Whitewater, Helicopter, Skywalk

A Hualapai River Runners motorized whitewater trip on the Colorado, with a picnic lunch and a stop at Travertine Falls. A helicopter lifts you out to Grand Canyon West, and the Skywalk All-Access Pass is included. Trips run April through October, with ground transport from Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs.

Overview

This one-day trip puts you on the Colorado River inside the Grand Canyon and then lifts you out by helicopter. The day runs about 8 hours from check-in at Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs, Arizona. From there a shuttle drives roughly 21 miles down to Diamond Creek on the canyon floor, where Hualapai river guides hand out life jackets and dry bags before the raft launches.

The rafting covers Class III and IV whitewater in a motorized boat, mixed with calm stretches where guides talk about Hualapai history and traditions. Midway there is a stop at Travertine Falls, with an optional short hike using ropes and ladders, or you can simply wait by the water. A picnic lunch is served beside the river before the boat continues downstream to the river docks.

Then comes the helicopter flight out of the canyon to Grand Canyon West. The booking includes an All-Access Pass covering the Skywalk, the hop-on hop-off shuttle between Eagle Point, Guano Point and Hualapai Point, dining and retail vouchers, and zipline access where available. One important detail: the pass is meant for a separate day, since the rafting and helicopter day does not leave enough time to also visit the Skywalk. Transport to Peach Springs itself is not included. The trip suits travellers in decent shape who are comfortable outdoors for a full day and want rapids, culture and a flight in a single booking.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check-in at Hualapai LodgeMeet at Hualapai Lodge, 900 AZ-66, Peach Springs, Arizona. Travel to Peach Springs itself is not provided.
2. Drive to Diamond CreekA rugged shuttle takes you about 21 miles down to Diamond Creek on the canyon floor, where you meet your guides and collect life jackets and dry bags.
3. Whitewater raftingRun Class III and IV rapids on a motorized raft with Hualapai River Runner guides, broken up by calm stretches and cultural storytelling.
4. Travertine Falls stopAn optional short hike using ropes and ladders leads to a cave and cascading falls, or you can relax by the river.
5. Riverside picnic lunchA picnic lunch with bottled water is served along the Colorado River before the raft continues downstream.
6. Helicopter flight outAt the river docks, board a helicopter for the lift out of the canyon to Grand Canyon West.
7. Grand Canyon West passYour All-Access Pass covers the Skywalk, shuttle between Eagle Point, Guano Point and Hualapai Point, dining and retail vouchers, and zipline access where available. Use it on a separate day, since same-day Skywalk visits are not possible after the rafting.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day goes, from what to wear on the raft to how the Skywalk pass actually works.

• Two-day planning. The Skywalk pass does not fit into the rafting day. The booking date applies to the rafting and helicopter, and the All-Access Pass stays valid for one day of your choosing, so plan an extra day at Grand Canyon West.
• Fitness and pace. The listing asks for guests in good physical health who are comfortable outdoors all day. The Travertine Falls hike is optional, so you can skip the ropes and ladders and stay by the river instead.
• Gear on the river. Life jackets are provided for every guest, and each raft carries one large waterproof dry bag for items that need to stay dry. The rafting portion runs on a motorized boat, which lets the trip cover more river in a single day.
• Food and drink. A picnic lunch and bottled water are provided on the riverbank. At Grand Canyon West the pass adds a $10 food voucher, though it requires a $20 minimum purchase, so expect to cover the difference yourself.
• Photography on the Skywalk. Cell phones are allowed on the Skywalk and free lockers are provided. Selfie sticks and professional cameras are not permitted, and you can walk the glass bridge up to three times.
• Getting there. Transport to and from Peach Springs is not included, only the round-trip shuttle from Hualapai Lodge to the river. Confirm your meeting details at booking, and arrive early at Grand Canyon West attractions, since some operate first-come, first-serve.

Common issues. The biggest thing to understand before booking is that the Skywalk cannot be done on the same day as the rafting. The trip only runs April through October and can be canceled for weather or river conditions, though a weather cancellation brings a full refund. Optional extras at Grand Canyon West, such as the zipline, have limited capacity and are subject to availability. Gratuities for guides and drivers, personal expenses and souvenirs are not covered, and you must arrange your own transport to Peach Springs.

Before You Book A Raft