Colorado River Rafting FAQs

Thinking about whitewater rafting the Colorado River in Grand Canyon West? Find out everything you need to know in the FAQs below.

View FAQs for Grand Canyon West Rim activities.

Directions

LOCATION

Hualapai River Runners is in the area of Peach Springs, Arizona, where the tribal headquarters are located, a two-hour drive away from Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk, Eagle Point, the Zipline and Guano Point. Get directions to Hualapai River Runners.

IS THERE AN ADDRESS I CAN PUT INTO MY GPS?

Hualapai River Runners | 900 E Highway 66, Peach Springs, AZ 86434. For accurate directions, visit our Directions page.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Visit our Directions page for the most accurate directions.

Where should I stay?

Hualapai Lodge is the primary starting point for travelers looking to explore the raw Grand Canyon landscape via whitewater rafting, hiking, fishing, hunting, and more. Learn more about the places to stay.

General

What time should I be ready?

You should check-in with the Hualapai River Runners’ Concierge desk between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. You should check in with the Hualapai River Runners’ Concierge desk between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Learn more about a tour with Hualapai River Runners.You should check-in with the Hualapai River Runners’ Concierge desk between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Can I take photos?

Yes! You are welcome to take photos and videos of your whitewater adventure. Any equipment you bring (be it cell phone, GoPro, camera, etc.) is at your own risk. If anything is dropped in the river it will not be retrieved.

What should I wear?

We recommend that guests wear quick dry clothing along with either water shoes or hiking We recommend that guests wear quick-dry clothing along with either water shoes or hiking shoes. Learn more about a tour with Hualapai River Runners.

What should I bring?

We recommend you bring sunscreen and a change of clothes. We will supply water, snacks and a sack lunch, so you do not need to bring any food or drinks. Learn more about a tour with Hualapai River Runners.

WHEN AND WHERE WILL I GET MY RIVER EQUIPMENT?

A waterproof bag, waterproof ammo can, and life jacket will be distributed at the launch site, Diamond Creek. This is also where your Guide will orient you on your whitewater rafting adventure. Learn more about a tour with Hualapai River Runners.

WILL I NEED ALL THE THINGS LISTED ON THE PACKING LIST?

Our recommended list of personal gear is meant to prepare you for all types of weather, especially the strong Arizona sun. Although we are in Arizona, fall temperatures get pretty cool and coupled with the cold water of the Colorado River, 45° Fahrenheit year-round, the ride can get pretty chilly. Remember, you will be on the river for at least five hours. Learn more about a tour with Hualapai River Runners.

WHAT ABOUT SNAKES AND BUGS?

Being in a desert environment, mosquitoes and flying insects are not usually a big problem. Because we spend most of our time on the water, snakes and scorpions are seldom encountered. For those of you participating in the overnight trip, your Guide will give you instructions at the campsite. Learn more about a tour with Hualapai River Runners.

WILL THERE BE A FIRST AID KIT?

A first aid kit is standard equipment on every raft. All boatmen are trained in CPR, First Aid, and Swift Water Rescue. Learn more about a tour with Hualapai River Runners.

IS THIS TRIP STRENUOUS?

Our trips are outdoor activities with exposure to the elements. We consider our one-day river trip to be mildly strenuous, requiring some effort. We consider our two-day river trip to be moderately strenuous, requiring concerted effort. Learn more about a tour with Hualapai River Runners.

WHERE ARE THE TOILET FACILITIES ON THE RIVER TRIP?

Portable toilets are available at the Peach Springs airstrip and Diamond Creek launch point. Restrooms are also located in the Hualapai Lodge and Grand Canyon West (trip termination point) at Pearce Ferry. We strongly recommend using the toilet at one of these sites. Learn more about a tour with Hualapai River Runners.

CAN WE EXPECT RAIN?

We never know when it will rain. Even if you are taking a summer trip, you should bring a rain jacket/poncho as suggested on our packing list. Many people wear a rain jacket/poncho through the rapids and then take it off after our run through the rapids. Learn more about a tour with Hualapai River Runners.

WHO WILL BE OUR GUIDE?

Our guides are qualified with hundreds of miles of river experience. Each guide is an accomplished outdoor person with a background in natural history and the ability to make every trip a memorable experience. Learn more about a tour with Hualapai River Runners.

DO I HAVE TO WEAR MY LIFE JACKET EVEN WHEN WE ARE NOT RUNNING THE RAPIDS?

Hualapai Tribal regulations as well as National Park regulations mandate the wearing of life Hualapai Tribal regulations and National Park regulations mandate the wearing of life jackets by all persons in a watercraft at all times. Learn more about a tour with Hualapai River Runners.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

Cancellations received 30 days or more prior to the original trip date with forfeit $50 per person and the remainder of the total amount paid will be refunded. Cancellations received within 29 days prior to the trip date and/or no-shows will forfeit the total amount paid. Learn more about a tour with Hualapai River Runners.

Click here for more information about our cancellation policy.

Food

WHAT CAN I EAT?

We recommend having a hearty breakfast prior to departing the Hualapai Lodge. When booking your trip you will be asked if you have any food allergies or dietary preferences so we can prepare the correct food for you. Learn more about a tour with Hualapai River Runners.

WHAT IS THE MEAL LIKE? WHAT BEVERAGES ARE PROVIDED?

Water, juice, soft drinks, and snacks will be provided throughout the trip. Each raft will have an ice chest of snacks and drinks. Sandwiches and chips will be served for lunch around noontime. No alcoholic beverages are allowed. Learn more about a tour with Hualapai River Runners.