grand canyon rafting highlights

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Updated July 2019

When I was invited on this trip I underestimated the wonders we would see living in the Grand Canyon for 17 days. When we weren’t too focused on large rapids we planned our days around upcoming sights along the river, often pulling over for hours at a time to explore waterfalls, slot canyons, and some bizarre geological formations. Some of the best side trips were found just by exploring right behind our campsite. This page includes my 12 favorite highlights on our trip down the Colorado River, organized by the flow of the river with a map included at the bottom of the page.

Click the links below for more information on this trip:

#1: Vasey's Paradise (mile 32.2)

One of the first major highlights of many to come along the trip. Vasey’s Paradise is a natural spring waterfall on river right cascading out of the canyon wall. John Wesley Powell named the fall after his botanist friend Dr. George Vasey.

#2: Redwall Cavern (mile 33.3)

Just after Vasey’s Paradise is a deep cave that swallowed up our whole group, perfect for a game of frisbee or a long walk to explore inside. Redwall Cavern was carved over time by the Colorado River.

#3: Nankoweap granaries (mile 53.4)

These 1,000 year old Anasazi granaries used to store produce farmed from the river delta. Visible from the beach campsite below as four small rectangular windows, or get a closer view by hiking up several hundred feet to reach the ledge below the fragile remains. Not only is the granary a spectacular sight up close but the ledge provides beautiful views of the river winding downstream.

#4: Little Colorado River Junction (mile 61.7)

The Little Colorado River is often a bright turquoise blue color although unfortunately for us it was running brown with the recent rains. It still made for a nice walk upstream!

#5: Phantom Ranch (mile 88.1)

A midpoint for hikers between the north and south rim of the Grand Canyon with campsites and amenities like cabins, food, postcards, running water, flush toilets and more. Also a popular exchange point for those doing a half rafting trip. Read my trip report for backpacking to Phantom Ranch here.

#6: Elves Chasm (mile 117.2)

A short hike to one of the most scenic mossy green waterfalls in the canyon. Climb up the under the falls to jump off the top.

#7: Deer Creek Falls (mile 136.9)

An unbelievably powerful waterfall pouring straight through the canyon. It’s a quick walk to the base of the falls and a longer hike up where you can walk above the slot canyon carved by the creek to oasis pools.

#8: Kanab Creek (mile 144.0)

A canyon resembling a wider Zion Narrows, filled with wildflowers and moss, carved by one of the main drainages into the Colorado River. Kanab was a fun place to explore during our lunch break, and my only regret is that we didn’t have time to explore further up the canyon!

#9: Matkatamiba (mile 148.4)

Matkat is a really fun side hike with a slightly technical slot canyon if you stay in the creek, and an easier trail if you take the high route. Both lead to a large natural amphitheater area before the canyon continues again.

#10: Havasu Canyon (mile 157.3)

The Colorado River end of the popular hike through turquoise pools and epic waterfalls. A walk of any length up Havasu Canyon is scenic and well worth the time. If you have time for a longer hike, it’s 5 miles to Beaver Falls and 8 miles to Mooney Falls, one way. The trail crosses the creek several times so water shoes are best!

#11: Book of Worms (mile 198.9)

Worth the short walk if you are staying at Parashant Camp, the book of worms is a large rock of Bright Angel Shale covered with 550 million year old worm burrows. I’m not sure we found the exact book but we found what appeared to be worm burrows! The tributary upstream is a nice walk in itself.

#12: Pumpkin Spring (mile 213.3)

A nice hike along Tapeats ledges to an unusual spring of bubbling toxic water pouring over a pumpkin-looking rock wall. If you hike further you can find a large manhole that takes you to a lower ledge.

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