TWO DAY raft tour review (will be long, so I apologize in advance!). I noticed there weren't a lot…read moreof reviews on overnight (two day) rafting trip, so I wanted to show some pictures and give a good overview. My dad and I went on this trip
We booked this trip just a few months ago, after finding this is the only rafting company that has just a two-day paddle rafting tour. All others were 4, 8, or more days. We found out that the Hualapai tribe has the only road that leads down to the bottom of the canyon that isn't at the very start of the canyon, or end of the canyon (where you end your ride). So you can essentially "jump" on the river mid-canyon and you raft 53 miles to the end of the canyon, where you exit.
There is a one day tour done by this company that is NOT paddling, but just riding in a motorized boat. They go the whole 53 miles in one day. They start and end at the same place we did, we just stop halfway (around 32 miles) to sleep for the night. We obviously go slower because we have to paddle the first 13 miles.
You will have rapids and paddle for the first 13 miles of the trip. Once you complete those 13 miles (about 7-8 rapids), you will tether up to a motorized boat and be towed the other 20 miles to camp (with no rapids). Trust me -- it's hot and exhausting, so you will be ready to be towed! Day two is being towed all day. No more paddling, no more rapids.
I highly suggest getting a room the night before the trip at the lodge (on the website). But BEWARE the lodge is literally right beside a very active train track. So it's loud throughout the night with train horns. Do what you will with that. Ear plugs? Ambien? Whatever suits you. But it's definitely the best place to stay the night before. They have a nice little restaurant in the lodge to grab dinner. I really liked the stew and fry bread, but they have a nice selection of other items.
The ride down to the river is only about an hour, and pretty fun. You go on a bus (no air conditioning, but windows open and it's early in the day, so it's not hot at all), and the drivers will inform you about things you see and the history of the Hualapai tribe who owns the land.
Once you get to the river, they will assign you a boat and captain, and you will get your life jacket and helmet on (both required). You put your things in a big red dry bag about 3 foot tall. I would say you have one dry bag for every two ppl.
You will hit a rapid right when you take off, which is pretty fun! Better learn how to row as a group quick. Ha! Our captains were Cody and Scott, both who were excellent at guiding our groups through the rapids. There is a supply boat that will follow with your dry bags, tables for dinner, food supplies, etc
Not even one person fell off either of our boats on our trip . We had lots of big rapids, but great captains who guided us through safely! Remember there are only 7-8 total rapids, and they all happen in the first 13 miles. So enjoy the "crazy adventure" at the beginning, because you won't get more rapids the rest of the day or next day!
It is HOT, so make sure to have your water bottle and ample sunscreen. And a hat to block the sun.
We stopped at a beach (not a camping park, just a Sandy beach along the River) for the night. There is no electricity, no running water, and no porta potties. They do setup a "bathroom" on the beach that is a can with a toilet seat lid on it. Not luxurious, but it's setup in a private area, and gets the job done!
You pick your campsite, and they provide the sleeping bags, pad for the bags to lay on, and tent (if you want it). It was BEAUTIFUL. And I am not an "outdoor" sleeper. But the stars and the sound of the river, and the breeze. It was wonderful! Make sure to stay up until about 10pm to see a SKY full of stars!
They make an amazing dinner for you of steak, mashed potato and salad. Even more delicious after a tiring day!! Sodas are also available!
The next morning, they will have eggs, bacon, coffee (bring your own cup), cereal, fruit --- a fantastic breakfast.
You get towed about 4.5-5 hours that day (stopping for lunch), and then stop at the end of the canyon at the first exit road there is (53 miles later!).
It's a lengthy ride back (2.5 hours), and you maybe in an air conditioned van, or on the bus. We got the vans today, so were pretty comfy. We booked another night at the lodge, and ate at the restaurant again, and had the stew!!
Overall it was an amazing experience. Truly one you can't get anywhere else. Because the tribe owns this part of the river and the ONLY access road, it is the most unique way to see the bottom of the canyon. Cody, Scott and Dale were absolutely out of this world in knowledge and service . Very kind, helpful and taking care of every need (and taking lots of pictures!).