Try A Grand Canyon National Park 1-day Rafting Adventure Before Summer Ends

Sep 19
07:55

2015

Tracy Delvecchio

Tracy Delvecchio

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

Enjoy the end of summer. Try a 1-day Grand Canyon float trip. Trips deal with no white water river rapids so kids and active seniors are able to do them. Get more information. Check out this article.

mediaimage

Even though it gets hot during the summer in the Grand Canyon,Try A Grand Canyon National Park 1-day Rafting Adventure Before Summer Ends Articles it's the perfect season to see the natural wonder. Don't let the threat of wilting temperatures keep you from some fun. One way to beat the heat is to float along the water on a rafting tour. Choose a tour that floats along the smooth water area of the Colorado River, and since there are no rapids, these tours are suitable for everyone over the age of 4. You can take one of these 1-day tours out of the South Rim daily, but you'll want to book your tour early since they sell out quickly.

The Tour Begins

You'll begin your tour at the Grand Canyon National Park airport which is located near the South Rim in Tusayan, Arizona. You can choose from different tours. If you choose the basic tour, you'll ride to Glen Canyon Dam by bus, which is a 2 1/2 hour trip. Also included is transportation to Maswik Lodge which is located in the Grand Canyon Village.

The deluxe package includes an hour plane flight rather than the bus ride. Also, for some added adventure, the deluxe tour allows you to tour the canyon by Jeep, including visiting the Horseshoe Bend slot canyons. This part of the canyon has colorful sandstone and eerie slopes and curves, so you don't want to miss the chance to see it.

Rafting The South Rim

The river portion of your tour begins at the base of the Glen Canyon Dam. These tours take up most of the day since they leave at 7 am and return at 5 pm. The tours utilize a motorized pontoon raft that carry as many as 19 people, which is great for groups, and since they are so stable, you can bring kids as young as 4 years old. The raft is in the hands of a skilled operator who doubles as a tour guide knowledgeable in Grand Canyon history and facts.

Floating By Horseshoe Bend

When your trip is underway, the raft heads for the colorful and mysterious Horseshoe Bend. In addition, the raft will stop at a few nice beaches, and at one of them, you can see some interesting Native American petroglyphs. These drawings were made over 800 years ago by Pueblo Indian ancestors. Finding the beach and the petroglyphs is difficult unless you know the area, so having an experienced guide operate the boat is a big plus.

Bring along your swimsuit because taking a dip in the Colorado River is a great way to cool down on a hot summer day. You'll want to explore the beach and hike around the area, so wear some sturdy shoes too. Remember, you'll be in the sun all day, so wear a hat and bring sunscreen. It's also a good idea to bring along a jacket and a lightweight shirt with long sleeves, and you'll probably want dry clothes to change into when you're finished swimming for the day.

Smooth Waters End At Lee's Ferry

The final stop on your tour is Lee's Ferry. This historic area was a Mormon settlement at one time, and then it was a fort, and now it is the dividing point between the smooth water tour section of the Colorado River and the whitewater tours.

Lee's Ferry is where you will find Cameron Trading Post. There are many interesting Native American crafts at the trading post which has been a feature of the area since 1916. There is also a store to visit, a restaurant, and a beautiful garden to stroll in along sandstone paths. This gives you the opportunity to relax and get ready for the trip back to Tusayan.

Grand Canyon Rafting Is The Ideal Summer Activity

A floating tour is not only relaxing and fun, it is also a great way to enjoy the beauty of the canyon. Everyone in the family can enjoy rafting along the smooth water section of the river. The deluxe tours are more expensive, but you should consider buying one since you get the Jeep tour and can eliminate the long drive to the river. Summer is a busy time at the canyon and the rafting tours are very popular and fill up fast, so be sure to book your tour in advance to lock in your seats.