Not only does a Grand Canyon rafting excursion allow one the opportunity to experience one of the world’s wildest rivers, but it’s a chance to camp out in the ancient canyon wilderness. Far away from all development, multi-day Colorado River rafting trips are the best way to experience the canyon from the base up, with no commercial businesses anywhere in sight. Of course, it’s possible to stay overnight in developed campgrounds, car camp just outside of the park or obtain a back country camping permit. Each of those choices comes with disadvantages, though, and none deliver the thrill of rafting the incredible rapids of the mighty Colorado.
The Grand Canyon has several developed campgrounds such as Mather, North Rim and Desert View. They are primarily used by hikers, backpackers and other visitors. These offer numerous amenities, including showers, and hygiene facilities. But, when river rafting, visitors can choose to spend each night on the riverbanks – and sleep underneath the stars if they wish. Remember that these are not well-established campgrounds, but rather, are undeveloped areas. If you are rafting with professional river guides, they surely know the best sandy spots along the river, so there’s no guesswork involved.
Compared to backpacking, rafting and camping provide a very different experience. Out of about 30,000 annual requests for backpacking within the canyon, only 13,000 permits are issued, leading to a lot of competition. And, of course, backpackers have to haul all their food and supplies in with their packs and haul all of it back out again, including garbage. These packs can easily weigh 50 pounds or more. While rafting, the neoprene raft transports the supplies. Because the rafts can carry coolers, food is fresher and far more plentiful on the water. Furthermore, on guided river rafting tours, the guides also prepare the food, and it is said that they are very capable cooks indeed. Dining on these trips is reported to be excellent.
In terms of safety, independent backpacking expeditions certainly aren’t for the faint of heart. Along with the extreme heat, you must be on the lookout for rattlesnakes and other serious critters that can pack a poisonous bite. Mountain lions, too, are present but are few in number. Backpackers also have to navigate the maze of gorges to keep from getting lost in the wild terrain. For those who do choose to backpack and camp on their own, it is very important to carry satellite phones so emergency services can be reached if necessary.
For those rafting with a commercial outfitter, their rafting guides are very well trained and knowledgeable about the river and the shoreline. For the most part, they are certified in CPR and other emergency procedures, and of course, they all carry satellite phones in case of emergency. Their guests are in good hands, both when going over huge rapids and when on shore for the night. While guests may often participate in the cooking and cleaning at each camp site and help to ensure the safety of the group, having an experienced guide leading the way helps to assuage any fears. For those rafters who are not with commercial outfitters, camping is still a similar experience, except cooking and clean up falls on their own shoulders. With or without a guide, it is prudent to check shoes and clothing, shaking them out to make sure there are no scorpions hiding in the creases, before putting them on or packing them up to take on to the next stop.
After the sun sets, the amazing views of the darkened sky are unimpeded by city lights. A full galaxy of stars and the swirl of the Milky Way is almost always visible. The best times of the year to raft and camp in the Grand Canyon are spring and early autumn. In the early autumn, guests enjoy blue skies and slightly cooler days and evenings. When rafting, a group is far away from development and day tours, so it’s possible to commune with nature minus the crowds. Though there are not any pre-fabricated fire pits on the sandy shores of the river, the fire danger is relatively low.
Riding the rapids of the Colorado River is the highlight for anyone who takes this trip, but don’t forget about its other aspects. Unroll a sleeping bag and camp out under the stars, or in the case of rare inclement weather, pitch a tent. The next big day of river thrills begins after breakfast and promises to be great.
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