By Linda Emma
The Best Grand Canyon Raft Tours
It's like riding a wet and wild roller coaster, with icy Colorado River waters splashing against desert-baked skin. For those who view Grand Canyon from above, in all its lofty wonder, it is hard to imagine what lies along the ribbon of churning waters that represents some of the best and harshest white water rafting in the world. Choosing the right firm to guide you through the 277 miles that runs through Grand Canyon from Lees Ferry to Lake Mead, or any section of it, can truly make or break your trip.
Before you choose a rafting outfit, you need to thoughtfully consider your expectations from the trip. Guided rafting firms operate April through September and can run from a few days to many weeks. They can be suitable for most ages and abilities or geared to the serious rafter. You can share your ride with a few or many and you can ride in an oar powered dory or raft or aboard a motored pontoon boat. Before you choose any firm, consider your personal preferences and the desires of those coming along with you.
Grand Canyon Dories, Inc.
The oar-powered 17-foot fiberglass dories used by Grand Canyon Dories hold four passengers and a guide. If you choose this hard-hulled boat, you will experience the full intensity of the rapids as they pound the vessel and lift it to the top of the waves. A trip on board one of their dories usually takes a day or two longer than their other boats. Grand Canyon Dories and its sister outfit below boast some of the best and most experienced guides running the river on oar power today. In addition to their ability to bring you safely through the 8, 9 and 10-rated rapids of the Colorado, their knowledge of Grand Canyon goes back decades. You will experience far more than the waters of the Canyon on detours and side hikes.
O.A.R.S. Grand Canyon
O.A.R.S. was the first oar-powered rafting outfit granted permits to take on the mighty Colorado in 1969, so they have the knowledge and experience to assure you an exciting but safe passage through Grand Canyon. If you choose O.A.R.S., you'll ride aboard their 18-foot neoprene rafts that hold four passengers plus your guide. Because these vessels aren't stiff like wood and fiberglass, your wave experience will be more rolling than slamming, while you float atop the soaring waves and dip to the depths of the rapid holes.
Tour West
Tour West Rafting
If you're traveling with a large party with varying levels of physical abilities and senses of adventure, you may want a larger vessel with a motor. In addition to their oar-powered boats, the 37-foot motored pontoon rafts used by Tour West hold 10 passengers plus crew and offer the same magic canyon vistas and rocking rides as their oar-powered brethren. Because you're allowed to ride atop the pontoon, straddling the rubber and clutching hand-holds, you'll at times feel like you're riding a bucking bronco. Tour West has been in operation since 1969 and its guides have an average of 18 years experience running the river. Whichever outfit you choose, opt for experience.
Private Boaters
If you are an experienced whitewater rider, and are thinking of pulling your own permit, consider hiring a private guide nonetheless. There are lots of resources including websites and blog pages where you can find links to non-commercial trips.
Considerations
Regardless of the level of intensity you wish to experience, consider your physical abilities. Although an experienced guide can assure a safe and enjoyable trip, you will be required to sign indemnity forms--the trip is not without risk.
Minimum age requirements vary with trip and outfit.
The National Park Service strictly enforces its policy of one Grand Canyon trip per year.
Resources
About the Author:
Linda Emma is a freelance writer with more than 20 years experience in media and business environments. The author of "Prime Meridian,” Emma also assists private clients in marketing and promotions, blogging and producing newsletter content. She works with writing students at a private New England college, and holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Northeastern University, Boston.
Photo Credits:
http://www.oars.com/grandcanyon/,http://www.twriver.com/
