History Of White Water Rafting In The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is considered the epicenter of recreational white water river rafting

, and for good reason. With rapids in size and number unlike those found anywhere in the world, along with incredible red rock vistas and side-canyon oases, this particular trip is number one on the list of almost all rafting enthusiasts. However, the first people to ride these amazing rapids found them something to be endured rather than enjoyed. To these explorers, the idea that people of all ages might someday do one of these trips for fun would have perhaps seemed a little crazy.

John Wesley Powell (after whom Utah's Lake Powell is named) was a one-armed Civil War veteran who led one of the first, and by far the best-known, explorations of the Grand Canyon by raft. He and his nine-man team used wooden boats to travel over one thousand miles of the Colorado and Green Rivers, losing three members along the way due to the heat and other dangerous conditions. These expeditions provided valuable information about the Grand Canyon to people all over the world, and his memoirs are still popular reading for adventurists today.

The aforementioned wooden boats weren't exactly the perfect craft for riding the rapids of the Grand Canyon, so these early explorers often found themselves scrambling to make repairs after particularly rough passages.

Today's rubber rafts are descendants of boats that were created for use during World War II, and are much better suited for the rough riding of whitewater. The recreational practice of barreling down rivers for fun didn't start until around the 1960's. That is when commercial guides started taking clients on Grand Canyon river rafting expeditions. In the 70's, these expeditions grew much more popular. Throughout the following decades, the activity has grown and evolved into one that is enjoyed by millions all over the world.

Today, in fact, with all the safety features and accessibility options, river rafting can be enjoyed by people of all ages and capabilities. Expedition leaders report that it is not uncommon for multiple generations of family members to enjoy days and even weeks cruising down the canyon rafting, hiking, and partaking in all of the scenery and experiences that are unique to the Grand Canyon. Expedition companies make sure that their guides have incredibly high levels of expertise in running the river, leading hikes, teaching you of the history of the canyon, and doing it all with safety and fun in mind.

by: Stephen Daniels

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