Colorado River Smooth Water Small-Group Float Trip From Sedona or Flagstaff

Exploring the serene beauty of the Colorado River on a small-group float trip is an unforgettable experience. Travelers can enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Sonoran and Painted Deserts, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. From swimming in the cool waters to hiking to ancient Anasazi petroglyphs, this full-day adventure offers a chance to escape into nature’s tranquility. With personalized attention and a picnic lunch, the trip promises an intimate and engaging journey through one of Arizona’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

Key Points

• A full-day mellow rafting trip on the Colorado River covering 15 miles (24 km) from May 1st to October 1st.
• Includes a stop at the Cameron Navajo Trading Post and a picnic lunch on a sandy beach with swimming and hiking opportunities.
• Offers personalized attention with group sizes limited to 12 travelers and a professional guide providing expertise and cultural insights.
• Provides round-trip hotel transportation from Sedona or Flagstaff, as well as necessary car/booster seats for children.
• Recommends appropriate weatherization, such as extra layers and sun protection, to ensure a comfortable float trip experience.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full-day mellow rafting trip on the Colorado River, starting in Sedona, Arizona, and floating through the scenic Glen Canyon.

The 15-mile (24 km) route operates seasonally from May 1st to October 1st. Groups are capped at 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention from the professional guide.

Travelers journey through the Sonoran Desert, San Francisco Volcanic Field, and Painted Desert, stopping at the Cameron Navajo Trading Post before the rafting experience.

The calm waters near the Glen Canyon Dam provide an enjoyable float, complemented by a picnic lunch, swimming, and a hike to see Anasazi petroglyphs.

Itinerary Highlights

Travelers embark on a scenic drive through the Sonoran Desert, San Francisco Volcanic Field, and Painted Desert en route to the tour’s highlights.

They’ll stop at the Cameron Navajo Trading Post to browse Native American arts and jewelry.

After a safety briefing, guests will float down the calm waters near Glen Canyon Dam.

The group will enjoy a picnic lunch on a sandy beach, swim in the Colorado River, and hike to see ancient Anasazi petroglyphs.

With a maximum of 12 travelers, the experience allows for personalized attention from the professional guide throughout the day.

Inclusion Details

The tour includes round-trip hotel transportation from Sedona or Flagstaff.

A picnic lunch and bottled water are also provided during the day.

Throughout the excursion, a professional guide leads the group, sharing their expertise about the region’s history, culture, and natural wonders.

Admission fees for the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and other stops along the way are covered.

Travelers should note that Arizona law requires children eight and younger to have their own car/booster seat, which must be brought along.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant guests or those with serious medical conditions.

Safety and Physical Requirements

As Arizona law requires, children eight years and younger must be in a car seat or booster seat during transportation on this tour. Guests are responsible for providing their own car seats or booster seats.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. The tour may not be suitable for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

The Colorado River float is considered a calm, smooth-water experience, but participants should be prepared for some physical activity, such as hiking and swimming. Proper layering is advised, especially during the spring and fall seasons.

Weatherization Recommendations

Though the Colorado River float trip operates from May 1st to October 1st, participants should pack extra layers, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, especially during the spring and fall seasons.

The vans are climate-controlled, but the outdoor rafting portion means guests may encounter cooler mornings and evenings. Layering is recommended to stay comfortable. A light jacket, long pants, and closed-toe shoes are advisable.

Hats, sunglasses, and sun protection are also important, as the desert sun can be intense. Being prepared for variable weather ensures a pleasant and enjoyable float trip experience.

Traveler Feedback and Ratings

How do travelers rate the Colorado River float trip overall? Based on 15 reviews, the tour boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.

Guests frequently praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning desert scenery along the way. Some common highlights include:

• The enjoyable rafting experience on the calm Colorado River waters
• The opportunity to stop and hike to see ancient Anasazi petroglyphs
• The tasty picnic lunch provided during the float trip
• Suggestions to improve the lengthy van ride and lunch arrangements

Cameron Navajo Trading Post Visit

One of the highlights of the Colorado River float trip is the stop at the Cameron Navajo Trading Post.

Guests have the opportunity to browse the selection of authentic Native American jewelry, pottery, and artworks. The trading post has operated since the 1920s, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Navajo people.

Visitors can interact with the knowledgeable staff, learn about the significance of the crafts, and potentially find unique souvenirs to take home.

This cultural stop adds an enriching dimension to the overall rafting experience along the Colorado River.

Anasazi Petroglyphs Hike

The guided hike to see the Anasazi petroglyphs is a highlight of the Colorado River float trip.

Nestled along the canyon walls, these ancient rock carvings offer a window into the past.

The hike:

• Leads guests on a short, moderate trek to the petroglyph site
• Allows exploration of the intricate designs and symbols left by the Anasazi people
• Provides insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region
• Encourages guests to ponder the lives and stories of the region’s early inhabitants

This activity adds depth and wonder to the broader river adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

According to the information provided, the minimum age requirement for this tour is 8 years and older. Arizona law requires children 8 years and younger to be in a car seat or booster seat during transportation.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Rafting Trip?

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the rafting trip. However, a picnic lunch and bottled water are already provided as part of the tour’s inclusions.

Is There an Option to Shorten the Van Ride Duration?

The tour overview doesn’t mention an option to shorten the van ride duration. However, travelers can consider alternative transportation methods like driving themselves or using a shuttle service to reduce the lengthy van travel time.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Personal Flotation Devices?

No, personal flotation devices are provided by the tour operator and required to be worn throughout the rafting portion of the trip. All necessary safety equipment is included as part of the tour.

Is There an Opportunity to Extend the Rafting Experience?

No, the tour does not offer an opportunity to extend the rafting experience. The itinerary covers a 15-mile float down the Colorado River, which is the full length of the scheduled trip, and there’s no option to continue rafting beyond that.

Sum Up

The Colorado River float trip is an exceptional way to experience the serene beauty of the Sonoran and Painted Deserts. With a small group, personalized guidance, and opportunities to swim, hike, and explore ancient petroglyphs, this full-day adventure offers an intimate and engaging journey into nature’s tranquility. Whether departing from Sedona or Flagstaff, this smooth water float trip is a perfect escape into the stunning landscapes of the American Southwest.