Going on a Grand Canyon rafting vacation is somewhat more complicated than merely scheduling the trip and tossing a few things into a suitcase. It requires planning and preparation, especially if you are thinking about backpacking into or out of the canyon before or following your white water rafting portion of the trip.
Because of the extreme conditions found in the Grand Canyon, for those unfamiliar with the terrain and geography, the first step for most people should be to contact a trustworthy Colorado River Raft Trips outfitter to learn more about available packages. Expeditions generally range from several days to eighteen or nineteen adventure-filled days and nights. Each type of trip offers something unique and requires somewhat different equipment preparation. If your trip is scheduled for the summer months, remember that temperatures often soar into triple digits.
Among the choices for your journey are those that include hiking in or out from the river. One of the more popular of these excursions begins at Phantom Ranch on the South Rim of the Canyon and gets underway with a ten mile hike down the Angel Trail to get to the river. This hike can take from four to nine hours depending on the physical capabilities and the heat tolerance of the hikers. Be aware that if this is your choice, the expert expeditioners will require that you be very physically in shape and capable of the physical lasting power and exertion this trek calls for. The deeper into the canyon you travel, the hotter it usually is. Although mules will transport most of the camping supplies, you will need to pack in your own personal needs which include, at the very least:
1. Water
2. Food, including a lunch and snacks - this is essential because you will using up a lot of calories on this journey and need to keep your strength up
3. Sunscreen
4. Sun hat or visor
5. Rain poncho
6. Camera and spare batteries, memory cards or other special equipment you might want for photos. You should bear in mind that waterproofing all this equipment is an absolute must, and many folks opt for disposable waterproof cameras rather than transporting high-priced gear that can get damaged should it get wet once you hit the river rapids.
7. A durable but comfortable back pack is absolutely required for this portion of the trip.
Almost all of the rest of your gear, such as clothing can be shipped ahead to the outfitter, and will be waiting for you at the first camp when you arrive. In addition, all outfitters will send you a more comprehensive list of what you will need for your trip once your reservations have been confirmed. In the event that you should choose an excursion that will require you hike out, again, you will be accompanied by a guide, but the quantity of gear you will have to haul will probably be fundamentally the same. Some travelers do lighten their loads on the trek out by just disposing of what is non-essential after the trip.
Once you begin your hike, be sure to pace yourself. While you will very likely be traveling with a group, it is still vital that you do not over-extend yourself and get into difficulty along the trail. Be sure to keep your guide posted if you feel you are unable to keep up for any reason. Along the trails in and out of the canyon, there may be areas of shade and clear springs for water. Rest stops will be part of the trip, and for most, will be very appreciated by all.
Needless to say, if you plan your trip for the summertime, be prepared to rise and move early, to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures. All guides employed by outfitters are capable and trained to make sure that all hikers are adequately prepared for the trip, to make certain no one gets lost, and to watch for warning signs of distress or heat exhaustion. For your part, it's really important that you keep your guide informed if you feel you are suffering from any physical difficulties.
Since the number of people permitted on Colorado river raft trips annually is strictly limited, if your preference is to go white water rafting without having professional guides, you must enter the lottery; however, most people report having to wait several years to be awarded one of the coveted spots. In addition to the gear already mentioned, you will need to provide all your own camping supplies that would be otherwise provided by commercial outfitters. In short, if you are seriously considering a hiking/rafting vacation in the Grand Canyon, plan early and carefully research all your options before embarking on what should be the trip of a lifetime.
Reproduction permitted only if all active links are maintained and byline is preserved, and/or your byline is omitted. 2011 All Copyrights Reserved.
Because of the extreme conditions found in the Grand Canyon, for those unfamiliar with the terrain and geography, the first step for most people should be to contact a trustworthy Colorado River Raft Trips outfitter to learn more about available packages. Expeditions generally range from several days to eighteen or nineteen adventure-filled days and nights. Each type of trip offers something unique and requires somewhat different equipment preparation. If your trip is scheduled for the summer months, remember that temperatures often soar into triple digits.
Among the choices for your journey are those that include hiking in or out from the river. One of the more popular of these excursions begins at Phantom Ranch on the South Rim of the Canyon and gets underway with a ten mile hike down the Angel Trail to get to the river. This hike can take from four to nine hours depending on the physical capabilities and the heat tolerance of the hikers. Be aware that if this is your choice, the expert expeditioners will require that you be very physically in shape and capable of the physical lasting power and exertion this trek calls for. The deeper into the canyon you travel, the hotter it usually is. Although mules will transport most of the camping supplies, you will need to pack in your own personal needs which include, at the very least:
1. Water
2. Food, including a lunch and snacks - this is essential because you will using up a lot of calories on this journey and need to keep your strength up
3. Sunscreen
4. Sun hat or visor
5. Rain poncho
6. Camera and spare batteries, memory cards or other special equipment you might want for photos. You should bear in mind that waterproofing all this equipment is an absolute must, and many folks opt for disposable waterproof cameras rather than transporting high-priced gear that can get damaged should it get wet once you hit the river rapids.
7. A durable but comfortable back pack is absolutely required for this portion of the trip.
Almost all of the rest of your gear, such as clothing can be shipped ahead to the outfitter, and will be waiting for you at the first camp when you arrive. In addition, all outfitters will send you a more comprehensive list of what you will need for your trip once your reservations have been confirmed. In the event that you should choose an excursion that will require you hike out, again, you will be accompanied by a guide, but the quantity of gear you will have to haul will probably be fundamentally the same. Some travelers do lighten their loads on the trek out by just disposing of what is non-essential after the trip.
Once you begin your hike, be sure to pace yourself. While you will very likely be traveling with a group, it is still vital that you do not over-extend yourself and get into difficulty along the trail. Be sure to keep your guide posted if you feel you are unable to keep up for any reason. Along the trails in and out of the canyon, there may be areas of shade and clear springs for water. Rest stops will be part of the trip, and for most, will be very appreciated by all.
Needless to say, if you plan your trip for the summertime, be prepared to rise and move early, to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures. All guides employed by outfitters are capable and trained to make sure that all hikers are adequately prepared for the trip, to make certain no one gets lost, and to watch for warning signs of distress or heat exhaustion. For your part, it's really important that you keep your guide informed if you feel you are suffering from any physical difficulties.
Since the number of people permitted on Colorado river raft trips annually is strictly limited, if your preference is to go white water rafting without having professional guides, you must enter the lottery; however, most people report having to wait several years to be awarded one of the coveted spots. In addition to the gear already mentioned, you will need to provide all your own camping supplies that would be otherwise provided by commercial outfitters. In short, if you are seriously considering a hiking/rafting vacation in the Grand Canyon, plan early and carefully research all your options before embarking on what should be the trip of a lifetime.
Reproduction permitted only if all active links are maintained and byline is preserved, and/or your byline is omitted. 2011 All Copyrights Reserved.
About the Author:
If you are interested in booking an exciting Grand Canyon rafting trip for your next vacation, author Stephen Daniels highly recommends Hatch River Expeditions. Their guides are all very knowledgeable about the hiking trails and the many moods of the Colorado River. With their excellent safety record, expert boatmen will guide you through the rapids and will educate, pamper and entertain you throughout your journey.
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