Start in Flagstaff, Arizona
The Day Before the River Trip Begins: We recommend staying at the designated hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona, as this is where you will be picked up early on the morning of your trip. Lodging information is available here.
Multiple shuttles depart daily from Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) in Phoenix for the 3-hour ride to Flagstaff. Contact Groome Transportation (928 350-8466), Airport Shuttle of Phoenix (480-710- 3441), or Flix Bus. Alternatively, you could rent a car in Phoenix or fly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG).
The Morning of the River Trip: A complimentary breakfast will be available for every river trip passenger at the designated hotel. Get breakfast and then meet in the lobby by the check-in area by 6:00 a.m. It is important you are packed and ready to go so we can leave promptly. You should be dressed for the river and have only your river gear with you. All passengers will board our shuttle for a 2.5-hour ride to the launch point, Lees Ferry. The guides will give an orientation, and you will repack your gear into your provided dry bags. You will be heading down the mighty Colorado River by mid- morning.
On the River: You will be traveling 89 river miles on your journey through the Grand Canyon. Each day you will experience whitewater rapids and various side canyon hikes.
The Final Day: Early in the morning on the final day, you will reach river mile 89 and start your 8-mile hike out of the canyon on Bright Angel Trail. Please see The Hike Out section for more information about the hike. After completing your hike out, you will meet our shuttle in front of the Bright Angel Lodge at 5 p.m. Even if all hikers complete the hike early, the shuttle cannot arrive earlier, so relax and grab a bite at the El Tovar or Bright Angel Lodge. The shuttle will return you to the designated hotel in Flagstaff, AZ, to arrive by about 7 p.m. Some guests plan in advance to stay the night at the South Rim after their hike out of the canyon and make their own transportation arrangements. Please let our office know if you are interested in this option.
Due to the remote nature of this trip and multiple modes of transportation, we cannot guarantee our return time. We strongly advise passengers to spend the night in Flagstaff at the end of their trip and to depart for home the next morning.
