Guided Trips

• Guided float trips start in March and continue through April, stopping as the hot summer begins. Trips start up again from October through November. Most trips leave from Page, Arizona, located along the northwestern boundary of Grand Canyon National Park. The first part of the trip includes a two-mile shuttle ride along the Glen Canyon Dam access tunnel. Once you reach the foot of the dam, guides settle you in pontoon boats to begin your float down the Colorado River. The boats travel along a smooth section of the Colorado River, so you'll experience no whitewater rapids on your float trip. Reservations are highly recommended. Most float trips require a minimum of six people with the boats capable of holding about 22 people. If your trip gets canceled due to the lack of people, the companies offer a full refund.
  
  

The Ride

• As you float downstream along the Colorado River, you'll stop at various points so you can get out, stretch and see the sights. The pontoon stops for lunch; either bring your own, or you can purchase a sack lunch before you board the craft.
  
  Most raft trips end at Lees Ferry, a small town where whitewater rafting trips often start. A shuttle bus takes you on a short ride back to your starting point in Page.
  
  

Sightseeing

• Along the way, you can see ancient petroglyphs of ancestral Puebloan peoples who once lived in the area. You'll find plenty of interesting geology and natural history along the way, making a narrated float trip even more valuable as you learn about what you're seeing. Huge sandstone cliffs and gigantic rock formations add to the thrill. Wildlife, including osprey and other birds, may be spotted along the way.
  
  

What to Bring

• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat can help keep sunburn to a minimum. A camera or video recorder helps capture the outing and the beautiful scenery. You'll get a chance to swim in the cool river water, so you may want to wear swimwear under your clothing. The float company provides life jackets that must be worn by all children under 12 years of age.