Grand Canyon River Rafting
The Colorado River makes its way along the 277 mile long Grand Canyon floor. Grand Canyon river rafting trips might be among the most famous and unusual adventures available in the United States.
The Grand Canyon located in northern Arizona is one of those places that really must be seen to be truly appreciated. Although most people have seen pictures of the Canyon, they do not really grasp its scope until they actually visit it and stand looking into its vastness. The Colorado River took over 6 million years to carve the Canyon out of the solid rock with a bit of help from the upheaval of the Arizona Plateau. Grand Canyon River Rafting is one of the best ways to see this marvel up close and personal.
The Canyon is 277 miles longs and ranges from 4 miles to 18 miles wide. Rafting opportunities on the river are many, of course, and range from smooth water trips of half day, full day, and even overnight durations to long white water excursions. The smooth water and most white water trips are on the west end of the Canyon and take out near Lake Mead. They are arranged by local outfitters and rafts, equipment, and guides can be hired. Transportation to the put in points, or movement of personal vehicles to the take out points can be arranged as part of the package.
The overnight trips involve camping along the flat Unkar Delta on the northern bank of the River. The Unkar Delta is made up of loose rocky soil and sediment from the North Rim of the Canyon. This area has been home to various Native American inhabitants from prehistoric times. The most recent habitation was by Pueblo Indians who occupied various sites for 350 years from 850 AD to 1250 AD. These trips can encounter some moderate Class 2 and even Class 3 rapids during certain times of the year depending on the starting points of the trip.
Full non-commercial trips through the Canyon in either motorized or non-motorized boats take a minimum of 7 days. They are allowed by permit only. The permits are issued a year in advance on a first come, first served basis. There are some places along the River where it is possible to break the trip and hike out of the Canyon. This high adventure rafting experience is not for casual tourist or beginners, but it does rank among some of the most exciting river rafting available anywhere in the world.
The Grand Canyon is one of the World’s natural wonders. It is something that should be on the “to see” list of any person who wishes to see the true majesty of nature at work. The fact that it is also a paradise for river rafting as well as other outdoor sports makes even more desirable. If you come to Grand Canyon to raft on the Colorado River, you will make memories that will last a lifetime.