Mile By Mile On A Grand Canyon River Rafting Trip – What To Expect
[youtube:uV9wwP58luA;Hatch River Expeditions;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV9wwP58luA&feature=related]If you are planning a Grand Canyon river rafting trip anytime soon, you should consider yourself among the luckiest adventure vacationers in the world. The canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the planet, began forming 17 million years ago, and the world that the ever-changing Colorado River has carved out in that time contains wonders unlike any other. With its combination of world-class white water, spectacular red rock vistas, plentiful wildlife, and several diverse ecosystems, this is definitely one of the most amazing places on earth – no matter which section you choose to float.
Until you explore the Grand Canyon, you can’t even imagine how massive it is and just how much there is to see and experience. The elevation ranges from a mere 2,400 feet to over 7,000 feet above sea level. While portions of the canyon are very narrow and steep, other sections are more than 18 miles wide and only one mile deep. At this point it is impossible to see any of the rim from the bottom.
Most Grand Canyon rafting tours of the full canyon push off from Lee’s Ferry. This is one of the most narrow and steep portions of the canyon, enclosing you as you wind through Marble Canyon — 61 of the most renowned and photographed miles of the canyon. Next, the canyon’s rim slowly recedes from view as you float through its broadest point. Here you will find yourself in what referred to as the “Inner gorge” where the walls revealed around you are 1.7 billion years old. The gorge then closes back in as you head through its granite and volcanic basalt walls and its wildest waters, ending up at Diamond Creek above Lake Mead after 277 of the most amazing miles it is possible to traverse.
Depending on the time of year you choose to float, you will encounter varying water conditions. In the early springtime, more water is let out of the dam – necessary for the ecosystem as it washes away river debris. The water at this time of year is of course a little muddier than the rest of the year, but the upside is that some of the rapids are more exhilarating, and the days are pleasantly warm, rather than the blazing heat that hits the desert in summer. The water temperature itself runs in the low 50s for the majority of the year.
Hardly any rafting trips have vacationers on the river all day long. Most expeditioners will take the groups on hikes through side canyons where there are some truly wondrous sites to explore. Small creeks create lush green oases in this land of red rock and sand, and wildlife of all sorts visit regularly to get a break from the heat. There have even been increasing sightings of the endangered California Condors that were released in the area. Other side trips will reveal painted Indian caves, and ancient dwellings.
With the majority of guide services, a trip that traverses the whole canyon will usually take between 7 days on a motorized raft to a more leisurely 12-16 days under oar power. Also, for those on hiking-intensive excursions, longer trips are the norm. If time permits, experiencing the whole canyon and all of its wonders is the most recommended course of action by far. For those with limited time, it is possible to book a shorter trip that covers only half the canyon or less. Some outfitters even offer day outings for those who want to see the canyon from the river, rather than from the rim. If at all possible, however, you should do yourself a favor and float the whole canyon. There is a great deal to see, and the ultimate way to experience this natural wonder of the world is to spend some real time there and discover what is hidden from most tourists who visit.
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If you are interested in booking a high adventure Grand Canyon rafting trip, 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.
