One question we hear a lot is: “Will I be bored?”
The short answer? Absolutely not. You might be challenged, exhilarated, sunburned, and awestruck, but bored? Never.
Each typical day on your Grand Canyon river trip will follow the same rhythm: waking with the sun, packing up camp, running rapids, hiking into hidden side canyons, then pulling into camp at the end of the day to relax, eat, and fall asleep under a sky full of stars. While this sounds repetitive, we promise no two days in the canyon are ever the same.
Grand Canyon geology rocks!
As you travel downstream, the canyon walls grow and transform around you. In the morning, you might float beneath towering red sandstone cliffs, and in the afternoon, you might drift alongside the ancient, black Vishnu Schist, some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth.
Every day is an adventure
And it’s not just the geology that changes. The scenery is incredible! One day, you’ll pass the lush oasis of Vasey’s Paradise, tucked into the rock on river right. Another, you’ll stop at the massive natural amphitheater of Redwall Cavern, where you might test the acoustics or play a game of frisbee. Then comes Deer Creek Falls, a thundering 100-foot waterfall with a natural swimming pool at the bottom, appearing suddenly in the middle of the desert landscape.
Wildlife around every bend
Keep your eyes open for wildlife! You might spot desert bighorn sheep scaling sheer cliffs with ease or see a California condor soaring overhead with its 9-foot wingspan. Check out the lizards sunning on a rock, spot a blue heron gliding silently along the water, or hear the descending song of a canyon wren echoing off the walls.
Navigate legendary whitewater
Then, of course, there are the rapids. From the roller coaster waves of Hermit, to punchy waves of Sockdolager, and the technical challenge of Crystal, every rapid brings its own thrill. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, you’ll start chanting with your boatmates: “La-va, La-va, La-va!” as you approach the legendary Lava Falls, one of the most iconic rapids in the Grand Canyon.
Still wondering what a full week on the river feels like?
Here’s what one guest shared after their weeklong motor trip:
“We’re back in the land of flush toilets and full-size deodorant, and yet I find myself missing the river, and the rhythm of camp life. My bed at home seems to gently rock—a testament to the seven days we spent floating, pitching, winding down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
The thousand or so stars I can see from my backyard at home are nothing compared to the million billion stars I watched every night from my camp cot. Comets, shooting stars, (so many satellites!), occasional jets… all spread out above me between the canyon walls, silently going about their business. The camp goes quiet, and the sound of the nearby rapids drowns out the gentle snoring of my friends nearby.
In the blink of an eye, it’s pre-dawn and the guides are quietly starting to prep coffee and breakfast. I peek out from my sleeping bag and see several of my campmates stretching and yawning, assessing the groover queue (no one waiting!) and rolling up their beds. Before long, the rising sun strikes the highest walls of the canyon, and the call of ‘Hot Coffee!!’ rings out. With that, the camp comes alive, and we look forward to another day floating down through millions of years of geologic history. Our guides enchant us with stories of early Canyon explorers, and bring to life the Native Americans who consider this land to be sacred. The respect and awe that our guides have for this precious wild place is tangible, and we realize that we are now stewards of the River as well, having fallen under its majestic spell.
Midday, we tie up the boats and wind our way up slot canyons to discover hidden pools and waterfalls…a welcome respite from the summer heat. Late afternoon, we shoot the last few rapids and head for this evening’s camp. We make camp, and then gather to share stories, drinks, laughs. Another day on the river draws to a close. The worries of our city lives seem trivial, and we begin to understand what keeps the guides hooked on this river life. Yaa, baby!!” Lauren B, San Diego, CA
