Destinations
All of our Grand Canyon trips depart from and return to Flagstaff, Arizona.
The Diamond Down section of the Grand Canyon is the only section of the Colorado River that we run with groups or custom trips. The other sections of the Grand Canyon are for individual youth sign-ups only.
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The Colorado River through Grand Canyon
Come discover depths you’ve never imagined
The Colorado River through Grand Canyon is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. You’ll experience exhilarating whitewater, float through calm stretches of magnificent canyon on oar-powered rafts, and go on rewarding hikes. This program includes an on-river service-learning component where you’ll work alongside scientists studying the Colorado River ecosystem.
We are proud of our partnership with with Grand Canyon National Park. It is through this collaboration that you have the opportunity to help collect data for projects at the rim and along the river. Science service projects have included everything from monitoring endangered fish to removing invasive species. You will learn more details of the project you will be working on during your trip.
We offer several Grand Canyon programs for individuals: Rim to River, Grand Inspiration, and Partners in Science. Pricing and dates are specific to each trip.
Grand Canyon Youth runs three sections of the Colorado River in Arizona.
Each is unique and offers a different perspective of the Grand Canyon.
Upper Half: Lee’s Ferry to Pipe Creek
Travel through beautiful Marble Canyon and through the geologic layers of the Grand Canyon. Vasey’s Paradise, Redwall Cavern, and the Little Colorado River are just a few of the sites you’ll visit in the first 87 miles of Grand Canyon. Participants hike out via the Bright Angel trail.
Lower Half: Pipe Creek to Diamond Creek
The lower half is dramatic in its scenery, rapids, and overall magnitude. Deer Creek Falls, Lava Falls rapid, and Havasu Canyon are waiting to be explored in these 137 miles of river. Participants hike in via the Bright Angel trail.
Diamond Down: Diamond Creek to Pierce Ferry
This trip is accessed via the Diamond Creek road and ends on Lake Mead National Recreation Area. We run this 54-mile section March through May, primarily for custom programs. Youth spend 4 days learning about the area with professional guides in paddle rafts. If you are an educator or group leader who would like to arrange a custom trip, submit a Group Request Form and contact Emma Wharton, Executive Director.
