Grand Canyon White Water Rafting Information
Arizona's 277-mile long Grand Canyon National Park is home to one of the world's swiftest rivers--the Colorado River. The river spans 1,450 miles and is known for outstanding whitewater.
Other People Are Reading
-
Trips
-
Rafting the Colorado can be done in non-motorized and motorized rafts, in smooth water or whitewater, single or multi-day trips and with commercial or noncommercial guides.
Class
-
Rapids have graduating classes of intensity. Class I, easy; Class II, medium; Class III, difficult; Class IV, very difficult; Class V, extremely difficult; Class VI, unraftable (kayaks only). The portion of the Colorado River that runs through the Grand Canyon boasts Class III to Class V rapids.
-
Experience
-
The Colorado River's rapids may be too intense for first-time rafters or children. Consult with a commercial guide service and heed its advice. Self-guided trips are better suited for those with experience. The National Park Service cautions only the most skilled should raft the Colorado River.
Equipment
-
Flotation devices, helmets, paddles and comfortable quick drying clothes, non-skid footwear that love water, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential equipment.
Best Time
-
Frommer's suggests April (blooming cacti splash desert color across the canyon) and August (monsoons generate additional waterfalls).
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Scot Campbell
