Grand Canyon Dories: Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash
Explore the scenic wonders of the upper section of Grand Canyon by dory before tackling the Lower Canyon’s epic whitewater, ending with a run through Lava Falls, and a helicopter ride to the rim.
Our Grand Canyon dory adventure begins at the put-in at Lees Ferry, below Glen Canyon Dam. Starting out in the more moderate rapids of the Colorado River, we eventually meet up with the biggest whitewater in Grand Canyon, including the infamous Crystal Rapid and Lava Falls.
In between rapids, the slower water provides the opportunity for quiet moments of canyon storytelling, geologic and natural history, and pure tranquility. The Grand Canyon experience really isn’t about the iconic whitewater at all. It’s more about exploring the dozens of side canyons that trickle into the main canyon.
This section of Grand Canyon combines the scenic wonders of the upper canyon’s vibrant limestone cliffs, Ancestral Puebloan cultural sites, Nautiloid fossils, stream-carved alcoves, and petroglyphs, with the Lower Canyon’s crystalline waterfalls, fern-covered fairyland, layers of rock rising and falling, and turquoise pools. The finale of the trip is a helicopter ride to the rim, before a flight to Las Vegas via a small plane.
Trip Highlights
What to Expect
Itinerary & Map
Itinerary at a Glance
We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every Grand Canyon Dories trip is different depending upon the group, other trips on the water, camp locations, and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like:
The Day Before Your Trip
The evening before your trip, we’ll meet for a pre-trip meeting in Flagstaff, AZ. This is an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and trip leader, and ask any last-minute questions.
Day 1
The first morning of the trip starts with a 2 1/2-hour drive to our put-in at Lees Ferry. Once at the river, we’ll load boats, give a river safety talk and fit you with a personal flotation device (PFD) before launching.
Within the first few miles on the river, the first signs of Grand Canyon’s fascinating geology make their appearance in Marble Canyon with some of the most striking and vibrantly-colored limestone cliffs. Any apprehensions are soon converted to exhilaration in Badger and Soap Creek Rapids. The desert’s warmth quickly dries us again before we reach camp.
Ideally, we reach camp each day with plenty of time to relax, play beach games, or chat with new friends as the guides prepare a delicious meal. After a fulfilling day in the canyon, we stretch out in our sleeping bags to drift off to sleep under a starry sky.
Days 2 – 6 or 7
The river twists between rising cliffs, offering new vistas at every bend. At North Canyon, we walk across folded layers of sedimentary rock which leads to a pool trickling down from the polished funneled canyon. An afternoon of lazy drifting is enlivened by the rapids of the “Roaring Twenties.”
The walls of Marble Canyon tower overhead as we continue past the fern-fringed springs of Vasey’s Paradise for a stop at Redwall Cavern. This vast, half-circular chamber carved out by the river offers a cool recess to rest. A few miles downriver, we scramble over short, steep rock formations into Nautiloid Canyon, where a unique display of fossils is exposed in the smooth rock canyon floor.
Relaxed drifting in this stretch of the Canyon is interspersed by a few good rapids. A stop at Nankoweap Canyon gives us an opportunity to climb to the Ancestral Puebloan granaries that rest high on the cliff overlooking the Colorado River for a spectacular view. If we are lucky, the Little Colorado will be flowing with opaque turquoise (instead of muddy brown) water, which will invite us to stop for a swim.
For a few miles, the canyon opens up, revealing ancient volcanic rocks and the cliffs of the South Rim. We then enter the narrow, rugged trench of the Inner Gorge, where we’re drenched by the big waves of challenging rapids like Unkar, Nevills, Hance, Sockdolager, and Grapevine.
As we approach the legendary Bright Angel Trail, which leads to the South Rim, we may trade partial trip passengers at Pipe Creek.
The Adventure Continues
Continuing downstream, much-anticipated rapids like Granite, Hermit, and the “Jewels”— Crystal, Sapphire, Turquoise, Ruby, and Serpentine—offer us sensational rides and dramatic pictures. A refreshing swim in the pools and waterfall at Shinumo Creek might be in order after the excitement of these wild rapids.
Those with sharp eyes and quick cameras may be rewarded with shots of desert bighorn sheep in this portion of the Canyon. The emerald paradise of Elves Chasm, with its chain of linked pools and waterfalls, invites us to explore and swim. In the cool, narrow slot of Blacktail Canyon, we get an up-close look at the Great Unconformity, where ancient erosion removed millions of years of rock to create a gap in the Canyon’s geologic record.
Fluted walls of jet-black schist enclose us for a few miles before Bedrock and Dubendorf rapids. We drift lazily through Granite Narrows (a mere 75’ wide!!) and soon come to Deer Creek Falls, a 125’ cascade that tumbles almost directly into the river. A hike above the falls brings us to an oasis with a huge open patio. En route, we discover handprints on the side canyon walls, evidence of those that visited this canyon centuries ago.
After gliding through some calmer stretches of river, we may pull into the mouth of Matkatamiba Canyon to venture up the narrow limestone slot canyon into an overhanging amphitheater. Wading through the warm waters, we explore the beautifully carved channel and relax in the coolness of its grotto. Back on the river, we conquer Upset Rapid.
Nearing the end of our journey, we run the Colorado’s most legendary stretch of whitewater, Lava Falls. Each dory is swept into the churning, spitting power of the largest rapid in Grand Canyon, battered by huge waves, and flushed into calmer waters.
Day 13 or 14 (Depending on trip length)
The morning of the last day, we’ll reach Whitmore Wash, where a helicopter will arrive to return you to the rim. After the flight to the rim, a charter aircraft will fly you to the Boulder City Airport, where a passenger van will then take you to Las Vegas.
Meeting Time & Place
Location
Flagstaff, AZ
Meeting time
6:30 PM, the evening before your trip
Return
1 to 3 PM, Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport
Trip Map
Dates & Prices
| 2025 Departures | Price |
|---|---|
| June 1 | $8,199 |
| July 24 | $8,199 |
| 2025 Departures | Price |
|---|---|
| June 12 | $8,299 |
| July 3 | $8,299 |
| August 3, 22 | $8,299 |
Deposit
• First deposit: $1000 per person (due at the time of booking)
• Second deposit: $500 per person (due by November 1 of the year before your trip)
Additional Costs
• $20 GCNP Entrance Fee
• Sleep Kit $50 | Tent included
*Prices subject to National Park Service review
The Need-to-Know Info
Trip Details
Included in Your Trip Cost
Not Included in Your Trip Cost
- Pre- and post-trip transportation, accommodations, and meals
- Grand Canyon National Park Entrance Fee
- Sleeping bags & a deluxe 3-inch thick air-filled sleeping pad (available for rent from OARS)
- Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
On our Grand Canyon dory trips we use 17-foot hard-hulled dories. These boats are elegant, handcrafted vessels, which are not only enjoyable to look at, but also provide an exciting and responsive ride. They hold up to four passengers. We travel in a flotilla with a maximum group size of 16-20 passengers.
After each active day on the river, we pull ashore to camp for the night. Our first task is to unload the boats using a fire-line of crew and guests to expedite the process. Individuals then collect their waterproof bags and locate an area on the beach to camp for the night.
While you put up your tent, the guides will set up the kitchen and central dining/seating area with camp chairs. They will also locate a secluded area away from camp to set up the portable toilet, where privacy is assured.
As guides prepare dinner, hors d’oeuvres are served. This is an opportunity to relax, enjoy a drink if you wish, and reflect on the day with your fellow traveling companions.
In the morning, the first wake-up call lets you know that coffee, hot water for tea or cocoa, juice, fresh fruit, and cold cereal are ready. You can fill your mug and grab a bite, then begin to pack up your personal belongings and sleep gear as the guides prepare breakfast.
After breakfast, the entire camp is broken down and packed up. Once the guides have all of the gear loaded back onto the boats, we’ll head downstream to see what new adventures await us.
More info about Meals & Dietary Restrictions can be found on our Trip Resources page.
There are no absolutes when talking about the weather in Grand Canyon. Temperatures and weather can fluctuate greatly throughout the day. It can be clear, dry, and hot, and in the next moment, it can be cool and rainy. These conditions can manifest in any month. The descriptions and chart below list average weather conditions, maximum and minimum temperatures, and average rainfall. This chart should be used only as a general guide.
April: Cooler temperatures. Can expect a variety of weather. Usually peak wildflower bloom. Campfires at night.
May: Weather is moderate and consistent but can be windy at times. The water is very often clear from mid to late May.
June: Early June has hot days and mild nights with temperatures increasing with each day into the month. A very busy time to be in the canyon.
July: Very hot with the chance of some early monsoons. Any and all weather can be experienced at this time
August: Hot and typically monsoon season with thunderstorms. The clouds and showers help lower the temperatures for a period of time.
September: Moderate temperatures, cooling as the month progresses. There is less traffic in the canyon since September 15 is the last launch date for motorized trips.
October: Can be very nice but always presents a possibility of storms and cooler temperatures. Be prepared for changes in weather conditions. Nice temperatures for side hikes. Campfires at night.
Average Air Temperatures & Rainfall
| Day (°F) | Night (°F) | Rainfall | |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 82 | 56 | .47″ |
| May | 92 | 63 | .36″ |
| June | 101 | 72 | .30″ |
| July | 106 | 78 | .84″ |
| August | 103 | 75 | 1.40″ |
| September | 97 | 69 | .97″ |
| October | 84 | 58 | .65″ |
Summer temperatures (June, July & August): Please note that the average summer temperatures listed can be misleading. These temperatures are recorded in very specific locations and circumstances. In the summer it is not uncommon for the temperature to rise above 110° F. At the same time, temperatures can suddenly plummet with increased cloud cover. The advice is to always be prepared with rain gear and clothing that can be layered.
Temperature at the Rim: The temperature at the rim is generally 20-30 degrees cooler than along the river since the South Rim is around 7,000’ in elevation. Keep this in mind, especially if you are on an early spring or late fall trip.
WATER LEVELS & TEMPERATURE
The water levels of the Colorado River through Grand Canyon are regulated by the release of water from the Glen Canyon Dam. The Colorado generally fluctuates up and down several feet within the day, based on the time of year and demand for electricity. Because the flow is dam regulated, even in a drought year, the water levels are fairly consistent. The temperature of the river has historically been 48°- 55° F, though it can trend warmer when upstream reservoir levels are lower.
Whitewater
There are 38 rapids rated 5 or higher on the Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash section. Whitewater in the Canyon is rated on a scale of 1–10 (unlike most western rivers which use the I–VI scale). A “1” is a small riffle, and a “10” is the most difficult rapid still considered runnable. The two most notable Grand Canyon rapids, Crystal and Lava Falls, are both rated a 10. The intensity of all rapids naturally depends on the water level, so readings for low and high water levels may vary slightly.
Based on various circumstances, such as water levels and current flow, we occasionally find it necessary to have our passengers walk around certain rapids. The decision is made by the trip leader with the first concern being the safety of each passenger and the second being the ability to run a rapid without damaging the boats. This will give you a great opportunity to take some wonderful photos of the rafts as you watch your guides demonstrate their boating skills. When conditions warrant, you may also be asked by your trip leader to wear a helmet. For your own safety, however, you may feel more comfortable wearing the helmet even when not specifically requested by the trip leader.
Before booking your trip with OARS, there are a few important considerations we’d like you to know about.
Reservations and Payments
- A $1000/person deposit is required at the time of reservation. A second deposit of $500/person is due in our office by November 1 of the year before your trip.
- If you make your reservation after November 1 of the year before your trip, the entire $1500/person deposit is due at the time of reservation.
- Final payment is due 90 days before departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received 80 days before the departure date will be canceled.
Payments can be made by check, money order, eCheck, wire transfer, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. Prices are in US Dollars, and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency. Your payment is fully refundable for 7 days, less a 3% processing fee, after making a reservation when you reserve a trip 7 days or more prior the final payment due date.
Cancellations and Refunds
Canceling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below.
We regret that we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan.
| Date of Cancellation | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| 180 or more days before your trip | $200/person |
| 179 – 120 days before your trip | $400/person |
| 119 – 90 days before your trip | $750/person |
| 89 days or less before your trip | Full fare |
Please note that different deposit/cancellation policies may apply for charter groups. Refer to the group organizer’s confirmation email for details.
Canceled Trips
OARS reserves the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. In such instances, we will inform you at least 45 days prior to departure. Do not make nonrefundable travel arrangements unless you have spoken to your Adventure Consultant regarding the status of your trip.
If a trip must be canceled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less a 5% service fee plus any nonrefundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers, however, we can’t guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a canceled trip.
Transfers
Because our trips in Grand Canyon are heavily booked or completely sold out 12-18 months in advance, there are limited opportunities to transfer to a new trip. Generally, transfer requests must be treated like a cancellation according to the schedule above. Contact our Grand Canyon reservations department for more information.
O.A.R.S. Grand Canyon, Inc. is an authorized concessioner of Grand Canyon National Park
Ancestral Lands Acknowledgement
We respect and recognize that many of the river canyons on state and federal lands where we operate are the ancestral homes of indigenous communities. Where we operate on the Colorado River between Lees Ferry and Whitmore Wash, we acknowledge the territories of the Navajo Nation, the Pueblo of Zuni, Ute, Southern Paiute, Hopi, Hualapai, and Havasupai.
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