White Water Rafting and Camping in the Grand Canyon with Wilderness River Adventures – Mile 88.1 Phantom Ranch Boat Beach to Mile 93.9 Granite Rapid

September 2023

White Water Rafting and Camping in the Grand Canyon with Wilderness River Adventures – Mile 88.1 Phantom Ranch Boat Beach to Mile 93.9 Granite Rapid

Day 1

After hiking the incredible Bright Angel Trail, our white water rafting adventure began!

As we pushed away from the beach, there was no turning back. This was life for the next few days – full of nerves and excitement! We passed under the bridge we could not wait to get to at the conclusion of our hike, I starred at wondering if I wished it away too fast. Our crew told us that the water level was very low so it would make the trip interesting to say the least – some rapids would be smaller, others would be larger, and some rapids would be a surprise until we arrived. 

The nerves literally washed away as we went through our first small rapid – Bight Angel Rapid – the cool water felt amazing. I was so nervous that the water was going to be unbearably cold after hearing it is typically in the 40s or 50s but since it was so hot, it really was refreshing to get splashed. As we spun out of the rapid, the raft hit a rock and damaged the propeller. Our crew came very prepared – not their first rodeo – and quickly changed out for a new propeller. Folks on the boat grabbed a beer and we were on our way within minutes, quite impressive. 

After a few smaller rapids, we made it to the Granite Gorge section and one of the biggest rapids – Horn Creek Rapid.  At low water like our trip, it is the most challenging rapid in the Grand Canyon. We were told to hold on tight as we scrambled to find our rope of choice before going down into the rapid. Through the rapid we plunged and came out the other side soaking wet. The raft is way more malleable than I expected as it bent with each of the rapids. Some waves created a small splash while others overtook half the boat. Big rapids were most fun and our guides ensured we got to experience them safely.

Day 1 rapids conquered: 

• Mile 88.1: Phantom Ranch Boat Beach (Class 3 Rapid)
• Mile 88.3: Bright Angel Rapid (Class 3 Rapid)
• Mile 89.5: Pipe Creek Beach & Rapid (Class 3 Rapid)
• Mile 90.8: Horn Creek Rapid (Class 7-9 Rapid, depends on the water level – it was Class 9 for our trip at low water level))
• Mile 93.1: Salt Creek Rapid (Class 3 Rapid)

After about 2 hours of rafting, we pulled over at mile 93.9 right before Granite Rapid and made camp. This camp site is known as Monument or Granite Camp which is a reforested area from a project in the 80s. It is a great campsite with many nooks for people to have their own space. We settled at one end of the camp site that gave us plenty of space for four of us. Since this was our first camp, we learned the ropes of unloading the raft and setting up camp. Once everyone finds a camp spot, we return to the raft for a “bag line” where we line up to transport the items off the boat. Then the crew sets up the kitchen and we settle into our campsite by collecting our dry bags, assembling our cots, and changing into comfy, dry camp clothes.

Dinner tonight was bratwurst hot dogs, burgers, mac and cheese, and salad. We were so impressed with the spread! I was so concerned with the logistics of the trip, I did not even consider the food. The crew certainly took good care of us. Our group set up our chairs so we could all eat together and it was so relaxing to get to know everyone and enjoy each other’s company.

We only learned later that every night included dessert cause we went straight to bed after dinner. We were exhausted from the early wake up, the 12 mile hike, and the emotions of the day. I expected sleep to come easy but I have to say, it was quite the opposite.

• Being near the rocks ended up being a poor decision – the heat is absorbed into the rock so it kept us exceptionally hot, too hot to sleep
• The rocks are also where all the bugs and critters, especially mice live, so they were quite activity
• We did not have a tent so our only protection from the bugs and critters was a sleeping bag, but it was too hot to sleep so it was a battle of protection or sweating
• The bats were plentiful and quite loud
• The stars were so bright, it actually never got pitch black out – and that was without a moon.
• I counted the space station passing… many times so I really do not think I slept more than a few hours the first night

But through all that insomnia was the most gorgeous night sky – millions of stars that sparkle in the sky. I am always amazed when we go to these dark sky locations just how many stars are out there every night that we cannot see due to the light population. While not sleeping was frustrating, that milky way made it hard to close my eyes.

Read about Mile 93.9 Granite Rapid to Mile 127 127 Mile Rapid here!

Here is the Ultimate Packing List for White Water Rafting and Camping in the Grand Canyon

Read all the details of our adventure exploring the Grand Canyon here!

Thinking of going on a trip like this? Read What to Expect white water rafting and camping through the Grand Canyon here!

Read all blog posts for this Grand Canyon adventure here!