Our Rafts

Better Rafts Make for Better Trips

Wilderness River Adventures offers three distinct types of rafting adventures – Motor-Powered Whitewater Rafting, Oar-Powered Whitewater Rafting, and Motor-Powered Smooth-water Rafting. Regardless of which type of river experience you choose, all trip types allow you to sit back and enjoy the adventure, while our guides navigate the river. If you are looking for active paddling, check out our oar-powered hybrid rafting trips.

Our motor-powered whitewater rafts are 15' X 37' neoprene crafts powered by 30 hp 4-stroke environmentally friendly outboard motors. Each boat can accommodate up to 14 passengers and two guides. On our motorized whitewater raft trips, we utilize two rafts that can accommodate up to 28 passengers per trip. These rafts give you an opportunity to experience either the Grand Canyon and all their wonders at a slightly quicker pace than our oar-powered rafts—taking you through some of Colorado River’s biggest and best white water.

On your motorized raft trip through Grand Canyon, you’ll explore miles of rugged and spectacular landscapes, camp out under the stars, and enjoy expertly prepared gourmet meals. Our daily schedules also allow ample time for solitude and reflection in some of the most awe-inspiring places on earth.

Here is a list of our Motor-Powered Rafting Trips

We use 32’ x 11’6” inflatable, aluminum-hulled rafts for our smooth-water river trips. Every raft is equipped with both a Honda 150 HP 4-stroke outboard engine and a 25 HP Lehr propane powered outboard. Each raft has padded bench seats and can accommodate up to 32 passengers and 1 guide. Please be aware each trip may have different guest occupancies and may have more than one raft departing at a time.

Our smooth-water river trips allow you to sit back and enjoy the sites and stories of the Colorado River in Glen Canyon including Glen Canyon Dam, Horseshoe Bend, and Lees Ferry.

Each of our 18' oar-powered rafts safely transports up to five passengers, and is usually accompanied by five or six other oar-powered rafts in the group. Powered by the mighty currents of the Colorado River and expertly navigated by your guide, you’ll feel all that the river has to offer as you traverse miles of spectacular canyons, camp out under the stars and enjoy spectacular riverside meals.

Because oar-powered rafts accommodate only four or five guests, people often choose to diversify their trip by riding with new friends each day. You’ll also have the opportunity to be a passenger with a variety of guides, each with a distinctly different personality and unique knowledge of the Colorado River. By late afternoon, all the oar-powered rafts in your group will be nestled on the beach as you settle in for an evening of storytelling, relaxing, and reflecting upon your day.

Here is a list of our Oar-Powered Whitewater Rafting Trips

Hybrid Option

Our oar-powered “hybrid” raft holds six guests who paddle down the Colorado River, guided by our paddle captain. With our hybrid-rafting trips, each day you’ll have the choice of riding in the paddle raft and putting your paddling skills to the test, or riding as a passenger in one of the other oar-powered rafts accompanying the trip. Paddle rafting is a team effort enjoyed by all and a true rush of adrenaline for the paddlers, as well as onlookers.

Our hybrid option is offered on the following rafting trips

12-Day Oar-Powered Hybrid Trips: Lee’s Ferry to Whitmore Wash – 188 River Miles
5½-Day Oar-Powered Upper Canyon Hybrid Trip: Lee's Ferry to Phantom Ranch - 88 River Miles
6½-Day Lower Canyon Hybrid Trip: Phantom Ranch to Whitmore Wash - 100 River Miles

Our Guides

We hear it from our guests time and time again—that our guides are what made their rafting trip one of the greatest experiences of their lives. The reason is simple: our guides love what they do. Sharing the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon and Glen Canyon with people from the comfort and safety of our state-of-the-art rafts is their true passion.

Our guides focus on each group’s unique interests, preferences, and desires, creating a custom river adventure unlike any other. Your guide will serve not only as your group’s leader, but also as your friend and teacher—helping when you need help and sharing their vast knowledge of the river, its geology, and its history. Ultimately, Wilderness River Adventures guides create the perfect environment for the greatest rafting adventure of your life.