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T1. Packraft expedition to the Grand Canyon of Colorado in 2026

Day 1. Boarding at Lees Ferry. Glen Canyon and Marble Canyon to Soap Creek camp. Navajo Bridges.

By Packrafting.cat

February 25^th, 2026

The first day at the Grand Canyon always has a ceremonial feel to it. After rig day (day 0), when every rope, every barrel, and every raft has been checked down to the last detail at Lee's Ferry, the time finally comes to push the rafts and packrafts into the water. It is one of the shortest days of the entire expedition: about 11 miles—approximately 18 kilometers—to Soap Creek Camp.

But just because it's a short stage doesn't make it any less important; on the contrary, it's appreciated on the first day. It's the moment when we're all still adjusting to routines, finding our equipment, and understanding the group dynamics. At first, there's a bit of chaos, but after a few days, everything starts to flow almost automatically.

The first rapids are easy, but they leave no one indifferent. The hydraulics of the Colorado—its volume, its constant power—are nothing like the low flow we are used to in many European rivers. Here, everything is bigger, heavier, more continuous. As I ride the Paria Rifle, I can't help thinking that if this is a 1 (on a difficulty scale of 1 to 10), then Lava Falls (9)... my God, what must that be like?

Los rafts preparados en Lee's Ferry para empezar una ruta de 20 dias por el Grand Canyon.

Marble Canyon rises imposingly from the first section, a corridor of vertical walls that already hints at the enormous scale of what lies ahead. As you pass under the Navajo Bridges, your perspective changes: looking up and seeing the structure suspended above the void helps you understand the true depth of the canyon... and how small we are within it.

At mile 10, one of those curiosities that the canyon offers up almost casually appears, as if the immensity of the Grand Canyon were not enough on its own. Unique places such as Ten Mile Rock break up the colossal scale of the landscape and offer small landmarks that entertain—and amaze—the adventurer navigating the waters of the Colorado.

And as an introduction, on the first day we already have an important rapid, the Badger Creek Rapid (5 out of 10), which marks the first point where the river begins to show its teeth. It's not extreme, but it's serious enough to demand attention, coordination, and respect. It's the first reminder that this is not just any trip: it's the Grand Canyon. And we're barely getting started.stamos empezando.

Mekong Packrafts

To tackle a journey as iconic as the Grand Canyon, we needed reliable, durable equipment designed for real whitewater conditions. That's why we chose to navigate with packrafts from Mekong Packraft, a brand we trust completely for an expedition of this magnitude.

Mekong designs and manufactures sturdy and lightweight packrafts, designed to perform in demanding conditions, with a clear philosophy that prioritizes safety, durability, and maneuverability. This approach to the product fits perfectly with our approach to packrafting: simple, well-designed equipment that performs when the going gets tough. Their support—both in terms of equipment and technical advice—has been key to preparing for an adventure of this magnitude.

Navigating the Colorado River with Mekong Packraft allows us to do so with complete confidence, carrying with us a high-quality European packraft and the spirit of a brand that was born from an expedition and remains linked to authentic exploration and real navigation projects.

We used two types of Mekong packrafts: the Pablo Whisky Bar and the self-bailing Jeanne Dark model. The latter is our favorite packraft for whitewater, although some of us opted for a more versatile model like the Pablo, as it has a spray deck and we were navigating in the middle of January.

Sergi con su Pablo Whisky bar en la roca de las 10 millas

The truth is that we had very good weather and it could have been done without it. We completed the entire 20-day expedition without a cover. However, under more typical winter conditions, we would surely have missed that extra protection.

PINZAT: custom backpacks for packrafting expeditions

On this journey through the Grand Canyon, we are also accompanied by backpacks from our colleagues at PINZAT, the Barcelona-based brand renowned for manufacturing handmade, sturdy, and fully customized backpacks. For this adventure, packrafting.cat has a custom-designed backpack, specifically designed to meet the demands of the Colorado River: constant blows against the rock, permanent humidity, fine sand that gets into everything, and long days of carrying under the sun.

This is not a symbolic use or a one-off outing, but a real and extreme test in one of the harshest environments a backpack can face. The modular construction system and materials chosen by PINZAT will be subjected to continuous wear and tear for days on end, validating in real conditions their commitment to durability, repairability, and functionality above all else.

For us, it is an added value to take a local product on this expedition, designed and manufactured with care, built to last and adapt to the user, not the other way around. What's more, Sam and Dolça, who run PINZAT, are also packrafters and have first-hand knowledge of the specific needs of this type of adventure: heavy loads, constant transitions between water and land, and the importance of reliable equipment when you're far from everything. That experience is evident in every detail of the backpack and is exactly what we are looking for on a trip of this kind.

T1. Packraft expedition to the Grand Canyon of Colorado in 2026

Thanks to Ceiba River Outfitters

I would like to dedicate a special section to thank and wholeheartedly recommend the services of Ceiba River Outfitters, which played a key role in making an expedition like this possible.

Ceiba offers independent expeditions impeccable organization at very reasonable prices, providing everything necessary to tackle a trip of this magnitude through the Grand Canyon safely and with peace of mind. In our case, they provided the support rafts, all the technical and logistical equipment, and food for the 20-day expedition, organized in the form of complete daily menus, well thought out and adapted to the physical demands of the river and a trip like ours in winter.

This infrastructure allowed us to focus on what really matters: paddling, enjoying the canyon, and living the experience to the fullest, without having to worry about the complex logistics involved in such a long and remote journey.

For all these reasons, I highly recommend their complete package, "Whole Shabang," an ideal option for those who want to organize a trip of this caliber with guarantees, professionalism, and a deep knowledge of the river. Without their support, this expedition would not have been what it was.

Remaining days and stages. Table of contents

Check out the main index with access to all the posts on this blog about our trip to the Grand Canyon.

I also recommend checking out our app, where you can find all the technical information about this expedition:

go.packrafting.cat/app

Packraft expedition to the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River in 2026 From Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek by packraft with four support rafts.

Boarding. Lees Ferry

Lees Ferry is the embarkation point where all trips on the Colorado River begin, both commercial and non-commercial, traversing the most interesting areas of the Grand Canyon.

In our case, we arrived the day before departure with transportation (shuttle) from Flagstaff, included in the services contracted from the company Ceiba Adventures.

We start the trip at an altitude of about 960 meters; a cumulative elevation gain of 540 meters awaits us until we reach Diamond Creek at 420 meters.

Vistas del punto de embarque. Lees Ferry

There is ample parking in the area, as well as a campground: the Lees Ferry campground, which in 2026 cost $26 per site and can accommodate up to 8 people per site. For several years now, travelers with a non-commercial permit have been allowed to spend the first night (at no extra charge) at a campground located a few meters from the boarding point.

There are other lodging options nearby, such as the Marble Canyon Lodge and several roadside motels in Flagstaff.

The following maps show the location of the boarding ramp (locator pin) and, a few meters away, the "campground" for sailors who have permission to leave the next day.

Disembarkation. Soap Creek camp

It was at this creek that Jacob Hamblin brought the badger he had hunted (a little further upstream, the one that gives its name to Badger Rapid, as well as the camp and the creek), boiled it in alkaline water, and accidentally created soap.

Locating this creek and campsite is easy, as the view upstream from there is impressive and the creek is wide. The campsite is large and offers an excellent opportunity to inspect Soap Creek Rapid, which is right next to it and immediately downstream.

It is very important to install a safety line here that connects the rafts. Being so close to the dam, changes in flow can be significant, and the rapid below can quickly sweep away a loose boat.

Another very common option for the first day, if you have a little more time to spare—either because of particularly well-planned logistics or the long hours of daylight in summer—is to continue on to Hot Na Na Camp. In fact, in some of our initial plans, that was one of the first alternatives we considered.

See the section Soap Creek Camp for more photos and details about the first camp.

El campamento se encuentra en un entorno espectacular, rodeado de altas paredIt is almost 400 m high (1000 ft) just before Soap Creek Rapids, an ideal place to spend the rest of the day with opportunities to explore Soap Creek from the trail that leaves the campground.

In the river

The most important kilometer points are:

Km 0 | Mile 0. Boarding at Lees Ferry.
Km 0 | Mile 0. From the boarding point, we will begin to enjoy the different geological formations such as the Shinarump Conglomerate and the Moenkopi Formation.
Km 0.16 | Mile 0.1 Long Dugway trail is a path on the left bank of the Colorado River that will follow us for almost the entire first kilometer.
Km 0.22 | Mile 0.2. The first rapid of the Grand Canyon, the Paria River Riffle is an easy rapid (1 out of 10).
Km 1.45 | Mile 0.9 Paria River. The first tributary river of our trip in the Grand Canyon. To a large extent, whether the water is more or less clear will depend on this river.
Km 1.61 | Mile 1. Kaibab limestone. During the trip, I will explain the different rock formations and geological layers.

Km 1.93 | Mile 1.2. Lower Lees Ferry Site. Lees Ferry camping area. River runners can camp near the launch ramp.
Km 2.9 | Mile 1.8. Toroweap formation. Another geological formation.
Km 4.51 | Mile 2.8 Cathedral Wash rapid (2). As usual, creeks or streams are places where rapids tend to form, in this case a very simple and gentle rapid.
Km 6.44 | Mile 4 We pass a small tributary on the left bank. Here there is an escape route that leads to the Navajo bridges.
Km 7.24 | Mile 4.5 Navajo bridges. The two twin bridges where Highway 89A crosses the Grand Canyon. To give you an idea, we won't encounter any more road bridges (there are pedestrian bridges at Phantom Ranch, for example) for the rest of the journey!
Mile 8.05 | Mile 5 CNear the small camp at mile 5, we can see the Coconino Sandstone formation for the first time.
Km 9.5 | Mile 5.9 On the right bank is the Six Mile Camp.
Mile 8 | Km 12.87 Badger Creek rapid (5) the most intense rapid on the first day; the two creeks that flow into the Colorado at this point (Badger and Jackass) have narrowed the river in this area, creating an interesting rapid.
Km 13.04 | Mile 8.1 Jackass camp.
Km 13.04 | Milla 8.1 Badger camp
Km 16.42 Mile 10.2 Ten Mile Rock. A curious rock in the middle of the riverbed marks mile 10.
Km 18.19 | Mile 11.3 Disembarkation. Soap Creek Camp

Sergi en el Scouting del Soap Creek rapid, cerca del primer campamento en Soap Creek.

Maps of the route for day 1

As always, I provide you with the maps in different formats:

Wikiloc map
Mapa My Google Maps

And I also recommend checking out our app:

https://go.packrafting.cat/app

Where you can see all the routes on packrafting.cat on a world map, including all those in the Grand Canyon. Here you will find links to GPX, KML, links to different types of maps, the blog, flow meters, photos, and a long list of other information.

CAMP SITES ALONG THE ROUTE ON DAY 1

Km 0 | Mile 0. Boarding at Lees Ferry. Lees Ferry Campground.
There are small campsites before reaching the Navajo bridges, but camping is not permitted.
Km 9.5 | Mile 5.9 Six Mile Camp is located on the right bank.
Km 13.04 | Mile 8.1 Jackass camp
Km 13.04 | Milla 8.1 Badger camp
Mile 11.3 Disembarkation. Soap Creek Camp

FAST

Km 0.22 | Mile 0.2. The first rapid of the Grand Canyon, the Paria River Riffle is an easy rapid (1).
Km 4.5 | Milla 2.8 – Cathedral Wash rapid (2)
Km 12.87 | Milla 8 Badger Creek rapid (5)

CREEKS AND TRIBUTARIES

Km 1.45 | Milla 0.9 Paria River.
Km 4.51 | Milla 2.8 Cathedral wash (2)
Km 6.44 | Mile 4 Small tributary located on the left bank. There is an escape route here that leads to the Navajo bridges.
Km 13.04 | Milla 8.1 Jackass creek
Km 13.04 | Milla 8.1 Badger creek

Optional camps

Soap Creek is our initial plan, but plans are meant to be broken. The next alternative is the Hot Na Na camp.CAMP SITES ALONG THE ROUTE ON DAY 1

Km 0 | Mile 0. Boarding at Lees Ferry. Lees Ferry Campground.
There are small campsites before reaching the Navajo bridges, but camping is not permitted.
Km 9.5 | Mile 5.9 Six Mile Camp is located on the right bank.
Km 13.04 | Mile 8.1 Jackass camp
Km 13.04 | Milla 8.1 Badger camp
Mile 11.3 Disembarkation. Soap Creek Camp

FAST

Km 0.22 | Mile 0.2. The first rapid of the Grand Canyon, the Paria River Riffle is an easy rapid (1).
Km 4.5 | Milla 2.8 – Cathedral Wash rapid (2)
Km 12.87 | Milla 8 Badger Creek rapid (5)

CREEKS AND TRIBUTARIES

Km 1.45 | Milla 0.9 Paria River.
Km 4.51 | Milla 2.8 Cathedral wash (2)
Km 6.44 | Mile 4 Small tributary located on the left bank. There is an escape route here that leads to the Navajo bridges.
Km 13.04 | Milla 8.1 Jackass creek
Km 13.04 | Milla 8.1 Badger creek

Optional camps

Soap Creek is our initial plan, but plans are meant to be broken. The next alternative is the Hot Na Na camp.

List of campsites, rapids, and tributaries

An excerpt from the first camps according to the NPS Campsite List:

As can be seen in the screenshots from OpenStreet and OpenTopo Maps, this section has significant walls, initially on the right bank and later on both sides, with its most narrow and canyon-like area around the Navajo bridges.

Topographic Maps (Opentopo maps)

Open Street Maps

Map of the first 3 miles

Mile 0. Boarding at Lees Ferry.
Km 0.22 | Mile 0.2. The first rapid of the Grand Canyon, the Paria River Riffle is an easy rapid (1 out of 10).
Km 1.45 | Mile 0.9 Paria River. The first tributary river of our trip in the Grand Canyon. To a large extent, whether the water is more or less clear will depend on this river.
Km 4.51 | Mile 2.8 Cathedral Wash rapid (2). As usual, creeks or streams are places where rapids tend to form, in this case a very easy and gentle rapid.

Lee’s Ferry. The gateway to the Grand Canyon

Lees Ferry is much more than a starting point: it is the historical and geographical threshold that marks the official beginning of the Grand Canyon. Located on a unique stretch of the Colorado River, where the waters flow openly and are accessible, this place has served for decades as a departure point for legendary expeditions. From here to Diamond Creek, there is not a single access point to the Colorado River by car! That's about 225 miles of solitude! In the Grand Canyon, everything is big.

For those of us who travel by packraft, Lees Ferry represents that magical moment when the noise of the world disappears and total immersion in the Colorado begins. During our 20-day route, we will barely encounter three groups: almost total solitude. Here, the river still breathes spaciousness, with gentle currents that allow us to warm up before entering the most iconic rapids of the canyon. The reddish walls begin to rise slowly, anticipating the magnitude of the gorge that awaits us.

Day 0 (also known as rig day) is the day before, when, with Ceiba's help, the rafts are assembled and instructions are given. On that day, the rafts have already "sailed" a few hundred meters, from the launch ramp to the Day 0 campsite.

Some packrafters took the opportunity to inflate their packrafts, test the calm waters of Lees Ferry, and take some photos. The rest of us walked the hundred meters separating the ramp from the campsite.

This first night is a little different: since there are sinks on the pier, with the option of connecting batteries, etc., we don't set up the entire camp. There's no need to set up the groover; we just take out a few tables and prepare some snacks for dinner and breakfast, without setting up the entire kitchen. It's better this way, because the first day is always a bit of a blur.

In the photos on the right, you can see the two bags I took with me on the rafts every day. Holt, the rafter on my raft, was always grumbling or making funny comments about my suitcase, especially because I was usually the last one to take it to the raft.

The large yellow Decathlon bag, despite not being waterproof, kept everything dry because it had waterproof bags inside. The gray bag from Itiwit is watertight, and finally, the small box from Ammo was provided by Ceiba for personal items (I'm not sure if it's 100% watertight if submerged, but that would only happen if the raft capsized, which is not impossible, but unlikely).

It was definitely one of the heaviest bags, because César and I could only take 30 kg on the plane; only Vanesa and David had more, with three bags weighing 23 kg each.

If you would like to view all the material in detail, you can see it here:

Example of packraft equipment for a 20-day expedition in the Grand Canyon of Colorado

Camping night 0. Lees Ferry

First night. First camp. And also the first real nerves.

In theory, it should have been the coldest night of the entire expedition, as it was the highest altitude camp on the route. We had also had several days of snowfall on the Grand Canyon Rim. In fact, we had taken some beautiful photos of the canyon rim, with the rock formations covered in snow, which looked like real "Nevaditos" cookies sprinkled with sugar. The image was spectacular... and also an intimidating reminder of the cold we might encounter.

That night, I noticed something curious. As you can see in the photo, I slept closer to the river than the rest of the group. It was cold, yes, but unlike some of my companions, the water in my canteen didn't freeze. Perhaps the proximity to the river slightly moderated the temperature, or maybe it was just a matter of luck.

Foto de nuestra llegada a Flagstaff. ¡Nos acojonamos vivos al ver todo nevado! ¿que nos esperaba en el Grand Canyon?

Forecasts say that we were just a few degrees (4.5 degrees Celsius below zero) below freezing that night.

I decided to get up an hour before everyone else. I still had a lot to set up and organize, and I preferred to start with plenty of time to spare. It was the first "real" day of sailing, and everything needed attention: checking equipment, redistributing weight, checking waterproof bags, deciding where to store everything, securing "loose ends"...

As expected, it was the day that took us the longest to get started: almost four hours between getting up, having breakfast, making sure we hadn't left anything behind in the bathrooms at Lees Ferry, and finishing assembling and loading the rafts. "Day 1" always involves a bit of organized chaos. Everything is new, and everything takes longer than you think it will.

Primer campamento a orillas del río colorado en Lees Ferry

However, despite the night frost, the sunrise was beautiful. The sun rose clear above the red walls, and as soon as it began to illuminate the canyon, the temperature rose rapidly. The cold of the night was left behind, and with it, our nerves. The river awaited us.

Marble Canyon. The gateway to the Grand Canyon

Marble Canyon is the initial part of the Grand Canyon, which begins in the area of Lees Ferry and extends to the confluence with the Little Colorado River.

It is a stretch of about 98 km (61 miles) marked by steep rock walls, breathtaking views, and significant historical and geological importance, which will take us about 3-4 days to cover.

In addition, Marble Canyon is divided into two subsections for hydrological and sedimentological studies:

Upper Marble Canyon. The most canyoned area of Marble Canyon
Lower Marble Canyon. The river begins to open up a little just before and shortly after reaching the Little Colorado River (mile 61).

Before Marble Canyon is Glen Canyon, which stretches from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry.

El Marble Canyon observado desde los puentes Navajo.

The following sections of the Colorado River (after Marble Canyon) are:

From the confluence with the Little Colorado River to Hance Rapid, the canyon passes through a more open area that acts as a transition between Marble Canyon and Granite Gorge. This is a stretch where the landscape begins to change: the walls are not yet completely narrowed and the river meanders more widely before entering the deepest and darkest part of the Inner Gorge. This transition is particularly noticeable from the Desert View Watchtower, located at the eastern end of the South Rim of the National Park. This viewpoint offers a spectacular panoramic view of a very wide stretch of the Colorado River, allowing you to visually understand how the canyon evolves before closing definitively downstream.
Grand Canyon (section between Little Colorado and Diamond Creek). Also known as the inner gorge. From the confluence with the Little Colorado River to Diamond Creek (RM ~225 according to the study). This is the section commonly thought of as the "Grand Canyon." This area is divided into other subsections:
Granite Gorge. It is generally considered to begin around river mile 77 (Hance Rapid). It is the deepest and narrowest section of the Grand Canyon (in the narrows). Dark metamorphic rocks (Vishnu Basement Rocks) dominate. Some of the most legendary rapids are found here: Hance, Horn Creek, Granite, Hermit, Crystal, etc. It is the most "classic" and spectacular part of the Inner Gorge / Grand Canyon.
Lower Granite Gorge is the continuation of the Inner Gorge, where bedrock (granite and schist) continues to dominate, but the canyon begins to open up slightly and areas of granite alternate with sedimentary layers that reappear. The feeling is less "oppressive" than in the central Granite Gorge. On many maps, this area runs from river mile (RM) 108 to approximately RM 137 (from National Canyon to the Deer Creek area).
Central/Western Grand Canyon ends at Diamond Creek (RM 225). This is where the famous Lava Falls rapids are located, but from this point on, the waters are much calmer compared to the large class 6, 7, and 8 rapids found in Granite Gorge.
Diamond Creek Reach Final stretch between Diamond Creek and Lake Mead near Las Vegas.

Beyond Diamond Creek, you can still navigate an additional 55 miles to Pearce Ferry (~RM 280). This stretch is generally calmer, although not without excitement: the Killer Fang Falls (232 Mile Rapid) stands out, a powerful and technical rapid reminiscent of fangs due to its shape and force of the water, requiring attention even from experienced navigators. One of the advantages of this lower section of the river is that it does not require special navigation permits, unlike the upper section from Lees Ferry, making it easier to plan shorter expeditions or training runs. In general, with the exception of Killer Fang Falls, the river flows more calmly, offering a stark contrast to the intense rapids of Granite Gorge and the Central Grand Canyon, and allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the canyon with less pressure on navigation.

If you had been here then, you would have seen a landscape of densely forested lowlands, with many streams flowing into a wide coastal area and deeper seas to the west, near what is now Las Vegas.

From the boarding point, we can already see these formations, which are visible at river level up to mile 1.5. They are composed of sandstone, white gypsum, shale, and siltstone. Petrified wood can be found in the Shinarump Conglomerate. These rock formations are between 200 and 245 million years old.

Shinarump Conglomerate and moenkopi Formation

Desde el punto de embarque ya podemos apreciar estas formaciones que son visibles a nivel del río hasta la milla 1,5. Se componen de areniscas, yesos blancos, lutitas y limolitas. En la Shinarump Conglomerate se encuentran maderas petrificadas. Estas unidades rocosas tienen entre 200 y 245 millones de años.

A notable example occurs in Monument Valley (between Utah and Arizona), where the Shinarump rests directly on older units of the Moenkopi Formation.

If you had been here then, you would have seen a landscape of densely forested lowlands, with many streams flowing into a wide coastal area and deeper seas to the west, near what is now Las Vegas.

Triassic Geology in the Northeast Quadrant: Shinarump and Moenkopi

In the striking landscape of the Colorado Plateau, especially in the Four Corners region (where the states of Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado meet), a fascinating geological history emerges, telling of ancient rivers, coastal plains, and episodes of deep erosion. Two key players in that past are the Shinarump Conglomerate Formation and the Moenkopi Formation.

If you are interested in geology, I definitely recommend a visit to the Yavapai Geology Museum, located near the Yavapai Point overlook on the South Rim. There, in addition to souvenirs and books, you will find a spectacular model of the Grand Canyon that gives you a very clear idea of the immensity of the canyon and how the Colorado River flows between its walls.

One of the things that caught my attention the most is the cross-section of the geological layers, which shows in a very visual way how the different strata have been deposited over millions of years. It is a fascinating way to understand the history of the Grand Canyon, from the oldest rocks to the most recent ones, and to appreciate the magnitude of the erosion processes that have sculpted this unique landscape.

If you like to combine adventure with a little science and historical context, spending some time exploring the museum is totally worth it before heading into the canyon or during a stop at the South Rim. In addition, many of the exhibits include interactive explanations and panels that help visualize geology in a simple and entertaining way, both for adults and children.

Shinarump Conglomerate: Guardian of the CannonS

The Shinarump Conglomerate is a formation from the early Upper Triassic period (approximately 230-225 million years ago). It is composed of coarse sandstone and a conglomerate of pebbles, with some lenses of shale. Its high resistance to erosion makes it a rocky shell: it often forms a caprock, a hard layer that protects the softer rocks underneath.

Moenkopi Formation: ancient reds and coastal plains

Beneath the Shinarump, in many areas, lies the Moenkopi Formation, a unit of the Middle Triassic (and part of the Lower Triassic) dated to around 245–240 Ma.

It is composed of thin sandstones, mudstones, and shales, and even some layers of limestone, especially in areas such as Capitol Reef.

At these high points, the Shinarump acts as a protective cover, helping to preserve the vertical cliffs formed by other rocks, such as De Chelly sandstone.

From a historical-geological point of view, this formation was deposited from ancient braided rivers that flowed over an almost flat surface.

The intense red color is characteristic of these rocks, and depending on the region, the deposition occurred in different environments: from rivers and floodplains to tidal flats and marine deltas.

For example, in the Zion region, episodes of transgression and marine regression are interpreted. The rocks show deposits from intertidal plains, tide marks, desiccation cracks, and even gypsum, suggesting fluctuations in the water table.

The relationship between the two formations

The Shinarump rests directly on the Moenkopi in many areas, marking an important change (~225 Ma) between these two units.
In some places, the upper strata of the Moenkopi appear "bleached" just below the Shinarump, indicating chemical alteration processes before or during the deposition of the Shinarump.
This stratigraphic sequence reflects a leap in the geological record: first the coastal plains and tidal environments reflected by the Moenkopi, then the more dynamic river currents that deposited the Shinarump.

At Lees Ferry, you find yourself right on the boundary between the "deepest" stratigraphy of the Grand Canyon and the geological units that dominate Glen Canyon. From the river, you can clearly see several Triassic and early Jurassic formations, visible in the walls that slowly begin to close in around you.

I had never been particularly interested in geology, but a trip to the Grand Canyon changes your perspective forever. During the river trip, partly thanks to David and Ramón, who explained the more scientific aspects of the Grand Canyon to us, and partly because I myself was unable to absorb so much information on the spot while navigating and trying to take in the magnitude of what we were experiencing, geology took a back seat in my consciousness... although it was still there, omnipresent.

Before going to the Grand Canyon, I had already written quite a bit on my blog about its geology. And now, as I write these lines, I have gone back to Wikipedia and, with the help of AI, researched the geological aspects of the canyon, trying to recognize the different layers and formations in our own photos. It's funny how, once you know what you're looking at, the landscape ceases to be just spectacular and becomes a story of hundreds of millions of years written in rock.

Layers visible in the photo (ordered from bottom to top of the image):

Moenkopi Formation (Early Triassic): Darker reddish-brown in color, with a gentle slope appearance. These are silts and sandstones from coastal and tidal plains that form eroded slopes near the river level in some sections.
🟡 Shinarump Member (base of the Chinle Formation). The layer is yellow-ochre/light beige in color. It appears as a more resistant outcrop, almost like a continuous horizontal bench. These are thick, conglomeratic sandstones with quartz pebbles from ancient river channels (intertwined Triassic rivers). It is harder than what lies below and above it, which is why it protrudes and is so easily recognizable from the water.
Chinle Formation (rest of the unit, Late Triassic). Red, purple, and greenish-gray in color, with bands on soft, eroded slopes above the Shinarump. These are clays, volcanic silts, and sandstones from alluvial plains with ash. It is famous for containing petrified wood in other areas. Wingate Sandstone (Early Jurassic). Uniform deep red in color, in the form of massive vertical cliffs that dominate the upper part of the image and are typical in this part of the transition between Glen Canyon and Marble Canyon. They are very well cemented aeolian sandstones that were large desert dunes (Jurassic erg).

Long Dugway trail

Once you disembark, you can see Long Dugway Road stretching for almost half a mile on the left bank. This single-lane road was used between 1898 and 1928 to access Lees Ferry from the south. A bell was located on the east pier so that travelers could alert ferry operators on the west side of the river.

Paria Riffle Rapid

This rapid continues for almost the next mile. It is an easy stretch, ideal for reading the river and moving forward without complications.

I love that Americans have a specific term for this type of rapid! A riffle is a section of river where the water flows quickly over a shallow bed of gravel, stones, or small rocks, creating small waves or turbulence on the surface. This type of rapids always reminds me of the phrase: "Much ado about nothing." Although I have to say that I was surprised by the water level and difficulty of the first rapid and thought: if this is a level 1, what will levels 8 and 9 be like? We would soon find out...

Des del punto de embarque se puede ver en el horizonte el Paria rifle, el primer rápido del Grand Canyon.

TODO: vídeos y imagenes de Cesar de las Gopro del Paria Riffle

Paria River

On the right bank, just at kilometer 1.45 (mile 0.9), the Paria River flows into the Colorado. The Paria drains the region north to Bryce Canyon National Park. It usually carries a lot of suspended clay, and although its average flow is only 0.85 m³/s, when it flows murky, it increases the turbidity of the Colorado downstream from its confluence.

It is a place where you can see the typical "aiguabarreig." The murky waters of the Paria River mix with the cold, clear waters of the Colorado River coming from Lake Powell. In the background, you can see the Vermillion Cliffs.

Kaibab limestone first appears at river level at approximately mile 1.6. This rock unit contains numerous fossils and can form cliffs up to 150 meters high. For much of the journey, if you can see the edge of the canyon, you are probably looking at Kaibab limestone. Softer formations, such as the Moenkopi and Shinarump, have long since eroded away, leaving the resistant Kaibab limestone as the main component of the canyon walls.

It is around 245 million years old, and if you had been here back then, you would have seen a shallow, slightly murky sea teeming with marine life. Almost 100 genera of invertebrate fossils have been identified in this limestone.

Say goodbye to the Moenkopi formation that covers it because we won't see it again during our entire expedition.

Lower Lees Ferry site

Located at mile 1.9, the lower Lees Ferry site was used between 1878 and 1896 during times of the year when the Colorado River had low water levels. Here there is a parking area and a campground, as well as the start of a trail that leads to a secret beach (the trail beach).

Just upstream from where the wagon road on the left bank reaches the river, you can see travelers' names written in axle grease on the cliffs. Look for the black letters about 15 meters above the water level.

Cathedral wash rapid (2)

Fast and very easy, just one level above the previous one, Paria Rifle (2 out of 10). What seems very interesting is the canyon formed by this rapid, with narrows that are well worth a visit.

Second section. Mile 3 to mile 7

Km 7.24 | Mile 4.5 Navajo bridges. The two twin bridges where Highway 89A crosses the Grand Canyon. To give you an idea, we won't encounter any more road bridges (there are pedestrian bridges at Phantom Ranch, for example) for the rest of the journey!

Navajo bridges

The Navajo Bridge in Marble Canyon are two iconic twin bridges connecting the canyon walls at a height of over 140 meters. The first, built in 1929, was an engineering feat for its time, while the second, opened in 1995, allows modern traffic to pass while preserving the historic original bridge as a pedestrian walkway. From both bridges, the views of the river and the imposing landscape of Glen Canyon are spectacular, and it is not uncommon to see California condors soaring above the void, making this spot a must-see for anyone traveling through the region.

If you are heading towards Lees Ferry from Flagstaff or Page, you will inevitably pass through the Navajo Bridges, as they are practically the only road crossing over the Colorado River for a stretch of about 460 km (285 miles) downstream, until you reach the Lake Mead dam. In other words, the Navajo Bridges are the last road bridge crossing the Colorado River downstream from Lees Ferry before reaching the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge on the Arizona-Nevada border, located about 300 miles (480 km) by road —approximately a 5 ½ hour drive.

This aspect clearly reflects the scale of the Grand Canyon as an enormous geographical "scar" that literally divides the region: in the south, it separates much of Arizona from the north, making bridge construction extremely difficult outside of points where the canyon walls are "relatively" narrower.

Just after crossing it, you will find the road that branches off to the Lees Ferry boarding point, the historic site where you can access the river for activities such as rafting and fishing. Before these bridges existed, the only way to cross the canyon was by ferry at Lees Ferry, which depended on river flow and weather conditions. This makes the Navajo Bridges not only a visual spectacle, but also a key connecting element in this isolated region.

The American condor at Navajo Bridge is a true spectacle of nature. From these bridges, which rise more than 140 m above the Colorado River, it is common to see these majestic birds gliding on thermal currents. With their impressive wingspan, which can exceed 3 m, condors seem like guardians of the canyon, reminding us of the antiquity and grandeur of the landscape around us. Watching them here, in full flight over Marble Canyon, is a reminder of the fragility and beauty of a species that was on the brink of extinction and is now slowly recovering thanks to conservation efforts.

Coconino Sandstone

At approximately mile 8, the Coconino Sandstone rises above the river at this point. The Coconino Sandstone is a geological formation from the Permian period, composed of light-colored quartz sandstone of eolian origin. It forms tall, highly visible cliffs on the upper walls of the Grand Canyon and in other areas of the Colorado Plateau. It is known for its fossil footprints of terrestrial invertebrates and vertebrates and for its extensive cross-bedding.

You will not see this rock unit at river level again for the rest of your tour.

It is located below the Kaibab Limestone and above the Hermit Shale.

Toroweap formation

At kilometer 18, the Toroweap Formation appears for the first time at river level. In Marble Canyon, this layer forms a cliff over 60 meters high, although its thickness increases to over 140 meters at the western end of the Grand Canyon. Toroweap sandstone usually forms gentle slopes rather than cliffs. If you had been here about 250 million years ago, you would have seen a shallow sea with fine sediments. Say goodbye to Kaibab limestone, because you will not see this rock layer at river level again as you travel through the Grand Canyon.

Third stage

Km 12.87 | Mile 8 Badger Creek Rapid (5) The most intense rapid on the first day, the two creeks that flow into the Colorado at this point (Badger and Jackass) have narrowed the river in this area, creating an interesting rapid.
Km 13.04 | Mile 8.1 Jackass camp.
Km 13.04 | Milla 8.1 Badger camp
Km 16.42 Mile 10.2 Ten Mile Rock. A curious rock in the middle of the riverbed marks mile 10.
Mile 11.3 Disembarkation. Soap Creek Camp

Badger Creek Rapid (5)

Before kilometer 13 (mile 8.0), you will reach the first major rapid in Marble Canyon (level 5 out of 10). Two side canyons converge here, forming a small natural "dam" with boulders falling into the river. Near the center-right of the rapid, there is a large boulder to watch out for. You can explore from the left bank, following a small trail to a viewpoint above the rapid. From there you can see both camps: Badger on the right side of the river and Jackass on the left.

Please note that this rapids has a large pour-over/hole in the center-right.

Marc hunt Tips for Rowing the Big Rapids in the Grand Canyon (Colorado River Whitewater Rafting)

Scouting on the left side
In the center right, avoid the hole.
There are shallow waters on the sides.
You have to enter through the green tongue and stay in the center.
Beware of the current flowing from left to right, which can sweep you into the hole.
High flow: 7:34 | Low flow 7:38AM

This is what Badger Creek Rapid looks like from the launch/scouting point and upstream.

Badger Camp

At approximately kilometer 13, there are two campsites. On the right bank is Badger Camp, directly across from Jackass Camp. Badger Camp is more difficult to access from the river, as the current pushes us to the left at the top of Badger Rapid. This camp is quiet in terms of visitors, although there is usually noise from the rapids and plenty of driftwood for fires.

Warning: At kilometer 13.2 (mile 8.2), just after the two campsites, there are some large rocks in the middle of the Grand Canyon riverbed for half a kilometer; caution is advised because, depending on the light and the river level, they can be difficult to see.

Jackass Camp

At approximately kilometer 13 (mile 8.1) is the Jackass Camp Campground, located at the foot of Badger Rapid on the left bank of the Colorado River. It is very popular with fishermen and hikers coming from the rim of the canyon. Be prepared to share it if you decide to stop here. It has a large backwater that helps those who fail to enter the campground from the river. The noise of the rapids is constant, so there is no shortage of natural music to sleep to here.

It is a small, quiet campsite; this campsite on a sandbar is ideal for resting before the next rapids, and if you don't like it, you can always choose the campsite on the other side of the river, the Badger Camp.

Sixmile Camp

Located at kilometer 9.4 (mile 5.9), on the right bank. Although officially called "Sevenmile Draw" on maps, there is a medium-sized campsite here. The entrance is a bit tricky, but well located in the center of the sediment channel.

First layers of Hermit Shale

At km 8.2 (mile 5.1), we can admire the Hermit Shale, which is almost a quarter of a billion years old, beneath the Coconino sandstone. Imagine 255-280 million years ago, with a savanna of trees marked by wind and sun near sea level. The red layer of siltstones, shales, and clays is highly erodible, forming a wide, slow-moving river, perfect for calm paddling while enjoying the geological landscape.

Hermit Shale

Between Jackass Camp and Soap Creek camp, the river cuts through the Hermit Shale, a canyon-like area about 5 km long.

Here the water is wide and slow, perfect for taking a breather after the previous rapids.

Tenmile Rock

At approximately km 16.42 (mile 10, hence its name), we come across a huge slab of Coconino Sandstone that appears to have fallen from the cliff and come to rest on its side in the river. Just downstream, the water becomes calm and flat for a good stretch until Soap Creek, ideal for relaxed paddling and enjoying the scenery.

Soap Creek Camp

Km 18.2 | Mile 11.3: On the right bank the Soap Creek Camp is a spacious campsite located at the start of the Soap Creek rapids. The access point is just above the sediment fan formed by the rapids. You may have to search for the best place to moor your boats, as the water level tends to drop during the night. In this area of Marble Canyon, it is worth keeping an eye out, as it is a good place to spot California condors. From Soap Creek Camp, looking across to the opposite bank, you can see the full thickness of the Hermit Shale.

On the first day, it was Captain Holt's group's turn to take care of dinner. That night, I still didn't know that Bryan had been a chef in the past, but when I found out later, I couldn't help but think back to that first evening and remember how, on several occasions, he helped us out at the grill, cooking the salmon with the ease of someone who knows exactly what they're doing.

Have I ever told you how much I admire Jordan, Bryan's son? I say it half-jokingly, but I've also confessed to him more than once, with some seriousness: Jordan, when I grow up, I want to be like you. I'm impressed by this kid's depth, how he's adapted in just 12 years, and the lifestyle he and his family lead. In two words: applause! Here you can see him in action, helping with one of the daily tasks: reducing waste from cans with the Ceiba Can Smasher™ built from the remains of a raft oar.

Grand Canyon etapa 1 | Grand Canyon Packraft Expedition 2026

Wikiloc map

Día 1 expedición Packraft Grand Canyon 2026 de Lees Ferry a Soap Creek camp - Marble Canyon

Excursions and activities at Soap Creek Camp

Soap creek trail

Soap Creek Trail is one of those lesser-traveled corners of the Grand Canyon where you feel like the desert is speaking to you. The trail from the campsite climbs between reddish walls and eroded formations that look like natural sculptures, following the path of a ravine that ends at the Soap Creek Trailhead parking lot, near the Cliff Dwellers airfield on the scenic Highway 89A.

It is a wild, remote, and deeply silent route, almost 13 km long with a 400 m elevation gain, where the smell of warm earth mixes with the breeze rising from the river. At each stretch, the views change: endless plateaus, geological layers that tell millions of years of history, and an arid landscape that surprises with small patches of resilient vegetation.

Quite possibly, especially in winter, this excursion is too long to do during the rest hours at camp, but the final stretch to the river is pure magic, so you can simply enter the Soap Creek and return when your time is up.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/soap-creek-trail--3
https://arizonahiking.org/?view=article&id=222:soap-creek&catid=80:grand-canyon--marble-canyon

Soap Creek rapids

📈 Features

According to Arizona Highways, the rapids at Soap Creek are rated a 5 or 6 on a scale of 1 to 10 for the Grand Canyon.
It also appears on the list of rapids in the Grand Canyon, with a rating of 5-6.
River guides recommend entering on the right side of the center following changes made in 2015: since then, there have been "large holes" in the center-left, so the right side is the suggested line.
Its height (drop) is approximately 5.00 m according to geophysical studies.

🛶 Brief description

It is located at Mile 11 of the Colorado River.
It is a long wave train: a succession of medium and large waves, which makes it entertaining but demanding.
In August 2015, a flash flood altered the rapid's channel: it narrowed the entrance and made the waves "steeper and more powerful," according to reports.
To descend safely, you can scout the right bank, as it is the safest line after the changes.
Historically, it was considered so difficult that many ships avoided it ("lined") until, in 1927, the Clyde Eddy expedition ran it by mistake.

Team

Lovely team!

Espemo

And, of course, every day we remember "the Sect" 🤣, club espemo.

Alojamiento en Lees Ferry

There are two campgrounds at Lees Ferry:

The first campsite is for river runners and is located just a few meters from the launch ramp.
There is a campground located further south, with ample parking: the Lees Ferry campground, which in 2026 cost $26 per site, and each site can accommodate up to 8 people. They do not take reservations; it's first come, first served, and there are 54 spots available.
Finally, the most affordable accommodation in the area is the Marble Canyon Lodge.

Fotos del campamento

That first night, my team had to do the task that usually takes the most time, and on top of that, it was the first day: preparing the food. Luckily, we soon discovered that we had Bryan, who had previously worked as a chef, and he helped us grill the salmon over charcoal.

I have a story to tell you about salmon and the closed pronunciation (/ˈsæmən/) that Americans used to have for this word...

The story with the salmon...

The Grand Canyon is impressive. The walls, the river, the silence... and then there are the Americans talking.

First or second night. Dinner around the stove. I'm half exhausted, half happy, when I start to hear them repeat a word that makes me raise my eyebrow faster than a fast class V:

Semen, semen… Semen River… The semen is good

And I was thinking:

"Excuse me... But why are these people talking so much about semen while we're eating?"

I try to maintain my composure. Cultural exchange, I tell myself. They're Americans; maybe they have a more open relationship with... their bodily fluids. But of course, it just keeps getting worse.

The Semen is amazing
I’ve done the Semen twice
You should really try the Semen

And I no longer know if I'm on a rafting expedition or in a very poorly explained group therapy session.

That's when my brain just goes off the rails. For days I've been accumulating dirty thoughts, sidelong glances, and a very un-Zen inner silence. The river roars, the eagles fly... and my mind is stuck in an absurd loop between human biology and dubious gastronomy.

One of the dinners from the early days arrives. They open the refrigerator and someone proudly announces:

Tonight we’re cooking semen.

Finally, when I see the dinner, I get it! The American pronunciation of "salmon" sounds like "semen."

Until Monday.
A river.
A piece.
No semen!

Everything falls into place. All at once. I explain it to the whole group around the fire and realize that I'm the only one with such a "dirty" mind. And that's when I understood two things:

English can be very tricky when you come from a tired Latin mind.
Never underestimate how dirty your brain can get when you've been sleeping on sand for several days, rowing hard, and listening to happy Americans talk about "how much they love salmon."

Since then, every time I hear that word... I smile.

And I remember the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River...

I love this photo sent to us by Carlos Izquierdo, relaxing at home, following our adventure with the live maps provided by the GPS spot device.

Daily menu by Ceiba Adventures

As on every day of our trip to the Grand Canyon, we ate wonderfully thanks to the menus prepared by the nutritionist at Ceiba Adventures (thank you, Rachel!), the river outfitter company we hired to handle all the logistics of the expedition. They offer a variety of menus; we chose the winter menu, which basically consisted of quick breakfasts that required little preparation. At breakfast, we also prepared easy-to-make meals that we stored in Tupperware containers. The goal was not to waste too much daylight, which is very precious on a winter expedition, and the main meal was dinner: this was more elaborate and we prepared it during the long winter evenings.

The quantities were spectacular and the quality of the food, considering the logistical complexity of a trip of this kind, was really high. We thought the quality/price ratio was very good and, day after day, it was clear that everything had been designed to perform well on the river and also to enjoy around the table.

Aquel día cenamos Salmón al grill en el fucamp stove (with charcoal), and as you can see in the photo above, everything was perfectly detailed. The process began with what we called "going shopping": a fundamental part of the kitchen group's daily tasks, which consisted of taking a raffia bag and going to find the corresponding food in the different coolers and vegetable boxes.

The dry and canned food was sorted and stowed in a food box, where we kept a copy of the daily menu. We used that same box as a waste bin, separating and recycling glass and cans. Organization, efficiency, and good food: a key combination for making the trip work so well.

And don't miss this detail: since cooking dinner took time, just before dinner was ready, some hungry two-legged animals would show up, 🤣 whom we appeased with an appetizer that was the first thing to be prepared and placed on the small roll-up table.

As I mentioned, we made something simple for breakfast that could be prepared quickly; on day 2, we had cereal and muffins for breakfast, and we prepared lunch to take with us: Taco Salad, a delicious salad with tacos.

Bibliography

The guide that everyone carries in the Grand Canyon is in DIN A3 format and made of waterproof paper (obviously useful, right?):

Guide to the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon de Tom Martin y Duwain Whitis en Rivermaps.

For the ravines, we used information compiled by members of the group: David Fabregat from the Espemo club and Eduardo Muñoz from Planeta Packraft. Much of the information was taken from websites such as:

Ropewiki: Example Silver Groto: https://ropewiki.com/Silver_Grotto
Canyoning Book

We have also obtained much of the information about possible and completed trails and hikes from:

Day hikes from the river

Finally, I recommend watching the video on Ramon Espinasa's YouTube channel, one of the rafters who took part in the expedition. Among other interesting information, there is a photo of all the books consulted and recommended reading.

My trip to the Grand Canyon, part 1, Lee's Ferry to Phantom Ranch

Captura de pantalla del vídeo de Ramon Espinasa con bibliografia recomendada sobre el Grand Canyon

We need to make a list, which I will order chronologically:

Cesar Pasadas alias Iteribai. As I have explained before, he was the first person (I followed him on Instagram at the time and now consider him a good friend) I saw with a packraft. Without this Instagram post, none of this (packrafting.cat) would have happened. And I must say that I am delighted that he accepted the invitation to come on this expedition, even though I set some conditions 🤣.
Luis Mora and Jules Galende from Rowild Packraft, first as teachers; they taught me whitewater packrafting and now they are great friends who I can always count on.
Alfredo Burcio Rodriguez: He and I know why; if you don't know him, watch this video, he's a GREAT GUY!
Many thanks to Caj Koskinen (aka caide78), who has once again been my source of inspiration (thanks to him, I also discovered the packrafter's paradise that is Oulanka National Park in Finland). It was on Caj Koskinen's blog that I first discovered that, in addition to commercial trips, it was possible to raft down the Grand Canyon independently and in a packraft. His videos about packrafting down the Grand Canyon captivated me from the very first minute.
Pablo Rey for being a churrero and winning the raffle, and for thinking of me to organize the whole thing.
Ivan Domínguez from Planeta Packraft for putting us in touch with Rich Rudow and Ceiba adventures, explaining his trip to the Grand Canyon the previous year, for all the information provided, and for putting us in touch with:
Rich Rudow is an adventurer and explorer best known for his decades of experience in the Grand Canyon. He fell in love with this place after his first rafting trip in 1989 and has since dedicated much of his life to exploring the depths of the park, spending more than 1,000 nights below the rim of the canyon. Rudow has traveled thousands of miles inside the canyon, descended hundreds of slot canyons, led more than 100 technical descents, and completed extraordinary traverses such as a continuous hike of about 700 miles under the canyon in 57 days, a feat that very few people have accomplished. He has participated in several documentaries, appeared in major publications such as National Geographic and Outside Magazine, and is involved in organizations related to the conservation and exploration of the Grand Canyon. With this resume, I have no hesitation in asking for his help. He's incredible.
Carlos Izquierdo, climber, birdwatcher, packrafter, and an exceptional individual—without his positive reinforcement, nothing would be as it is today.
Rob from Mekong Packraft, tireless adventurer and partner at Mekong Packraft. Thank you for everything!
Sam and Dolça from Pinzat. Let's see when you'll stop working so hard, freelancers! Then we can share a trip like this in style. 🫂
To rafters Holt, Cris, Bryan, and Ramon for their patience in chasing packrafters down the river. 😍
To all my expedition companions for those great days. Edu, Laia, Pablo, Oscar, Marta, Cesar, Jules, Luis, David, and Vanesa, thank you!
Jordan, when I grow up, I want to be just like you! You're so great, don't lose your way...