Camping On Grand Canyon Raft Trips

Grand canyon rafting trips in on the Colorado river span from a minimum of 3 days up to 18 depending on the outfitter, itinerary, and raft type. With the exception of Phantom Ranch at river mile 88 as the base of the Bright Angel Trail, there are no other lodging options at the bottom of Grand Canyon or in the area where you can check in every night. Needless to say, you can anticipate camping each night as you make your way down the river.

Camping In The Grand Canyon

We can assure you that camping in the Grand Canyon is far different than camping it in a forest. After all, you will be sleeping on a nice sandy beach, without being invaded by lots of insects and there is no mud or dirt at these campsites. While your talented guides are preparing the kitchen, you will be navigating the area looking for a brand new place to call home each night. There are no pre-designated or pre-planned campsites on a river trip, so your dwelling for the evening can vary in size and location.

After the day’s activities, those capable of assisting will for a fire line and help remove bags and equipment off of the raft. These bags consist of the dry bags which you will be given during the duration of your river trip from your guides. These will carry your sleeping kit (sleeping bag, ground tarp, sleeping sheet and sometimes a pillow) as well as another dry bag which contains your clothing and personal products. In addition, you will have a separate day-dry bag which is smaller, and accessible all day long for things like spare sunglasses, sunblock etc. Tents are always available to you, they accommodate 2-persons at a time however weather permitting, it is recommended that you don’t always pitch a tent to sleep in. This unique environment and the lack mosquitos/bugs makes a night sleeping under the stars an incredible experience. Watching the moon dance across the canyon walls is a site unlike any other! Those who have non-motor rafts will likely sleep on pads because space is limited vs. most motor trips that do accommodate guests with a sleeping cot.

The rest of the facilities including the kitchen and toilet or “restroom” are set up by the guides, leaving you with plenty of time to set up your camp and relax while dinner is being prepared. It is incredible what amazing meals can be prepared by your guides each evening in these make-shift kitchens. An unlimited supply of fresh, clean water for hand washing and dish washing is available at camp as well as fresh drinking water available throughout your river trip at all times whether at camp or on the rafts.

The toilet facility also knows as “the groover” that will be situated as soon as you arrive at camp. You can be assured that your guide choose specific locations for privacy and sanitary reasons, and most times you will be rewarded with a great view while taking care of your business.

A hand washing facility is found in the kitchen and at the entrance of the toilet. Soap is available, as well as running water through the use of a foot pump.Exploring around camp is not prohibited, but we have to remind our clients that accidents do happen when you walk barefoot or stroll around in the night without flashlights. Sandals, preferably with toe protection will protect you from unseen rocks, so wear them always.

Evenings at camp can be some of the most memorable moments of your trip. Sharing food, spending quality time with family, lifelong friends or even newly made friends and while enjoying the outdoors is absolutely magical. This makes for a great time to bond and cherishes special moments together each night.

After a good night’s sleep under the stars, coffee will be awaiting you first thing in the morning. While breakfast is being prepared, you will begin packing your personal things so they can be loaded once more in the rafts for the new day of whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon.

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What are the Different Class Levels of Rafting on the Colorado River?

The Grand Canyon stretch of the mighty Colorado River is home to many Class IV to V whitewater rafting class levels. There are certain stretches of river that only professionals and seasoned whitewater river runners raft. If you are thinking of exploring the Colorado River on either a private or commercial raft trip, then it is best to get acquainted with the different class levels of rafting on this mighty stretch of the body of water.  One thing to note is that in Grand Canyon, the classes are more specific as they us a 1 – 10 (I -X) rating scale. Advantage Grand Canyon has been providing thrill seekers with the correct information regarding these classes of rafting trips so they can better appreciate what they are signing up for. It is important to note that the intensity of the rapids depends on water flow and speed, as well as water level. There is no “better” time to raft for better rapids as the Glenn Canyon dam is constantly releasing the flow of water year round so the rapids are not roaring only during spring run off as in other rivers. Some rapids react more aggressively in slower lower water while others do the opposite.

Along the entire stretch of the Colorado, our outfitter partners can take you and your family for a ride of a lifetime.  You will not have to navigate these rapids as your experienced guides will be doing so. The only exception is in a paddle raft where you will be digging into the water while being commanded by your river guide at the rear of the raft.  In every other raft type, you’ll need to hang on and enjoy the ride!

Below are the different class levels of rafting and we have listed them in the Grand Canyon 1-10 rating scale for your review:

Class 1 – This class of rafting simply means you will have a very relaxed ride flowing along with the river’s current. There are occasional small waves and very few obstacles and river features that you should be concerned about.

Class 2-3 – When you begin to see rougher waves that are nonetheless no more than 3 feet tall with occasional rocks or boulders that require some degree of maneuvering, then you know that you have just entered the domain of Class 2 – 3 level of rafting. Here, you will have to be on your toes as you will also have to steer your raft away from obstacles.

Class 4-5-6 – By the time you reach a portion of the Colorado where the waves can reach up to 4 feet high, then you know you are rafting in either a 4,5 or 6 system. Many of our clients prefer this as it provides excellent challenge and thrill without necessarily scaring them out of their wits.

Class 7-8 – There are plenty of narrow passages, long and quite difficult rapids, and very turbulent water in a Classes 7-8. This for the advanced rafting enthusiast as it requires precision maneuvering.

Class 9-10 – The ultimate in navigable river systems, the Class 10 is where many professionals and daredevils will go for an optimum adrenaline rush. There are plenty of gushing rapids, spinning and twisting water features, and obstacles the size of a house. The Gore and Tunnel rapids in the Colorado River are just 2 examples of Class 10’s and in Grand Canyon depending on the water level Chrystal rapid and Lava Falls.

These are the different class levels of rafting in the Colorado River and rest assured that your highly experienced Grand Canyon commercial rafting guides will navigate you through them expertly. Get in touch with Advantage Grand Canyon to help you decide which Grand Canyon raft trip is ideal for you.

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Advantages of Company Rafting Trips

There are certainly many options available for companies or teams who want to plan outdoor group activities. We would like to you to consider the many advantages of taking your group or company on a Grand Canyon company rafting trip. Over the course of booking thousands of clients on raft trips throughout the Grand Canyon, we have seen a number of group bookings of 5-10 or more consisting of either larger families, often 3 generations or more as well as adventure and team building company rafting trips.

Some Reasons Why You Should Consider Planning Grand Canyon Company Rafting Trips…

The ultimate team building experience

Companies are always thinking of ways to provide employees with a different experience. These outdoor events are more than just a way to get everyone out of the office. These are opportunities for colleagues and managers to get to know each other better, build camaraderie among fellow team members and enjoy positive experiences together. Outdoor activities are also an effective way to get everyone working together outside of their normal daily activities. Imagine sharing a paddle raft among fellow coworkers, navigating downriver working together as a team in order find the best line through the roaring rapids. Cooperation may mean the difference between going overboard and taking a swim or making it through the rapid wet but still seated inside. Learn how to communicate better, work together as one unit, contribute to the group’s success and understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses all the while helping each other along the way.

It’s time to get to know each other better

It’s a combination of on raft excitement while on the river, hiking with friends and co-workers to magnificent waterfalls and attractions, and kicking back with some cold beer at camp each night enjoying the conversation that is not work related for a change. The workplace is not always the ideal environment to chat and interact with colleagues on a personal level. On a company Grand Canyon raft trip, however, there will certainly be many opportunities to experience each other in a different environment, grow the connection among fellow coworkers and guarantee that everyone will come back better acquainted, and more comfortable with one another.

It’s time to enjoy the outdoors

If your organization is based in a big city, most of your employees probably do not have as many opportunities to enjoy nature. In fact, part of our mission is to introduce people to the sheer beauty of the Grand Canyon. We are so in love with the outdoors that we chose it as our place of work, and revealing it’s beauty to as many individuals as possible brings us joy.

These trips are a chance for your employees to experience sleeping under the moon and the stars, and at the same time, developing or sharpening some outdoor skills. The natural beauty and the fresh air can certainly revitalize those who are burnt out or stressed, and allow them some time to unwind and recharge. Your team members and colleagues will certainly benefit from this experience.

These are only a few of the reasons why one should consider booking a whitewater rafting trip for your company and fellow team members. Rest assured that you won’t have to stress about planning or logistics, as we are here to help with all of that. Our experts will provide you with all of the details, and are happy to set up a conference call with all interested members to answer their questions regarding your potential adventure leaving you to just enjoy the ride and take out as much from the experience as possible. Book your company whitewater rafting trip now!

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