Peach Springs, Arizona

Rafting through the Grand Canyon is a bucket list item for many, one that must be planned well in advance through an authorized national park outfitter with a long waitlist, and the trip can last for up to two weeks. But there’s a quicker option at Grand Canyon West on the Hualapai Reservation that abuts Grand Canyon National Park. The tribe’s Hualapai River Runners is the only outfitter offering oneday rafting trips through the canyon, with a two-day option available. These trips include a shuttle down into the canyon to the put-in point on the Colorado River, lunch along the banks, hiking and climbing at Travertine Cavern Falls and seeing heritage sites while learning about the history of the tribe from a certified Hualapai river guide. The first 12 miles on the river have plenty of churning whitewater rapids, with the rest of the trip a smooth float in swift water beneath the scenic majesty of the canyon walls. Stay in Peach Springs at Hualapai Lodge, which is the shuttle departure point for rafting trips. Grand Canyon West has many other activities and attractions, including the Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped, glass-floored walkway that juts out over the canyon providing views to the bottom 4,000 feet below.

■ Hualapai River Runners. $399 and up for rafting trips. 900 East, AZ-66 (Historic Route 66), Peach Springs, Arizona. 888-868-9378,

grandcanyonwest.com/explore/coloradoriver-rafting. Peach Springs at Hualapai Lodge. $145 and up. 900 East AZ-66, Peach Springs, Arizona. 928-769-2231,

grandcanyonwest.com/stay/lodge