Ranked list · 15 rivers
The best overnight rafting trips in the US, ranked
Fifteen guided multi day river trips, ranked by a river guide, with the facts behind every pick.
2 to 18 days / 1 to 17 nightsQuick answer
The best overnight rafting trips in the US, on our ranking, are the Grand Canyon, the Middle Fork Salmon, the Main Salmon, the Rogue and the Gates of Lodore. All five run 3 days or more with nights on the river, and all five ration private trips by lottery. A guided trip skips the lottery and books directly with an outfitter.
At a glance
The 15 trips side by side
Jump to any river, or read the full list below.
| Rank and river | Trip length | Whitewater | Season | Private permit | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Grand Canyon | 3 days, 2 nights to 18 days, 17 nights | Class III to IV | April to October, by outfitter | Lottery for private trips only | $1,775 |
| 2. Middle Fork Salmon | 4 days, 3 nights to 7 days, 6 nights | Class III to IV+ | Late May to September | Lottery for private trips only | $1,895 |
| 3. Main Salmon | 4 days, 3 nights to 6 days, 5 nights | Class III to IV- | May to October, by outfitter | Lottery for private trips only | $1,650 |
| 4. Rogue | 3 days, 2 nights to 5 days, 4 nights | Class III+ | April to October, by outfitter | Lottery for private trips only | $895 |
| 5. Gates of Lodore | 3 days, 2 nights to 5 days, 4 nights | Class III and IV rapids | May to September, by outfitter | Lottery for private trips only | $1,149 |
| 6. Selway | 5 days, 4 nights to 6 days, 5 nights | Class IV | Late June to August, by outfitter | Lottery for private trips only | $4,000 |
| 7. Cataract Canyon | 2 days, 1 night to 7 days, 6 nights | Class III to V | March to November, by outfitter | Reserved, no lottery | $564 |
| 8. Hells Canyon | 3 days, 2 nights to 6 days, 5 nights | Class II to IV in summer | April to October, by outfitter | Lottery for private trips only | $1,350 |
| 9. Yampa | 4 days, 3 nights to 5 days, 4 nights | Up to Class IV | May to early July, by outfitter | Lottery for private trips only | $1,279 |
| 10. Desolation Canyon | 4 days, 3 nights to 7 days, 6 nights | Class II to III | April to September, by outfitter | Lottery for private trips only | $995 |
| 11. Tatshenshini | 10 days, 8 camping nights to 13 days, 12 nights | Class II to IV | June to September | One trip a day at Dry Bay, no lottery | $5,000 |
| 12. Owyhee | 3 days, 2 nights to 8 days, 7 nights | Class II to IV on the Lower | March to early June, by water | Free self registration, no lottery | $950 |
| 13. Lower Salmon | 2 days, 1 night to 5 days, 4 nights | Class II to IV | June to September, by outfitter | Free self issue, no lottery | $600 |
| 14. San Juan | 3 days, 2 nights to 8 days, 7 nights | Class II to III | April to October, by outfitter | Lottery April 15 to July 15 | $895 |
| 15. Illinois | 4 days, 3 nights | Class IV (V) | April and May | Free, not limited, no lottery | $1,999 |
Lowest listed price on each river from the outfitters' own sites, checked September 2026 (October 2026 for the Tatshenshini). Each entry below says whose price it is and what it covers. Confirm when booking.
The ranking
The best overnight rafting trips, 1 to 15
Each entry has the trip facts, why it ranks where it does, who it suits and the lowest listed price we found.
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Number 1 · Arizona · Colorado River
Grand Canyon
- 3 days, 2 nights to 18 days, 17 nights
- Class III to IV, per American Whitewater
- April to October, by outfitter
- 226 miles, Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek
- Lottery for private trips only
- 13 outfitters
- Kids from 8 with Grand Canyon Expeditions
No trip on this list gives you more nights in one canyon. Guided trips run 3 to 18 days on the 226 miles from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek, in motor rigs, oar rafts, paddle rafts or dories. The park says commercial trips are often reserved a year or two in advance, and private trips go through a weighted lottery.
Best for: First timers who want the big one, and anyone with a week or more to give it.
From $1,775per person with Arizona River Runners: Low end of the range on its site. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
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Number 2 · Idaho · Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
Middle Fork Salmon
- 4 days, 3 nights to 7 days, 6 nights
- Class III to IV+, per the Forest Service
- Late May to September
- 104 miles, Dagger Falls to the Main Salmon
- Lottery for private trips only
- 25 outfitters
- Kids from 6 with ARTA
A wilderness run from the first mile: 104 miles from Dagger Falls to the Main Salmon, Class III to IV+ per the Forest Service. ARTA puts a typical day at 15 to 18 river miles, with the rest of the day for camp, side hikes and hot springs. Private trips need the four rivers lottery from May 28 to September 3.
Best for: Groups who want a full week of whitewater and camp, with a hot spring on many days.
From $1,895per person with Rocky Mountain River Tours: 4 day, 3 night early season trip. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
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Number 3 · Idaho · River of No Return
Main Salmon
- 4 days, 3 nights to 6 days, 5 nights
- Class III to IV-, per American Whitewater
- May to October, by outfitter
- 79 miles, Corn Creek to Long Tom Bar
- Lottery for private trips only
- 22 outfitters
- Kids from 5 with Mackay Wilderness River Trips
The River of No Return suits a wide range of guests and trip styles. Trips cover 79 miles from Corn Creek to Long Tom Bar, Class III to IV- per American Whitewater, and some outfitters add lodge nights. ARTA puts an average day at 10 to 14 river miles, with the rest of the day for camp, side hikes and hot springs.
Best for: Families and mixed groups, and anyone who wants a long trip without the biggest water.
From $1,650per person with Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures: Adult rate, 2027; ranges to $1,950. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
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Number 4 · Oregon · Wild and Scenic section
Rogue
- 3 days, 2 nights to 5 days, 4 nights
- Class III+, per American Whitewater
- April to October, by outfitter
- 33.8 to 35.5 miles, Grave Creek to Foster Bar
- Lottery for private trips only
- 18 outfitters
- Kids from 6 with ARTA
The Wild section is short for a multi day trip, about 34 to 36 miles, which leaves time for swimming, hiking and lodge porches. Many trips sleep in riverside lodges instead of tents, and the BLM lists five lodges along the way. From May 15 to October 15, private trips need the Rogue lottery.
Best for: People who want a bed and a cooked dinner each night, and families with kids old enough for Class III.
From $895per person with River Drifters: 3 day, 2 night trip, listed as $895 to $1,100; year not shown. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
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Number 5 · Colorado and Utah · Dinosaur National Monument
Gates of Lodore
- 3 days, 2 nights to 5 days, 4 nights
- Class III and IV rapids, per the Park Service
- May to September, by outfitter
- 44 to 45 miles, Gates of Lodore to Split Mountain
- Lottery for private trips only
- 7 outfitters
- Kids from 6 with ARTA
The Green River runs 44 to 45 miles from the Gates of Lodore to Split Mountain through Class III and IV rapids, per the Park Service, most often on a 4 day, 3 night trip. We list 7 Park Service authorized outfitters. Private trips in the high use season need the Dinosaur lottery.
Best for: A first real whitewater trip that still fits in a long weekend plus a day.
From $1,149per person with Mild to Wild Rafting: 3 day, 2 night trip; year not shown. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
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Number 6 · Idaho · Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness
Selway
- 5 days, 4 nights to 6 days, 5 nights
- Class IV, per the Forest Service
- Late June to August, by outfitter
- 47 miles, Paradise to Race Creek
- Lottery for private trips only
- 4 outfitters
- Kids from 12 with ARTA
The scarcest trip on this list. From May 15 to July 31, one party of up to 16 people may launch each day, private or commercial, and only four outfitters are listed. The 47 miles from Paradise to Race Creek are Class IV, per the Forest Service.
Best for: Experienced rafters with a flexible calendar and the budget for one of the scarcest trips in the West.
From $4,000per person with SOAR Northwest: 2027; $4,500 in 2028. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
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Number 7 · Utah · Canyonlands National Park
Cataract Canyon
- 2 days, 1 night to 7 days, 6 nights
- Class III to V, per the Park Service
- March to November, by outfitter
- About 100 miles from Potash, per American Whitewater
- Reserved, no lottery
- 11 outfitters
- Kids from 8 with Holiday River Expeditions
Calm water first, then the rapids the Park Service rates Class III to V. Many trips use motor rigs for the flat stretches, and several fly guests back to Moab at the end. There is no lottery. American Whitewater calls spring high water expert big water only, which is one more reason to go guided.
Best for: Whitewater seekers, especially in spring, and anyone short on days who still wants a big canyon.
From $564per person with Adrift Adventures: 2 day Express with a jet boat leg; 3 day motor trip from $900; year not shown; 4% access fee extra. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
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Number 8 · Idaho and Oregon · Snake River
Hells Canyon
- 3 days, 2 nights to 6 days, 5 nights
- Class II to IV in summer, per the Forest Service
- April to October, by outfitter
- 32 miles to Pittsburg Landing, 79 to Heller Bar
- Lottery for private trips only
- 10 outfitters
- Kids from 7 with America's Rafting Company
The Snake through Hells Canyon runs 32 miles to Pittsburg Landing or 79 to Heller Bar, Class II to IV in summer per the Forest Service. Days can include a stop at a historic ranch such as Kirkwood, and jet boats share the river. Private trips need the four rivers lottery in season.
Best for: Groups who want big rapids and a long season, with trips from April to October.
From $1,350per person with Salmon Raft: 3 day, 2 night trip, 2026; 20% off in May and September. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
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Number 9 · Colorado and Utah · Dinosaur National Monument
Yampa
- 4 days, 3 nights to 5 days, 4 nights
- Up to Class IV, per the Park Service
- May to early July, by outfitter
- 71 miles, Deerlodge Park to Split Mountain
- Lottery for private trips only
- 7 outfitters
- Kids from 7 with ARTA
The Park Service calls the Yampa the only remaining free flowing tributary in the Colorado River system, and the season ends when spring runoff does. Trips run 71 miles from Deerlodge Park to Split Mountain, up to Class IV, from May to early July.
Best for: Planners who can book early for a short window in late spring.
From $1,279per person with Dinosaur River Expeditions: 4 day, 3 night trip; 2026 rate held for 2027; 8 guest minimum. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
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Number 10 · Utah · Green River
Desolation Canyon
- 4 days, 3 nights to 7 days, 6 nights
- Class II to III, per American Whitewater
- April to September, by outfitter
- 84 miles, Sand Wash to Swasey's
- Lottery for private trips only
- 11 outfitters
- Kids from 5 with Apakoa Rivers
A long, gentle canyon trip: 84 miles from Sand Wash to Swasey's, Class II to III per American Whitewater. Most trips start with a scenic flight to Sand Wash, and outfitters point to petroglyphs, Fremont granaries and old homesteads along the way. Private launches from May 1 to September 30 go through a lottery.
Best for: Families with young kids and anyone who wants long days in camp more than big rapids.
From $995per person with Colorado River & Trail Expeditions: 5 day, 4 night trip; year not shown; plus $315 flight and $40 BLM fee. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
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10 to 13 days / 8 to 12 nights
Number 11 · Yukon, British Columbia and Alaska · Glacier Bay
Tatshenshini
- 10 days, 8 camping nights to 13 days, 12 nights
- Class II to IV, per the Park Service
- June to September
- 140 miles, Dalton Post to Dry Bay
- One trip a day at Dry Bay, no lottery
- 7 outfitters
- Kids from 13 with OARS
The one trip on this list that ends among glaciers. Trips start in Canada and run 140 river miles to Dry Bay in Glacier Bay National Park, per the Park Service and BC Parks, so bring a passport. The river is mostly Class II, with a Class III canyon that reaches IV at high water. Glacier Bay allows one trip a day at Dry Bay.
Best for: Travelers with 10 days or more who want wilderness on a different scale.
From $5,000with Wilderness River Outfitters: Low end of a range; year and per person basis not stated; Dry Bay to Yakutat flight included. Checked Oct 2026. Confirm when booking.
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Number 12 · Oregon and Idaho · desert canyon
Owyhee
- 3 days, 2 nights to 8 days, 7 nights
- Class II to IV on the Lower, per the BLM
- March to early June, by water
- Rome to Birch Creek 50 miles; to Leslie Gulch about 68
- Free self registration, no lottery
- 18 outfitters
- Kids from 7 with America's Rafting Company
A remote desert canyon with hot springs and a short spring season. Most trips run the Lower Owyhee from Rome, Oregon, 50 miles to Birch Creek, Class II to IV per the BLM. There is no lottery; the hard part is catching the water in April or May.
Best for: Desert lovers who can travel in spring.
From $950per person with River Drifters: Middle Owyhee, 3 day, 2 night trip; Lower listed at $1,050 to $1,150; year not shown. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
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Number 13 · Idaho · Salmon River canyons
Lower Salmon
- 2 days, 1 night to 5 days, 4 nights
- Class II to IV, per the BLM
- June to September, by outfitter
- 52 miles, Hammer Creek to the Snake
- Free self issue, no lottery
- 19 outfitters
- Kids from 5 with Idaho River Adventures
No lottery and trips as short as 2 days, 1 night make this one of the easiest big canyon trips to book. Trips run 52 miles from Hammer Creek to the Snake, Class II to IV per the BLM, then out by road or jet boat. We list 19 outfitters.
Best for: Families and first timers, and anyone who missed the lottery rivers.
From $600per person with Barker River Trips: 2 day, 1 night Slide trip; year not shown; 3 day, 2 night trip from $1,100. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
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Number 14 · Utah · Bluff to Clay Hills
San Juan
- 3 days, 2 nights to 8 days, 7 nights
- Class II to III, per Recreation.gov
- April to October, by outfitter
- 84 miles, Sand Island to Clay Hills
- Lottery April 15 to July 15
- 6 outfitters
- Kids from 5 with Holiday River Expeditions
A gentle river with trips 3 days on the Upper to 8 days on the full 84 miles from Sand Island to Clay Hills. Recreation.gov rates it Class II to III. Private trips need a lottery permit from April 15 to July 15.
Best for: Families and hikers who want short, easy trips with time off the boat.
From $895per person with Canyonlands Field Institute: Upper, 3 day, 2 night trip; private groups of 6 to 25 only; year not shown. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
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Number 15 · Oregon · Kalmiopsis Wilderness
Illinois
- 4 days, 3 nights
- Class IV (V), per American Whitewater
- April and May
- 30.6 miles, Miami Bar to Oak Flat
- Free, not limited, no lottery
- 3 outfitters
- Kids from 14 with Momentum River Expeditions
Serious whitewater in a short spring window. The Forest Service counts 150 rapids on the Wild section, including 11 Class IV and one Class V, and trips run in April and May. Three outfitters run it, with minimum ages of 14 to 16.
Best for: Strong swimmers who have rafted before and want a serious spring trip.
From $1,999per person with ARTA: Starting price; year not shown. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
How we ranked them
How this list was made
We ranked these trips on four things, in this order. The river itself: how remote the canyon is and how many nights it gives you away from roads. The whitewater for the trip's length. The camp life: beaches, side hikes and hot springs. How hard it is to go without an outfitter: a guided trip matters most where private permits are scarce.
The order is a river guide's judgment, not a formula. Every fact in an entry comes from the river's managing agency or the outfitters' own sites, and each entry links to a full comparison of every outfitter we found on that river.
No outfitter paid for a place on this list, and the site does not sell trips. Prices did not count toward the rank. See how we work and our disclosure.
The no lottery way in
Most of these rivers have a lottery. You can skip it.
10 of these 15 rivers ration private trips by lottery in their busy season, including the Grand Canyon, the Middle Fork and the Selway. Outfitters hold their own permits, so a guided trip books like any other trip.
Grand Canyon National Park says commercial trips are "often reserved a year or two in advance," so book early on the top rivers. The Grand Canyon weighted lottery and the Forest Service four rivers lottery explain the private side. Our lottery calendar lists every window.
Questions
Best overnight rafting trip questions
What is the best overnight rafting trip in the US?
On our list, the Grand Canyon, for the number of nights it gives you in one canyon: guided trips run 3 to 18 days. The Middle Fork Salmon is second, for its 104 wilderness miles, hot springs and Class III to IV+ whitewater.
What is the best multi day rafting trip for beginners?
Gentle rivers with long trips: Desolation Canyon (Class II to III, kids from 5 with some outfitters), the Lower Salmon and the San Juan. The Rogue suits beginners who want lodge nights.
What is the best multi day rafting trip for families?
Desolation Canyon, the Lower Salmon, the Main Salmon and the San Juan, where several outfitters take young kids. Compare minimum ages on our family rafting trips page.
Which multi day trip has the biggest whitewater?
On this list, the Illinois (150 rapids, 11 of them Class IV and one Class V, per the Forest Service) and Cataract Canyon (Class III to V, per the Park Service). The Selway is Class IV.
Which trips are hardest to get on?
The Selway allows one launch a day from May 15 to July 31. 10 of the 15 rivers use a lottery for private trips. On all of them, a guided trip skips the lottery, but popular dates fill early.
What is the best short overnight trip?
Of these 15, Cataract Canyon has 2 day, 1 night express trips, and the Lower Salmon has 2 day, 1 night trips. For more, see 2 day rafting trips and 3 day rafting trips.
Why isn't my favorite river on the list?
We ranked rivers with guided overnight trips that we have compared outfitter by outfitter. Many good rivers are on our state pages, including the Deschutes, Westwater Canyon, the Klamath and the Tuolumne. Start with the trip finder.
How much does a top overnight rafting trip cost?
Lowest listed prices on these 15 rivers run from the hundreds for a short Cataract Canyon or Lower Salmon trip to $4,000 and up on the Selway. See rafting trip cost for every river.
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