From Flagstaff or Sedona: Full-Day Colorado River Float Trip

Set out on a remarkable full-day Colorado River Float Trip from Flagstaff or Sedona. This guided adventure takes you through the stunning Oak Creek Canyon, offering breathtaking views of the San Francisco Peaks and Glen Canyon cliffs. Along the way, you’ll hike to ancient petroglyphs and enjoy a picnic lunch by the river. With expert narration and comfortable transportation, this 10-11 hour journey promises an unforgettable experience. But the true highlight may be…

This experience made our article of Flagstaff’s 6 Best Full-Day Tours: Which To Choose?.

Contents show

Key Points

Full-day Colorado River Float Trip departing from Flagstaff or Sedona, lasting 10-11 hours.
Scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon and views of the San Francisco Peaks and Navajo Nation.
Guided adventure includes a motorized raft voyage on the Colorado River and an easy hike to view petroglyphs.
Picnic lunch on the banks of the Colorado River and a visit to the historic Cameron Trading Post.
Suitable for all ages and mobility levels, with an optional wet experience for thrill-seekers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The full-day Colorado River Float Trip departs from either Flagstaff or Sedona, with a duration of 10 to 11 hours.

Priced from $372.39 per person, this non-refundable tour limits participants to 10 and provides pickup from Sedona hotels and Flagstaff city limits.

Guided in English, with an optional audio guide, the trip showcases the Oak Creek Canyon, Ponderosa Pines, and views of the San Francisco Peaks and Navajo Nation.

Travelers will enjoy a picnic lunch by the Colorado River and visit the historic Cameron Trading Post on the Navajo Reservation.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Flagstaff

Tour Highlights

Scenic ride through Oak Creek Canyon and Ponderosa Pines of Flagstaff transports travelers to the serene beauty of northern Arizona.

Along the way, they’ll witness dormant volcanoes of the San Francisco Peaks and the vast Navajo Nation. An easy hike leads to ancient petroglyphs, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

Dormant volcanoes of the San Francisco Peaks and the vast Navajo Nation await. An easy hike reveals ancient petroglyphs and the region’s rich history.

Guests enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the Colorado River, surrounded by the 1000-foot cliffs of Glen Canyon.

The journey includes a visit to the historic Cameron Trading Post, a hub of Navajo culture and craftsmanship.

These diverse highlights create an unforgettable experience.

Transportation and Experience

Travelers journey through northern Arizona’s scenic landscape aboard a mini-coach with luxury, reclining seats.

The river adventure begins with a motorized raft voyage along the Colorado River. This float trip is suitable for all ages and mobility levels, making it an accessible experience.

Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes as the tour includes an easy hike to view petroglyphs. While the majority of the journey is dry, there’s an optional wet experience for those seeking more thrill.

Customer Feedback

Feedback from past participants highlights the overall positive experience of the Colorado River float trip.

With a 5/5 rating based on 9 reviews, travelers have praised the knowledgeable and helpful guides.

Highlights include the memorable experiences and VIP treatment, as well as the scenic views and informative narration.

Memorable experiences, VIP treatment, scenic views, and informative narration highlight the Colorado River float trip.

Reviewers have noted the trip’s excellent value and have recommended it for its unforgettable experiences.

The Colorado River float trip appears to deliver on its promises, offering a well-rounded adventure that satisfies visitors seeking an immersive and enriching outdoor experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Inclusions and Recommendations

The Colorado River float trip includes a complimentary lunch and all necessary entry fees and permits. Reviewers recommend tipping guides 15%-20% for their exceptional service and knowledge.

To make the most of this memorable experience, consider the following:

Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s an easy hike to view petroglyphs.
Bring a sense of adventure, as the river journey on motorized rafts provides a thrilling VIP experience.
Prepare to be amazed by the stunning 1000-foot cliffs of Glen Canyon and the historic Cameron Trading Post on the Navajo Reservation.

There's plenty more to explore in Flagstaff

Scenic Ride Through Oak Creek Canyon and Ponderosa Pines

As visitors embark on the Colorado River float trip, they’re treated to a scenic ride through the captivating Oak Creek Canyon and the towering Ponderosa Pines of Flagstaff.

This breathtaking journey showcases the region’s natural beauty, with the lush greenery and towering rock formations creating a picturesque backdrop.

The drive winds through the canyon, offering stunning views of the San Francisco Peaks, dormant volcanoes that dominate the horizon.

This scenic prelude sets the stage for the upcoming adventure on the Colorado River, immersing guests in the natural splendor of the Southwest.

Exploring Petroglyphs and the Colorado River

After the scenic drive, guests embark on an easy hike to witness the ancient petroglyphs etched into the canyon walls.

These ancient rock carvings offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The ancient rock carvings provide a window into the vibrant cultural legacy of this remarkable region.

Once at the site, visitors can:

Examine the intricate designs and symbols that were created by the Indigenous people who inhabited this area centuries ago.
Imagine the stories and meaning behind the petroglyphs as the expert guide provides insight and context.
Appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding cliffs and the Colorado River flowing nearby.

The hike and petroglyphs set the stage for the next part of the journey – the float trip down the Colorado River.

Visiting Historic Cameron Trading Post

After exploring the ancient petroglyphs, visitors make their way to the historic Cameron Trading Post located on the Navajo Reservation.

Established in 1916, this iconic trading post showcases authentic Navajo crafts, jewelry, and textiles. Visitors can wander through the colorful displays, chat with local artisans, and learn about the rich cultural heritage.

The trading post also features a museum, a restaurant serving traditional Navajo cuisine, and a gas station.

It’s a one-of-a-kind stop that provides a deeper understanding of the Navajo way of life and a glimpse into the region’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

No, a complimentary picnic lunch is included in the tour. Participants don’t need to bring their own food and drinks as they’ll be provided during the float trip along the Colorado River.

Can We Bring Our Own Life Jackets for the River?

Participants can bring their own life jackets for the river float trip. However, the tour operator provides all necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, which are required to be worn during the river journey.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Yes, there is an option to upgrade to a private tour. Customers can inquire about private tour availability and pricing when booking the Colorado River float trip. Private tours offer a more personalized experience with a dedicated guide.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements for the Trip?

The tour is suitable for all ages and mobility levels, though comfortable shoes are recommended. There are no specific age or fitness requirements to participate in the Colorado River float trip.

Can We Extend the Tour to Explore More of the Canyon?

Unfortunately, the tour’s fixed itinerary and duration don’t allow for extended exploration of the canyon. However, travelers can extend their experience by booking additional activities before or after the float trip through the tour provider or on their own.

The Sum Up

This full-day Colorado River Float Trip offers an unforgettable adventure from Flagstaff or Sedona. Participants can enjoy a scenic ride, explore ancient petroglyphs, and savor a picnic lunch by the river, all while taking in breathtaking views of the San Francisco Peaks and Glen Canyon cliffs. With expert narration and comfortable transportation, this guided tour guarantees an incredible journey through the heart of Arizona’s natural wonders.