Rafting the Colorado

Old Jan 17th, 2017, 08:35 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rafting the Colorado

For thirty years I have thought about a nine day trip down the Colorado River, but for one reason or another, it's never happened. Now, through a series of events too long to explain, I have been given as a present a three day trip down the western-most 92 miles of the canyon. Is that the most scenic part of the river? Is it a real comedown from the full experience of 280 miles on the river?
Jessicate is offline  
Old Jan 18th, 2017, 02:41 AM
  #2  
J62
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,905
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I did a 2 week rafting trip through the entire GC a few years ago. Since it is a 3 day trip it's clearly on a motorized raft, which for the lower half I'd say is a good thing.

The upper and lower halves are similar in many ways, but also very different. For comparison.

upper half.
more tall cliffs, sheer red rock surrounding the river. Canyon at river level is narrower, and there are few if any side streams, so there is very little greenery. The river flows faster and there are more rapids. In a paddle or oar boat that means that you never feel stuck in one place and you make good mileage every day.

lower half
the canyon near the river is wider so you don't see the dramatic high cliffs close up. the river flows slower so in a paddle boat it feels like you are hardly moving at times. In a motorized raft that won't matter. What I did like more about the lower half is hat there is more varied side hikes. Deer creek area & Havasu creek are two that are memorable. Along these creeks there is also a lot more greenery, and you can have fun exploring both of those trips on separate days if your trek stops there (likely).

Two weeks is a long time on the river so for many in our trip the lower half dragged on and many were fatigued and enjoyed it less. We had about 1/2 dozen new join the group at the mid point. You have to hike down INTO the canyon from the S. Rim to join the group mid point. That is a very strenuous hike, and you carry your gear on your back. Don't underestimate that effort. One of the group that joined us 1/2 way had a bad leg, barely made it to the meet up point (you are escorted all the way by a guide). His bad leg got worse and had to be evacuated by helicopter 2d later.

Other who joined half way thoroughly enjoyed the trip and those that had already been together for a week tried our best to welcome them into camp & the group. There was already a strong group dynamic in play by that time, but fortunately no cliques.

So if 3d is all you can do, then by all means this is a bucket list trip and you'll love it. If there is any way you can tag on the upper half on the same trip even better.

Here's a link to my post on fodors a few years ago asking about various trips.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-motorized.cfm

The entire grand canyon is mapped on google maps or google earth street view so you can do a virtual float if you like. I am sure there are also sped up videos on youtube you can watch to get a feel for the scenery & river.
J62 is offline  
Old Jan 18th, 2017, 07:14 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
"a 3 day trip down the western most 92 miles of the canyon. Is that the most scenic part of the river."

Well, honestly, in one word - No.
The most scenic part of the river is from Lee's Ferry (mile 0) to Diamond Creek (mile 226).

I think your trip will helicopter into the canyon at Whitmore Wash (mile 187) and take out at Lake Mead.
You will still have some rapids and the scenery will be spectacular, but it pales in comparison to the first 200 miles.
Will you have a good time - I am sure you will.
I will be doing my 4th river trip later this year (Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek) and I already have another planned for 2018.
Is there any way you could use the $$cost of the 3 day trip and put it towards a full canyon trip?
Gilbert56 is offline  
Old Jan 18th, 2017, 07:30 AM
  #4  
J62
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,905
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
hmmm. gilbert has a good point. You need to clarify the start & end points. I was assuming the start point was just below Phantom Ranch, where the BA trial meets the river, not after the river exits the National Park / mile 187.

I have heard that the low Lake Meade levels (60+ feet low) means new rapids are in play. Would I still do this trip if it was as gilbert describes? If this were my only opportunity, then yes. If I had a choice for either full canyon (0 to 226) or lower half canyon (88 to 226), then I'd opt for one of those first.
J62 is offline  
Old Jan 22nd, 2017, 07:37 AM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My thanks to the three of you for responding. Very helpful. I think I'm going to opt for the full river/canyon experience in 2018 rather than the shorter trip through the lower half of the canyon. My grandfather travelled with JWPowell on his second expedition through the canyon. I'd like to get the same experience he had - though obviously he was in wooden boats, I will be in a motorized raft. Much safer. But I want to see all of what he saw.
Jessicate is offline  
Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 08:01 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Good decision ! You will not be disappointed.
All of my trips have been with Grand Canyon Whitewater and I can highly recommend them. They offer 7 and 8 day motorized trips. 7 day trip leaves from Las Vegas and the 8 day leaves from Flagstaff.
All the GC river outfitters are good, you should choose your trip based on departure date and departure point.
I can't comment on motor trips (all of my trips are on smaller oar rafts 13-15 days).
2018 dates should be available sometime in February 2017.

Good Luck !
Gilbert56 is offline  
Old Jan 24th, 2017, 10:21 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 555
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Grandfather - Powell 2nd Expedition
I don't recall he published his journals for the 2nd trip.
I have his book for his first trip that I suggest you read. Titled: The Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons.

His 2nd Exploration was shortened. His fame there was a survey of southern Utah. There are many landmarks. For example: Brow Monument at Kaibab Forest west of North Rim Grand Canyon. Another is Powell Monument north of Tropic, Utah.



Vaga
RVvagabond is offline  
Old Jan 25th, 2017, 03:03 AM
  #8  
J62
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,905
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
There are companies that offer trips in wooden dories if you want to go all in for the experience...
J62 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
J62
United States
14
Aug 8th, 2015 07:52 AM
popup
United States
11
Oct 19th, 2009 05:42 PM
kp12267
United States
4
Aug 3rd, 2009 10:34 AM
MRand
United States
50
Sep 7th, 2006 01:25 PM
howdoyou
United States
5
Nov 17th, 2002 10:08 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -