Colorado River Rafting Allows Travelers The Unique Opportunity To Camp, Too
[youtube:uV9wwP58luA;Hatch River Expeditions;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV9wwP58luA&feature=related]Not only does a Grand Canyon rafting excursion allow one the opportunity to discover one of the world’s wildest rivers, but it’s a chance to go camping in the ancient canyon wilderness. Away from all development, multi-day Colorado River rafting trips are the ideal way to experience the canyon from the base up, with no commercial businesses anywhere to be seen. It is, of course, possible to overnight in developed campgrounds, car camp just outside of the park or obtain a backcountry camping permit. Each of those possibilities comes with disadvantages, though, and none deliver the thrill of rafting the incredible rapids of the mighty Colorado.
The Grand Canyon has several developed campgrounds including Mather, North Rim and Desert View. They are used primarily by hikers, backpackers and other visitors. These offer many amenities, such as showers, and hygiene facilities. But, when river rafting, guests get to spend each night on the riverbanks – and sleep underneath the stars if they wish. Keep in mind that these aren’t well-established campgrounds, but totally undeveloped areas. If rafting with professional river guides, they surely know the best sandy spots along the river, so there’s no guesswork involved.
Compared to backpacking, rafting and camping provide a vastly different experience. Out of about 30,000 annual requests for backpacking in the canyon, only 13,000 permits are issued, leading to a lot of competition. And, of course, backpackers have to haul all their food and supplies in with their packs and haul all of it back out again, including garbage. These packs can weigh 50 pounds or more. While rafting, the neoprene raft hauls the supplies. Because the rafts can carry coolers, food is fresher and far more plentiful on the river. Additionally, on guided river rafting tours, the guides also prepare the food, and it is said that they are very capable cooks indeed. Dining on these trips is reported to be excellent.
In terms of safety, independent backpacking expeditions certainly aren’t for the inexperienced. Along with the extreme heat, one must always be on the lookout for rattlesnakes and other nasty critters that populate this region. Mountain lions, too, are present but are few in number. Backpackers also have to navigate the maze of gorges to keep from becoming lost in the wild terrain. For those who do choose to backpack and camp without the help of professional guides, it is vital to carry satellite phones so help can be reached in case of emergencies.
For people rafting with a commercial outfitter, their rafting guides are extremely well trained and knowledgeable about the river and the shoreline. For the most part, they are certified in CPR and other emergency procedures, and of course, they all carry satellite phones in case of emergency. Their guests are in capable hands, both when going over huge rapids and when on shore for the night. While guests will often participate in the cooking and cleaning at each camp site and help to ensure the safety of the group, having an experienced guide leading the way helps to assuage any fears. For those rafters who are not using the services of commercial outfitters, camping is still a similar experience, except cooking and clean up falls on their own shoulders. With or without a guide, it is prudent to check shoes and clothing, shaking them out to make sure there are no scorpions hiding in the creases, before putting them on or packing them up to take on to the next stop.
After the sun sets, the amazing views of the darkened sky are unimpeded by city lights. A full galaxy of stars and the swirl of the Milky Way is almost always visible. The ideal times of the year to raft and camp in the Grand Canyon are spring and early autumn. In the early fall, guests enjoy blue skies and slightly cooler days and evenings. When rafting, a group is far away from development and day tours, so it’s possible to become one with nature minus the crowds. Though there are not any pre-fabricated fire pits on the sandy shores of the river, the fire danger is relatively low.
The highlight of this trip is of course, riding the rapids of the Colorado River,, but don’t forget about its other aspects. Unroll a sleeping bag and camp out under the stars, or in the case of rare inclement weather, pitch a tent. The next big day of river thrills begins after breakfast and promises to be great.
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If you are interested in booking a high adventure Colorado River rafting trip and camping in the Grand Canyon, author Stephen Daniels recommends Hatch River Expeditions. Their skilled guides will show you the Grand Canyon as few see it, and will educate and entertain you with tales both true and tall as you experience the beauty around you.
