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I am a 76-year-old female; my 65-year-old husband and I are avid hikers from the Midwest (where it's relatively flat). We wanted to hike Bright Angel, but unless you are young or crazy, you can't hike down and up in one day. People stay at Phantom Ranch, but staying overnight was only by lottery, and in fall, 2022, they were doing repairs and did away with the lottery. I wanted to hike it while I still could and didn't have years to play the lottery. The most viable option I could find was a 3-day motorized rafting trip which would drop us off at Pipe Creek so we could hike up Bright Angel. That was the only reason I signed us up for the rafting trip. We don't swim. I don't even like my granddaughter splashing me with cold water at the pool. Well-meaning friends/relatives questioned the whitewater rafting trip and relayed horror stories to the point that I was dreading the rafting trip. Not to mention the hike up which was the most elevation gain we'd ever have done on a hike, and in the Arizona heat. However, the rafting trip was amazing! Our rafting guides were very skilled in navigating the 40-some rapids and kept us safe. The camping experience of sleeping out under the starry skies was amazing. The guides made excellent meals and provided ample snacks on the boat. They also provided historical information on the river trip portion. Yes, I did get splashed with cold water, but the rafting experience was epic. The hike up Bright Angel took us 9 hours (we took breaks at the rest houses and poured cold water on our heads--on Sept. 9, it was blazing hot midday--and we stopped to take lots of pictures--not to rush to the rim.) But we did it! All our guides were very professional and helpful. - via 