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Colorado River Raft Trip

Posted on 8/26/24 at 12:16 pm
Posted by SmokinBurger
Bayou Self
Member since Sep 2021
503 posts
Posted on 8/26/24 at 12:16 pm
Anyone on here ever rafted down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon? This trip has always been on my list and hear its a beautiful sight. Have been to the GC multiple times so this would top the other trips.

Was looking into a 5 to 7 day trip, sleep in tents on the river bank, etc. Any guides to recommend? Upper or lower canyon preference?
This post was edited on 8/26/24 at 12:17 pm
Posted by jimlsu1
Ellicott City, Md
Member since Oct 2008
1596 posts
Posted on 8/27/24 at 2:17 pm to
Wife and I did this trip about a week after 9/11. We did the last 5 days of a 17 day trip using Dories, which are wooden.
Loved it. Food was great and beer was plentiful as a few folks cancelled after 9/11 and the boats were already stocked with the ordered alcohol.
The helicopter ride into the canyon was a complete rush. Since the trip originally started on 9/12 the folks that started at the beginning were very interested in what was going on, in the world.
Temps were really hot and the water runs in the Upper 50’s. The temperature differential would take your breath away.
Would I do it again? Probably. But there are other places we want to see


Posted by SmokinBurger
Bayou Self
Member since Sep 2021
503 posts
Posted on 8/28/24 at 8:57 am to
Was 5 days enough? How was the sleeping situation? I assume you all saw the lower part of the canyon.
Posted by jimlsu1
Ellicott City, Md
Member since Oct 2008
1596 posts
Posted on 8/28/24 at 7:42 pm to
I thought 5 days was enough but I travelled a ton for work and was/am more of a nice bed, tv, bathroom kind of guy.
We flew into LV than took a pretty small plane to the canyon rim. Our group spent the night at a ranch which was pretty cool. Next morning helicopter comes and makes about 3 trips to add us to the existing group.
We slept under the stars. Nice mats were supplied. Met nice people from all over.
Yes, we were on the lower part as we ended in Lake Mead. Bussed back to LV
Posted by Yeti_Chaser
Member since Nov 2017
11893 posts
Posted on 8/30/24 at 4:31 pm to
Assuming you don't have your own camping and river gear? It's a very easy float so you don't really need a guide otherwise
Posted by jimlsu1
Ellicott City, Md
Member since Oct 2008
1596 posts
Posted on 8/30/24 at 7:02 pm to
I agree except for the very bottom of the Colorado had a Cat 5 that was intense. The guides were great as far as information and knowledge.
I am adventurous but no expert at doing something like this alone.
Posted by SmokinBurger
Bayou Self
Member since Sep 2021
503 posts
Posted on 8/30/24 at 7:39 pm to
I don’t have my own equipment. Would rely on a guide for everything.
Posted by Yeti_Chaser
Member since Nov 2017
11893 posts
Posted on 8/31/24 at 8:11 pm to
I don't have a guide recommendation but I'll just say do it. These are awesome trips that not enough people take. Also look into the green river in the Flaming Gorge area - much better than that section of the Colorado in my opinion
Posted by SkiUtah420
Member since Jul 2023
1139 posts
Posted on 9/1/24 at 6:35 am to
quote:

I don't have a guide recommendation but I'll just say do it. These are awesome trips that not enough people take. Also look into the green river in the Flaming Gorge area - much better than that section of the Colorado in my opinion


shhhhh lets keep this valuable intel to ourselves, last thing I want is to see Purple PFGs and Heydudes in Echo Park
Posted by cgrand
HAMMOND
Member since Oct 2009
46876 posts
Posted on 9/4/24 at 9:57 am to
quote:

last thing I want is to see Purple PFGs and Heydudes in Echo Park
Posted by hogfly
Fayetteville, AR
Member since May 2014
5090 posts
Posted on 9/4/24 at 10:45 am to
quote:

Assuming you don't have your own camping and river gear? It's a very easy float so you don't really need a guide otherwise


Assuming sarcasm but:

Permits are awarded by lottery and can take multiple years to land one. Also, I don't care how difficult the water, a 10+ day float with no real feasible exit by foot and no support available isn't something that just anyone can take on.
Posted by Yeti_Chaser
Member since Nov 2017
11893 posts
Posted on 9/4/24 at 10:11 pm to
quote:

Also, I don't care how difficult the water, a 10+ day float with no real feasible exit by foot and no support available isn't something that just anyone can take on.

I misread. Thought he said the Colorado River near Grand Junction
Posted by jrowla2
Colorado
Member since Jan 2007
4176 posts
Posted on 9/7/24 at 7:10 am to
I’ve done 28 days through the canyon. The upper part was the highlight. Take out at diamond if possible.

If you want a more wilderness experience, do the middle fork of the salmon.

Posted by SmokinBurger
Bayou Self
Member since Sep 2021
503 posts
Posted on 9/7/24 at 9:33 am to
Good to know! Thanks
Posted by Mr. Curious
Chocolate City
Member since Aug 2004
759 posts
Posted on 9/7/24 at 4:46 pm to
I went with these folks. They did all the cooking and provided the tents. Western River
Posted by idontyield
Tunnel Trash
Member since Jun 2022
557 posts
Posted on 9/9/24 at 5:42 pm to
quote:

Also, I don't care how difficult the water, a 10+ day float with no real feasible exit by foot and no support available isn't something that just anyone can take on.


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