There is simply no place on earth like Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park. Voted one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, this red-rock wonderland is so expansive and, well, grand, that a majority of of its visitors, no matter how they try, will experience only a very small percentage of it. The very best way to see the canyon in all its wonder is by touring by way of its sculptor, the Colorado River. A Grand Canyon rafting trip is an experience that will stay with you forever, and there are many knowledgeable guides ready to show you a part of the grandeur.
The Grand Canyon is host to approximately five million tourists every year, and the overwhelming majority of these people see the canyon from the top, most often from the many outlook points situated along the south rim. There are also several limited hikes that can give recreational visitors more of a taste of the canyon's wonders, in addition to longer hikes to the bottom and back which, unfortunately, are just about impossible for the average person to undertake in one day, or even one week. The hiking is strenuous, while the canyon temperatures soar to above 100 degrees during the summer season, making the hike not possible for many who might otherwise attempt it. Even those who do hike to the bottom of the canyon are still able to see such a small percentage of the vast stretches of wilderness. The whole scope of the canyon does, after all, cover over one million acres from end to end.
Other than river rafting through the bottom of the canyon, the only other way to see huge expanses of this amazing natural wonder in a comparatively limited time is via aircraft or helicopter. More than 200,000 visitors do avail themselves of air services every year, though this is a costly option, and your time aboard the plane does pass quickly. Nevertheless, each method of experiencing the Grand Canyon offers different vistas and experiences.
River rafters are treated to a view of this landscape that few others will ever enjoy. Not only do they rush along the canyon walls, sometimes at breakneck speed through the rapids, but most of those on guided trips may want to take part in daily side nature hikes to luxurious green oases, tucked away private swimming holes, and memorable side canyons. On some trips, rafters are also treated to hikes to historic and fascinating Anasazi and Navajo ruins to enjoy.
One of the most important pulls to rafting the Grand Canyon, however, is that it puts you on probably the most exhilarating white water rapids anywhere - a journey that adventurers arrive from around the world to enjoy. And, of course, at the end of the day, you can plop your lounge chair on the sandy shoreline, cool drink in hand, and simply watch the heavens emerge from the desert sky as your guide cooks you a gourmet meal to top off a very memorable day.
Rafters also get to see firsthand the evidence of the many strata and epochs of the canyon's formation. Fossils reveal that the canyon was once under water in warm shallow seas, and that it took around two billion years for the waters to produce the canyon we see today - A 277 mile long natural wonder that is more than a mile deep in some spots.
It might not be the longest or the steepest canyon on this planet, but this awe-inspiring treasure was recognized as one of the natural wonders due to the awe inspiring blend of scale and beauty. And because of the Colorado River, rafting enables tourists to view the entire length of this amazing piece of geology in just under 2 weeks time.
Reproduction permitted only if all active links are maintained and byline is preserved, and/or your byline is omitted. 2011 All Rights Reserved.
The Grand Canyon is host to approximately five million tourists every year, and the overwhelming majority of these people see the canyon from the top, most often from the many outlook points situated along the south rim. There are also several limited hikes that can give recreational visitors more of a taste of the canyon's wonders, in addition to longer hikes to the bottom and back which, unfortunately, are just about impossible for the average person to undertake in one day, or even one week. The hiking is strenuous, while the canyon temperatures soar to above 100 degrees during the summer season, making the hike not possible for many who might otherwise attempt it. Even those who do hike to the bottom of the canyon are still able to see such a small percentage of the vast stretches of wilderness. The whole scope of the canyon does, after all, cover over one million acres from end to end.
Other than river rafting through the bottom of the canyon, the only other way to see huge expanses of this amazing natural wonder in a comparatively limited time is via aircraft or helicopter. More than 200,000 visitors do avail themselves of air services every year, though this is a costly option, and your time aboard the plane does pass quickly. Nevertheless, each method of experiencing the Grand Canyon offers different vistas and experiences.
River rafters are treated to a view of this landscape that few others will ever enjoy. Not only do they rush along the canyon walls, sometimes at breakneck speed through the rapids, but most of those on guided trips may want to take part in daily side nature hikes to luxurious green oases, tucked away private swimming holes, and memorable side canyons. On some trips, rafters are also treated to hikes to historic and fascinating Anasazi and Navajo ruins to enjoy.
One of the most important pulls to rafting the Grand Canyon, however, is that it puts you on probably the most exhilarating white water rapids anywhere - a journey that adventurers arrive from around the world to enjoy. And, of course, at the end of the day, you can plop your lounge chair on the sandy shoreline, cool drink in hand, and simply watch the heavens emerge from the desert sky as your guide cooks you a gourmet meal to top off a very memorable day.
Rafters also get to see firsthand the evidence of the many strata and epochs of the canyon's formation. Fossils reveal that the canyon was once under water in warm shallow seas, and that it took around two billion years for the waters to produce the canyon we see today - A 277 mile long natural wonder that is more than a mile deep in some spots.
It might not be the longest or the steepest canyon on this planet, but this awe-inspiring treasure was recognized as one of the natural wonders due to the awe inspiring blend of scale and beauty. And because of the Colorado River, rafting enables tourists to view the entire length of this amazing piece of geology in just under 2 weeks time.
Reproduction permitted only if all active links are maintained and byline is preserved, and/or your byline is omitted. 2011 All Rights Reserved.
About the Author:
If you are interested in booking a high adventure Grand Canyon river rafting trip, author Stephen Daniels recommends Hatch River Expeditions. Their skilled river raft guides will take you on the adventure of a lifetime, educating, and entertaining you and making sure that all your senses are well stimulated, including your taste buds, on this once in a lifetime trip.
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