Autumn Months Bring More Eye-Dazzling Colors to the Grand Canyon River Rafting Experience
For those with a sense of adventure, white water rafting the Grand Canyon is one of those experiences that really should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list. With its stunning canyon walls, blue sky, and world-class rapids, this is one of those trips that few will ever be fortunate enough to get to take, but those who do will never forget it. Even though access is limited – for private trips there are lotteries and waiting lists as long as the Colorado River itself – summers on the river can sometimes feel a little crowded, and it goes without saying the temperatures during the summer months usually range from hot to hotter. That’s why, for experienced Grand Canyon rafting enthusiasts, autumn is their favorite time to run the river.
Fall brings a lot of changes to the river. First of all, the temperatures, while still warm, are much more pleasant. Because there is less water being let out of the dam, the water moves more slowly, giving you the opportunity to have a bit more of a relaxed experience and lessening the danger of the bigger rapids, if only slightly. The real reason you will appreciate the slower water, however, is that the stunning red rocks are now complemented by fall’s changing colors, giving the already stupendous scenery a whole new level of beauty. Early to mid-October is an especially great time to catch the canyon in all its autumnal glory.
Commercial trips start winding down during this time, but are still very popular, so it is a wise choice to book one of these runs early in the year. These outfitters will provide you with nearly everything you need, including food, shelter, experienced guides, and lists of what to bring from home. If you are on a private trip, of course, you will need to provide all of the necessary supplies and provisions for yourself, but your reward for doing so, and venturing down this time of year, is the opportunity to enjoy the canyon in relative seclusion. Of course, this seclusion means there will be less help nearby should an accident occur, so a satellite phone is an absolute necessity.
The National Park’s North Rim closes down many of its facilities in the late fall, so depending on where you are planning to put in and take out, you should check ahead of time for the nearest food, lodging, and gas.
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Hatch River Expeditions offers amazing Colorado River rafting trips highly recommended by author Stephen Daniels. Their skilled guides will take you on the adventure of a lifetime, showing you the river and canyon as few see it; they will make sure that all your senses are well stimulated, and will educate you about the importance of conservation to preserve this natural wonder of the world.
