beautifully. Some of these slots are so narrow you need to walk through them sideways. After you leave Antelope Canyon, your Jeep will drop you off at the base of Glen Canyon Dam so you can start your 15-mile river rafting adventure.
Whether you fly or take a motor coach from the South Rim to Page, it's important to realize that your trip will be full of sightseeing opportunities. You'll travel all the way to the eastern border of the park, passing by the Zuni Corridor, the Desert Watchtower, the Colorado Confluence (the point where the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers meet), the Navajo Indian Reservation and the beautiful Painted Desert.
Grand Canyon float tours are strictly smooth-water experiences - there aren't any whitewater rapids on this part of the river. For whitewater rafting, you'll need to find a company that operates multi-day rafting tours that begin beyond Lee's Ferry (the point where smooth-water rafting tours end). One-day smooth-water tours will take you through some of the most scenic parts of the Colorado. You'll see Horseshoe Bend and have plenty of chances to take a dip, so wear your swimsuit under your regular clothes.
You'll need to prepare for your adventure on the river. The altitude at the South Rim is 6,000 feet, so you'll be comfortable there during the summer. But, the bottom of the canyon (where float tours take place) is almost 4,000 feet lower, so temperatures could be up to 25 degrees hotter. Plan accordingly, and bring a wide-brimmed hat, lip balm, sunscreen (SPF 50 or better), sunglasses and some extra water. Wear a long-sleeved shirt.
Single-day smooth-water rafting tours are available from March to November. They're extremely popular and sell out regularly, so I recommend you book your tour up to a week in advance - especially if you have a group of people. The cancellation policy is usually quite reasonable, with a 100% refund available if you cancel at least 24 hours before your tour begins.
These river adventures are the most popular day trip at the Grand Canyon. They give you an entirely different perspective which can only be experienced from the river as it wends its way through the canyon. The Colorado is gentle through this section, so seniors and children who are at least four years old can join in the fun. So get going - it's time for a rafting trip you'll remember the rest of your life.
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