subject: The Grand Canyon Offers A Vacation Where You Can Exercise By Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking And Hiking [print this page] If your dream vacation is one where the only skyscrapers are towering rock cliffs, where you can unplug from the workaday world and where you can exercise your body while rejuvenating yourself, then why not consider whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon?
Why not indeed? There are numerous ways to get from point A to point B on the canyon's Colorado River. Seasoned water sports fanatics may prefer Grand Canyon kayaking, while those looking for a slightly less physically demanding experience can opt for either an oar-powered dory or a large motorized raft. In either case, it's a smart idea to reserve your trip with a professional outfitter. Their highly trained and competent river guides can ensure your rafting adventure will be safe, insured and fun. They'll supply the proper equipment, transport your stuff, guide you on fascinating side hikes and feed you scrumptious meals. They also know the area and are skilled not only in river navigation but also in first aid in case of accidents or sickness.
You'll see spectacular scenery featuring many geological eras that have been laid bare by the river's flow over a few centuries. The view from your raft gives you glimpses of ancient ruins, waterfalls and wildlife; but the finest tours for body and mind will break up your days with Grand Canyon hiking. Just the sound of Matkimiba Canyon, Dear Creek Falls, Elves Chasm or Havasu Creek, all Grand Canyon hiking destinations, conjures up discovery and entertainment. Exploring remote canyons can uncover ancestral Puebloan, Cohinina, Hopi and Zuni cliff dwellings, marked by petroglyphs and pictographs. Make sure you bring your camera, and of course, a pair of high-quality hiking boots are a must.
Taking a swim in a Little Colorado swimming hole provides a therapeutic break from hiking in the Grand Canyon before you and your fellow rafters continue the day's journey.
The Grand Canyon is a limited and extremely valuable resource. That's why the National Park Service has placed limitations on its use. An individual can only take one trip each year. Also, the outfitters are restricted to a 24-person maximum on their oar-powered boats and no more than 36 on their biggest motorized rafts. There's also a rule that what you bring in must be taken out - as in garbage, gear and other debris.
So, if your "bucket list" includes whitewater rafting the Colorado River as it hurries through the Grand Canyon, take this plunge to adventure on your next vacation.
