The Gems are some of the most exciting rapids in the country. Crystal and the rest of them offer up big splashes and fun rides. River runners use the acronym TASTERS to recall the order of the major rapids downstream of the Gem’s gatekeeper, Crystal - Tuna, Agate, Sapphire, Turquoise, Emerald, Ruby, and Serpentine🌊
This section of whitewater is in the Lower Canyon. If you have a shorter amount of time to spend in Grand Canyon’s river corridor, AzRA’s Lower Canyon adventure is for you. We have space remaining on both the September 7th (9 days) and October 4th (10 days) launches for anyone eager to to visit the Colorado River as she journeys through the nation’s greatest canyon. Call 928-526-8200 today.
Arizona Raft Adventures
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We offer Colorado River adventures that create space for connection and a deeper, holistic experience of Grand Canyon. Questions?
Through intentional participation, these trips influence a lasting sense of wonder. Our office hours are M-F, 9am - 4pm AZ Time Experience the thrill of a lifetime with Arizona Raft Adventures, a third-generation, family-owned legacy leading Grand Canyon expeditions since 1965. We invite you into an active, participatory journey that goes beyond observation. You'll hike secret side canyons, explor
Meet AzRA river guide Margaret. As she says, it’s just plain old luck that got her down in Grand Canyon, and we feel lucky to have her, too! Right now she’s probably just about to shove off from Lee’s Ferry on a 14-Day All Paddle adventure. See you downstream, Margaret🌊
You can get to know more of our guides through their blog posts on our website. Click the link in our bio to get there.
08/19/2026
Where are we Wednesday?
Name the approximate river mile where this photo was taken and you'll be entered to win a small prize from AzRA!
BONUS points if you can name that beaut of a butte in the background.
DOUBLE BONUS if you share this post on your feed/story!
You have until noon tomorrow. Drop your answer in the comments below👇
📸 by AzRA guest Dan H
AzRA guide Will shares his favorite rapids this season as well what his experience has been while rowing oar rafts and steering paddle boats on the Colorado River in 2026.
To learn more about potential impacts to rafting adventures in the midst of this drought, click the link in our bio and check out our blog on the matter - it’s periodically updated with links to educational resources and information.
Six days. 89 river miles. Then an 8-mile climb just to get out.
Our trip was hosted by Arizona Raft Adventures
We joined their all-paddle rafting expedition through the Grand Canyon, travelling from Lees Ferry to Phantom Ranch with everything we needed packed onto the rafts.
We expected the rapids to be the hardest part. But after six days on the Colorado River, the South Rim was still nearly 5,000 feet above us.
Would you take on the river knowing you still had to hike out?
08/12/2026
Where are we Wednesday?
Name the river mile where this massive lava chunk meets the water at a big right hand corner and you'll be entered to win a small prize from Arizona Raft Adventures!
Taking submissions in the comments until noon tomorrow.
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Flagstaff, AZ
86004
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