Here is a typical day during the middle of a Grand Canyon rafting adventure.

Breakfast & Camp Break Down

A little after sunrise, the day starts with a morning call for “CoFFEEee!” At this point most people start to rise and many partake in hot coffee, tea, and/or orange juice. A little later a second call will be made for “Breakfast!!!” at this point the later risers will be up and everyone will get themselves some breakfast. Common breakfast’s include French toast, egg dishes, bagels, English muffins, fruit and breakfast meat.

After breakfast everyone finishes packing their sleeping gear and tops off their water bottles while guides start breaking down the kitchen. At this point guides will ask those that are interested to help form a duffle line, working together to load the gear on the rafts. There will be a last call on the river toilet as it is the final item taken down before everyone finds raft for the day and the group launches on the river.

M o r n i n g

In parts of the canyon, mornings can be cool and shady while waiting for the sun to rise over the rim. Splashy morning rapids can be a little cool so many people start the day wearing their rain jackets when rapids lurk downstream. While floating between rapids rafters vary between sitting quietly taking in the scenery, laughing, talking, and listening to guides’ stories about times past humans that came before us as well as the geologic transformation required to create the section of canyon being viewed.

Many mornings include a stop for a scenic hike, a bathroom break and then lunch. Afternoons have similar stops interlaced between rapids and floating.

Lunch

Guides will set up tables and take 15 to 20 minutes to make a serve-yourself lunch bar. Classic lunches include sandwiches, burritos, or wraps with fruit and cookies. Water will be available to refill individual water bottles with an optional sports drink mix.

Side-hikes

One of the best parts of Grand Canyon trips are the side hikes. Most days the trip makes a stop or two to explore a side canyon. These “hikes” may entail following guides along a trail, scrambling over rocks, climbing up dramatic elevation and/or sloshing through a small stream. The hikes end at dramatic and scenic vista, waterfalls or an intimate little canyon offering a different perspective than floating on the river. Some narrow side canyons provide cool relief from the sun with pockets of shade along the way.

Camp

Arriving at camp in the early afternoon, everyone disembarks from the rafts and finds a camping spot. The group reconvenes at the rafts to unload all the camping gear. While not required many people enjoy the comradery of helping unload dry bags, sleeping bags, and kitchen gear.

Once gear is unloaded everyone sets up their camps. While guides prepare dinner there are some snacks and everyone unwinds from the day. Common camp activities include bathing in the river, reading a little, writing, socializing at the chair circle or just taking in the scenery.

Dinner

The guides pull out fresh meat and produce every night. Typical meals include grilled steaks with mashed potatoes; fresh salmon, veggies with salad and a dutch oven dessert. Menus are planned to meet a majority of guests needs including vegetarians and other common dietary restrictions. While the food is delicious the views are uncomparable.

E v e n i n g

After a dinner most people head to be ready for sleep after a full day of adventure. Some stay up to enjoy the sun’s departure and the pageantry of the brilliant night sky. Most people choose to not set up a tent so they can relax in their sleeping bags and view the stars beginning to come out. Sleeping under the open sky is an unexpected pleasure, as awe-inspiring as the daylight hours.