4 Day Upper Canyon Motor Trips in Grand Canyon

Overview The 88 miles of the Upper Canyon from Lees Ferry to Phantom Ranch (the NPS's inner canyon HQ) is one of the most spectacular stretches of river over it's entire 277 mile length.     You launch at Lees Ferry, AZ entering Grand Canyon at its beginning. Your introduction to the river is gentle, you don't even run a rapid for the first 8 miles and the cliffs rise higher and higher every mile you travel downstream. There are waterfalls, dripping springs, beautiful side canyons to explore and intriguing Indian ruins to visit. You'll see the river's largest tributary, the Little Colorado River and with luck swim in its warm turquoise pools. You'll run some of the largest rapids on the river and finish your trip at Phantom Ranch in the deepest part of the Grand Canyon. From there you hike 9.5 miles and 5000' up and out of the canyon to Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim (see below). It is recommended to spend that night on the rim and continue travelling the next day. We are happy to help you with all these arrangements and can create a package for any trip. These trips run 3 - 4 days on motor powered rafts or 5 - 6 days by oar rafts, paddle rafts or dories. 4 Day  Upper Motor Trips start at $1000.00 per person The Hike Out of the Canyon   The main trail is the Bright Angel Trail 9.5 miles between the river and the rim. The trail head on the rim is next to the Bright Angel Lodge and a short walk to most all the other lodges. It's the only trail that has water, restrooms and phones along the route. The 9.5 mile hike and 5000' elevation gain makes this a rigorous hike. You don't need to be an athlete to make this hike but you do need to be in relatively good condition and able to hike.  As importantly, you need to be mentally prepared to hike up hill for 4-8 hours.  You will have to carry your own personal effects and a minimum of 2 liters of water in the summer months. Make sure if you're hiking out to hydrate yourself starting the day before, avoid caffeine and alcohol and make 2-3 sandwiches so you have plenty of fuel for the hike.  Food is as important as water.  It's best to eat small amounts often and time your water intake between refill stops so you keep your fluids up. Also it's a good idea to cut your toe nails, carry moleskin for hot spots and get your legs in shape before the trip.