Thrills without the Spills

A common question I get from the nervous mother crowd is whether or not a family-friendly rafting trip is offered on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.

My “yes” comes with a caveat. A popular smooth water rafting trip in Glen Canyon is offered by a number of tour operators, including Xanterra South Rim, LLC (the concessioner who also operates all in-park lodging on the South Rim).

This fifteen-mile trip begins in Page, Arizona, at the base of the Glen Canyon Dam, and ends at Lees Ferry, a historic boat ramp that marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon. Though not technically in the Grand Canyon, the high-walled scenery on this peaceful journey is on par with the upper reaches of Grand Canyon. And unless the sizzling summer temperatures lure you into the frigid river, you’re likely to keep dry.

Find out more about this adventure.

About Mike Buchheit

Mike Buchheit was the director of the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute for over 25 years, a professional landscape photographer and instructor, a freelance travel writer, and a popular lecturer on a wide variety of Grand Canyon-related topics. As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he called home.

As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he calls home. You can see some of his beautiful work on his Grand Canyon Prints website.