The New York Times reports (June 2, 2011) that, due to the above-average snowpack and cool, wet spring of 2011, the river running season in the Colorado River Basin will be one of the most outstanding seasons since the 1970s. One of the best rafting seasons of the past 50 years are anticipated for the Colorado River Basin. |
 In 2010 nearly 9 million people visited the Eiffel Tower, almost 10 million walked the Great Wall of China, and over 8 million people visited the pyramids. Then there are the lucky few who choose the path less traveled. About 5 million people every year arrive at the rim of the Grand Canyon, spend roughly 15 minutes peering over the edge, snap photos of each other standing by the railing and are on their way to the gift shop.
Yes, everyone should see the Canyon, even if it is just a brief glimpse; but there is a more rewarding approach. A small number of individuals opt to experience the Grand Canyon from a unique and less-traveled perspective--by rafting down the mighty Colorado River as it cuts through the heart of what is arguably the premier geologic wonder in the continental United States. |
A whitewater rafting adventure through the Grand Canyon can be one of the memorable experiences of a lifetime. These trips not only provide an exhilarating thrill, but the opportunity to become intimate with the Grand Canyon. River trip participants make new friends and temporarily disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the world.
Professional outfitters such as Grand Canyon Whitewater offer rafting trips from 4 to 13 days filled with everything you could imagine in an outdoor adventure worthy of the best bucket list, that compendium of things to do before you die. And unlike many other adventures, you really need no rafting experience or expertise; you simply show up and let the expert guides take it from there. |
A typical Grand Canyon Whitewater trip begins at historic Lees Ferry just 16 miles downriver from Glen Canyon Dam in northern Arizona, the giant hydroelectric concrete wall that holds back the waters of Lake Powell and feeds the mighty Colorado River. Lees Ferry marks river mile zero of the Colorado through Grand Canyon National Park. Above Lees Ferry the river is in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Passengers gather at the river to meet their spunky guides for a quick orientation and to pack personal belongings into waterproof bags. The river is cold at the Ferry, just around 50° F and quickly perks up any passenger who ventures to stick a toe in. |
The rafts are ready and waiting in the water for the final load of bags and excited rafters. Once orientation is over, the rafting begins. A typical motorized trip consists of two rafts that can hold up to 14 passengers each. The guides stand at the back of the boat and operate the quiet, low-emissions motors.
Grand Canyon Whitewater's guides are incredibly talented; they safely maneuver the rafts while also acting as stewards of the environment, educators of geology, history and wildlife, chefs, entertainers, medics and leaders. |
| Each day rafters encounter whitewater rapids. The Colorado River through the Grand Canyon forms a pool-drop system. This means that each rapid is formed by debris flows from adjoining side canyons and after each rapid there is a period of smooth, calm water. The rapids in the Grand Canyon are not rated on the class scale of I-VI, like many rivers. Instead, Grand Canyon is rated on a 1-10 scale that rates the difficulty and number of technical maneuvers a boatman would have to make in the rapid. Rapids with a 10 rating can be very fun, technical and exciting but are not un-navigable as are Class VI rapids. |
Exploring the Canyon:
| Between rapids, guides pull over at certain side canyons to explore and hike. There are many waterfalls, crystal-clear creeks and, hidden in special places in the Canyon, ancient pictographs created by the original native inhabitants. The guides lead hikes to show rafters these other facets of the Grand Canyon, unseen by most visitors. |
Dining Al Fresco:
Every meal is expertly prepared by the crew. Each morning begins with hot coffee, tea, juices and fresh fruit. Breakfast options include made-to-order omelets, French toast with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, and blueberry pancakes with sausage or bacon.
At lunchtime guides prepare an array of fresh vegetables, cheeses, avocados, and deli meat for sandwiches along with chips, cookies, fruit and every condiment imaginable. Dutch-oven cooked dinners always fill passengers' bellies.
A dinner menu could be a fresh salad accompanied by grilled steaks, garlic mashed potatoes and spiced corn. Another popular choice is wild Alaskan salmon with broccoli, wild rice and a fresh salad. Yet another is homemade Dutch-oven lasagna, garlic bread, and a big green salad. Outfitters can accommodate any dietary needs or restrictions. |
As Each Day Ends:
| In short, if you're looking to spice up your bucket list a bit, take a rafting adventure trip down the Colorado River with an outfitter like Grand Canyon Whitewater. Once you've experienced the Grand Canyon from the river's perspective, your only regret will be that you didn't do it sooner. |
For Additional Information:
Grand Canyon Whitewater: http://www.grandcanyonwhitewater.com/.
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North America