Rafting through the Grand Canyon

Sixteen people. Seventeen days. Rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon March 2014.

The very best reason for traveling by river is the access provided to amazing, otherwise-difficult to-get-to-places. Other best reasons are the camaraderie, the incredible, ever changing scenery, and the world shrinking to that specific time and place.

At Lee’s Ferry, 20 miles downriver of Glen Canyon Dam, our three 18’ rafts are loaded with kitchen gear, camp gear, food and ice for the next 17 days. Each oar rig literally carries a ton of gear. The bulky craft is maneuvered by one person with a set of 10’oars attached to a rowing frame. It’s all about timing and momentum. Six people in our group chose to navigate the river together in a sporty, nimble 13’ paddle raft, and four others paddled kayaks.

We saw (once endangered) condors, big horn sheep, lizards of various colors, a falcon, a few scorpions, and fish in the clear blue water of Havasu Creek. We traveled through time as the river escorted us through layers of Zoraster Granite, Schist, Tapetes Limestone, Bright Angel Shale, and rock that looked like fluted, polished walnut. We slept under star-studded skies.

And then there were the rapids! In the 225 mile trip, the gradient drop per mile is less than impressive, as most of the time we are rowing/paddling through flatwater. However, when there was a rapid it got our attention. The Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is not considered a technical run, but rather one of fun, big waves, and mostly one Must-Make-Move rapids.

Ours was a private trip, each person paying their share for gear rental and food, * National Park Service permit and camping fees. We divided the cooking and camp chores, and powered our own crafts. Professional outfitters provide a valuable service to folks who may not have the time or expertise to put together their own trip, and want to experience what the Grand Canyon is all about.