Reasons to Raft the Grand Canyon’s South Rim
Hiking the Grand Canyon trails is a wonderful experience, however some of you might want a little bit more adventure during your vacation. While walking during the hot Grand Canyon weather in the summer isn’t easy and there is plenty to see during a hike, you’re still not getting the full Grand Canyon tour. If you want to add some excitement while absorbing the natural wonder, you’ll want to book a rafting trip along the Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim.
Why raft the Canyon? Well, you’d get to see the vastness of the Canyon from down below on the Colorado River. On top of that, rafting allows you to access secluded parts of the Canyon that are inaccessible to hikers. Along stops on the shore, you can see various ancient petroglyphs chiseled onto rocks. Various sites such as the eye-shaped Redwall Cavern and the Nankoweap granaries can be explored.
Stopping to camp along the shore is also a wonderful experience. Most visitors to the Grand Canyon set up their tents near the hiking areas and they fill up quickly during peak tourist seasons, yet camping on the beaches is mostly secluded and quiet by comparison. There’s also something about hearing the nearby rushing water at night that can lull you into a deep, restful sleep.
Aside from the sites and serenity, there is excitement. You can experience some thrills rafting through the whitewater rapids on the Colorado River. Some of these rapids range between a “1-10” scale rather than the usual “1-5” scale in most whitewater areas, giving even the most jaded rafters a challenge. It provides a great shot of adrenaline within the calming scenery.
A simple yet overlooked reason to go rafting are the helpful guides. Many of the professional guides can share stories about the various sites as you raft by, whether it be Native American legends or pieces of the landmark’s history. On top of sharing various Grand Canyon facts, these guides are expert paddlers whose job is make sure you are safely transported throughout your trip.
Be aware, many of these rafting tours have to be booked at least 12 to 18 months in advance, so keep that in mind. However, know that the trip is definitely worth the wait.
