Is swimming allowed at Whitmore Rapids?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Whitmore Rapids.

Nearby gauge (Havasu Creek) · 70 ft³/s · About average

Whitmore Rapids

Q: Are dogs allowed at Whitmore Rapids?

No, dogs are not allowed at Whitmore Rapids.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Whitmore Rapids?

Yes, there is a fee of $0.00. A permit is also required. Permits are required for rafting trips and for hiking in the Grand Canyon backcountry. These can be obtained through the National Park Service or licensed rafting companies.

Arizona • Grand Canyon National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

3D terrain

Hualapai Indian Reservation TRIBL · DESG

Photo Credits (4)

GSEC CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

600 ft

About Whitmore Rapids

Whitmore Rapids is a dramatic stretch of whitewater on the Colorado River within the Grand Canyon, prized by river runners for its scenic canyon walls and punchy drops. Most visitors experience the rapids as part of multi‑day rafting trips through Grand Canyon National Park; from the river you get close-up views of the turbulence and the canyon’s layered rock faces. The setting feels remote and wild, making Whitmore Rapids a highlight on many guided expeditions downriver. If you’re looking at land access, the rapids lie adjacent to lands of the Hualapai Indian Reservation; the Hualapai Tribe is listed as the managing authority for nearby reservation lands (land unit: Hualapai Indian Reservation, manager: TRIB). Approaching on foot is uncommon for most visitors, so plan carefully and coordinate with river-operating outfitters or local authorities before attempting a rim-to-river route.

The Setting

Whitmore Rapids sits at 1,604 feet within Grand Canyon National Park, in the hills of Arizona.

Trail & Hike Details

1.0 mi distance 600 ft climbed

The Approach

The hard 1.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 600 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Whitmore Wash Trail (route to the river) is a short but steep out-and-back descent from the North Rim: 1.0 mile one way with roughly 600 feet of elevation change (about an 11% average grade). The route is rated hard and is rugged, rocky and exposed—expect uneven footing and a steep grade that requires surefootedness and proper footwear. Because the climb back up gains that 600 feet, allow extra time and water; most people still encounter Whitmore Rapids via a guided rafting trip rather than hiking in from the rim.

What to Expect

Swimming is permitted.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Whitmore Rapids?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $0.00
Permit required
Permits are required for rafting trips and for hiking in the Grand Canyon backcountry. These can be obtained through the National Park Service or licensed rafting companies.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Whitmore Rapids?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and fall are the best times to visit due to milder temperatures. Summer can be extremely hot, especially for hikers, while winter may bring cooler weather and less predictable river conditions.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Watch for flash flood warnings during monsoon season (July through September). Check with Grand Canyon National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

River conditions can be unpredictable, and the rapids should only be navigated with proper equipment and experience. Hikers should be prepared for extreme heat and rugged terrain. Always carry sufficient water and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Havasu Creek, 26.9 miles away, not on Whitmore Rapids's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

70 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

68 69 73 76

Based on 26 years of record

6.94 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.

HAVASU CREEK ABOVE THE MOUTH, NEAR SUPAI, AZ

USGS 09404115

26.9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 3,020 sq mi

Altitude: 1,800 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge HAVASU CREEK ABOVE THE MOUTH, NEAR SUPAI, AZ (43 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

70 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

70 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

71 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

80 cfs

4/10

Wed

Moderate

75 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

76 cfs

5/10

Fri

Moderate

79 cfs

5/10

Sat

Moderate

73 cfs

8/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late March, peaking in September.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Peach Springs hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Whitmore Rapids Frozen?

Updated about 17 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Whitmore Rapids is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 77°F to 62°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 70 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain Around Whitmore Rapids

High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.

Aerial view of the ground around Whitmore Rapids near Peach Springs, Arizona

The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Whitmore Rapids is accessible only via the Colorado River, typically as part of a guided rafting trip. The nearest land access point is Whitmore Wash, which can be reached by helicopter or a rugged trail from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is no parking directly at Whitmore Rapids. Visitors typically park at designated areas near the Grand Canyon or at helicopter landing zones if accessing via Whitmore Wash.

Elevation

1,604 feet above sea level

Coordinates

36.145538° N, -113.200486° W

Land Management

Hualapai Indian Reservation TRIBL

Managed by TRIB

Visitor Tips & Gear

If rafting, ensure you book with a reputable guide service well in advance, as permits and trips fill up quickly. Bring appropriate gear for sun protection and water safety. If hiking Whitmore Wash Trail, carry plenty of water and be prepared for challenging terrain.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This challenging 1.0 miles trail gains 600 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodges Booking.com

Find hotels, lodges, and B&Bs near the trailhead

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Mount Logan Wilderness Area

11.9 miles away · 0 sites

The 14,650-acre Mount Logan Wilderness Area lies 45 miles south of Colorado City, Arizona, just north of the Grand Canyon in Mohave County. Hiking, camping, scenic vistas, watching wildlife and hunting are some of the prime recreational opportunities found in this wilderness. One example is the Mt. Logan Summit and Hells Hole Overlook.Mt. Logan is an area of interesting volcanic activity. It includes basalt ledges, cinder cones, ponderosa pine forests, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and a large, color

Book on Recreation.gov