The Grand Canyon is the Mecca of river runs with over 160 rapids, some 25+ ft drops, and river speeds upwards of 20 mph. There’s no doubt that a journey into the greatest canyon in the West will be an epic adventure. Join a fast paced river journey navigated by experienced guides on the Colorado. Regulated by the Glen Canyon Dam, the river’s flow averages 12-15,000 cubic feet of water per second i.e. a guaranteed ride of a lifetime. Without further ado, we present to you the top 5 raging rapids of the Grand Canyon!
1. Lava Falls Rapid, Mile 179, Rating:10
In the lower canyon lies the biggest, most notorious rapid in the Grand Canyon (GC), Lava Falls Rapid. It holds the record as the “fastest navigable rapids in North America” with a top speed of 20 mph. Depending on the water levels, speed and flow, Lava is rated between levels 7-10 (10 being the highest level of difficulty in the Grand Canyon). Its size and status as the most difficult run in the canyon demands respect from guides and guests alike. Even weathered guides might kiss the Vulcan’s Anvil that watches ominously over the falls for luck. Before you see the gushing whitewaters, you’ll hear them roaring and feel the pressure change. After your guide scouts out a softer spot on the V-Wave and sees how hard the Big Kahuna is breaking, it’ll be time to join the fray. Listen one last time to your guide’s shouting of ‘Hang on tight! Get low to the raft! Suck rubber!’ before the crashing of waves drowns her out. Over Lava’s several hundred yards the river falls 37 feet; prepare for 20 seconds of careening wildly towards the recovery zone. After navigating past the Big Black Rock and avoiding flipping at the Ledge Hole, enjoy well deserved celebrations at Tequila Beach.
2. Crystal Rapid, Mile 98, Rating 10
Crystal Rapid has long been the most feared and technically challenging rapid in the canyon for good reason; it has a deadly past. At one point the rapid rose to over three stories high, coining the term ‘ABC’ or Alive Below Crystal for those who made it through. Crystal is now the canyon’s second biggest rapid, still formidable but less violent than it once was. The rapid’s upper section of rolling waves bucks passengers and tumbles boats like a washer before launching them towards the Rock Garden. The ‘garden’ otherwise known as The Island is an acre size collection of boulders that can be dangerous to thrown guests adrift in the river. So hold on tight! In this monster rapid of the lower canyon consider staying in the middle of the raft (a.k.a. the “chicken coop”) where things tend to “buck” a lot less. Or for those with nothing to lose, sit up front for the whitewater rodeo, and ride the Colorado like a bucking bronc! It’ll either leave you soaked and whooping with glee or holding your breath through the rough, rocky churn.
3. Hance, Mile 76.5, Rating: 10
If you are doing the full canyon, this will be the first of the mega rapids. However, for riders only doing the Upper Canyon, it is the largest and the grand finale! Hance is the product of two great canyons, Red Canyon and the Grand Canyon, intersecting. The debris from the two canyons squeeze the river into a tremendous, pressured current and a wild ride. Before taking on this powerhouse (or any other complex water), it’s necessary to scout out the line through the many boulders and holes. A distinctive, dark vein of basalt on the canyon wall directs the eye of those scouting the rapid to its thrashing whitewater and orients those who get turned around in the rapids. Not only does this rapid have powerful hydraulics that rocket you speedily down the river, it also includes the largest single drop (30 feet) in the entire canyon! When all the safety measures have been taken, get low and enjoy the longest rapid on the river.
4. Hermit Rapid Mile 95.5, Rating: 8
Hermit Rapid tantalizes you with your first, sweet taste of adrenaline on a rollercoaster of water in the Lower Canyon. The narrowing canyon walls create a lot of water pressure and is overall rated as one of the funnest rapids in the GC! Depending on the water levels, there are 8-10 massive waves to be conquered. Hermit is less technical, making for a stress free, easy ride! It’s considered the best rapid to train on and it becomes even easier at lower water levels as some of the holes disappear. An all around crowd pleaser, relax and let yourself enjoy the ride!
5. House Rock Rapid, Mile 17, Rating: 7
House Rock is undeniably one of the harder rapids to navigate in Marble Canyon. Everything is still and calm as you approach it, except for the roar of the rapid increasing in intensity. This rapid is known for flipping rafters in its cavernous hole if they slide a little too far to the right after riding the large wave train. The House Rock itself is a sizable, current splitting obstacle, sometimes referred to as Dread Rock. Get ready to follow commands of “High Side!” when your raft starts tipping at precarious angles! However, these daunting conditions are what makes it one of the most thrilling sections of the Upper Canyon. Some have even compared the exhilaration of this rapid to that of skydiving. It’s the type of high that clears your head and makes your spirit soar with new found freedom.
It’s clear if you’ve read to this point, you’re an intrepid thrill seeker. However, if your less adventurous companion needs a few words of consultation let it be this. Injuries boating in the Canyon occur at a rate similar to golf and bowling (extremely low but technically still possible). You are ten times more likely to be injured playing basketball or football. The biggest risk on the river is the cold water temperature (hanging around 50F) but our talented guides gather their passengers back into the raft as quickly as they fall out. The Grand Canyon receives 266 days of sun per year and can be run year round. However, early summer is ideal as the sun warms your raft and the cool rapids refresh you with their spray. We hope you’ve enjoyed this brief overview of our favorite whitewater! Start planning your Grand Canyon Rafting Trip or feel free to email us with any questions.
Here are a few more high ranking rapids to look out for in the Grand Canyon!
Grand Canyon: Additional International Class IV’s
Granite, Mile 93.4: Grand Canyon Rating 7-8, (Drops 18 ft over its course)
Bedrock, Mile 131, GC Rating 6-8
Dubendorff, GC Rating 6-8
231-mile, GC Rating 4-7
Sockdolager, Mile 79, GC Rating 5-7
Grapevine, Mile 82, GC Rating 6-7
Specter, Mile 129, GC Rating 6
Georgie Rapid, Mile 24, GC Rating 3-7
Honorable mentions include the Roaring 20’s Rapids and the Gem Series Rapids for being extremely enjoyable.
Continue Reading: 8 Reasons to Raft the Grand Canyon
