Grand Canyon Rafting: The Best 1-day Adventures
Arizona's Grand Canyon has long been one of the world's most popular tourist destinations
. Millions of people experience this enormous wonder of nature every single year. And while they're at the canyon, many take part in amazing recreational opportunities like smooth-water river rafting.
The single-day South Rim Grand Canyon float tours start in Tusayan, Arizona at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport. This tiny town is just a few minutes from the National Park's main gates. If you are staying at El Tovar, the Thunderbird, or Maswick Lodge, you will only have about a ten minute drive to the airport.
There are two types of smooth-water float tours to choose from. One type (the most affordable) includes a motor coach ride to Page, Arizona. Page is the starting point for smooth-water float trips. On the road to Page, your motor coach will go through a two mile tunnel as you approach Glen Canyon Dam. The dam towers more than seventy stories above the river and at its base is the docking space for the pontoon boats.
The other, more expensive choice for getting to your pontoon boat, is to fly into Page. When you get off the plane, a 4x4 Jeep is waiting to take you on an off-road adventure to Antelope Canyon. You will witness one of nature's beautiful sights-the world famous slot canyons or sandstone mazes that have been carved out over the eons by running water. You can explore the maze; some of the passages are so narrow, you have to squeeze through them sideways. After you leave Antelope Canyon, your Jeep will drop you off at the base of Glen Canyon Dam so you can start your 15-mile river rafting adventure.
Whether you fly or take a motor coach from the South Rim to Page, it's important to realize that your trip will be full of sightseeing opportunities. You'll travel all the way to the eastern border of the park, passing by the Zuni Corridor, the Desert Watchtower, the Colorado Confluence (the point where the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers meet), the Navajo Indian Reservation and the beautiful Painted Desert.
A Grand Canyon float tour only covers smooth waters, you won't encounter any whitewater in that area of the river. For whitewater rafting, you'll need to find a company that operates multi-day rafting tours that begin beyond Lee's Ferry (the point where smooth-water rafting tours end). The single day smooth water float trips direct you through some of the most awe-inspiring scenery you can encounter on the Colorado River. Horseshoe Bend is one of the sights you will pass; you can even take a swim and cool off if you like, so don't forget to wear a swimsuit under your clothes.
It is a good idea to be prepared when you plan to spend the day on the river. The South Rim has an altitude around six thousand feet, so the summers there are pretty comfortable. However, float tours on the Colorado take place on the bottom of the canyon, which is 4000 feet lower and about 25 degrees hotter. Plan accordingly, and bring a wide-brimmed hat, lip balm, sunscreen (SPF 50 or better), sunglasses and some extra water. Wear a long-sleeved shirt.
The one-day smooth water float trips down the Colorado River operate from March until November. The trips sell out often because they are so popular, so it is best to book early, especially if you will be traveling with a group of people. If you change your plans, you can always cancel since most companies have reasonable policies that grant you a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of your tour departure.
Float tours are the most popular day trips to the Grand Canyon. You will appreciate being able to view the splendor of the Grand Canyon from the perspective of the river as it cuts its way through the ancient rocks towering above you. This section of the Colorado is so smooth flowing that the trips are suitable for senior citizens and kids as young as four. A rafting tour of the Grand Canyon is an experience you will remember forever, so make plans to visit the area and see first hand what everyone raves about.
by: Kelly Normandy
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