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Arizona

Rafting Grand Canyon’s Granite Gorge

Program No. 21044RJ
Few adventures in life can match the thrill of rafting the Colorado River. Come experience this journey as you join local experts to raft through the Grand Canyon and learn a whole lot!

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Apr 22 - Apr 28, 2025
Starting at
2,599
May 13 - May 19, 2025
Starting at
2,599
Filling Fast!
Sep 16 - Sep 22, 2025
Starting at
2,599
Sep 30 - Oct 6, 2025
Starting at
2,599
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Apr 22 - Apr 28, 2025
Starting at
2,879
May 13 - May 19, 2025
Starting at
2,879
Filling Fast!
Sep 16 - Sep 22, 2025
Starting at
2,879
Sep 30 - Oct 6, 2025
Starting at
2,879
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Rafting the Colorado River through Grand Canyon's Granite Gorge is the best way to access spectacular rapids and remote beaches. Experience the canyon on a hike-and-raft expedition in a little-seen part of western Grand Canyon uncovering a geologic past stretching back almost 2 billion years! Local experts provide knowledge and leadership on river and trail and prepare meals as you relax on spectacular riverside campsites.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hiking 2-5 miles. Rafting three days. Sleeping in tents on a pad with sleeping bag. Daytime summer temperatures in the inner canyon can exceed 100 F. Elevations up to 7,000 feet.
Micro Group
Micro Group
These adventures feature our smallest group size, with 12 participants or fewer.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Camp for three days in the Grand Canyon and raft the Granite Gorge through thrilling whitewater rapids.
  • Study the geologic and natural history of the Grand Canyon with a geologist/naturalist.
  • Spend a day hiking in Grand Canyon National Park for a comprehensive view of this incomparable destination.

General Notes

This is a Micro Group program, with 12 or fewer participants. River permits cannot be acquired until five months prior to program start date. Check with Road Scholar before purchasing plane tickets as program dates may change. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Stewart Lasseter
Stewart Lasseter completed studies in geo-science, natural history and Spanish at the University of Arizona. He then studied as the protégé of a Native American healer, learning from her practices of wholeness, kinesiology, mind-body medicine, and dyslexia correction. He has years of experience bringing groups in touch with the natural world and has completed post-graduate studies in health sciences at Prescott College.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Stewart Lasseter
Stewart Lasseter View biography
Stewart Lasseter completed studies in geo-science, natural history and Spanish at the University of Arizona. He then studied as the protégé of a Native American healer, learning from her practices of wholeness, kinesiology, mind-body medicine, and dyslexia correction. He has years of experience bringing groups in touch with the natural world and has completed post-graduate studies in health sciences at Prescott College.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
7 days
Program Begins
Flagstaff, AZ
Program Concludes
Flagstaff, AZ
Group Type
Micro Group
Meals
17 | 6B | 5L | 6D |
Activity Level
Rafting the Colorado River through Grand Canyon's Granite Gorge is the best way to access spectacular rapids and remote beaches. Experience the canyon on a hike-and-raft expedition in a little-seen part of western Grand Canyon uncovering a geologic past stretching back almost 2 billion years! Local experts provide knowledge and leadership on river and trail and prepare meals as you relax on spectacular riverside campsites.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Camp for three days in the Grand Canyon and raft the Granite Gorge through thrilling whitewater rapids.
  • Study the geologic and natural history of the Grand Canyon with a geologist/naturalist.
  • Spend a day hiking in Grand Canyon National Park for a comprehensive view of this incomparable destination.
General Notes
This is a Micro Group program, with 12 or fewer participants. River permits cannot be acquired until five months prior to program start date. Check with Road Scholar before purchasing plane tickets as program dates may change. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Stewart Lasseter
Stewart Lasseter completed studies in geo-science, natural history and Spanish at the University of Arizona. He then studied as the protégé of a Native American healer, learning from her practices of wholeness, kinesiology, mind-body medicine, and dyslexia correction. He has years of experience bringing groups in touch with the natural world and has completed post-graduate studies in health sciences at Prescott College.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hiking 2-5 miles. Rafting three days. Sleeping in tents on a pad with sleeping bag. Daytime summer temperatures in the inner canyon can exceed 100 F. Elevations up to 7,000 feet.
Micro Group (12 Max)
These adventures feature our smallest group size, with 12 participants or fewer.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (11 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
17 meals | 6B | 5L | 6D |
9 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:30 - 4:45 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table in the hotel meeting room to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to learn the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Orientation: 4:45 - 5:15 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. 5;30 - 6:15 p.m.: The river staff will conduct an orientation focused on the rafting portions of the program. Each person will receive one large and one small dry bag to pack their things into. Space is ample in these bags as sleeping bags and pads are packed separately. We’ll also discuss packing suggestions and what to expect on the river. Luggage you do not bring on the river can be stored safely at the hotel until we return. For questions, contact the Program Provider (Northern Arizona University) at (928) 523-2359; or RoadScholarprograms@nau.edu Unless noted otherwise, field trips will be conducted by our Group Leader, a seasoned and experienced naturalist, who will also function as our Study Leader. Transportation will be provided primarily by passenger vans unless specified otherwise. Be prepared for repeatedly getting on/off the raft, helping to carry gear to set up camp, and camping on sandy beaches. Some beach areas may be small and camping spots will be relatively close together. Camp will be exposed to the elements. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
After walking to a nearby restaurant, we’ll enjoy plated meals with appetizers, soups, an extensive salad bar with more than 50 fresh items including seasonal and specialty salads, just picked vegetables, fresh fruits, and desserts, plus soft drinks, coffee, tea, water.
Evening:
Following dinner, enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Activity Note
Driving about 90 miles one way to Grand Canyon, approximately 1.5 hours. Hiking about 1-2 miles, approximately 2-3 hours with stops; well-maintained packed dirt trails. Elevation of 6,800 feet with change of about 150 feet.
Breakfast:
Continental hotel breakfast.
Morning:
We’ll board our vans and travel to Grand Canyon National Park for a hike with our Group Leader. From the South Rim, we’ll enjoy sweeping canyon views from various vantage points and begin to gain a perspective of the canyon's immense size. We’ll also catch glimpses of the Colorado River that will be our home for the next three days. Our Group Leader will share and interpret the park's natural and historic features throughout the day as we walk.
Lunch:
During our hike, we’ll have sack lunches including a sandwich, fruit, chips, a cookie, and water.
Afternoon:
Continuing to explore rim viewpoints, we’ll also see the historical Grand Canyon Village and other points of interest. Highlights of the village include the Kolb Brothers Photography Studio and the buildings of Santa Fe Railroad designer Mary Jane Colter including the Bright Angel Lodge, Lookout Studio and the Hopi House. With our Group Leader, we’ll join back together at the east end of the village to visit the 100 year old El Tovar Hotel, one of the great hotels in the National Park System. From the village boardwalk, we’ll be able to see the North Rim and various spires and buttes rising from the canyon floor. We’ll also have time to explore rim trails and admire canyon vistas.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant with a variety of entrée choices, we’ll have plated meals with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to pack up your river gear and rest up for our early transfer in the morning for our rafting campout.
Activity Note
Driving about 140 miles; approximately 3 hours. Walking about 1 mile; approx. 1 hour; river shores are sandy, rocky terrain that requires some agility. Getting on/off raft; help carry personal and group gear to set up camp; camping on sandy beaches. Rafting up to 10 miles throughout the day; class 3 rapids. The Colorado River uses a 1-10 rapid rating scale; Class 3 rapids rated 6 – 7's locally; intensity of rapids depends on river conditions at the time of program.
Breakfast:
Continental hotel breakfast.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll travel along parts of historic Route 66 and the Hualapai Indian Reservation to our launch point down the only road to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, the Diamond Creek Road, which is a thrilling experience itself. As we descend into the canyon, the red rock walls will seem to rise and soon engulf us. The final 20 miles of our drive today are over a dirt road, sometimes bumpy. Upon arrival, we’ll board our rafts at the Diamond Creek beach and start our journey down lower Granite Gorge, the final 56 miles of the Grand Canyon and John Wesley Powell's "Great Unknown." Commentary will be provided en route by raft leaders and our Road Scholar Group Leader. Rafts are 16 and 18 foot "Oar Frame" pontoon style rafts with an attached metal frame. The boatman pilots and powers the raft using 2 oars situated in the oar frame. Passengers sit on top of the rubber pontoons or on top of gear boxes. There are strong nylon straps (webbing) to hold onto in the rapids. Depending on weather and the groups interest, the raft company may also bring one "paddle raft" so participants can be involved with the navigation of the boat and a few inflatable kayaks to enjoy on the flat portion of the river (no rapids). Final determination on the array of boats will be announced during our orientation meeting with the rafting leaders on night one.
Lunch:
On a beach along the river, we’ll stop for a buffet meal of cold cuts, other assorted goodies, and beverages.
Afternoon:
We’ll load our personal gear into the rafts, have a safety orientation on shore, then be off to face our first rapids and experience thrilling Class 3 size white water. Expect splashing and hold on! Our first stop will be at Travertine Grotto for a hike while our knowledgeable Group Leader expands on the fascinating story of Grand Canyon's geology and natural history. If you prefer not to join in the hike, you may wish to relax or explore the area on your own before we continue traveling down the Colorado River. Upon arrival at our campsite after continuing downstream, we’ll help the crew unload the communal cooking equipment, food, and personal gear from the boats. We’ll each find our own space to set up on the sandy beach. Camp will be exposed to the elements and tents will always be available, but under clear skies most participants opt not to set up a tent and, instead, sleep under the stars. Some beach areas may be small and camping spots will be relatively close together. We will hope for and frequently enjoy balmy days but be prepared for shifts in the weather including cold fronts and wind. Once camp is set up, the crew will prepare a meal. A group toilet system will be set up at camp each evening, with a thorough orientation to the system and hygiene. During the day, female and male areas will be identified along the shoreline and bushes with a discussion of correct protocol.
Dinner:
In the beautiful riverside setting, we’ll have freshly prepared buffet meals every night. You may offer to help the crew in prep and clean up.
Evening:
At leisure. Settle in for the evening and enjoy chatting with new friends under the stars. Be ready to pack up camp and continue downstream in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off raft; rafting between 10 and 20 miles throughout the day; class 3 rapids. The Colorado River uses a 1-10 rapid rating scale; Class 3 rapids rated 6 – 7's locally; intensity of rapids depends on river conditions at the time of program. Elective hikes of approximately 1/2 to 2 miles available; even, sandy, rocky trail; elevation changes up to 500 feet on some hikes. Helping to carry gear and set up/break down camp.
Breakfast:
Wake up early to the shout of “coffeeeeee!” as our rafting leaders prepare a tasty buffet meal, which will change daily. Choices include, depending on the day, an egg dish, French toast, fresh fruit, breakfast meats, bagels, juice, water. All river meals will be buffets.
Morning:
We’ll break camp and help load the raft before floating downstream with commentary provided by our Group Leader and river experts on the geological, natural, and human history of the area. On our way, we’ll encounter more rapids and, for those who wish, go on an exploration of side canyons including a hike in Bridge Canyon. In addition to learning more specifics of geology and canyon history, we’ll also stop at Separation Canyon. This historically significant spot is where, after months of challenges, turmoil and deprivation, three members of the famous 1869 Powell Expedition left the river trip to strike out on their own and attempt to hike out of the canyon rim. They were never seen again. Our experts will tell the rest of the story.
Lunch:
Buffet lunch on a canyon beach.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue rafting down the river, deeper into the Grand Canyon, with stops for short side hikes. Our river experts will provide commentary and interpretation of passing sights. We’ll then land and make camp.
Dinner:
River camp buffet.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy the evening chatting with the group, writing in your journal or looking up from your camp spot as the stars begin to pop out. Be ready to pack up camp and continue downstream in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off raft multiple times, helping to carry gear and set up camp. Hiking approximately 1/2 mile, about 1 hour, over sandy, rocky terrain. Rafting up to 15 miles throughout the day; mostly flat water today as we have typically passed the rapids by this point of the trip. Help carry gear to break down/set up camp.
Breakfast:
Riverside camp buffet.
Morning:
We’ll continue floating downstream, running rapids, and learning more about how to “read” the river. As we go, we’ll float within view of the now famous Grand Canyon Skywalk. Located 3,500 feet above the river, the horseshoe shaped glass walkway juts out over the rim of the canyon giving visitors a thrilling view of the canyon below their feet.
Lunch:
Buffet on a canyon beach.
Afternoon:
As we continue rafting downstream, we’ll take advantage of opportunities that may present themselves for exploring side canyons, going on hikes, or other activities as determined by our river experts based on factors such as the itinerary, timing, and local conditions. At some point during this day the rapids run out and the river becomes primarily flat water. To get us down the river the boats use an outboard motor as the flow is not enough to enable us to cover the miles we have to go.
Dinner:
River camp buffet.
Evening:
At leisure. Another evening in a different camp with a different view. Life doesn't get much better than this! Be ready to pack up camp and conclude our river adventure in the morning.
Activity Note
Breaking down camp and assisting with unloading the boats and packing gear. Driving approx. 220 miles to Flagstaff; about 4 hours. Getting on/off raft; rafting up to 10 miles throughout the day; no rapids as we flow into the backed up waters of Hoover Dam. Help carry gear to break down camp/load gear.
Breakfast:
Riverside camp buffet.
Morning:
We’ll break camp for the last time and raft the final stretch of the river through the Grand Canyon as we quickly pass the Grand Wash Cliffs make our way to the farthest reaches of Lake Mead. The river take out is at Pearce Ferry landing, site of a historic pioneer Mormon river crossing. We’ll then unload the boats of our personal gear.
Lunch:
Buffet on a canyon beach.
Afternoon:
After loading the vans, we’ll transfer to Flagstaff with arrival back in “civilization” expected in the afternoon. We’ll check in to our hotel rooms and no doubt jump into a well-deserved hot shower!
Dinner:
At a local Greek restaurant, we’ll have plated meals for our farewell dinner together, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening:
We’ll gather one last time together as a group at the hotel for a program wrap-up, impressions, and final reflections. Then be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
Continental hotel breakfast. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
17 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
6 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025
  • Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025
  • Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025
  • May 13, 2025 - May 19, 2025
  • Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025
  • Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025
3 nights
Location: Flagstaff
Located 1/2 mi NW of the intersection of I-17 & I-40. Near shopping and restaurants; 1/4 mi from Northern Arizona University, 2 miles to Lowell Observatory and historic downtown Flagstaff; 6 mi from Sinagua ruins at Walnut Canyon Natl Mon, 15 mi from Sunset Crater National Monument, 38 mi from the ruins at Wupatki National Monument. 30 miles from the red rocks, galleries and restaurants of Sedona, AZ.
Colorado River Campsite
3 nights
Location: Flagstaff
Incredible scenery; wild rushing river; millions of stars. Camps will be on beaches on the banks of the Colorado River. Participants will set up a sleeping pad and sleeping bag in their sleeping area. We carry tents in case of rain, high winds or cold temperatures. Tents will always be available but are rarely set up in good weather as everyone typically enjoys sleeping under the stars and often consider this as one of the highlights of the trip. NOTE: Sleeping bags are laundered by the program provider before every trip.
3 nights
Location: Flagstaff
Located 1/2 mi NW of the intersection of I-17 & I-40. Near shopping and restaurants; 1/4 mi from Northern Arizona University, 2 miles to Lowell Observatory and historic downtown Flagstaff; 6 mi from Sinagua ruins at Walnut Canyon Natl Mon, 15 mi from Sunset Crater National Monument, 38 mi from the ruins at Wupatki National Monument. 30 miles from the red rocks, galleries and restaurants of Sedona, AZ.
Colorado River Campsite
3 nights
Location: Flagstaff
Incredible scenery; wild rushing river; millions of stars. Camps will be on beaches on the banks of the Colorado River. Participants will set up a sleeping pad and sleeping bag in their sleeping area. We carry tents in case of rain, high winds or cold temperatures. Tents will always be available but are rarely set up in good weather as everyone typically enjoys sleeping under the stars and often consider this as one of the highlights of the trip. NOTE: Sleeping bags are laundered by the program provider before every trip.
3 nights
Location: Flagstaff
Located 1/2 mi NW of the intersection of I-17 & I-40. Near shopping and restaurants; 1/4 mi from Northern Arizona University, 2 miles to Lowell Observatory and historic downtown Flagstaff; 6 mi from Sinagua ruins at Walnut Canyon Natl Mon, 15 mi from Sunset Crater National Monument, 38 mi from the ruins at Wupatki National Monument. 30 miles from the red rocks, galleries and restaurants of Sedona, AZ.
Colorado River Campsite
3 nights
Location: Flagstaff
Incredible scenery; wild rushing river; millions of stars. Camps will be on beaches on the banks of the Colorado River. Participants will set up a sleeping pad and sleeping bag in their sleeping area. We carry tents in case of rain, high winds or cold temperatures. Tents will always be available but are rarely set up in good weather as everyone typically enjoys sleeping under the stars and often consider this as one of the highlights of the trip. NOTE: Sleeping bags are laundered by the program provider before every trip.
3 nights
Location: Flagstaff
Located 1/2 mi NW of the intersection of I-17 & I-40. Near shopping and restaurants; 1/4 mi from Northern Arizona University, 2 miles to Lowell Observatory and historic downtown Flagstaff; 6 mi from Sinagua ruins at Walnut Canyon Natl Mon, 15 mi from Sunset Crater National Monument, 38 mi from the ruins at Wupatki National Monument. 30 miles from the red rocks, galleries and restaurants of Sedona, AZ.
Colorado River Campsite
3 nights
Location: Flagstaff
Incredible scenery; wild rushing river; millions of stars. Camps will be on beaches on the banks of the Colorado River. Participants will set up a sleeping pad and sleeping bag in their sleeping area. We carry tents in case of rain, high winds or cold temperatures. Tents will always be available but are rarely set up in good weather as everyone typically enjoys sleeping under the stars and often consider this as one of the highlights of the trip. NOTE: Sleeping bags are laundered by the program provider before every trip.
Participant Reviews
5
Based on 21 Reviews
Sort By:
Debra – Class of 2021 | Athens, WI
This program is spectacular and the staff amazing!
— Review left October 28, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Honora | Wilmington, DE
I just returned from a fabulous trip to the Grand Canyon. Here are a few things to expect: Tuesday – arrival at La Quinta Inn and Suites. The hotel is clean, comfortable and safe. The staff was extremely friendly, professional and accommodating. Our room consisted of two queen beds. As there were three of us we were able to rent a rollaway with still room to move around. We attended an informative orientation conducted by our wonderful tour leader Kyle. We also met two of the five tour operators from Northern Arizona University who discussed what to bring, provided our rafting equipment including dry and day bags and what to expect. I could already tell we were in good hands. Wednesday – we were transported to the Grand Canyon in a comfortable passenger van. We visited several sites which involved hiking. Comfortable clothing and shoes, sun visors or head covering and sun screen is a must. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday – Rafting and hiking. We met all five members of our rafting team - Liz, Kate, Rachel, Matt and Jaden. The five of them worked hard – rafting, helping with setting up camp every night, cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner, providing us with commentary and facts on the history of the Grand Canyon. They were such a fun, upbeat and entertaining group. They did everything to make our trip easy and special. If you are lucky enough to have these five as your rafting team, you are in for the trip of a lifetime. The meals they cooked were impressive with the equipment used. There are propane tanks and grills. We had coffee, tea, juice, pancakes, eggs, sausage, hash browns, fruit, salmon, chicken, boneless pork chops, rice, vegetables, onions, peppers, cold cut sandwiches and chicken Caesar pockets to name a few of the meals. Liz made an amazing pineapple upside down cake in a cast iron pan that was food network worthy. There was plenty of water and snacks provided. You will need your own water bottle, but leave your snacks.
— Review left May 25, 2024
Charmin | New York, NY
This journey provided more than anticipated. Anyone over 50 and would like to go camping for the first time should consider Road Scholars in their travel plans!
— Review left May 22, 2024
Jim – Class of 2019 | Mendon, NY
Amazing adventure!
— Review left May 8, 2024
Janis – Class of 2019 | Mendon, NY
Invigorating. Be ready to raft fast water, get wet/cold, climb wet/rocky terrain, sleep under the stars!
— Review left May 4, 2024
Rebecca – Class of 2019 | Palmer, AK
This was a fabulous experience! The activity level is classified as “spirited” but not too strenuous for this 57 year young office worker. Accommodations on the river were comfortable; however, note that two cots do not fit in a small two person tent. This is the outdoors, I highly recommend bringing bug spray and a mosquito net. No need to pack any food, there is plenty and the staff knows how to prepare delightful dishes.
— Review left October 11, 2023
Chris – Class of 2018 | Sedona, AZ
If you would like to go on this trip, but are hesitating because on your river days EVERYTHING is happening outdoors, don't give it another thought and just sign up. Your Road Scholar guides are there to help and you will be surprised how well organized a camp on the edge of the Colorado can be. If needed, you get help and learn how to pitch your tent, be absolutely amazed at how delicious the food is (I still dream about the pineapple upside down cake our guide Lizzie made), and you will even learn to "enjoy" the wonderful view and privacy in using the "Groover"! You will feel amazing after having been immersed in nature for a view days! Extra bonus: The wonderful people you will share this adventure with. Chris Sedona, AZ
— Review left October 3, 2023
Beth – Class of 2022 | North Chelmsford, MA
The Rafting Grand Canyon’s Granite Gorge trip was amazing -- a once in a lifetime trip for me, and one I've wanted to do for decades. Seeing the Canyon from the Colorado river really gets across the scale of the Canyon; from the rim everything looks much smaller. I still can't believe I slept within feet of the Colorado River, without a tent, looking up at the Milky Way. Rafting through the rapids was thrilling and fun; the camping logistics were managed perfectly; the food was fantastic. This was one of my best vacations EVER.
— Review left September 28, 2023
Dianne – Class of 2023 | Rockville, MD
Fantastic trip! Really experienced primitive camping in one of the world’s great natural areas. A less crowded National Park experience with several beautiful and challenging hikes.
— Review left May 20, 2023
Anne – Class of 2023 | East Lansing, MI
Though 75 and the oldest in the group, I was able to keep up with those younger due to good physical conditioning.
— Review left May 11, 2023
Linda – Class of 2022 | Ludlow, VT
Everyone should put rafting in the Granite Gorge in the Grand Canyon at the top of their bucket list. It is a once in a lifetime adventure.
— Review left October 20, 2022
Ben – Class of 2016 | Largo, FL
From beginning to end, this Grand Canyon river rafting and camping trip was phenomenal. The professional and super-proficient crew, the organizational preparation down to the tiniest detail, the spectacular landscapes and memorable river adventures—all made our 14th Road Scholar trip unforgettable. We are not campers, have never camped outdoors in our lives, never spent a night in a tent, but found this doable, accessible, manageable because the crew does the set-up, provides the meals, and makes it all flow in a well-practiced sequence, with plenty of room for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries. We still haven’t spent a night in a tent because we chose to sleep outside under the stars with our pad and sleeping bag and the Milky Way overhead. I know there’s always a waitlist for this trip, but do what you can to be a part of this outdoor exploration. We discovered we’re capable of more than we thought. It’s challenging, it’s intense, it’s rewarding, it’s extraordinary. —Ben and Joyce Wiley/Florida
— Review left October 2, 2022
Merrill – Class of 2015 | Jacksonville, FL
Outstanding awesome trip experiencing the canyon from the rim and the river. Be sure to try rowing the paddleboat the last morning even if only for a few minutes and be sure to take a turn in the duckies. There are two tiny rapids; maybe even give steering rapids a try. Also be sure to read the trip specific packing instructions very carefully so you aren't caught off guard once on the river. The weather will do anything it wants and practically nothing that is predicted. Enjoy.
— Review left September 27, 2022
Dean – Class of 2021 | Lake Oswego, OR
Great fun, great weather, great friends and staff!
— Review left October 21, 2021
Victoria – Class of 2017 | Pittsford, NY
21044 River Rafting the Granite Gorge was the best yet of the two I have taken, mainly because it was a bit out of my comfort zone. I love the learning part that goes with the program, partly because I love to learn about my world, but also because the learning part and activity ratings weed out the people that would slow down the group. Everyone in our group was enthusiastic, fun, ready to help and share. I enjoyed it immensely and can’t wait for #3. I travel by myself and have no qualms doing that as a female who is an active 71. Thank You Road Scholar!
— Review left May 23, 2019
Stephen – Class of 2018 | Colorado Springs, CO
Exceptional experience. This was our first Roads Scholar course and will not be the last. Professionalism is a constant. Top quality Guide/Instructor (thanks Mike...hope we meet again) who’s exceptional knowledge of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River, great rafting skills, affability, and outstanding people skills made this adventure so enjoyable. Top quality rafting crew....four friendly and energetic young men who give me hope for the future (thanks Clint, Evan, Alex and Quinn...great job). Camping under the stars or in a tent was fantastic. Food top notch. You really forget about the outside world while on this trip and marvel at the natural wonder and treasure that is the Grand Canyon. As a bonus, you meet great people who you can form lasting friendships in the future. Loved small group...eleven students. A perspective on the Grand Canyon that is a MUST if you’re up to the challenge.
— Review left May 21, 2019
Bryan – Class of 2017 | New York, NY
A terrific experience -- rafting through the Grand Canyon, on moderately challenging rapids, camping on the riverbank, sleeping under the stars, eating great food, and with a fun group of participants, boatmen, and guide. All around, an A+ experience!
— Review left May 12, 2019
This participant did not give a star rating.
Lorna – Class of 2019 | Plano, TX
This was an outstanding trip. We had 4 days of beautiful sights from the Colorado River. Side hikes took us to secreted away waterfalls. Our guide, Jeff, had an astounding wealth of knowledge about the area, and the crew from NAU (Clint, Evan, Benny and Alex) were marvelous.
— Review left May 6, 2019
Sharron – Class of 2018 | Houston, TX
I loved experiencing the Grand Canyon from a unique perspective! The first day’s hike along the South Rim is a great start to learning about the history and geology - our Road Scholar trip leader Jeff is an encyclopedia on everything about the Grand Canyon. The first 2 rafting days are class 3-4 whitewater. I had no whitewater experience but always felt safe with our very experienced river guides. The guides also took us to beautiful waterfalls via easy hikes, and if anyone in our group needed help, the guides were there to provide assistance. Camping on the river is not for everyone but I loved it. The stars are spectacular! You need to be able to carry your dry bag up sandy beaches. I was most worried about the “groover” but it was easy. The meals provided by the river guides were very good. This trip was AWESOME and I highly recommend it!
— Review left May 2, 2019
Jennifer – Class of 2017 | Hardwick, MA
A wonderful, exciting, beautiful week of rafting, hiking and camping under the stars. The food was amazing, the staff and group leader were kind, knowledgeable and welcoming to everyone. Amazing, I would recommend this to anyone who really wants to experience the Grand Canyon "up close!"
— Review left May 1, 2019
Hilarie – Class of 2019 | West Brookfield, MA
If you've ever dreamed about white water rafting down the Grand Canyon, this may be the trip for you! Paddling down the river with fun, experienced raftsmen, enjoying great meals prepared by them, and sleeping under an amazing star lit sky are only a few of the benefits of this program. Do this trip - you will be so glad you did!
— Review left May 1, 2019





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