Grand Canyon Rafting: Pipe Creek to Whitmore Wash

Location Grand Canyon, Arizona Adventure Level Challenging Minimum age 12 River Rating Class IV (Class V possible at certain water levels) From $5599
Call toll-free 1 (800) 346-6277

Hike 7.7 miles to the bottom of Grand Canyon, tackle the biggest whitewater in North America, and explore the wonders of the Inner Gorge before a helicopter ride finale to this Grand Canyon rafting trip.

Beginning at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, our trip begins with a demanding downhill hike on the beautiful Bright Angel Trail to the river’s edge. After meeting our crew and repacking your gear, we hop into our rafts and head straight into some of the biggest Colorado River rapids in the upper Granite Gorge. 

This exciting start to our Grand Canyon rafting adventure is followed by a week of visiting beautiful side streams and falls, watching the rock layers rise and fall, and running fairly large rapids regularly. Spectacular side hikes pierce the shadows of the deep Inner Gorge: The emerald paradise of Elves Chasm, the 100-foot drop of Deer Creek Falls, the limestone chutes of Matkatamiba Canyon, and many other unique Grand Canyon adventures. We finish our journey by rafting the notorious Lava Falls—North America’s most renowned big drop. On the final day, we arrive at Whitmore Wash where a helicopter whisks you to the rim to continue by small plane and van back to Las Vegas.

If you are not already a backpacker or frequent hiker this trip may not be right for you. To adequately prepare for this demanding experience, please carefully review our guide to hiking the Bright Angel Trail.

Trip Highlights
  • Hike into Grand Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail, descending almost one vertical mile
  • Explore Elves Chasm, Deer Creek Falls & Matkatamiba Canyon
  • Experience the deepest section of the Canyon and biggest whitewater on the Colorado River
  • Raft 19 major rapids, including Crystal & Lava Falls
  • Enjoy fresh, delicious meals prepared by your guides every day
  • This Grand Canyon rafting trip culminates with a memorable helicopter ride to the rim

What to Expect

Itinerary & Map

Itinerary at a Glance

We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every Grand Canyon rafting trip is different depending upon the group, other trips on the water, camp locations, and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like:

The Day Before Your Trip

Arrive at the South Rim in Grand Canyon National Park. Purchase your breakfast and snacks, including at least two quarts of water for your hike the next day. In the evening, we’ll gather for a pre-trip meeting in the lobby of the Bright Angel Lodge. You will have the opportunity to meet your hike escort, others on your trip, and ask any last-minute questions.

Day 1

You’ll get an early start hiking the Bright Angel Trail (before first light) to meet your guides at the river by early afternoon. Once everyone arrives, we’ll load the rafts, fit you with a personal flotation device (PFD), and give a safety talk before launching on the river. Immediately, we’ll hit a stretch of drenching big water en route to our camp for the night. 

Ideally, we reach camp each day with plenty of time to relax, play beach games, or chat with new friends as the guides prepare a delicious meal. After a fulfilling day in the canyon, we stretch out in our sleeping bags to drift off to sleep under a starry sky.

Days 2–7

More big rides await us in Granite, Hermit, and the rapids of the “Jewels” – Crystal, Sapphire, Turquoise, Ruby, and Serpentine. The pools and waterfall at Shinumo Creek invite us for a refreshing swim. 

Further downstream, the emerald paradise of Elves Chasm, with its chain of linked pools and waterfalls, invites us to explore and swim. In the cool narrow slot of Blacktail Canyon, we get an up-close look at the Great Unconformity, where ancient erosion removed millions of years of rock to create a gap in the Canyon’s geologic record.

Fluted walls of jet-black schist enclose us for a few miles before Bedrock and Dubendorf rapids. After lazily drifting through the spectacular Granite Narrows (a mere 75’ wide!!), we soon come to Deer Creek Falls, a 125’ cascade that tumbles almost directly into the river. A hike above the falls brings us to an oasis with a huge open patio. En route, we discover handprints on the side canyon walls, evidence of those that visited this canyon centuries ago.

Gliding through some calmer stretches of river, we marvel at the walls towering overhead. At the mouth of Matkatamiba Canyon, we venture up the narrow limestone slot canyon into an overhanging amphitheater and relax in the coolness of its grotto. Back on the river, we conquer Upset Rapid.

The blue-green pools and numerous waterfalls of Havasu Canyon invite us to explore and linger for a full day. Nearing the end of the trip, the guides begin to tell tales (some real, some perhaps only “tall”) of the Colorado’s most legendary stretch of whitewater, Lava Falls, before our turn in this fabled rapid.

Day 8

On the morning of the last day, we’ll reach Whitmore Wash. Here, a helicopter will arrive to lift you to the rim. After everyone has made the flight to the rim, a charter aircraft will fly you to the Boulder City Airport, where a passenger van will then take you to Las Vegas.

Meeting Time & Place

Location

Bright Angel Lodge – South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park

Meeting time

7 PM, the evening before your trip

Return

1 to 3 PM, Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport

Trip Map

Dates & Prices

2024 DeparturesPrice
May 8$5,599
June 4, 7, 14, 28$5,599
July 4, 11, 26$5,599
August 2, 14$5,599
2025 DeparturesPrice
May 9, 27$5,899
June 3, 13, 27$5,899
July 10, 25$5,899
August 1, 13, 31$5,899

Deposit

• First deposit: $1000 per person (due at the time of booking)
• Second deposit: $500 per person (due by November 1 of the year before your trip)

Additional Costs

• $20 GCNP Entrance Fee
• Sleep kit and tent rental included


*Prices subject to National Park Service review

The Need-to-Know Info

Trip Details

Included in Your Trip Cost

  • Skilled professional guide service
  • All meals from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
  • Expedition equipment, including highest quality rafts, 2-person shared tent, sleep kit personal flotation device (PFD), helmet, waterproof bags, camp chair, as well as eating utensils and plates
  • Transportation from Whitmore Wash to the Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport

Not Included in Your Trip Cost

  • Pre- and post-trip transportation, accommodations, and meals
  • Grand Canyon National Park Entrance Fee*
  • Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Items of a personal nature (see suggested packing list below)
  • Gratuities

*You will need to pay the Grand Canyon National Park Entrance Fee when you enter the park on your own. If you have a park pass, please remember to bring it with you.

OARS guide rows raft with four guests smiling and taking pictures

On our Grand Canyon trips, we use inflatable oar rafts, the most stable of whitewater craft, which are rowed from the center of the boat by your guide. Our rafts carry four passengers and a guide, plus gear. We travel in a flotilla with a maximum group size of 16-20 passengers.

After each active day on the river, we pull ashore to camp for the night. Our first task is to unload the boats using a fire-line of crew and guests to expedite the process. Individuals then collect their waterproof bags and locate an area on the beach to camp for the night. 

While you put up your tent, the guides will set up the kitchen and central dining/seating area with camp chairs. They will also locate a secluded area away from camp to set up the portable toilet, where privacy is assured.

As guides prepare dinner, hors d’oeuvres are served. This is an opportunity to relax, enjoy a drink if you wish, and reflect on the day with your fellow traveling companions.

In the morning, the first wake-up call lets you know that coffee, hot water for tea or cocoa, juice, fresh fruit, and cold cereal are ready. You can fill your mug and grab a bite, then begin to pack up your personal belongings and sleep gear as the guides prepare breakfast.

After breakfast, the entire camp is broken down and packed up. Once the guides have all of the gear loaded back onto the boats, we’ll head downstream to see what new adventures await us.

More info about Meals & Dietary Restrictions can be found on our Trip Resources page.

There are no absolutes when talking about the weather in Grand Canyon. Temperatures and weather can fluctuate greatly throughout the day. It can be clear, dry, and hot, and in the next moment, it can be cool and rainy. These conditions can manifest in any month. The descriptions and chart below list average weather conditions, maximum and minimum temperatures, and average rainfall. This chart should be used only as a general guide.

April: Cooler temperatures. Can expect a variety of weather. Usually peak wildflower bloom. Campfires at night. 

May: Weather is moderate and consistent but can be windy at times. The water is very often clear from mid to late May.

June: Early June has hot days and mild nights with temperatures increasing with each day into the month. A very busy time to be in the canyon.

July: Very hot with the chance of some early monsoons. Any and all weather can be experienced at this time

August: Hot and typically monsoon season with thunderstorms. The clouds and showers help lower the temperatures for a period of time.

September: Moderate temperatures, cooling as the month progresses. There is less traffic in the canyon since September 15 is the last launch date for motorized trips.

October: Can be very nice but always presents a possibility of storms and cooler temperatures. Be prepared for changes in weather conditions. Nice temperatures for side hikes. Campfires at night.

Average Air Temperatures & Rainfall

Day (°F)Night (°F)Rainfall
April8256.47″
May9263.36″
June10172.30″
July10678.84″
August103751.40″
September9769.97″
October8458.65″

Summer temperatures (June, July & August): Please note that the average summer temperatures listed can be misleading. These temperatures are recorded in very specific locations and circumstances. In the summer it is not uncommon for the temperature to rise above 110° F. At the same time, temperatures can suddenly plummet with increased cloud cover. The advice is to always be prepared with rain gear and clothing that can be layered.

Temperature at the Rim: The temperature at the rim is generally 20-30 degrees cooler than along the river since the South Rim is around 7,000’ in elevation. Keep this in mind, especially if you are on an early spring or late fall trip.

The water levels of the Colorado River through Grand Canyon are regulated by the release of water from the Glen Canyon Dam. The Colorado generally fluctuates up and down several feet within the day, based on the time of year and demand for electricity. Because the flow is dam regulated, even in a drought year, the water levels are fairly consistent. The temperature of the river has historically been 48°- 55° F, though it can trend warmer when upstream reservoir levels are lower.

Whitewater

Guide navigates OARS raft through big water with smiling guests in Grand Canyon

There are 19 rapids rated 5 or higher on the Pipe Creek to Whitmore Wash section. Whitewater in the Canyon is rated on a scale of 1–10 (unlike most western rivers, which use the I–VI scale). A “1” is a small riffle, and a “10” is the most difficult rapid still considered runnable. The two most notable Grand Canyon rapids, Crystal and Lava Falls, are both rated a 10. The intensity of all rapids naturally depends on the water level, so readings for low and high water levels may vary slightly.

Based on various circumstances, such as water levels and current flow, we on occasion find it necessary to have our passengers walk around certain rapids. The decision is made by the trip leader with the first concern being the safety of each passenger and the second being the ability to run a rapid without damaging the boats. This will give you a great opportunity to take some wonderful photos of the rafts as you watch your guides demonstrate their boating skills. When conditions warrant, you may also be asked by your trip leader to wear a helmet. For your own safety, however, you may feel more comfortable wearing the helmet even more than specifically requested by the trip leader.

Before booking your trip with OARS, there are a few important considerations we’d like you to know about.

  • Physical Requirements: Your outdoor adventure will be an active participatory trip. Please inform us of any physical limitations you may have as soon as possible. If you exceed 260 pounds, please give us a call. Make sure you are exercising frequently in the months leading up to your trip and can meet our Essential Eligibility Criteria.
  • Hiking Requirements: This trip requires a serious 7.7-mile hike to the river (Pipe Creek) from the South Rim carrying a weighted backpack of your gear (20-25 lbs. when fully loaded, including water and snacks). Each participant must be in very good physical condition and train for the hike before departure. Descending about 4,500 feet, the trail is steep and strenuous. This hike may be one of the most physically demanding endeavors anyone will undertake in their life. The combination of carrying a backpack, the potential for extreme heat, and the elevation change of almost one vertical mile, makes for an incredibly challenging day. This hike is not recommended for anyone in poor general health, the elderly, those with heart or lung disease, or those who are overweight or not physically fit.

  • Whitewater Orientation: To increase your safety, we expect everyone to watch our Whitewater Orientation video before joining us.
  • Trip Forms: Each participant will need to complete the required trip forms within two weeks of making a booking. Refer to your confirmation email for the link to the online forms. If you prefer to fill out paper forms, please let us know right away. If you are reserving within 90 days of departure, your forms must be completed immediately to ensure we can properly plan for your trip.

Reservations and Payments

  • A $1000/person deposit is required at the time of reservation. A second deposit of $500/person is due in our office by November 1 of the year before your trip.
  • If you make your reservation after November 1 of the year before your trip, the entire $1500/person deposit is due at the time of reservation.
  • Final payment is due 90 days before departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received 80 days before the departure date will be canceled.

Payments can be made by check, money order, eCheck, wire transfer, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. Prices are in US Dollars, and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency. Your payment is fully refundable for 7 days, less a 3% processing fee, after making a reservation when you reserve a trip 7 days or more prior the final payment due date.

Cancellations and Refunds

Canceling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below.

We regret that we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan.

Date of CancellationCancellation Fee
180 or more days before your trip$200/person
179 – 120 days before your trip$400/person
119 – 90 days before your trip$750/person
89 days or less before your tripFull Fare

Please note that different deposit/cancellation policies may apply for charter groups. Refer to the group organizer’s confirmation email for details.

Canceled Trips

OARS reserves the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. In such instances, we will inform you at least 45 days prior to departure. Do not make nonrefundable travel arrangements unless you have spoken to your Adventure Consultant regarding the status of your trip.

If a trip must be canceled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less a 5% service fee plus any nonrefundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers, however, we can’t guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a canceled trip.

Transfers

Because our trips in Grand Canyon are heavily booked or completely sold out 12 – 18 months in advance, there are limited opportunities to transfer to a new trip. Generally, transfer requests must be treated like a cancellation according to the schedule above. Contact our Grand Canyon reservations department for more information.

O.A.R.S. Grand Canyon, Inc. is an authorized concessioner of Grand Canyon National Park

Ancestral Lands Acknowledgement

We respect and recognize that many of the river canyons on state and federal lands where we operate are the ancestral homes of indigenous communities. Where we operate on the Colorado River between Pipe Creek and Whitmore Wash, we acknowledge the territories of the Navajo Nation, the Pueblo of Zuni, Ute, Southern Paiute, Hopi, Hualapai, and Havasupai.

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