Canyon Explorations

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Canyon Explorations

Explore Trips
SEE DATES

Canyon Explorations

Explore Trips
SEE DATES

Float Through a Cathedral of Light and Stone

Boat Choices Support Legendary Grand Canyon River Trips

Every Canyon Explorations trip offers a variety of non-motorized boats, more than any other company on the river. From classic wooden dories to paddle boats and inflatable kayaks, each type gives you a unique way to deeply experience the Grand Canyon’s rapids, side canyons, and community on the river.

Dories

Handcrafted wooden boat, the sweetest ride in the Grand Canyon (on select trips).

Ride Dories

Paddle Boats

Paddlers and guide use teamwork to power this light, fast, adventurous boat.

Paddle Together

Inflatable Kayaks

Self-piloted one-person boats let you chart your own course (available most days).

Kayak Solo

Oar Boats

18′ self-bailers carry up to 4 people with gear, rowed through big rapids by a guide.

row rapids

Find the Grand Canyon Journey That Fits Your Spirit and Pace

Whether you have 6 days or 2+ weeks, choose the trip length and trip style that matches your time and spirit. Each trip immerses you in the extraordinary moments of Grand Canyon.

Full Canyon -225 miles

The ultimate Grand Canyon trip. Float the full river canyon from start to finish with glorious side canyon hikes.

Trip Length: 13 – 16 days
Hiking: Daily side hikes from river and camp
River Miles: 225
Lees Ferry – Mile 0 to Diamond Creek – Mile 225
Explore Full Canyon trips

Upper Canyon -89 Miles

Perfect if you only have a week. World-class Grand Canyon rapids and daily hikes in amazing side canyons.

Trip Length: 6 – 7 days
Hiking: Daily side hikes, Hike UP on Bright Angel Trail
River Miles: 89
Lees Ferry – Mile 0 to Pipe Creek – Mile 89
Explore Upper Canyon trips

Lower Canyon -136 miles

Best for those wanting Grand Canyon’s biggest rapids packed into just over a week and side hikes.

Trip Length: 8 – 9 days
Hiking: Daily side hikes, Hike DOWN on Bright Angel Trail
River Miles: 136
Pipe Creek – Mile 89 to Diamond Creek – Mile 225
Explore Lower Canyon trips

New Specialty Trip Available:

Botany / Natural History Specialty Trip
16 Days- Full Canyon; April 13 to April 28, 2027

Go beyond rafting and hiking — this trip slows you down to really see the Canyon: its animals, plants, geology, and waterways, guided by an expert naturalist.

Learn More

A True Canyon Expedition: Participatory, Immersive, and Authentic

For 40 years, Canyon Explorations has offered a deeper way to experience the Grand Canyon. Our trips are designed for active adventurers who want to fully engage with the Colorado river in its extraordinary Grand Canyon landscape.

Since 1987, Family-owned and operated
Small groups and exceptional 1:3 guide ratio
No motors → slow travel through nature’s grand cathedral
Skilled, passionate guides → deeper hiking + learning
Biggest adventure → only outfitter offering duckies on hybrid trips
Focus on education, stewardship, and connection
Fishing at camp, side creeks and Colorado river
Stargazing – the heavens reveal themselves!
Daily Hikes – Small groups and multiple daily options
Our Philosophy: More Than a River Trip
Every guest is a participant — not just a passenger.
See the trip details

The River Community, Guides, Guests, and the Canyon We Protect

Our journeys are rooted in respect for the Canyon and the people who call it home. We follow Leave No Trace principles, share deep knowledge of the land and its cultures, and foster a spirit of teamwork that connects guides and guests alike. The result is a transformative experience that stays with you long after the river ends.

Discover More About Us

Our Guides Bring the Canyon to Life

Our guides are naturalists, teachers, and lifelong Canyon explorers. They bring decades of river knowledge, campfire stories, and care for every guest — creating the participatory, family-like culture that sets our trips apart.

meet Our Guides

What Our Guests Say

Our trips are transformative because of the Canyon and the people you share it with. Here’s how past adventurers describe the journey.

I just finished a 9-day lower Grand Canyon river rafting trip and it was absolutely amazing! The experience was unforgettable from start to finish. Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly very experienced. The food was incredible. Highly recommend this adventure!
Tracy RSee more on Trip Advisor
It was a wonderful experience! The weather was gorgeous, the desert was blooming, the river was fun. The guides did an excellent job with everything from handling their boats to emergencies, always with a smile. The food was delicious and plentiful. We highly recommend Canyon Explorations/Expeditions!
Ron MSee more on Trip Advisor
Best experience in the Grand Canyon! Friendliest and most knowledgeable guides, best gourmet food (with options for all dietary requirements), incredibly efficient systems and organisation. Beyond impressed from start to finish! Couldn’t recommend this company more highly!
Ashley BSee more on Trip Advisor
My experience with Canyon Explorations was abolutely wonderful from start to finish. The booking process and pre-trip information was thorough, clear, and excellent. The trip through the canyon exceeded my highest expectations. The Trip leader and guides were fantasic in every way. Their attention to detail, knowledge of the river & canyon, and how to guide guests throughout the trip was top notch…
Steven WSee more on Trip Advisor
The 15-day rafting trip on the Colorado River exceeded all my expectations in the areas of beautiful scenery, adventure seeking, being enlightened and educated on the history of the canyon, meeting other like-minded travelers, camping experience and fun like I remember from long ago.
Rafting many of the rapids and the nightly camping remain fresh in my memory and I hope to retain these memories for many years to come…
Richard NSee more on Trip Advisor
Environmental traveling companions (ETC) partnered with Canex create an accessible river trip for folks with disabilities. The result was nothing short of spectacular! From the moment we launched to the takeout bus our guide team was in tune with every persons specific needs and responded seamlessly. My only wish would be for the trip to last a little bit longer.
Dan BSee more on Trip Advisor
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