colorado-river-and-trail-expeditions

Half the Park Is After Dark: Why the Night Sky Matters on a Grand Canyon River Trip

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 21:02:15 GMT

Half the Park is After Dark

At Colorado River & Trail Expeditions, we’ve spent more than five decades guiding people through the Grand Canyon . Most visitors come expecting towering cliffs, big whitewater, and mile-deep geology. What surprises many of them is this:

Some of the most powerful moments happen after the sun goes down.

On a river trip, when the motors are quiet or the oars are shipped, the canyon reveals another side of itself—one that can’t be captured in photos or postcards. Above the camps, far from roadways and resort lighting, the Milky Way arches from rim to rim. Satellites drift silently overhead. Meteors cut across the sky. For many of our guests, it’s the first truly dark sky they’ve ever experienced.

That experience isn’t an accident. It exists because of decades of deliberate work by the National Park Service and its partners. One of the most impressive examples of that effort is detailed in the Grand Canyon National Park Dark Skies Program Annual Report 2025 , a document we believe every canyon lover should know about.

Darkness as a Protected Resource

When people think about protecting the Grand Canyon, they often think about water flows, endangered species, or trail maintenance. Rarely do they think about darkness .

But darkness is a finite resource.

Artificial light spreads far beyond its source. Cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas glow against the horizon. Poorly designed lighting disrupts wildlife, human sleep cycles, and even our ability to see the stars. Without active management, the night sky can be lost just as surely as a riverbank can erode.

The Dark Skies Program exists to prevent that loss. According to the 2025 report, Grand Canyon National Park has now retrofitted 95% of its lighting to meet dark-sky standards—using shielded fixtures, warmer bulbs, timers, and smarter placement. More than 200 lights were upgraded in 2025 alone , and the park is on track to reach full compliance by 2029.

That matters to us as river guides, because darkness is part of the wilderness experience we promise .

What We See From the River

Below the rim, the canyon becomes something different. Camps sit tucked on sandbars next to roaring rapids and inviting side canyons. There are no streetlights, no passing headlights, no illuminated buildings. On moonless nights, the sky can feel almost overwhelming.

We’ve watched guests go quiet mid-sentence when they look up. We’ve heard people say things like:

“I’ve never seen this many stars.”
“I didn’t know the Milky Way was real.”
“This feels ancient.”
“I didn’t sleep well because the sky was so amazing”

Those reactions are exactly why the Dark Skies Program emphasizes that “Half the Park is After Dark.” The report documents more than 73,000 visitors attending night-sky programs in 2025, from ranger-led constellation talks to telescope viewing at Phantom Ranch and along the rims.

For river runners, those programs complement what happens naturally on a multi-day trip. We don’t need telescopes to feel the scale of the universe—though they’re incredible when available. Sometimes all it takes is a sleeping bag, a clear horizon, and silence.

Science, Data, and Accountability

One thing we respect deeply about the Dark Skies Program is that it’s not just inspirational—it’s scientific.

The 2025 report details extensive sky-quality measurements taken throughout the park, including at Phantom Ranch, Hopi Point, Desert View, and Hermit’s Rest. These measurements quantify darkness using standardized metrics required for International Dark-Sky Park certification, allowing the park to track changes over time and identify external sources of light pollution.

That data matters, because it turns “we think it’s darker” into measurable protection .

From a river-guide perspective, it’s reassuring to know that when we tell guests they’re experiencing one of the darkest skies left in the continental United States, that statement is backed by real monitoring—not just tradition or reputation.

Star Party: A Celebration of Darkness

The crown jewel of the program is the Grand Canyon Star Party , now in its 35th year. What began in 1991 with a handful of astronomers has grown into the largest star party in the country , drawing nearly 10,000 visitors and more than 160 volunteer astronomers in 2025.

For those lucky enough to be on a river trip during the Star Party, it’s a reminder that the night sky connects rim and river, scientists and guides, first-time visitors and lifelong canyon hands.

We see Star Party as an extension of the same ethic that governs river travel: share the experience, educate with a love of place, and leave it better than you found it.

Why This Matters to CRATE

At Colorado River & Trail Expeditions, our trips are designed around immersion. Moments along the river move slowly enough to notice changes in light, sound, and temperature. Sometimes we choose camps with open horizons or narrow slits to look through based on the night sky We encourage guests to stay up late—or wake early—when conditions are right to connect with something incredible in the night sky.

The Dark Skies Program supports that philosophy at a park-wide scale.

Without shielded lighting at facilities.
Without cooperation from nearby communities.
Without volunteers, scientists, and rangers doing the behind-the-scenes work.

…the river experience would be fundamentally diminished.

The 2025 report makes it clear that protecting darkness isn’t about eliminating light—it’s about using light wisely . Timers, warm color temperatures, and thoughtful design allow people to move safely while preserving the night. That same balance is something we practice and encourage on the river.

Looking Forward

As the park moves toward full dark-sky compliance by 2029, the challenges will shift from retrofitting lights to maintaining awareness . The report notes that even well-intentioned fixture changes can undo years of progress if people don’t understand why standards exist.

Education—like this report—is the key.

For us, that education happens camp by camp, conversation by conversation. When guests ask why the stars feel different here, we explain light pollution and why it is so hard to observe the night sky in cities.

Final Thoughts

We encourage anyone planning a Grand Canyon trip—whether by raft, on foot, or to the rim—to think about what happens after sunset. Bring a headlamp with a red light. Step away from artificial glow. Give your eyes time to adjust.

And if you want to understand how much work goes into keeping those stars visible, we highly recommend reading the Grand Canyon Dark Skies Program Annual Report 2025 , created by the National Park Service and Grand Canyon Conservancy .

People experience a lot of life changing moments on a river trip. One of those will certainly be:

The moment they looked up—and saw the universe.

Tatshenshini–Alsek vs the Grand Canyon: Two of the Greatest River Trips in the World, Shaped by Completely Different Landscapes

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 22:19:30 GMT

A side-by-side look at the Grand Canyon and Tatshenshini–Alsek—how they differ in landscape, pace, wildlife, and experience.

These are two of the greatest river trips in the world : the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon and the combined Tatshenshini River–Alsek River journey. Beyond that distinction, they are shaped by entirely different environments and forces.

The Grand Canyon is a desert river—defined by heat, rock, and deep geological time. The Tatshenshini–Alsek is a glacial river system—a throwback to the Ice Age, shaped by cold, water, ice, weather, and constant change.

They are often mentioned in the same conversation because they sit at the very top of the river-running world. But they are not truly comparable. They are different answers to the same question: what does a great wilderness river journey look like?

Desert River vs Ice-Age Landscape

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a landscape of stone, sun, and vertical scale. Canyon walls rise thousands of feet above the river, creating shade that is often welcomed during hot summer days. Light moves slowly through the Canyon, revealing layers of geology and history as the sun climbs overhead.

Because the Canyon spans such a large elevation range—from snowy rims to a warm desert bottom—it contains an extraordinary number of biomes packed tightly together. Biodiversity is high, and the experience feels ancient, exposed, and clearly defined.

The Tatshenshini–Alsek

The Tatshenshini–Alsek flows through vast glacial valleys carved by ice. Scale here is horizontal and expansive rather than vertical. Mountains, glaciers, and weather systems define the experience, often at a distance, with views that stretch for miles.

Light behaves differently this far north. In June, July, and early August, it rarely gets dark. Sun feels welcome because temperatures are cool, but it can still be intense—many guides who work spring and early summer in the Grand Canyon are surprised to get sunburned in Alaska.

This is a living landscape, still actively reshaped by ice and water.

Sound, Water, and Human Presence

In the Grand Canyon, wind often moves through willows and tamarisk in warm waves, carrying a whooshing sound down canyon corridors. The Colorado River flows clear and cool, regulated by Glen Canyon Dam, with predictable daily rhythms. Human presence is part of the experience—other groups, motor rigs, and shared attraction sites are common, though experienced guides know how to minimize overlap.

On the Tatshenshini–Alsek, the soundscape is different. Wind often comes cold off glaciers. The river is heavily silted, and sediment crackles beneath rafts as they move downstream. Side streams roll large rocks, audible even from camp. Human noise is rare, and long stretches pass without seeing another group.

The Colorado River feels contained—situated between two reservoirs. The Tatshenshini–Alsek is fully free-flowing, emptying naturally into the Pacific Ocean, and remains dynamic and changing as glaciers advance and retreat.

A Simple Note on Rapids

In the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River follows a classic pool-and-drop pattern. Rapids are distinct events separated by calmer water, giving the trip a rhythm of excitement followed by recovery and play. These rapids are a defining feature of the Canyon experience and often serve as daily highlights.

On the Tatshenshini, whitewater plays a different role. There is one primary canyon section with more concentrated rapids, often compared to the feel of the Colorado River in Westwater Canyon . After this section, the river remains fast-moving, with continuous current, standing waves, and momentum rather than distinct drops.

In short, Grand Canyon rapids tend to punctuate the day. On the Tatshenshini–Alsek, the excitement is woven into the river’s constant movement through a powerful glacial system.

Pace and Daily Rhythm

Grand Canyon trips tend to move quickly. Days often start early to take advantage of cooler morning temperatures, with long stretches of travel, hiking, and exploration. Sandy beaches invite swimming, water fights, and floating to cool off during hot afternoons.

The Tatshenshini–Alsek moves at a slower, more contemplative pace. Layover days are common. Time in camp is valued. It’s normal to wait out rainstorms, take midday naps in dry tents, or sit quietly watching for wildlife. Because it stays light so late, dinner might be prepared at 10 p.m. without concern for darkness.

Guests often get more sleep in Alaska—though the endless daylight can make it harder to fall asleep—while Grand Canyon days tend to leave people ready for rest once the sun sets.

Wildlife and Awareness

Wildlife in the Grand Canyon is generally smaller and familiar: bighorn sheep, foxes, bobcats, ringtail cats, and a wide variety of birds. Rattlesnakes and scorpions are usually the animals people worry about most. Large predators exist but are rarely encountered.

On the Tatshenshini–Alsek, wildlife is larger and less habituated to people. Grizzly and black bears are part of the landscape, along with wolves, moose, eagles, and salmon runs. Guests become more aware of their surroundings and instincts. Traveling in groups away from camp is standard practice, and seeing the first large bear tracks often marks a shift in how people understand their place in the environment.

Weather and Comfort

The Grand Canyon is hot and dry, with large daily temperature swings—cool nights and very warm days, especially in summer. Shade is precious, and dew is rare.

The Tatshenshini–Alsek has a cooler, coastal climate. Temperatures often hover near 50°F day and night. Rain is common, and tents are frequently covered in dew in the morning. Layering and good rain gear are essential. Weather is not just something to prepare for—it actively shapes the experience.

Time, Emotion, and the End of the Trip

On both rivers, people begin thinking about the outside world the day before the trip ends, regardless of trip length. But the emotional arc feels different.

The Grand Canyon feels more ritualized, shaped by repetition and human presence. Finishing the trip often feels like a re-entry .

The Tatshenshini–Alsek feels more unpredictable and self-directed. Completing the journey often feels like a return —with many guests expressing a strong sense of accomplishment tied to weather, isolation, and immersion in true wilderness.

Who Each River Is Best Suited For

The Grand Canyon often suits people who:

Thrive in warm temperatures
Enjoy active days and exploration
Like swimming, play, and social energy

The Tatshenshini–Alsek often suits people who:

Prefer cooler weather and layering
Value presence over pace
Are drawn to wildlife, weather, and big, intact landscapes

Both trips create deep emotional connections. They simply do so in different ways.

The Line That Ends the Comparison

If you understand the Grand Canyon, the Tatshenshini–Alsek will still surprise you because it is a completely different experience on the same level of magnificence.

If the Grand Canyon is a masterclass in rafting, the Tatshenshini–Alsek is a masterclass in the Alaska rafting experience.

About the Author

Written by Walker Mackay , river guide with decades of experience leading wilderness expeditions through both the Grand Canyon and Alaska’s Tatshenshini–Alsek system with Colorado River & Trail Expeditions.

Why the Tatshenshini is one of the Last True Wilderness River Trips on Earth

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:45:59 GMT

From the Yukon to the Gulf of Alaska, this legendary river still offers the kind of wild expedition that has almost disappeared from the modern world.

Why the Tatshenshini Is One of the Last True Wilderness River Trips on Earth

There is a particular feeling that comes with camping along the Tatshenshini River —the realization that there is no one else around. Not just nearby, but for miles. Your camp exists alone in a vast landscape of tall mountains and broad glacial valleys. Creeks spill out of the hillsides near camp, thick with sediment, rolling rocks you can hear and feel as glacial meltwater moves steadily downhill. Even at rest, the landscape is alive.

This is where the Tatshenshini separates itself from nearly every other river trip still accessible today.

At a Glance: Why the Tatshenshini Stands Apart

The Tatshenshini River is one of the last places in North America where wilderness still sets the terms.

Uncrowded and untrammeled — You may not see another group for days
No infrastructure, no easy exit — Once the trip begins, you are fully committed
Massive glacial scale — Broad valleys, towering mountains, active glaciers
Wildlife not habituated to people — Grizzly bears, wolves, eagles, salmon
Weather-driven experience — Storms, wind, sun, and cold shape the journey
True expedition mindset — Comfort comes from preparation, not convenience

This is not a trip defined by amenities or schedules. It is defined by place.

What “True Wilderness” Really Means

True wilderness is not a romantic idea—it is a practical one. On the Tatshenshini, the landscape is largely untrammeled and uncrowded. You are not sharing camps. You are not working around other groups’ itineraries. You may not see another person for days at a time.

There is no infrastructure to lean on. No road access. No easy exit. You are at the will of the place.

The scale is uncompromising. Mountains rise thousands of feet from sea level. Glaciers fill entire valleys. Wildlife is abundant and unconditioned. Time feels older here—closer to a period when humans did not yet have all the answers, and knew better than to pretend otherwise.

A Scale That Resets Perspective

One place where the magnitude of this landscape becomes undeniable is near the confluence of the Tatshenshini and the Alsek River . Two massive rivers come together here, each draining enormous glacial systems carved by ice.

On one trip, while camped on an island near the confluence, we watched a black bear swim into a wide, fast-moving channel. The current carried it far downstream before it climbed out, shook itself dry, and went on with its day. For us, it was unforgettable. For the bear, it was simply life in big country.

Moments like that remind you that this place still belongs to the natural world first.

Wilderness Has Boundaries

Travel here requires a different awareness. When hiking or walking away from camp, it’s standard practice to stay in groups—not out of fear, but out of respect for bear country.

On hikes near Sediment Creek or through stands of cottonwood and spruce, it’s common to see bear claw marks ten feet high on the bark. Fresh tracks in the sand are often enormous, especially grizzly tracks. When guests see them, something changes. Conversations quiet. The photos come out. People understand, without being told, that this is big country.

The Tatshenshini doesn’t threaten you. It simply reminds you where you are.

Weather Is the Trip Leader

Weather plays a defining role on the Tatshenshini. Storms can hold a group in one camp for days, turning the trip inward—big fires, long conversations, stories told while rain moves through the valley.

At other times, the sun never seems to leave. In June, July, and early August, it doesn’t truly get dark. You can step out of your tent at midnight and see clearly across camp, no stars, no night sky—just endless light.

The river itself is glacial. Cold in a way that commands respect. Water temperatures often approach near-freezing by the end of the trip as meltwater accumulates. Swimming or floating the river for fun is not part of the experience. The current is fast, the water is cold, and attention matters.

Dry Bay and Letting Go of Control

The take-out at Dry Bay is accessible only by plane. When weather delays flights, the trip isn’t quite over yet.

Guides usually feel relief—we made it safely. We’ll leave when it’s time. Some guests feel the same. Others struggle with the lack of control. After the initial surprise, most people rest, wait for updates, and adjust.

Extra food comes out. Sometimes local fishermen share fresh salmon. By the time everyone gets home, the delay often becomes one of the stories they tell most fondly.

It’s a fitting ending to a trip that has never promised convenience.

A Glimpse of an Older World

The Tatshenshini offers a rare look at what much of North America once was: big rivers, big ice, big animals, and vast spaces shaped by forces far older than us.

There are more glaciers, bears, wolves, and eagles than people here. Salmon move upriver in numbers that draw bald eagles by the dozens. Their presence—perched, circling, feeding—becomes part of the daily rhythm.

People return home with gratitude, perspective, and a quiet sense of accomplishment. Not because the trip was extreme, but because it required patience, humility, and comfort with uncertainty.

Even for those who never choose to raft the Tatshenshini, it matters that places like this still exist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rafting the Tatshenshini River

1. Is the Tatshenshini River harder than the Grand Canyon?

Not technically. The whitewater itself is generally straightforward, but the overall experience is more demanding due to cold glacial water, weather exposure, remoteness, and limited infrastructure.

2. How cold is the Tatshenshini River?

The Tatshenshini is a glacial river, and water temperatures often approach near-freezing by the end of the trip as it collects more meltwater.

3. Do you really see grizzly bears on the Tatshenshini?

Yes. The river corridor supports healthy populations of grizzly and black bears , along with wolves and abundant birdlife. Wildlife here is largely unhabituated to people .

4. What makes the Tatshenshini different from other Alaska rafting trips?

The combination of true isolation, glacial scale, abundant wildlife, and full logistical commitment . You are not passing lodges, roads, or established infrastructure.

5. What happens if weather delays flights at the end of the trip?

Delays are possible. Groups wait safely at Dry Bay until flying conditions improve. Extra food is carried, and delays often become part of the experience rather than a problem.

6. Who is the Tatshenshini River best suited for?

People who are comfortable with uncertainty, prepared for rain and cold, and drawn to wilderness on a large, unfiltered scale. It’s not about toughness—it’s about mindset.

7. Is the Tatshenshini a good trip for first-time rafters?

Yes, for the right person. Proper gear, preparation, and attitude matter far more than prior rafting experience.

Author

Written by Walker Mackay , river guide with decades of experience leading wilderness rafting expeditions in Alaska and the American Southwest with Colorado River & Trail Expeditions.

Horseshoe Bend Section of the Colorado River

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 23:41:48 GMT

The Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam flows through the lower reaches of Glen Canyon on its way to Lees Ferry , forming one of the most studied and discussed stretches of river in the American Southwest. Released from the base of the dam, the water is typically clear and tightly controlled. In recent years, however, lower water levels in Lake Powell have caused releases to come from shallower depths, warming the river compared to past decades and changing the conditions downstream.

This reach is calm and approachable, making it a popular destination for kayaking, rafting, fishing, and flatwater exploration. Visitors often take time to linger along the banks, explore side canyons, and pull over at small beaches and alcoves—experiencing the river at an unhurried pace that encourages observation and learning.

Quick facts about this stretch of river naturally help frame why it matters:

Distance: Approximately 15 river miles
Flow type: Fully controlled releases from Glen Canyon Dam
Water temperature: Historically cold; increasingly variable and warmer in low Lake Powell years
Sediment load: Extremely low compared to pre-dam conditions
Major landmark: Horseshoe Bend
Significance: Official start of all Grand Canyon rafting trips at Lees Ferry

The stretch between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry is heavily studied because it clearly shows the downstream effects of the dam. Before the dam was built, the Colorado River carried enormous amounts of sediment—historically millions of tons per year—giving the river its characteristic color and continuously rebuilding sandbars and beaches. Today, almost no sediment enters this reach. The clear water released from the dam has altered channel shape, vegetation patterns, and habitat structure, changes that continue downstream into the Grand Canyon where the long-term loss of beaches remains one of the most visible and actively managed challenges.

This reach is also closely studied for its ecological dynamics , particularly fish populations. Warmer water temperatures in recent years have allowed non-native fish species to survive passage through the dam’s turbines and thrive downstream. These species often compete aggressively—and successfully—with native Colorado River fish that evolved under very different conditions. The area has become a living laboratory for understanding how temperature, flow, and species interactions respond to large-scale river regulation.

One of the most recognizable features along this stretch is Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River makes a sweeping 270-degree turn around a towering sandstone fin. From the rim, it is one of the most photographed viewpoints in the Southwest. From the river, the bend feels enclosed and powerful, with sheer canyon walls rising directly from the water and the slow current tracing the river’s graceful arc.

As the river approaches Lees Ferry, its character begins to shift. Lees Ferry is where our Grand Canyon rafting trips officially begin and has long been a natural crossing of the Colorado River. In the late 1800s, it became the only reliable crossing for hundreds of miles and was named after John D. Lee , who began operating the ferry in 1873. The ferry remained in use until 1928, when it was replaced by the opening of the Navajo Bridge in 1929, permanently ending river crossings at this site.

Long before modern dams or ferries, Indigenous peoples lived, traveled, and traded along this stretch of the Colorado River. Petroglyphs and archaeological sites found along the canyon walls reflect thousands of years of human connection to the river. Many of these sites remain culturally significant today, and visitors are encouraged to view them respectfully and leave them undisturbed.

Today, the Colorado River from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry represents a rare convergence of recreation, science, and history. It is a place where visitors can quietly explore by boat, researchers can study the long-term effects of river regulation, and Grand Canyon journeys begin—carrying both people and questions downstream into one of the world’s most iconic landscapes.

A Colorado River Guide: Dirty Devil to Bullfrog

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:08:38 GMT

The Dirty Devil River joins the Colorado River at River Mile 169.5. John Wesley Powell camped at this confluence on July 28, 1869, describing the tributary as extremely muddy and foul-smelling. Jack Sumner later named it the Dirty Devil.

The Dirty Devil is formed by the confluence of Muddy Creek and the Fremont River near present-day Hanksville, Utah. The Fremont River originates at Fish Lake and flows along the Waterpocket Fold through Capitol Reef National Park. Muddy Creek drains the San Rafael Swell.

Historic Context — Powell’s Expeditions:

Powell’s 1869 expedition recorded the Dirty Devil as both a geographic reference and a warning. In his later expeditions of 1871–72, Powell returned with improved boats and a scientific mandate. Tributaries such as the Dirty Devil became fixed reference points for mapping and geologic observation. Powell’s journals note the heavy silt load and poor water quality here, and his party avoided using the Dirty Devil as a water source when possible.

River Mile 169.5 — Dirty Devil River (River Right)

Beaver Canyon enters from river right. The canyon is steep and narrow, with limited beach development. Early river accounts note brief exploration but no established long-term camps.

River Mile 168.0 (approx.) — North Wash (Mouth) (River Right)

River Mile 167.8 (approx.) — Hite Marina (River Left)

River Mile 163.0 — Fort Moqui (River Right)

River Mile 162.0 — Townsite of Hite and Dandy Crossing (River Right)

River Mile 153.5 — Castle Butte (River Right)

River Mile 153.0 (approx.) — Red Canyon (River Left)

River Mile 150.0 (approx.) — Ticaboo Canyon (River Right)

River Mile 136.0 (approx.) — Tapestry Wall

River Mile 134.5 (approx.) — Hanson / Hansen Creek (River Left)

River Mile 132.0 (approx.) — Beaver Canyon (River Right)

Shortly downstream of the Dirty Devil confluence is the North Wash boat ramp. The ramp was bulldozed down to the Colorado River sometime in the early to mid-2000s. Around 2005, it became our preferred take-out for Cataract Canyon rafting trips after Lake Powell dropped so low that Hite Marina was no longer usable.

A bulldozer was used to create several rough access points to remove rafts from the river. Over time, the ramp has deteriorated significantly. As of 2025, it is effectively unusable. Taking rafts out here is dangerous and requires extensive rigging, including ropes, pulleys, roller tubes, and winches. There are plans to make the ramp more usable in 2026 until a permanent solution is put in place. But, from past experience, it is best to check ramp conditions before starting a Cataract Canyon river trip.

Before Lake Powell backed up the Colorado River, North Wash was the primary access route to Upper Glen Canyon and the river below Cataract Canyon. Early river expeditions launching into Glen Canyon used this route to put in their boats. It was also the access road to the town of Hite, located on river right across from White Canyon and the ferry at Dandy Crossing.

John Wesley Powell repaired his boat Canonita at the mouth of North Wash in 1872. Robert Brewster Stanton established a survey camp here during his late-19th-century railroad reconnaissance. In 1916, legendary river runner Bert Loper lived in a tent at the mouth of North Wash with his new bride, Rachel Jamison.

Historic Context — Glen Canyon as a Working Reach:

For Powell, Stanton, and later river runners, Glen Canyon below Cataract Canyon functioned as a working stretch of river. Boats were repaired, equipment reorganized, and side canyons explored. Compared to Cataract Canyon, this reach offered calmer water, abundant beaches, and shade.

Hite Marina is located across the river from where North Wash enters the Colorado River. Prior to using the North Wash ramp, all of our trips took out at Hite Marina.

During periods of full Lake Powell—particularly in the 1980s through the mid-1990s—we used a Gregor pontoon boat to meet trips on the lake and transport guests. Customers would ride on bench seating as we motored them off the waters of Lake Powell.

As lake levels dropped, we switched to a small Boston Whaler with a 30-horsepower engine to meet oar-powered trips and push them across the lake to Hite. Hite was a busy place, full of people, boats, and activity. Take-outs were easy, with plenty of space and clear water. On the way out, we often stopped at the Hite Marina store for ice cream. They sold t-shirts that read, “I am at the Hite of my life.”

On the right bank between North Wash and the town of Hite stood Fort Moqui. One of the structures measured approximately 12 by 20 feet. In 1871, John Stuart described the site:

“The walls of the ruins, five houses in number, stand a few feet high in many places. There are no evidences of doors; the kiva is between the main building and an ell, its roof having fallen in.”

Archaeology Note:

Numerous ancestral Puebloan structures once lined portions of Glen Canyon, including this reach. Many sites were never fully documented prior to inundation. Descriptions here acknowledge recorded observations only.

Located on river right approximately five miles below Hite Marina, the town of Hite was established after a passable road was built from Hanksville down North Wash in 1946.

The Dandy Crossing Ferry operated from 1946 to 1964, with its inaugural crossing on September 17, 1946. The road continued south up White Canyon toward Blanding. A 1950 Shell Oil map clearly shows this route with the warning, “Make Local Inquiry Before Traveling.”

Cass Hite arrived in the area in 1883 after Navajo Chief Hoskininni told him of gold deposits. The report was true, and a gold rush followed in Glen Canyon. Relatives joined Hite in mining and in operating the ferry. The town persisted until July 1964, when it was submerged by Lake Powell.

Historic Context — Transportation Corridor:

For decades, this was one of the few Colorado River crossings between Moab and Lees Ferry.

Castle Butte rises on the right side of the river approximately ten miles below Hite. Its elevation is 4,527 feet.

River Runner Note:

Prominent landmarks like Castle Butte were essential navigation references before modern river maps.

Red Canyon enters from river left. This canyon was home to Bert Loper’s cabin, known as the Hermitage. It was regularly visited by river parties until inundation. Edward Abbey wrote:

“No man, or woman either, ever loved the river more than Bert Loper.”

Historic Context — Early Private River Runners:

From the 1930s through the 1950s, Glen Canyon drew private river runners—teachers, photographers, writers—who traveled slowly and emphasized exploration over speed.

Cass Hite built a home up Ticaboo Canyon and lived there until his death in 1914. He realized it was easier to make money supplying miners than mining gold and supported Robert Brewster Stanton’s Hoskininni venture, which ultimately failed.

Before inundation, the canyon mouth contained petroglyph panels and sandy camps.

Archaeology Note:

Petroglyph panels here were documented prior to flooding and are included for historical acknowledgment only.

In 1948, Charles Larabee wrote:

“We rested in grandeur in the shadow of Tapestry Wall rising an unbroken 1,200 feet above the river…”

River Runner Note:

Tapestry Wall was a frequent rest and observation stop due to shade and scale.

Hanson Creek enters from river left. Historic sources variably spell the name Hanson , Hansen , or Henson . All refer to the same drainage.

Provable River Runner Story:

Mid-century river trip photographs and notes document a 1952 river party camping on Smith Bar near the mouth of this creek , described as their “first night” camp. The area appears repeatedly in archived river photography from the early recreational era, indicating its reliability as a camp and stopping point.

River Mile 168.5 (approx.) — North Wash Boat Ramp (River Right)

River Mile 131.0 (approx.) — Forgotten Canyon (River Left)

Bullfrog Marina was developed in the 1960s as Lake Powell rose. Today it marks the functional end of the free-flowing Colorado River for Cataract Canyon trips.

Before inundation, this reach featured broad bends, sandy beaches, and towering Navajo Sandstone walls.

Historic Context — The Transition:

Pre-dam river runners described Bullfrog as the place where the river began to “lose its voice.” Canyon walls widened, current slowed, and long flatwater days became common. After Glen Canyon Dam, that gradual transition became absolute.

River Mile 120.0 (approx.) — Bullfrog Marina (River Right)

River Mile 127.0 (approx.) — Smith Fork (River Right)

River Mile 124.5 (approx.) — Knowles Canyon (River Left)

River Mile 121.0 (approx.) — Bullfrog Creek (River Right)

Bullfrog Creek marks the approach to the Bullfrog area.

River Runner Note:

Even before Glen Canyon Dam, river runners recognized this reach as a transition zone where current diminished and flatwater increased.

Knowles Canyon enters from river left. It was less frequently explored but contributed significant sediment during flood events.

Historic Survey Context:

Pre-dam archaeological surveys documented a high density of cultural sites throughout this lower Glen Canyon reach, including areas near Knowles Canyon. Many were never fully recorded before inundation.

Smith Fork enters from river right as a long, branching drainage.

River Runner Note:

While less famous than Forgotten Canyon, Smith Fork has long been valued for solitude. Both historic and modern trip accounts describe unexpectedly lush lower sections when water is present, reinforcing its reputation as a quiet exploration canyon.

Forgotten Canyon is one of Glen Canyon’s most historically significant side canyons.

Provable Historic Site — Defiance House:

Forgotten Canyon is home to Defiance House , an ancestral Puebloan cliff dwelling photographed, described, and widely visited by river runners prior to inundation. The site appears in mid-20th-century river literature and archaeological summaries and was a primary reason many river parties scheduled layover days here.

River runner notes from the 1940s–1950s describe Forgotten Canyon as a place of extended exploration rather than quick stops.

When exposed during low reservoir years, Forgotten Canyon provides one of the clearest surviving views of pre-dam Glen Canyon.

Camping and Dining

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:15:12 GMT

Camping and Dining

The river takes you there, and CRATE does everything else to make your rafting experience the best it can be. Our expeditions are fully outfitted with comfortable camping gear, fresh and delicious meals, and high-quality rafting and safety equipment. Gear and amenities may vary slightly by trip type and location, and trip-specific details will be provided once your reservation is confirmed.

Camping & Dining Equipment

Sleeping Bags

A freshly laundered sleeping bag will provide warmth for cool evening camp nights. Each person receives their personal sleeping bag for the duration of the trip upon arrival to the river.

Foam Pads

Sleeping pads are provided for comfort. Most trips include thick foam pads, while Alaska trips use insulated Therm-A-Rest pads designed for added warmth and stability.

Cots

You will enjoy sleeping under the stars on our comfortable cots (motorized trips). Note: cots do not fit inside our tents.

2 Person Tents

Two-person tents are provided for weather protection or upon request; Alaska trips use expedition-grade dome tents with rain flies.

Waterproof Bags

Waterproof bags are provided for clothing, personal items, and sleep gear. Quantity and size vary by trip, with Alaska trips using one large bag and one smaller sleep-kit bag.

Ammo Can

Our ammo cans keep important items dry including sunscreen, medication, and other items you may need quick access to during your rafting trip.

Camp Chairs

Enjoy your trip with comfortable and relaxing camp chairs. After a great day of river rafting use one of these camp chairs to enjoy a great evening by the river.

Handwashing Station

We emphasize sanitation and cleanliness on the river. Portable hand-washing devices are set up in every camp and during lunch breaks.

Camp Restrooms

Portable toilets facilities are set up at each camp during the trip.

Life Jacket

A Coast Guard approved life jacket will be fitted to you on the first day of your trip.

Water Bottle and Coffee Mug

We provide you with a souvenir 32 oz water bottle and 16 oz coffee mug to use for the duration of your trip.

Plates and Utensils

Plates and utensils will be provided for your use while on your trip. We just ask for help washing your dishes after a meal.

Sandwich Bar Lunch

Your day on the river includes a delicious sandwich bar lunch with all the trimmings. The array and variety of cold cuts and vegetables, not to mention good old PB & J, will satisfy the heartiest appetites. Cold water and lemonade are available at all times on the raft and at lunch. (One-Day Utah Trip only)

Dry Suit

A Kokatat Dry Suit will be available to wear the first day of the trip going through the rapids. (Alaska Trip only)

Grand Canyon Camping and Dining Photo Gallery

Cataract Canyon Camping and Dining Photo Gallery

Desolation Canyon Camping and Dining Photo Gallery

Westwater Canyon Camping and Dining Photo Gallery

Alaska River Camping and Dining Photo Gallery

99 Western Americana and Historical Colorado River Runner Quotes

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:23:05 GMT

Western Americana and Colorado River Runner Quotes

EDWARD ABBEY – Edward Paul Abbey (January 29, 1927 – March 14, 1989) was an American author and essayist noted for his advocacy of environmental issues, criticism of public land policies, and anarchist political views.

#1. “Benedicto: May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. May your rivers flow without end, meandering through pastoral valleys tinkling with bells, past temples and castles and poets towers into a dark primeval forest where tigers belch and monkeys howl, through miasmal and mysterious swamps and down into a desert of red rock, blue mesas, domes and pinnacles and grottos of endless stone, and down again into a deep vast ancient unknown chasm where bars of sunlight blaze on profiled cliffs, where deer walk across the white sand beaches, where storms come and go as lightning clangs upon the high crags, where something strange and more beautiful and more full of wonder than your deepest dreams waits for you — beyond that next turning of the canyon walls.”

― Edward Abbey

#2. “Better a cruel truth than a comfortable delusion.”

― Edward Abbey

#3. “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread. A civilization which destroys what little remains of the wild, the spare, the original, is cutting itself off from its origins and betraying the principle of civilization itself.”

― Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire

#4 “If my decomposing carcass helps nourish the roots of a juniper tree or the wings of a vulture—that is immortality enough for me. And as much as anyone deserves.”

― Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire

#5 “The Eyes of the Future are looking back at us and they are praying for us to see beyond our own time.”

— Terry Tempest Williams

Terry Tempest Williams –Terry Tempest Williams has been called “a citizen writer,” a writer who speaks and speaks out eloquently on behalf of an ethical stance toward life. A naturalist and fierce advocate for freedom of speech, she has consistently shown us how environmental issues are social issues that ultimately become matters of justice.

#6 “To be whole. To be complete. Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separate from.”

— Terry Tempest Williams

#7 “Most animals show themselves sparingly. The grizzly bear is six to eight hundred pounds of smugness. It has no need to hide. If it were a person, it would laugh loudly in quiet restaurants, boastfully wear the wrong clothes for special occasions, and probably play hockey.

—Craig Childs

Craig Childs –Writer and editor. River guide, beginning 1986. Worked as editor, writer, photographer, and mechanic for Colorado newspapers, including Ouray County Plaindealer and Ridgeway Sun, 1990-92. Previous jobs included jazz musician, gas station attendant, beer bottler, college field instructor.

John Wesley Powell (March 24, 1834 – September 23, 1902) was a U.S. soldier, geologist, explorer of the American West, professor at Illinois Wesleyan University, and director of major scientific and cultural institutions. He is famous for the 1869 Powell Geographic Expedition, a three-month river trip down the Green and Colorado rivers, including the first official U.S. government-sponsored passage through the Grand Canyon.

#8. “You cannot see the Grand Canyon in one view, as if it were a changeless spectacle from which a curtain might be lifted, but to see it, you have to toil from month to month through its labyrinths.”

–John Wesley Powell

#9 “We have an unknown distance yet to run, an unknown river to explore. What falls there are, we know not; what rocks beset the channel, we know not; what walls ride over the river, we know not. Ah, well! we may conjecture many things.”

—John Wesley Powell

#10 “The Grand Canyon, is a land of song. Mountains of music swell in the rivers, hills of music billow in the creeks, and meadows of music murmur in the rills that ripple over the rocks. Altogether it is a symphony of multitudinous melodies. All this is the music of waters. The adamant foundations of the earth have been wrought into a sublime harp, upon which the clouds of the heavens play with mighty tempests or with gentle showers.”

— John Wesley Powell

#11 “The landscape everywhere, away from the river, is of rock—cliffs of rock; plateaus of rock; terraces of rock; crags of rock—ten thousand strangely carved forms; rocks everywhere, and no vegetation, no soil, no sand. In long, gentle curves the river winds about these rocks.”

— John Wesley Powell

Robert Brewster Stanton (5 August 1846, Woodville, Mississippi – 23 February 1922, New Canaan, Connecticut) was a United States civil and mining engineer. He was chief engineer of an expedition investigating the Grand Canyon for a possible railroad line in 1889-90, and investigated many mining properties.

#12 ” About midnight, I was awakened by a terrific peal of thunder, and around me and over me raged one of the most awful storms it has been my fate to witness. I have seen the lightning play, and heard the thunder roll, among the summit peaks of the Rocky Mountains, as I have stood on some rocky point far above the clouds, but nowhere has the awful grandeur equaled that night in the lonesome depths of what was, to us, death’s canyon.”

–Robert Brewster Stanton

#13 “We were now about to enter, and attempt to pass through the most stupendous chasm on the globe. Approaching it after months of hardships, dangers, starvation and death, the feelings that came to us during the first few days in the depths of the black granite gorge would be most difficult to describe.”

–Robert Brewster Stanton

#14 “We soon came to what was claimed by Major Powell as being the greatest single declivity on the River, at the head of the most noted rapid which; as early as 1872, received a distinct name and has kept it ever since. It was called the “Sockdolager.” It is formed at its head by a dam of boulders washed out of the little side gulch, with immense blocks of rock broken down from the adjoining cliff lying just above the beginning of the fall, and, below that, the water tumbles over quite a number of ledges in the granite, making one continuous, raging torent for a distance of 1,800 to 2,000 feet. In low water, that portion at the head is for some distance very dangerous, on account of the exposed and sunken rocks; while below, it is but a matter of the power of the waves breaking in every direction as the current rushes down a rock hewn trough.”

–Robert Brewster Stanton

#15 “As McDonald said, extra work was placed upon him by his skill and the want of skill of some of the other men.”

–Robert Brewster Stanton

#16 “Wild explorations and journeys through the wilderness usually develop a reckless, devil may care spirit that is not true bravery. It requires a different kind of courage to continue, day after day, the facing of death in the rapids of the River, in the bowels of the earth, and at the same time the possibility of starvation, without being able to retreat.”

–Robert Brewster Stanton

#17 “On the other hand, the dash into the great rapids, particularly the one where I came near losing my life, was made with a joy of anticipation that it is a pleasure, even to this day, I lay down at night I had hardly pulled the blankets over me till I was sound asleep, and I slept peacefully until the morning.”

–Robert Brewster Stanton

Frederick Samuel Dellenbaugh (1853–1935) was an American explorer. From 1871 to 1873, he was artist and assistant topographer with Major Powell’s second expedition down the Colorado River. He joined the 1899 Harriman Alaska Expedition financed by railroad magnate E. H. Harriman. He served as librarian of the American Geographical Society (1909–1911), and became a fellow of the American Ethnological Society. He helped to found the Explorers Club in 1904.

#18 “Beautiful is the wilderness at all times, at times lovely, but under the spell of twilight it seems to enfold one in a tender embrace, pushing back the sordid, the commonplace, and obliterating those magnified nothings that form the weary burden of civilized man.”

–Frederick S. Dellenbaugh

#19 “Beautiful is the wilderness at all times, at times lovely, but under the spell of twilight it seems to enfold one in a tender embrace, pushing back the sordid, the commonplace, and obliterating those magnified nothings that form the weary burden of civilized man.”

–Frederick S. Dellenbaugh

#20 “I belong to the wonderous West, and the West belongs to me.”

–Bert Loper

Albert A. “Bert” Loper (July 31, 1869 – July 8, 1949) was a pioneer of the sport of whitewater river-running in the American Southwest, particularly the Colorado River and its tributaries. He along with many of the noted boatmen of his era, including Charles Russell, Julius Stone, Ellsworth Kolb, and others, were among the first (and last) people to navigate the Colorado River before the construction of Glen Canyon Dam and Navajo Dam.

Barry Holstun Lopez (born January 6, 1945) is an American author, essayist, and fiction writer whose work is known for its humanitarian and environmental concerns. He won the National Book Award for Nonfiction for Arctic Dreams (1986) and his Of Wolves and Men (1978) was a National Book Award finalist.

#21 “I do not know, really, how we will survive without places like the Inner Gorge of the Grand Canyon to visit. Once in a lifetime, even, is enough. To feel the stripping down, an ebb of the press of conventional time, a radical change of proportion, an unspoken respect for others that elicits keen emotional pleasure, a quick intimate pounding of the heart.

― Barry López

#22 “The living of life, any life, involves great and private pain, much of which we share with no one. In such places as the Inner Gorge the pain trails away from us. It is not so quiet there or so removed that you can hear yourself think, that you would even wish to; that comes later. You can hear your heart beat. That comes first.”

― Barry López

#23 “To put your hands in a river is to feel the chords that bind the earth together.”

–Barry Lopez

Ann Haymond Zwinger (1925–2014) was the author of many natural histories noted for detail and lyrical prose.

#24 “I sit watching until dusk, hypnotized. I think of the sea as continually sloshing back and forth, repetitive, but my psyche goes with the river- always loping downhill, purposeful, listening only to gravity.”

― Ann Zwinger

On January 1 of 2016, Stefanie Payne, a creative professional working at NASA Headquarters, and Jonathan Irish, a photographer with National Geographic, left their lives in Washington, D.C. and hit the open road on an expedition to explore and document all 59 of America’s national parks during the centennial celebration of the U.S. National Park Service – 59 parks in 52 weeks – the Greatest American Road Trip.

#25 “There will never be a photograph of the Grand Canyon that can adequately describe its depth, breadth, and true beauty.”

― Stefanie Payne

Robert Craig Knievel ( October 17, 1938 – November 30, 2007), professionally known as Evel Knievel, was an American stunt performer and entertainer. Over the course of his career, he attempted more than 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps. Knievel was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999. He died of pulmonary disease in Clearwater, Florida, in 2007, aged 69.

#26 “You can’t say you’re going to jump the Grand Canyon and then jump some other canyon.”

–Evel Knievel

#27- “I love the feeling of the fresh air on my face and the wind blowing through my hair.”

–Evel Knievel

Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919) was an American statesman, politician, conservationist, naturalist, and writer who served as the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909.

#28 “Life is a great adventure…accept it in such a spirit.”

–Theodore Roosevelt

#29 “In the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which is in kind absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world. I want to ask you to keep this great wonder of nature as it now is. I hope you will not have a building of any kind, not a summer cottage, a hotel or anything else, to mar the wonderful grandeur, the sublimity, the great loneliness and beauty of the canyon. Leave it as it is. You cannot improve on it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it.”

–Theodore Roosevelt

#30 “There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy, and its charm.”

–Theodore Roosevelt

#31 “We are prone to speak of the resources of this country as inexhaustible; this is not so.”

–Theodore Roosevelt

#32 “…wild flowers should be enjoyed unplucked where they grow.”

–Theodore Roosevelt

#33 “The lack of power to take joy in outdoor nature is as real a misfortune as the lack of power to take joy in books.”

–Theodore Roosevelt

#34 “There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Three Tetons; and our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children’s children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred.”

–Theodore Roosevelt

Colin Fletcher (14 March 1922 – 12 June 2007) was a pioneering backpacker and writer. In 1963, Fletcher walked the length of that portion of Grand Canyon contained within the 1963 boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park. Although his route spans only a little more than one-third the length of Grand Canyon, Fletcher was only the second person to complete this section and the first to accomplish the feat “in one go” — as chronicled in his bestselling 1968 memoir The Man Who Walked Through Time.

#35 “There is a powerful human compulsion to leave things tied up in neat little bundles. But every journey except your last has an open end. And any journey of value is above all a chapter in a personal odyssey. Its end is not so much a goal attained as another point in a continuing process. And the important thing at the end of a journey–or of a book–is to keep moving forward, refreshed, with as little pause as possible.”

― Colin Fletcher

#36 “There is nothing like a wilderness journey for rekindling the fires of life. Simplicity is part of it. Cutting the cackle. Transportation reduced to leg – or arm – power, eating irons to one spoon. Such simplicity, together with sweat and silence, amplify the rhythms of any long journey, especially through unknown, untattered territory. And in the end such a journey can restore an understanding of how insignificant you are and thereby set you free.”

–Colin Fletcher

#37 “Under most conditions, the best roof for your bedroom is the sky. This commonsense arrangement saves weight, time, energy, and money.”

–Colin Fletcher

#38 “It is always there, of course, when you come back from the green world. You have been living by sunrise and sunset, by wind and rain, surrounded by the ebb and flow of lives that respond only to such simple, rhythmic elements.”

–Colin Fletcher

Lewis Ransome Freeman (4 October 1878, Genoa Junction, Wisconsin – 6 November 1960 Pasadena, California) was an American explorer, journalist and war correspondent who wrote over twenty books chronicling his many travels, as well as numerous articles. Freeman was invited to participate in the 1923 United States Geological Survey (USGS) of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon by E. C. LaRue. He had piloted a boat for the 1922 USGS survey of Glen Canyon. Freeman’s flamboyant articles about the 1922 trip were a contributing factor to his being invited to participate in the 1923 trip. On the Grand Canyon cruise, Freeman’s nickname was “The Gorilla.”

#39 “I had told myself from the outset that the point where sea-tide vanquished river-tide would be the logical place at which to bring my voyage down the Colorado to a finish.”

–Lewis R. Freeman

#40 “I saw all of the bottom-boards of the boat as it was flung on its side; then the flick of a flying oar and the sprawling body of a man silhouetted against the cliff below as it hurtled through the air.”

–Lewis R. Freeman describing the right side run of “The Glen” in the recently formed rapid now called President Harding in 1923.

#41 “There proved to be nothing at the mouth of the Little Colorado resembling even remotely the great whirlpool located there by James White in his lurid account of a raft voyage through the Grand Canyon…makes the averred adventure of the Colorado prospector appear more utterly absurd than ever”

–Lewis R. Freeman

#42 “Not far above Tapeats Creek my poor judgement in running almost into the middle of a viciously tumbling rapid brought the stern of the “Grand” into solid and violent collision with a very firmly planted boulder. That the boat did not telescope is an excellent testimonial to the strength of its construction.”

–Lewis R. Freeman

#43 “An incipient leak from a crushed-in quarter was effectually closed with a patch of canvas and white lead. A lusty wallop on the nose by the handle of a back-kicking oar at the instant of impact was the only violence I suffered personally as a penalty for a collision which should not have been allowed to happen. This mishap appears to have occurred in the same rapid in which Deubendorff, of the Stone party, was upset and roughly rolled in 1908.”

–Lewis R. Freeman

#44 “The distinction for the first upset fell to Kolb while trying to run a rough and hitherto-unnamed rapid a few miles above Havasu Creek. It occurred as a consequence of allowing his boat to draw into a deep hole under a large boulder, where it capsized cupping him under the cockpit. He bobbed up a hundred feet farther down and climbed out on the bottom of the overturned boat With the assistance of Dodge, who jumped in and swam out to the derelict, it was brought to the bank three hundred yards below the foot of the portage, and subsequently lined back. Neither boat nor boatman was injured. The event was commemorated in the name of the rapid—-“Upset.”

–Lewis R. Freeman

#45 “The illuminated strip of rollers was a ghostly grey, and the effect curiously like that of a wind billowed canvas.”

–Lewis R. Freeman

#46 “There was zest and exhilaration in the blind ride in the half-moonlight down the edge of the booming rapid; the tortuous tramp back through the swamp of the hot springs was sodden grief all the way.”

–Lewis R. Freeman

#47 “The rapid had altered in character overnight beyond belief. The head of the dam of boulders, where the previous day there had been a series of abrupt falls, was now completely submerged—drowned out. Over it rushed a broad, solid shoot of wildly running water which did not begin to break into waves until half way down what had formerly been the rapid. From there on the combers were tremendous; quite the largest we had seen. These culminated in an enormous uptossed mass of churning, surging water just above where the boats were moored: a point at which yesterday there was only a swift but comparatively smooth stretch of current. This wave was a great boil or fountain, which at times measured all of from fifteen to twenty feet from the trough to crest. It appeared to be caused by conflicting currents rather than by a rock, and rarely assumed the same form twice in succession. At times, in breaking back, it cupped down a large quantity of air, which when compressed threw out jets of spume like that from a cavernous blow-hole on the ocean shore.”

–Lewis R. Freeman-describing Lava Falls at 125,000 cfs on 1923 USGS trip

Julius Stone (June 1, 1855 to July 25, 1947) Businessman, Philanthropist, and Adventurer. Julius Stone, along with Nathaniel Galloway and Seymour Dubendorf did a river trip from Green River, Wyoming all the way through the Grand Canyon in 1908. Stone organized the trip with no intention of anything except for the pleasure of running the river. It was the first river trip of this kind. They did not prospect, map, trap, or try to build railroads. They did the trip for fun!

#48 “The walls have now risen to a great height and are grand beyond description. What a pity it is that the spoken word cannot approach the visual elogance of nature! Here it seems to outrun even the grasp of the imagination.”

–Julius Stone

#49 “Here, as in several previous instances we do not agree among ourselves as to the best method of running rapids. Galloway picks his course along the right where there are quite a number of rocks but no big waves. I incline to the open water, even though it is rough, while Dubie, coming last, avails himself of the route taken by the one who gets through most easily.”

–Julius Stone-Scouting what is now Dubendorf Rapid Monday November 8, 1908.

#50 “Galloway goes ahead, I next, and dropping into an eddy below the first rock I see he has been unable to follow the course he picked out. His boat strikes a partly submerged rock twenty feet from the place he tried to reach. This conforms my decision that the heavy water is safer. For me it turns out to be correct, as I go through all o.k., getting wet, of course. However on looking around at the first opportunity to do so safely, I see Dubie’s boat on the crest of a big wave near the upper end of the rapid. Then it goes out of sight, reappears in the act of turning over almost endwise, and comes down bottom up. Now and then I glimpse his head bobbing up a moment, then disappearing again, but out of sight the greater part of the time.”

–Julius Stone-November 8, 1908

In 1902, Emery C. Kolb (1881-1976) and Ellsworth L. Kolb (1876-1960) first arrived at the south rim of the Grand Canyon. In 1911, they successfully navigated the Colorado River, filming their journey.

#51 “I’d like to try this again. I know I can run it.”

–Seymour Dubendorf

#52 “He is as gritty as a flapjack rolled in sand. But all’s well that ends well, for we soon cross to the left bank, build a fire in a sheltered spot (wood is a little scarce) and warm ourselves. I tinker up the cut in Dubie’s head. The wet stuff is spread out on the rocks to dry and, but for a broken oar there soon is small evidence of trouble.”

–Julius Stone

#53 “In rapid no. 172 one of Dubendorf’s oarlocks pulled out of its socket, he not having them properly wired in. He narrowly escaped being wrecked on a sharp rock on the right. As a matter of precaution we stopped at once and secured them properly.”

–Julius Stone

#54 Last night Galloway shaved and washed himself carefully. He has done this at three or four bad places, but not elsewhere. Dubendorf and I are wondering whether it is not due to some little superstition, but as we probably have other kinks that seem equally queer to him, we call it a stand-off.

–Julius Stone

#55 “What a din that water sent up! We had to yell to make ourselves heard. The air vibrated with the impact of water against rock. The rapid was nearly half a mile long. There were two sections near its head staggered with great rocks, forty of them, just above or slightly submerged under the surface of the water. Our low stage of water helped us, so that we did not have to line the boats from the ledge, eighty feet above the water, as others had done. The rapid broke just below the lower end of the sheer rock, which extended twenty feet beyond the irregular shore.”

–Ellsworth Kolb-describing Lava Cliff Rapid

#56 “To some, nothing looks big; to others, every little danger is unconsciously magnified out of all proportion.”

–Ellsworth Kolb

#57 There is a certain amount of danger in the canyons–plenty of it.

–Ellsworth Kolb

#58 “The fouth rapid below the Bass Trail was bad, but after looking it over we decided it could be run. We had taken chances in rapids that looked worse and came through unharmed; if we were successful here, it would be over in a few minutes, and forgotten an hour later. So we each made the attempt.”

–Emery Kolb talking about what would become Walthenburg Rapid

#59 “Ellsworth went first taking the left-hand side. I picked out a course on the right as being the least dangerous; but I was scarcely started when I found myself on a nest of jagged rocks, with violent water all about me, and with other rocks, some of them submerged, below me. I climbed out on the rocks and held the boat.”

–Emery Kolb talking about what is now called Walthenburg Rapid

#60 “Then I saw that the Defiance was in trouble. She was caught in a reverse whirl in the very middle of the pounding rapid, bouncing back and forth like a great rubber ball. Finally she filled with the splashing water, sank low, and the water pouring over the rock caught the edge of the twelve-hundred pound boat and turned her over as if she were a toy; my brother was holding to the gunwhale when she turned. Still she was held in the whirl, jumping as violently as ever, then turned upright again and was forced out. Ellsworth had disappeared, but came up nearly a hundred feet below, struggling to keep on top but going down with every breaking wave.”

–Emery Kolb talking about What is now Walthenburg Rapid

#61 “I pried the boat loose, jumped in as she swung clear, and pulled with all my might, headed toward the center of the river. I was almost clear when I was drawn over a dip, bow first, and struck a glancing blow against another rock I had never seen. There was a crash, and the boards broke like egg-shells. It was all done in a few moments. The Edith was a wreck, I did not know how bad.”

–Emery Kolb talking about what is now Walthenburg Rapid

#62 “We repaired the boat on Christmas day. Three smashed side ribs were replaced with mesquite, which we found frowing on the walls. The hole was patched with boards from the loose bottom. This was painted; canvas was tacked over that and painted also, and a sheet of tin or galvanized iron went over it all.”

–Emery Kolb

Clyde L. Eddy (1889-1954) Eddy first was introduced to the Grand Canyon during his honeymoon in 1919. Coincidentally this is the same year that Grand Canyon National Park was designated. In 1927 Eddy organized and led his own expedition down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. The expedition included “Cataract,” a bear cub and “Rags,” an aerdale dog in addition to the 13 men. The reason for the expedition was adventure.

#63 “To-night is very lovely,

The river is swelling by,

And high above the canyon walls

A cloud flecked, sunset sky.”

–Clyde Eddy

#64 “The Powell caught broadside in the current, had been carried down against the outermost of the rocks thirty feet from the shore and was wedged there, her stern submerged beneath the rushing water, her bow thrust high up in the air, with the weight of the river pouring into her open after compartment. And there she stayed, swaying in the current, resisting our united efforts to drag her off. We tugged and hauled in vain.”

–Clyde Eddy

#65 “Explorers Wanted

Volunteers are wanted for an important geological-geographical expedition scheduled to leave New York City about June 10, to be gone 6 or 8 weeks. Preference will be given to men who have had outdoor experience and no one will be accepted who cannot swim, handle a boat, do his share of camp “chores” and handle himself in the woods. No one should apply who is afraid of cold, or of high altitudes. A fine opportunity for geology students, or younger members of teaching faculties, to do field work in virgin territory.

No salaries will be paid but rations, transportation and camp equipment will be supplied. Each member of the expedition will have to furnish his personal equipment, and will have to pay his own fare to the point where the expedition leaves the railroad. In applying to join the party, state whether or not you are an American citizen.

Send photograph and complete biographical information in your first letter.”

–Clyde Eddy’s recruitment letter for his 1929 Grand Canyon Expedition

Glen and Bessie Hyde Grand CanyonGlen and Bessie Hyde (Disappeared, Grand Canyon 1928)-Glen and Bessie Hyde were newlyweds who disappeared while attempting to run the rapids of the Colorado River through Grand Canyon, Arizona in 1928. Had the couple succeeded, Bessie Hyde would have been the first woman known to accomplish this feat.

#66. “We of the night will know many things of which you sleepers will never dream.”

— Bessie Hyde

#67.

“Oh! Mamma dear, please come!

My dolly must be drowned,

When I put her on the creek,

She sunk without a sound.

Wee Betty’s eyes filled with tears,

Where could poor dolly be?

Perhaps she’d turned into a mermaid,

And drifted out to sea.”

–Bessie Hyde

#68 “Got Caught in eddy and then stayed up with boat all night.”

–Bessie Hyde

#69 “Spent all day getting boat on rocks. Smashed Sweeps.”–Bessie Hyde talking about portaging Bedrock Rapid in really low water.

Haldane “Buzz” Holmstrom (1909–1946) was a pioneer of running the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. He was the first person to float all the way from Green River, Wyoming to Boulder Dam solo. He built his own rowboats, often of his own design, to run whitewater rivers.

#70 “Camp on right at lower end Rapid – mile 247 with the last bad one above me – the Bad Rapid – Lava Cliff – that I have been looking for – nearly a thousand miles.

I had thought – once past there – my reward will begin – but now – everything ahead seems kind of empty & I find I have already had my reward – in the doing of the thing – the stars & cliffs & canyons – the roar of the rapids – the moon – the uncertainty – worry – the relief when through each one – the campfires at nite – the real respect & friendship of the river men I met & others.

This may be my last camp where the roar of a real rapid is echoed from the cliffs around & I can look at the stars & moon only through a narrow slit in the earth.

The river & Canyons have been kind to me – I think my greatest danger is ahead – that I might get swellheaded over this thing – I am going to try to keep my mouth shut about it – go back to work in the old way & have it only for a memory for myself – I have done no one any good & caused a few people great worry & suffering I know.

I think this river is not treacherous as has been said – Every rapid speaks plainly just what it is & what it will do to a person & a boat in its currents waves boils whirlpools & rocks – if only one will read & listen carefully – It demands respect – & will punish those who do not treat it properly – some places it says – go here safely if you do it just this way – & in others it says – do not go here at all with the type of boat you have – but many people will not believe what it says.

Some people have said “I conquered the Colorado River’ – I don’t say so – It has never been conquered – & never will I think – anyone who it allows to go through its canyons & see its wonders should feel thankful & privileged. …

I know I have got more out of this trip by being alone than if a party was along as I have more time – especially at nite – to listen & look & think & wonder about the natural wonders rather than listen to talk of war politics & football scores.

The River probably thought – he is such a lonesome ignorant unimportant & insignificant pitiful little creature – with such a short time to live that I will let him go this time & try to teach him something – It has not been so kind to many prouder people than I. …”

 –Buzz Holmstrom

Henry David Thoreau–Henry David Thoreau (July 12, 1817 – May 6, 1862) was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher. A leading transcendentalist, he is best known for his book Walden, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings, and his essay “Civil Disobedience” (originally published as “Resistance to Civil Government”), an argument for disobedience to an unjust state.

#71 “There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature.”

–Henry David Thoreau

# 72 “The finest workers in stone are not copper or steel tools, but the gentle touches of air and water working at their leisure with a liberal allowance of time.”

–Henry David Thoreau

#73 “Water is a pioneer which the settler follows, taking advantage of its improvements.”

–Henry David Thoreau

#74 “It is difficult to conceive of a region uninhabited by man. We habitually presume his presence and influence everywhere. And yet we have not seen pure Nature, unless we have seen her thus vast and drear and inhuman….”

–Henry David Thoreau

#75 “It was a place of heathenism and superstitious rites, to be inhabited by men nearer of kin to the rocks and to the wild animals than we.”

— Henry David Thoreau

Stewart Lee Udall (January 31, 1920 – March 20, 2010) was an American politician and later, a federal government official. After serving three terms as a congressman from Arizona, he served as Secretary of the Interior from 1961 to 1969, under presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.

#76 “Every Individual–and every family–should get to know at least one river. It might be an upland creek or a small stream that offers the intimate pleasue of fishing or swimming. It might be a middle size river that one can canoe, boat upon, or savor from hikes along its shores. Or it might be a long river or a turbulent tributary that winds through a majestic riverscape like the Allagash of Maine or the Salmon of Idaho. The great river of my home region, the Colorado, falls in the last category.”

–Stewart Udall

#77 “Cherish sunsets, wild creatures, and wild places. Have a love affair with the wonder and beauty of the earth!”

–Stewart Udall

#78 “If you want inner peace, find it in solitude, not speed, and if you would find yourself, look to the land from which you came and to which you go.”

–Stewart Udall 

#79 “The real story of the settlement of the West was work, not conquest”

–Stewart Udall

#80 “Besides Adventure, the Colorado trip gave me a firsthand look at the canyons involved in the dispute between the dam builders and the conservation groups spearheaded by the Sierra Club. It taught me once again that the Secretary of the Interior should never make armchair judgements on national conservation issues.”

–Stuart Udall

David Ross Brower (July 1, 1912 – November 5, 2000) was a prominent environmentalist and the founder of many environmental organizations, including the John Muir Institute for Environmental Studies, Friends of the Earth (1969), Earth Island Institute (1982), North Cascades Conservation Council, and Fate of the Earth Conferences. From 1952 to 1969, he served as the first Executive Director of the Sierra Club, and served on its board three times: from 1941–1953; 1983–1988; and 1995–2000. As a younger man, he was a prominent mountaineer.

#81 “We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

― David Brower

#82 “We must begin thinking like a river if we are to leave a legacy of beauty and life for future generations.”

― David Brower

#83 “The wild places are where we began. When they end, so do we.”

― David Brower

#84 “Polite conversationalists leave no mark save the scars upon the Earth that could have been prevented had they stood their ground.”

― David Brower

Clarence Edward Dutton (May 15, 1841 – January 4, 1912) was an American geologist and US Army officer. Dutton was born in Wallingford, Connecticut on May 15, 1841. He graduated from Yale College in 1860 and took postgraduate courses there until 1862, when he enlisted in the 21st Connecticut Volunteer Infantry; he fought at Fredericksburg, Suffolk, Nashville and Petersburg. In 1875, he began work as a geologist for the U.S. Geological Survey. Working chiefly in the Colorado Plateau region, he wrote several classic papers, including geological studies of the high plateaus of Utah (1879–80), the Cenozoic history of the Grand Canyon district (1882), and the Charleston, South Carolina, earthquake of 1886.

#85 “There are in the world valleys which are larger and a few which are deeper. There are valleys flanked by summits loftier than the palisades of the Kaibab. Still the Grand Canyon is the sublimest thing on earth. It is so not alone by virtue of its magnitude, but by virtue of the whole — its ensemble.”

–Clarence Dutton

#86 “..even the experienced explorer is sometimes brought to a sudden halt and filled with amazement by the apparition of forms as definite and eloquent as those of art.”

–Clarence Dutton–speaking of the canyons of the Colorado Plateau

#87 ” A spectacle of this kind is most impressive to the geologist. It brings into one view the coordinated results of observations made laboriously by months of travel and inspection in a very broad and rugged field. The great distances through which the eye can reach, the aspect of cliffs towering above and beyond cliffs, the great cumulative altitude thus attained, the immensity of the masses revealed, the boldness of form, the distinctness of the lines of stratification, and especially the brilliant coloring, subdued indeed, but also refined by the haze, give to the scene a grandeur which has few parallels.”

–Clarence Dutton-somewhere on the rim near Kanab Creek

#88 “At length the sun sinks and the colors cease to burn. The abyss lapses back into repose. But its glory mounts upward and diffuses itself in the sky above.”

–Clarence Dutton-Talking about Sunset over the Grand Canyon

Barry Morris Goldwater (January 2, 1909 – May 29, 1998) was an American politician, businessman, and author who was a five-term Senator from Arizona (1953–1965, 1969–1987) and the Republican Party nominee for president of the United States in 1964. Despite his loss of the 1964 presidential election in a landslide, Goldwater is the politician most often credited with having sparked the resurgence of the American conservative political movement in the 1960s. He also had a substantial impact on the libertarian movement.

#89 “Well, once you’ve been in the Canyon and once you’ve sort of fallen in love with it, it never ends…it’s always been a fascinating place to me, in fact I’ve often said that if I ever had a mistress it would be the Grand Canyon.”

–Barry Goldwater

#90 “The extent and magnitude of the system of canyons is astounding. The plateau is cut into shreds by these gigantic chasms, and resembles a vast ruin. Belts of country miles in width have been swept away, leaving only isolated mountains standing in the gap. Fissures so profound that the eye cannot penetrate their depths are separated by walls whose thickness one can almost span, and slender spires that seem to be tottering upon their bases shoot up thousands of feet from the vaults below.”

–Army First Lieutenant Joseph Christmas Ives

Joseph Christmas Ives (25 December 1829 – 12 November 1868) was an American soldier, botanist, and an explorer of the Colorado River in 1858.

#91 “The region is, of course, altogether valueless. It can be approached only from the south, and after entering it there is nothing to do but leave. Ours has been the first, and will doubtless be the last, party of whites to visit this profitless locality. It seems intended by nature that the Colorado river, along the greater portion of its lonely and majestic way, shall be forever unvisited and undisturbed.”

–Army First Lieutenant Joseph Christmas Ives

John Muir ( April 21, 1838 – December 24, 1914) also known as “John of the Mountains” and “Father of the National Parks”, was an influential Scottish-America naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, glaciologist, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States of America.

#92 “The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark.”

–John Muir

#93 “I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.”

–John Muir

#94 “Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter.”

–John Muir

#95 “To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world.”

–John Muir

Georgie White Clark (1911–1992) was a river-running guide in the Grand Canyon. She was the first woman to run the Grand Canyon as a commercial enterprise, and she introduced several innovations and adjustments to the way that guides ran the Colorado. In particular, she used large army-surplus rafts, often lashing together multiple rafts, to maintain stability in the large rapids. In 2001, the United States Board on Geographic Names renamed Mile 24 Rapid in her honor.

#96 “I like it because I’m naturally that way —I like to MOVE and I like to GO.”

–Georgie White

#97 “I like people and I like to give ’em enjoyment. I like to show ’em the river. They get a kick out of it.”

–Georgie White

#98 “I fell in love with the river, married it, and I don’t plan no divorce”

–Georgie White

#99 “They don’t make passengers the way they used to.”

–Georgie White

If you have any questions or to book an adventure today please call us at 18012611789 .

The Calm Before the Rapids: Experiencing the Serene Waters of Cataract Canyon

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:45:24 GMT

During the first part of a Cataract Canyon trip, the river meanders through a relatively tranquil stretch of the canyon. The water flows smoothly, allowing rafters to get comfortable with the rhythm of the raft and settle into the experience. This calm section is perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of Canyonlands National Park, with towering red rock cliffs and expansive views.

It is also a great time for guides to explain the area's history, geology, and ecology, enriching the journey before the excitement of the rapids. This section provides a unique contrast to the intense whitewater that follows, making it an essential part of the complete Cataract Canyon experience.

The Geological Story

As you float through the calm sections, you're traveling through layers of geological history. The rocks surrounding you tell stories of ancient seas, desert environments, and the powerful forces that shaped this landscape over millions of years. Our guides can point out specific formations and explain the geological processes that created the dramatic landscape you're experiencing.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

The calm water sections are ideal for spotting wildlife. Bighorn sheep often appear on the canyon walls, and if you're lucky, you might see desert eagles, river otters, or other native species. The slower pace allows for photography and quiet observation of the natural world.

Photography and Artistic Inspiration

Many rafters use the calm sections to capture stunning photographs and simply absorb the beauty of the landscape. The play of light on the red rocks, the reflections in the water, and the vast desert vistas provide endless inspiration for artists and photographers.

Navigating the Rapids of Cataract Canyon: A Whitewater Guide

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:43:09 GMT

Below the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers, the river begins to pick up speed and rafters can hear the roar of Brown Betty, the first rapid in Cataract Canyon. Rafting through Cataract's rapids is a heart-pounding experience, especially in late May and early June when river flows tend to be highest.

For 20 miles, the river gnaws its way through 30 rapids including The North Seas, Capsize, Waterhole, Ben Hurt, and Gypsum. With features named Little Niagara and Satan's Gut, the Big Drops are the most challenging of all the rapids in Cataract Canyon.

Understanding Water Flows and Seasons

High Water (May–June): Flows can reach up to 100,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), creating monstrous waves and massive hydraulics. This is peak season for thrill-seekers who want the most intense whitewater experience.

Lower Water (Late Summer–Fall): The rapids become more technical, requiring precise navigation through rapids strewn with exposed rocks. This season offers a different kind of challenge and is preferred by experienced paddlers.

Notable Rapids and Their Characteristics

Each rapid in Cataract Canyon has its own personality and challenges. Brown Betty serves as the gateway to the excitement, while the Big Drops (Big Drop 1, 2, and 3) represent the ultimate test of skill and nerve. Understanding these rapids and their characteristics helps rafters prepare mentally and physically for the adventure ahead.

Safety and Preparation

Rafting Cataract Canyon requires respect for the power of the river. Our experienced guides understand every nuance of these rapids and know how to navigate them safely while maximizing the thrill and adventure. Proper preparation, quality equipment, and expert guidance are essential for a successful and safe journey.

Native American History and Cultural Heritage of Canyonlands

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:33:01 GMT

Canyonlands National Park, located in southeastern Utah, is a region rich in both cultural and natural history. The area has been inhabited by various Native American groups for thousands of years. The traditions and ways of life have evolved as different cultures interacted with each other and the land. People traveled, migrated, and shared stories, passing down important knowledge.

Today, Canyonlands remains a vibrant cultural landscape, with many people continuing to consider it their home. The Canyonlands area is home to several distinct archaeological and cultural sites that are significant to the Native peoples who once lived there.

Archaeological Significance

Ancient ruins, petroglyphs, and artifacts scattered throughout Canyonlands tell the stories of the people who inhabited this region. These sites offer glimpses into the daily lives, spiritual practices, and artistic expressions of ancient cultures. Many of these sites are accessible to rafters, particularly those on longer expeditions like our 7-day spring hiking trip.

Respecting Sacred Lands

As visitors to this sacred landscape, it's important to approach these cultural sites with respect and reverence. The stories and histories preserved here are not just archaeological curiosities—they represent the living heritage of Native peoples who continue to have deep connections to this land.

Stargazing in Canyonlands: Your Guide to Dark Sky Park Astronomy

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:29:22 GMT

Canyonlands is a designated International Dark Sky Park, which means it offers some of the best stargazing conditions in the United States. With its remote location and minimal light pollution, the night sky is unbelievably clear. On a moonless night, you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way stretching across the sky, and even distant galaxies.

The vastness of the desert landscape and the dark, open sky creates a profound sense of awe, making stargazing an unforgettable experience. When you're camping on the banks of the Colorado River in Cataract Canyon, you have the unique opportunity to witness one of nature's most spectacular displays—a night sky unmarred by artificial light.

Best Times for Stargazing

The best stargazing occurs during moonless nights, typically during the new moon phase. Late spring and early fall offer ideal temperatures for extended stargazing sessions. The lack of humidity in the high desert also contributes to exceptional clarity and visibility.

What You'll See

On a clear night in Canyonlands, you can observe constellations, planets, meteor showers, and the Milky Way in stunning detail. The experience of sleeping under such a sky while camped on the river is something that stays with adventurers for a lifetime.

Canyonlands National Park: A Complete Guide to Utah's Wilderness

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:23:40 GMT

Canyonlands National Park covers a vast, undeveloped wilderness area in Southeastern Utah consisting of unique and colorful landscapes that inspire the imagination and encourage exploration. The Green and Colorado Rivers and their tributaries have cut through sedimentary rock formations to carve immense terraced canyons. The colors of the rocks cover almost every spectrum of an artist's palette, depending upon the time of day and the angle of the sunlight. The climate is "high desert," hot during the day and cool at night.

A rafting trip is the ultimate way to see and experience the wild heart of Canyonlands National Park, which is located in southeastern Utah, in the heart of the Colorado Plateau. The park spans over 337,000 acres of desert landscape, known for its dramatic canyons, towering mesas, and rock formations sculpted by millions of years of wind and water erosion.

The Four Districts of Canyonlands National Park

 Island in the Sky: The land that divides the Colorado River and Green River before their confluence, offers panoramic views of the park's canyons and mesas. This district is accessible by vehicle and offers stunning overlooks and hiking trails.

The Needles: Encompasses the Eastern Side of Canyonlands National Park. Known for its colorful spires and rock formations, The Needles offers a more remote experience with excellent hiking and camping opportunities.

The Maze: A remote and rugged area on the West side of Canyonlands National Park, ideal for adventurers looking for solitude and exploration. Many of its beautiful locations can be accessed by river, making it a unique destination for rafting expeditions.

The Rivers: Where the Colorado River and Green River converge, including the famous Cataract Canyon. This is the most accessible district and offers the best whitewater rafting experiences in the park.

Scenic Beauty and Natural Wonders

The canyons and mesas surrounding Cataract Canyon are truly one-of-a-kind, offering incredible views of natural rock formations, cliffs, and desert landscapes. The rugged beauty of Canyonlands will surround you as you navigate the river's rapids, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Wildlife and Exploration

As you raft through Cataract Canyon, you may encounter a range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, desert eagles, and river otters. There are also ample opportunities for exploration off the river, with short hikes to overlooks and hidden canyons that reveal the park's hidden treasures.

Alaska River Rafting Trips

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 19:33:25 GMT

Discover Alaska's Majestic Rivers: Glaciers, Wildlife, and Adventure Awaits

11 Day Tatshenshini Rafting Expedition

12-14 Day Alsek River Expedition

Rafting the Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers: An Alaska Wilderness Beyond Imagination

Rafting in Southeast Alaska and Western Canada is extraordinary due to its unique combination of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and remote wilderness experiences. Here are 10 things that set rafting the Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers apart:

Southeast Alaska and Western Canada are home to the most dramatic glacial landscapes on Earth.

The Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers have their headwaters in the extremely rugged regions of northwest British Columbia and Yukon. Their corridors and tributaries connect a vast wilderness composed of adjoining parks and preserves in the United States and Canada that covers more than 60,000 miles. This is the largest protected international ecological unit in the world. It contains the largest non-polar ice fiend in the world, the highest coastal mountain range in the world, and the only completely protected large river drainage system in North America. The Tatshenshini and Alsek wind through towering peaks, fjords, and valleys carved by ancient ice.

Alaska Rafting Through Untouched Wilderness

The region’s remoteness ensures a true backcountry experience. Traveling by river is the only way to see and experience the incredible biological and geographical diversity that exists within the Tatshenshini-Alsek wilderness area. From the alder and open forests of the Yukon, through the steep mountain valleys of British Columbia, to the ice fields of Alaska’s Glacier Bay, the rivers sweep through landscapes of wondrous size and designs.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

In recognition of its extraordinary scenic and wildlife values, the Tatshenshini-Alsek wilderness area has been designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. It is one of the “must see” places of the world, where pristine nature still exists to excite the imagination and nourish the spirit. This designation underscores the ecological and geological importance of the region, making it a bucket-list destination for adventure seekers.

Abundant Alaska Wildlife

• The rivers are teeming with life, offering incredible opportunities to see:

• Grizzly and black bears roaming the shores.

• Spawning Salmon fighting their way upstream

• Bald eagles soaring overhead.

• Moose, mountain goats, wolverines, porcupines, foxes,and wolves in their natural habitat.

• Marine life, such as seals near river mouths.

Dynamic and Diverse Rivers

The Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers flow through an unparalleled variety of landscapes. Because they are natural and free flowing, water conditions and levels change vastly throughout the year. They contain exciting rapids and calm lakes left by receding glaciers along their course.

Midnight Sun and Stunning Skies

During summer, the long days and endless twilight of the midnight sun create a surreal experience, with ample time to explore and enjoy the wilderness. Clear nights can reveal dazzling star displays and, if you’re lucky, glimpses of the northern lights in the early or late season.

Rich Geological Features

The geology of the Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers is a testament to the immense forces that have shaped the Earth over millennia. Flowing through the rugged terrain of the Coast Mountains, the river cuts across a dynamic landscape of glacial valleys, sedimentary rock formations, and ancient volcanic deposits. Massive glaciers dominate much of the region, their slow but relentless movement carving U-shaped valleys and depositing moraines along the riverbanks. The rivers pass through tectonically active zones, where the collision of continental plates has uplifted towering peaks and created fault lines visible in the surrounding cliffs. This dramatic interplay of ice, rock, and tectonic activity has created a landscape that is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also a living record of geological evolution. Rafters have the rare chance to witness the powerful forces of nature shaping the land in real time. Because of global warming tributaries such as the Slims River have had large changes happen to them over the last 10 years. It is believed that in the next 30 years the Alsek River will empty into the Pacific Ocean nearly 20 miles south of its current location.

Unique Cultural and Historical Context

Southeast Alaska is steeped in Indigenous history, with the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples having a deep connection to the land and rivers. The area also has ties to historical gold rushes and exploration, adding a sense of adventure and discovery to every trip.

Unpredictable Adventure

The ever-changing weather, river conditions, and wilderness encounters create a sense of unpredictability that keeps every moment exciting. Rafters often describe the experience as a transformative journey, challenging their skills and immersing them in raw, untamed beauty.

Eco-Tourism and Conservation Focus

All of our Alaska river rafting trips include education about the region’s ecosystems and environment, making the adventure both thrilling and meaningful. Our trips are designed with sustainability in mind, allowing travelers to connect deeply with nature while minimizing their environmental impact.

Desolation Canyon, A Wild and Wonderful Wilderness

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:59:20 GMT

A sense of excitement and anticipation radiated from our group of friends and family as we watched the small single-engine airplanes drop out of the cloudless blue sky and glide down the runway toward us. They were coming to the airfield in Green River, Utah, from their home base in Moab to fly us into the Green River Wilderness area and the start of our 5-day Desolation Canyon rafting expedition.The early morning air was cool, the sky was perfectly blue, and there was not the slightest hint of a breeze. Perfect conditions for the 30-minute scenic flight to Sand Wash, where the rafts were waiting.

Our adventure actually began the previous evening, when we all met up at the Colorado River & Trail Expeditions (CRATE) warehouse in Green River, Utah. At the warehouse meeting, each person received a large waterproof bag and an “ammo can” in which to pack their clothing and personal items for the river trip. An identical waterproof bag containing a sleep kit (sleeping bag, foam pad, and plastic tarp) was already packed aboard the rafts. Since the bags and ammo cans are numerically coded with the same number on them, each person only has to remember one number to easily keep track of his/her gear.

The small airplanes taxi down to the passenger pick-up area and stop fairly close to where we are waiting for them. The pilots quickly size up our group and the pile of waterproof bags and ammo cans to make sure everyone and everything is going to fit. Then Nick, the chief pilot, asks if there are any groups of 3 or 5 that want to fly together. If so, they are directed to an airplane. If not, Nick assigns everyone to a plane, and then the pilot of that airplane makes the seat assignments. The take-off is perfect, and we’re soon looking down on the fields and farms of Green River as we head toward Sand Wash.

What a way to start an adventure! The flight is nothing less than spectacular. From our bird’s eye view, we can see that the Green River flows through the heart of a remote and wild landscape aptly described by the famous explorer, Major John Wesley Powell, who made the first scientific exploration of the area in 1869:

“Many lateral canyons enter on either side, and crags and tower-shaped peaks are seen everywhere, and away above them, long lines of broken cliffs; and above and beyond the cliffs are pine forests, of which we obtain occasional glimpses as we look up through a vista of rocks.”

From our flight altitude, side streams that feed the Green River glisten like silver threads as they reflect the morning sunshine. Later in the trip when we hike up some of these side canyons, we find that these “silver threads” are actually beautiful creeks and rivers that nourish luscious riparian habitats where a great variety of plants and animals thrive.

All too soon, the pilot points out the dirt landing strip atop a flat mesa above the river. The airplane banks to the left, makes a straight approach, and touches down with a small bounce, kicking up loose rocks and gravel until coming to a stop. The river guides are there to meet us, and our gear is quickly unloaded from the airplanes and re-loaded into the back of the CRATE truck for transport down to the river. The crew will load the bags onto the rafts while the passengers hike from the airstrip down to the river. Since we’ll be sitting on the rafts most of the time this first day, it’s good to stretch our legs and work up a little sweat on the mile-or-so descent to the river.

Upon arrival at the boat ramp, the fun begins! Each person is fitted with a life jacket with a unique name imprinted on the back. This will be his or her life jacket to wear throughout the trip. Then the expedition leader officially introduces himself and the other guides and welcomes us to the river. Following a thorough safety briefing and a review of the environmental protocols, we are ready to go!

Our flotilla consists of four 18-foot oar-powered rafts that are rowed by the guides. Amazingly, all of the gear, equipment, food and supplies for the 5-day trip are stowed compactly aboard the rafts. We are a self-contained little band of explorers heading off into the wilderness – a wilderness that has changed very little in the 140 years since Powell’s first exploratory expedition in 1869. While other stretches of the Green and Colorado River system have been greatly altered by dams, Desolation Canyon has been left in tact with enough feeder streams and rivers flowing into the Green River to maintain its ecological integrity. For this reason, Desolation Canyon was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1969, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Powell’s expedition, and the official plaque was placed at Sand Wash.

Essential Grand Canyon Books

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:58:48 GMT

Planning a rafting trip down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon? One thing you definitely should add to your packing list is a good book, or two. We’ve narrowed it down to our top 6 books that will enhance your knowledge in different aspects of the Canyon. For ease, these essential Grand Canyon books are broken down by category.

Let us know if we’ve missed any of your favorite books in the comment section.

Carving Grand Canyon provides a clearly written synopsis of the intriguing and innovative theories geologists have advanced about canyon formation. Updated with ideas that emerged from the most recent symposium on Grand Canyon geology, this new edition reflects the latest thinking on the canyon’s formation, supported by dozens of new illustrations and photographs and a foreword by noted Grand Canyon author Stephen Pyne. The story of a fascinating landscape is told in an engaging style that non-scientists will find inviting. The story’s end, however, remains a mystery yet to be solved.

GEOLOGY

Carving Grand Canyon
Evidence, Theories, and Mystery
by Wayne Ranney

River Map

Belknap’s Waterproof Grand Canyon River Guide
by Bill Belknap

Colorado River: Lees Ferry, Arizona, to Lake Mead, through Marble & Grand canyons, 288 miles. Highly detailed, easy-to-read maps. Illustrated sections on geology, natural history and archaeology, written by experts in these fields. Trip enrichment sections including a photo workshop and a section on how rivers and rapids work. Dramatically illustrated with full color diagrams and photographs. Now with USGS GCMRC miles. 120 pages.

Field Guide

A Field Guide to the Grand Canyon
by Stephen Whitney

If you’ve ever marveled at the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon, you’ve probably thought about taking an “up close and personal” look at the area, too. Well, now you can! This fully updated edition of the popular field guide is both thorough and easy to use. A Field Guide to the Grand Canyon describes and illustrates the area’s plants and animals, and offers fascinating in-depth information on the natural history and geology of this dramatic region.

History

The Exploration of the Colorado River and its Canyons
by J.W. Powell

Major Powell wrote the account of this remarkable expeditions, and his narrative is one of the great classics of exploration, as thrilling as the feat itself. As we follow Powell’s journal (expanded for publication), we find the ten men sailing through wild waters, momentarily expecting rapids around the next bend; and finding rapids, throwing out drag anchors, while one advanced boat tries to find through-flowing channels. We see mutiny, as 3 men refuse to face the perils an longer and desert – to be massacred by the hostile Indians. Famine – the beans are sprouting, the apples are fermenting, and the flour has gone mouldy. Yet 6 men finally emerged, after 95 days of peril, and new continent of experience was recorded.

Anthology

The Grand Canyon Reader
edited by Lance Newman

This anthology brings together stories, essays, and poems written across five centuries by people inhabiting, surviving, and attempting to understand the Grand Canyon – or, as one explorer called it, the “Great Unknown.” Lively tales written by unschooled river runners, unabashedly popular fiction, and memoirs stand alongside finely crafted literary works to represent the full range of human experience in this wild, daunting, and inspiring landscape.

Poetry

The Grand Canyon Reader
edited by Lance Newman

Books for Grand Canyon, Books for river runners, Grand Canyon Books, grand canyon reading list, Shopping for Books on the Grand Canyon

Colorado River and Trail Expeditions

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:58:16 GMT

The Grand Canyon is one of the seven world wonders and many marvels at its beauty from cliff edges. Now imagine getting to immerse yourself right in the heart of the canyon. That is what the Colorado River and Trail Expeditions create.

Offering one day to fourteen-day trips, Colorado River and Trail Expeditions takes you on wild white water rafting rides to show you the canyon-like you’ve never seen it before. Paddle, hike and explore the Grand Canyon floor in an exciting and unforgettable trip.

Providing quality trips for over 40 years, CRATE creates unique opportunities while providing you with camping gear, dry bags for your personal items, healthy meals, rafting equipment, and excellent guides.

“Experience the Grand Canyon Up Close and Personal”

Make a reservation for your summer trip on Colorado River and Trail Expedition website now!

Save the Date – Green River Diversion Dam

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:57:54 GMT

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Utah, in conjunction with the Green River Conservation District and Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), will open the Green River Dam rehabilitation project to interested members of the public and media on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 in Emery County. The event will take place at the project site via Hastings Road at 11:00 am.

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions president David Mackay, along with Herm Hoops(Utah River Runner), Brodie Young(UT-Division of Natural Resources), and Nate Fey(American Whitewater) worked hard to secure safe boat passage at the dam site-this was the last major barrier on the Green River between Flaming Gorge and Glen Canyon Dam. This is a project that everyone REALLY worked together toward common goals–in providing water for the Green River Power Plant and irrigation, a safe boat passage, fish passage, preserving history and explaining the purpose of the diversion.

Directions to site here: https://goo.gl/maps/wTzkff7n9J62 .

The Emergency Watershed Protection(EWP) project to restore the Green River Diversion Dam stemmed from the flood events of 2010 and 2011 which caused the foundation to be undercut, the chipping of concrete, and some cracks associated with structural failure. In addition the old diversion dam, known as a curved ogee weir, had been a very dangerous impediment to downstream boat travel. Longtime river guide Richard Quist recalled rescuing some fishermen who upset their boat going over the dam and became stranded on an island downstream. He won’t name names, but he knows of many river runners who have gotten boats stuck on it in foolish attempts to run the dam in low water.

“I’ve run the dam three times, and each time there was some trouble or near-disaster,” said author and river runner Roy Webb.

The new Dam includes a safe boat passage, and should eliminate the dangers that the old curved ogee weir presented. “Installing the Boat chute makes navigating the Green River safer,” Fey said. “It should enhance the boating experience for clients of commercial outfitters and the general public, especially during low flows.”

GREEN RIVER EWP BY THE NUMBERS:

Tusher Diversion Dam

“This dam will provide a secure supply of irrigation water for the many farmers, ranchers and secondary water users in this area well into the future,” said Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food, LuAnn Adams. ”Water in the West can make or break a community, and this dam literally keeps the green in Green River, Utah.”

Tusher Diversion Dam

New Tusher Diversion Dam With Boat Passage

Geotextile Filter Fabric 22,000 square yards
Sheet Piling Installed 870 linear feet
Rip Rap Installed 11,000 cubic yards
Grout Placed 2,000 cubic yards
Structural Concrete 1,600 cubic yards
Overshot Gates 5
Fish Screens 3
Fish Passages 3
Boat Passages 1

Green River Rafting, Green River Story

A Big Day Below Diamond Creek: A Guest’s Perspective

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:57:22 GMT

It can be hard to know what exactly our clients are thinking when shenanigans occur on a river tip. Except, perhaps, in this case. Here is CRATE passenger Art Hoover’s colorful, ever-so-slightly embellished account of the events that took place below Diamond Creek during a 10,000 cfs flash flood on August 7. I would like to add that the rest of the CRATE crew – Alex, Taylor, Nick and Kaia – shined as integral, problem-solving parts of this story, and that Art’s fellow passengers made all the difference with their calm, trusting attitudes. Thanks to Art for his help, good humor and for writing this entertaining piece!

– Mikenna

It was day seven and we were getting tired, dirty and feeling like the last 50 miles of our trip was going to be kind of boring. The rapids were pretty much done, the weather had been iffy (thunderstorms everyday) and then Captain M (Mikenna) said, “Hey, take a look at Diamond Creek! It’s flash flooding! I‘ve been doing this for 14 years and have never seen anything like that.”

It had been raining a little every day, but the amount of water coming down the creek was incredible! The water was yellowish-brown and fighting itself to make it down to the Colorado River. We could see debris coming down but it was hard to see everything through all of the water. We decided to push ahead, knowing that there was a huge amount of water being introduced into the river. What we didn’t realize was that the mud, trees, wood and everything else the floodwater could grab onto, had created a minefield in the river ahead of us. After rounding another corner, we realized instantly that the day just got exciting. As a passenger, I was fired up! This was something to make things interesting.

Captain M was realizing that this stretch of river just got potentially dangerous! We were pointing out large logs for her but there were too many of them not to hit. The propeller was instantly destroyed! Luckily we were able to limp the boat over to some rocks while the motor was jumping around due the highly damaged prop. We tied up to shore and cleared all the logs from under the boat and around the prop (at least 10-15 if them over 6’ long) and got the prop changed. Jack Sparrow, aka Captain M, realized the engine was overheating due to excessive debris stuck in its water inlet. We cleaned it out but the motor was cooked! Plan B: change the motor while in a field of rushing debris in the middle of a rapid. Perfect! The crew changed the engine while the boat was bobbing and weaving and we were back on track, like a Nascar pit crew.

We set off for about 100 feet and the new motor picked up debris in its water inlet and died too! We were a dead stick in the water as Captain M tried to clear the logs around the prop. She was on the back of the boat and jumped into the area where should would normally stand, (about a 3’ drop) at the exact moment our sister boat, still under power, bumped into us trying to keep us out of the rocks. Captain M fell and landed wrong, fracturing her ankle. Her eyes welled up instantly (she won’t admit to that) and she looked up at where we were going. The boat was headed strait for some large shallow rocks with no way of going around them! The boat groaned as it scraped over the rocks until it became fully stopped on two large boulders. (Quick recap: engine stalled, 37’ giant raft stuck in the middle of a rapid on rocks and Captains M’s ankle is fractured!)

You really don’t know what people are made of until you see how they handle situations. I would say this is a situation! We were all full of ideas, opinions and suggestions. Captain M said, “back off, give me 5 seconds!” She went right into damage assessment and put a plan together. (Pretty much a bad ass) She told everybody to get to the front of the raft and start to jump to try and jog the raft loose. Nothing. We were stuck! M let some air out of one of the side pontoons and re-fired the motor. We then started jumping in unison! (Side note – 10 strangers jumping on the front of the raft probably looked pretty funny!) The boat finally drug and scraped across the rocks inch by inch until we were free. That was close!

We were finally adrift down the Colorado, still surrounded by trees from the flood. I even saw a telephone pole! The river stunk. It smelled like mildewed wood and nasty mud. The amount of debris in the water made it almost impossible to pass without damaging another motor. Captain M finally decided to call it a day and get her ankle looked at. We made camp and got her ankle wrapped. Luckily, one of the swampers was a nurse and one of the passengers was a doctor, so she was in good hands.

The biggest thing for the passengers out of this whole ordeal was that the drag bag with the beer was still intact!

– Art Hoover Jr., Grand Canyon Motor Trip, 8/1 – 8/8/15

A Big Day Below Diamond Creek

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:56:54 GMT

We all know the smell of mud-leaden floodwater, and I caught the scent of it almost before I could see the flood rushing from the mouth of Diamond Creek on August 7. As our two-boat motor trip approached, deep red water piled into the cliffs as it made its final turn from the drainage, flowing over what used to be a parking lot and cascading into the river. It was big water no doubt, but after taking a few pictures, scanning the scene and considering our take-out schedule, we ran Diamond Creek Rapid upon waves of white foam and dropped into the narrows of the Lower Gorge.

Beyond Diamond Creek the river rose significantly we began to encounter more than just heavy water and white foam. Swirling in both the eddies and the current, nearly filling the constricted channel of the gorge, was a slick of sticks, logs and other flood debris churning with the swelling river. The smallest pieces rode a boat of foam and tangled branches that held together through the waves and swirls like a woven blanket. The larger pieces bobbed up and down, often being upended and sucked beneath the surface of the water, only to be released suddenly and forcefully downstream. The largest logs compared eagerly to our side-tubes, 22 feet end-to-end. We had caught up with, and were caught up in, the front of the flood and all it had carried with it.

Hello river enthusiasts! Here’s my account of navigating the river during our last Grand Canyon motor trip after some wild weather produced one of the largest flash floods I’ve ever witnessed. Upon later investigation, I learned this particular flood peaked at 10,000 cfs, which is nearly the volume of the river itself. Enjoy! – Mikenna

In an attempt to avoid the worst of it we drove in the eddies, pulled our motors and reached down to clear biggest offenders from beneath the frames and near our propellers. Still, it became quickly apparent that the debris was besting our efforts. When the motors on both boats repeatedly failed to take in the chunky water, an essential function of cooling, we pulled over to let the log jam pass downstream. With the help and patience of our hearty passengers we worked on our motors. As we changed one out, tied to the rocky slope of some no-name eddy around mile 230, we gave a few half-hearted “woops” to an Outdoors Unlimited rowing trip as they floated by us out in the current. We received a couple nervous hoots back, but the mood was obviously one of concentration. I was jealous that they were at least moving downstream; this was a good, albeit nerve-wracking, time to be in a rowboat.

Even tied safely to shore, our boats were being bombarded as debris circulated in the eddy. After an hour, we fired up the motors and floated for a few minutes, letting the trapped logs that had completely filled the underside of the boats work free before we made another attempt downstream.

It wasn’t long before I found myself with another clogged motor intake. After attempting to clear it, I stood on top of my motor box, poised to jump back down into the cockpit and fire-up the engine again. I could see Alex in the other boat approaching, trying to bump my boat to safety, and in a moment of hurried scrambling, I slipped. Instead of landing square on my feet, I fell into the cockpit and onto my ankle, rolling over it and stretching it far outside of its normal range. I didn’t even have time to stand up before a swollen bulge the size of a lemon was inflating like a balloon from both sides of my joint.

I took one deep breath, trying to push thoughts of broken bones from my mind, before I realized my boat was still floating dangerously close to a small garden of rocks just off the shore. No time for injuries; I had to act. I gave two big pulls on the motor’s pull chord. No go. I tried once more before I was forced to lift the engine out of the water just as the boat began bounce off the rocks I feared we’d hit. I cringed, more for the boat than for myself, as the rig played Ping-Pong once or twice before coming to a stop. I crawled on all fours out of the motor well to assess exactly where the culprit rocks were hanging us up. I instructed this particularly upbeat and capable group of passengers to move to the front of the boat in an attempt to shift the weight off the rocks. I asked them to bounce up and down and when they did, the boat slid just two measly feet before becoming lodged again. But two feet were all I needed. The rig had shifted just enough to place the motor over deep-ish water amid the rocks. I dropped it in. In a second attempt, the passengers – who were more like crew at this point – all jumped in unison and I fired up the engine. I gave one big turn of the throttle and the boat moved with a groan and a slide. I quickly yanked the motor out of the water again as we floated over the remainder of the rocks and back out into the current. Thank you river gods! We were floating.

After a few more sessions of freeing propellers and clearing motor intakes, we ran the rapids of the Lower Gorge without incident. The passengers on my boat, who were just as excited and optimistic as they’d been all trip and throughout the entire ordeal, acted as spotters, pointing out the biggest logs as we encountered them, yelling “Port!” and “Starboard!” We picked our way through the remaining whitewater amid the clunking sound of wood hitting the aluminum frame beneath the boat and the unavoidable crack of stick vs. propeller.

I have never been so happy to see the calm water and wider corridor of Lake Meade.

Grand Canyon Rafting , Grand Canyon Rafting Experience , Grand Canyon River Story , How fast is the grand canyon river moving

Defending the Grand Canyon

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:55:53 GMT

At the same time, Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar spearheaded a successful vote in the House that prohibits presidential designation of a new Grand Canyon national monument, intended to protect tributary side canyons and surrounding plateaus from the devastating effects of more uranium mining.

Congressional leaders, concerned about “intrusive government overreach,” are also attacking a policy that bans the sale of water in disposable plastic bottles in national parks. They say that it is robbing consumers of choice, could cost jobs, and might threaten visitors’ health and safety by causing them to drink more sugary soft drinks. But in fact, the ban saves money for the parks by reducing their waste stream and associated cleanup costs. Visitors, too, benefit from being able to drink free tap water and buy refillable bottles from park concessions for as little as $2.50. As in Roosevelt’s era, private businesses continue cutting into “the public interests.”

Here is an excellent blog from our friends at the Grand Canyon Trust:

Wallace Stegner called national parks “the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.”

For more than a century, protecting the Grand Canyon, in its entirety, has been an uphill battle. Responding to ongoing degradation by mining and commercial interests, President Theodore Roosevelt sought greater protection for our nation’s “greatest eroded canyon,” declaring that “the public interests would be promoted by reserving it…with such other land as is necessary for its proper protection.” Roosevelt’s 1908 proclamation of Grand Canyon National Monument was among the first of many responses to Grand Canyon’s never-ending threats.

More than a half-century later, Congress enlarged Grand Canyon National Park to ban the construction of two dams in the canyon’s gorge. But like many previous actions, the enlargement fell short in protecting “the Grand Canyon in its entirety,” as stated in its legislative language. The purpose of the 1975 Enlargement Act was to declare “that the entire Grand Canyon… including tributary side canyons and surrounding plateaus, is a natural feature of national and international significance.”

In a show of bipartisan support for their state’s defining landmark, Arizona Congressman Morris Udall joined Senator Barry Goldwater in passing that law for “the further protection and interpretation of the Grand Canyon in accordance with its true significance.” But industry’s big bucks, along with current partisan politics, have eroded this 40-year-old commitment to care for our national treasure.

The jury is out

Corporate intruders are still raiding our national treasures: the bottled water industry argues that banning disposable plastic bottles might harm public health and safety; the mining industry says that uranium mines pose no risk to visitors’ health and safety; and alchemist investors keep conspiring to spin our cherished places into private profits.

Partisan politics and profiteers are pecking away at long-standing commitments to protect our national parks. “If you care about places like the Grand Canyon,” Fedarko note, “there’s something inherently wrong about that….Every 15 or 20 years, it seems, the canyon forces us to undergo a kind of national character exam. If we cannot muster the resources and the resolve to preserve this, perhaps our greatest natural treasure, what, if anything, are we willing to protect?”

Next year, our nation celebrates a century since citizens and Congress had the foresight to create the National Park Service. The jury is still out on whether or not today’s political leaders reflect “ our best rather than our worst” national character.

Wallace Stegner also called the West our “native home of hope.” Once we realize that cooperation defines the West’s character, we have “ a chance to create a society to match its scenery”—and the prescience to preserve Grand Canyon, in its entirety for future generations.

Source: http://www.grandcanyontrust.org/blog/protecting-grand-canyonin-its-entirety

Imagine the Little Colorado with 10,000 tourists a day

A Covenant To Keep

Grand Canyon is under siege. As Kevin Fedarko, author of The Emerald Mile, concludes, “Preserving its wonders – and defending them – is a covenant we are called to keep.” Today, uranium mining and deep wells to support commercial growth still threaten Grand Canyon’s precious seeps and springs. And, developers want to build a tramway to carry 10,000 tourists a day to the bottom of the canyon where the Colorado and Little Colorado rivers flow together.

Colorado River Protection, Defending the Grand Canyon, Protecting the Grand Canyon

Karma, Fate, and Rediscovery–Grand Canyon Style

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:55:18 GMT

We pulled our rafts into 110.5 mile camp and did a quick scout of the camp. Checking the usual things like if their was enough room for our group and wondering where we would set up the bathrooms. Cots have made camping much easier these days. Before cots gravelly camps were pretty much out of the question, but now gravelly camps are semi-acceptable. With the loss of sand every year due to the flow fluctuations of Glen Canyon Dam, as well as the removal of sand flowing through Grand Canyon caused by Glen Canyon Dam, the beaches are getting smaller every year. In addition to the problem finding suitable camps, this has also made the camps with sand very popular. Many are camped at nightly. With this over use I speculate the beaches are becoming dirtier on the microorganism level, even when everyone in the Grand Canyon does their best to keep the canyon pristine. This beach was totally pristine though, and adequately covered in clean Grand Canyon sand. We set up camp. On one end of the beach I found a food stash in a rice bag, full of salad dressing and canned foods. I have stumbled upon many beer stashes and a few firewood stashes, but only a couple of food stashes. The stash of food looked at least 5 years old. The rice bag was torn and the Annie’s salad dressing’s label looked really faded.

For cinco de Mayo we ate a large Mexican Fiesta Dinner. After dinner everyone was tired from our epic day, and went to bed early. The guides pushed the boats out before bed, anticipating the normal nightly drop in flow, from the Dam 128 miles upriver. The Dam releases the most water from 8 AM to 5 PM during the work week, and depending how far down river you are camped, the water drop or rise can cause you problems during the night. Where we were camped the water level drops during the night, then starts to come back up at around 11 AM.

The next morning after breakfast Alex brought down a partially rusted ammo can down to our Kitchen. He liked to explore our camps, and he had found this ammo can wedged into the rocks above the sandy part of our camp. Me and the other guides were immediately drawn to the new found treasure. What would it hold? I opened the can up and realized this was somebody’s personal ammo can…there was a Kindle on top, underneath was a toothbrush, swiss army knife, and wallet. We looked at the wallet and its contents. Inside the wallet were expired credit cards, some cash, and a Colorado Driver License. We speculated that the ammo can had been here quite a while because of how rusted it was and because everything inside was expired. I packed the can onto my boat and looked forward to the challenge of locating “Bruce.”

…Ahh Shinumo Creek. It was starting to get a little later in the day than most trips stay on the water, but I have always like to “stretch” the days and get as much in as possible on the trips I run, thus seeing and doing as much as possible. As Martha and Toner say you can “Sleep When You Are Dead.” This late afternoon stop at Shinumo Creek was more destiny than choice though. We had already had an exchange of guests at Phantom Ranch and ran the all the rapids from Zoroaster through Bass. I had thought I would camp somewhere amongst the 6 or 7 camps in the Bass area. Unfortunately there was a private trip at Emerald, Azra at Hotuata, a private trip at Ross Wheeler, a private trip at the Inscription, a private trip at the sandbar just above Bass, and of course a private trip laid over at Bass Camp. In addition up ahead were an Azra motor trip and 2 Canyoneers trips. I thought my odds of getting 110 mile camp were slim, but a few years earlier I had been hiking on the ridge above 110 and noticed a sandbar at 110.5 mile. This was my “Ace in the Hole” camp, something in the back of my mind that was as good or better than the host of small sandbars and rocky Garnet Camps from Walthenburg to Elves, and a place I had never seen anyone camped. We pulled our up-beat trip of 30 in to share the waterfall at Shinumo, knowing no trips would be coming behind us, and our fate had already been decided as far as where we would lay our heads down to rest when night fell.

We had a wonderful time at Shinumo Creek. The canyon was shaded, but the rocky debris fan from where our 37′ motorized rafts were parked to the mouth of the creek was still in the sunny glow of the beginning of sunset. Our guests who by now had become friends played in the cool water of Shinumo Creek, then returned to the warm rocks, laying on the red and orange rocks of the debris fan and on our grey and blue rafts. No one was “antsy” or in a “hurry” to leave, but you could tell a few of the group wondered where, or if we would be camping that night. We untied the rafts and headed around the bend through Shinumo Rapid and into view of the AZRA motorized raft and all the tents set up at 110 mile rapid. As we passed by the rafts my friend Wayne gave us a heartfelt wave.

Alex, the hero of this story!!!

May 5, 2015

Day 8 – Finally talked James into moving to my boat, so that each boat would have two riders. I didn’t see the hole in Serpentine rapid, didn’t read the book that said “stay left” and went right into it. A second of thinking “oh!” and upside down. I felt bad for James, because he had flipped in Tony’s boat on Day 3. Travis did a great job getting on the raft, pulling James up and getting a spare oar out and getting the upside down raft into an eddy. It took me a couple days to get my confidence back after flipping.

August 2011 From Bruce’s Journal–

Bruce at Lee’s Ferry in August 2011 with the Ammo Can.

Bruce after the flip in August 2011.

August 2011 From Bruce’s Journal–

Day 8 – I could see my ammo can of personal stuff was floating just out of reach, so I thought “swim for it”…But, then I saw the young men at the upside-down raft and decided I needed to swim to the raft. I tried to watch the ammo can from the raft, but it was hard to get it into the obvious eddy, so I couldn’t keep watching. Got the raft over and re-rigged, and headed to camp. I tried to look in every eddy and debris pile for days (apparently, as the ammo can only went 5 miles in nearly 4 years, I wasn’t looking in the right place). Some of the things in my personal can were sad to lose, but on the rest of trip the things I missed the most were my toothbrush and hairbrush.

Bruce at Lee’s Ferry in August 2011 with the Ammo Can.

Bruce after the flip in August 2011.

May 11, 2015

After we cleaned up our trip we called our main office and Vicki was able to locate Bruce from his Driver’s License. We sent the Ammo Can back to Bruce and he was thrilled to have it returned as it had a lot of things that had value to him. It was fun to be part of a Grand Canyon story and get some good Karma from the river community. That is one of the great things about the Grand Canyon. In my experience I have almost always had good relationships with all of the people in the Grand Canyon whether they be fellow commercial boaters, private boaters, NPS staff, backpackers, or that random guy that doesn’t fit into any of these categories. The Grand Canyon brings out the best in people.

– Walker Mackay

110.5 Mile Camp , Ammo Can Lost and Found , Grand Canyon Rafting Adventures , Grand Canyon River Rafting Trips , Grand Canyon Story , Karma and Fate

Westwater Canyon: Whitewater Rafting Through the Wild West

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:54:52 GMT

Few places match the rugged landscape of Westwater Canyon of the Colorado River. Combine the geologic record of exposed rock, the history of refuge for outlaws, the abundance of wildlife, the hidden gems of side-canyon exploration, Native American petroglyph panels, the wild rapids deep in the gorge, and its easy to see why National Geographic lists Westwater Canyon as one of the best river trips in the West. Whether you have one day or three, Westwater provides a wilderness experience just an hour and a half away from Moab, Utah.

Less than a mile below the ranger station, red walls of Entrada Sandstone capped with the Morrison Formation rise from the water and form a perch for Bald Eagles as we float by below. Within a few miles the canyon begins to narrow as sedimentary layers of rock rise up. Kayenta Formation on top of Wingate Sandstone on top of the Chinle Formation. Around the bend is where miners in the early 1900’s built a dugout cabin- roof still in tact. Littered around the entrance are remnants of their failed attempt to extract.

Across the river the first signs emerge of 1.7 billion year old proterozoic rocks made up of black metamorphic schist and gneiss. A similar sequence of rock found in the bottom of the Grand Canyon’s inner gorge, but in Westwater Canyon, the “Great Unconformity” or missing rock sequence is much older than the Grand Canyon. Here, 1.5 billion years of deposition has been eroded before the Chinle Formation was deposited 208 million years ago.

Another mile down the river and we get to my favorite camp, near the mouth of the Little Delores River. We are right above the back-to-back big rapids, and the sound of Little Delores Rapid can be heard. From here, it is possible to hike up the Little Delores River where a waterfall forms during spring run-off, or after a rainstorm. When it is dry, we hike up a steep trail to gain a view of the river below, and to see another panel of petroglyphs, these most likely from Ute Indians who came through much later than the Ancestral Puebloans.

After the rapid at Little Delores there is a small cave on the left, with black soot coating the roof. Inside, two crude beds sag on top of rough-cut timber, and artifacts lie scattered around the stone floor. Some people say this outlaw hideout was refuge for counterfeiting brothers escaping the authorities in Grand Junction. Others claim this cave to be where Butch Cassidy laid low for the law to lose their trail. One thing is for certain. When Bert Loper and Ellsworth Kolb became the first to navigate this section of river by canoe in 1916, very few non-Native Americans had ventured into this rugged corridor.

On to the splashy waves of Marble Canyon Rapid, and rolling haystacks of Staircase Rapid. Next is Big Hummer, where a mound of water builds over boulders below the surface, and exits into a series of fun waves. Then comes Funnel Falls. At lower water levels Funnel feels like a waterfall, chuting through rocks below the horizon. At higher water, the Five-0 waveforms a big standing wave that feels like a roller coaster.

Through Surprise Rapid and Son of Surprise Rapid- both always bigger than they appear from above- and we come to the most infamous rapid of the canyon, Skull Rapid. Here, there is a critical move to the left to make, as most of the water plows into the Rock of Shock and either goes downstream or into an eddy carved into the cliff wall called the Room of Doom. This is the crux of the canyon, a class IV rapid at higher water. Just a few rapids remain, but the ride will be wild.

We begin our descent into the canyon where walls rise to 1,200 feet above. Small riffles form as the walls close in. At Little Hole Canyon on the right, a hike presents itself through a variety of Great Basin Desert flora and fauna. After a mile and a half and at the base of the Wingate cliff a petroglyph panel of big horn ship can be found, as if navigating their way up through a weakness in the canyon wall. The artists were Ancestral Puebloans who left this area roughly 700 years ago.

Rowing through Bowling Alley Rapid we approach Sock-it-to-me Rapid, my favorite. A few years ago I took my grandmother down the river, in her early 80’s. As we entered the rapid we accelerated, then stalled as the big curling wave stood the boat straight up in the air. Grandma emerged soaking wet and giggling, with a big smile on her face. She told me she hadn’t had that much fun in years!

On to Last Chance Rapid, we avoid the big domer in the center, and the river becomes peaceful again. The landscape begins to open, and the cliff swallows return to dart across the surface of the water, hunting for food. Not far is where the one and two-day trip ends.

On the three-day trip, we meander through ten miles of mild water and enter Post Card Alley. This is a great place to capture photographs in the early evening glow of the Fisher Towers in the Professor Valley. Onion Creek is the first choice for camp, with good hiking and great views in the fading light. We camp under big cottonwood trees and spend our evening on one of the biggest beaches of this stretch.

The trip finishes with small splashy waves and incredible views as we pass Castle Valley and drop back into another canyon corridor. We have traveled just over 50 miles of river in three days, told stories, camped on the beach, and ran some really exciting whitewater. For those who haven’t experienced the awesome adventure of Westwater Canyon, don’t let another river season float by.

-Ben

Grand Canyon Rafting Trips , Whitewater Rafting , Whitewater Rafting Trips

Colorado River Flows

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:32:14 GMT

River Flow is an important things to know before going on a river trip. In 2014 the Grand Canyon has seen some relatively low flows. April and May had fluctuations between 5,500 cfs and 11,000 cfs, with the weekends, especially Sunday releases being much lower. This is because the river is regulated by Glen Canyon Dam which backs up Lake Powell. These lower flows make some rapids bigger, and some rapids smaller, but all of the rapids become rockier and more technical. Above Lake Powell the Colorado and Green have gone up and down all spring. The mountains have a nice amount of snow, but the temperatures have gotten hot and then suddenly cooled off and the flow through Cataract Canyon has taken on the appearance of a Sin wave. For those interested in learning the flows of the river their are a few different ways.

#1. Check out the Colorado River Basin Forecast Center River Map: Click Here another nice feature about this site is you can click on the PEAK FLOW FORECAST LIST and one can see what the most recent Peak Flow forecast is for a particular section of river. For instance on May 19, 2014 Cataract Canyon was given a 50% chance of peaking at 60,000 cfs sometime in 2014.

#2. Call 1-801-539-1311. This phone number goes to a recorded message which tells the river flows for a particular day. This message is updated daily.

#3. Buy or download one of the river flow apps on the itunes store.

#4. For Grand Canyon, where the water is regulated, be sure to check out the Bureau of Reclamation Current Dam Flow Report for Glen Canyon Dam.

High water means a lot of excitement for rafters in Cataract Canyon . Cataract Canyon is generally considered the biggest whitewater in North America at flows above 50,000 cfs so it looks like 2014 is going to be a big water year.

Cataract Canyon Flows, Colorado River Flows, Grand Canyon Flows

Bass Camp and Trail

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:28:20 GMT

Bass Cable Car in Service.

The Bass Tent Camp up Shinumo Creek

William Wallace Bass moved to the Grand Canyon in 1883. He moved from the East for health reasons and rumors of Gold brought him into the Grand Canyon. When the rumors turned out to be false he turned to the tourist industry. He set up a camp at Havasupai Point on the rim of the Grand Canyon. This camp was accessible via a road Bass built from Ashfork. During its 36-year history several thousand visitors registered there including such names as George Wharton James, writer Zane Grey, artist Thomas Moran, naturalist John Muir, industrialist Henry Ford and Army Lieutenant Joseph Ives.

From the Bass Camp on the rim, Bass constructed a trail and led tourists down to the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Guests were able to cross the river in a boat until 1908. Then in 1908 Bass constructed a cable car across the river and attached a to ferry people, supplies, and animals across the river.

Once across the river, guests were led up and over a saddle into the Shinumo Creek drainage. A couple of miles up Shinumo Creek, Bass built a tent camp complete with an orchard. The camp in Shinumo was nestled in an incredibly beautiful location with a nice stream and beautiful trees. The guests who were able to experience the Grand Canyon with Bass were extremely lucky.

Today Bass’s broken down cable car is rotting away at mile 108. This part of the canyon has always been one of my favorite parts. Shinumo Creek is always a cool and relaxing stop. In addition, the rapids of Crystal, Horn Creek, Hermit, Granite, and Hance are now behind you. Upon the rim, the lone “lollipop” tree up on the Powell Plateau is in view.

The hike up to Base Camp is also one of my favorites. The views from the saddle up the river are incredible, and hiking down along Shinumo Creek is heavenly. The ancestral Puebloans must have also like this area because there are a huge number of artifacts and structures that are still visible.

I have hiked the trail many times and when I get up to the abandoned camp I always think of the effort taken to carry things in and out of the Grand Canyon. At the camp, many artifacts are still present including an Iron stove and lots of coffee pots a

Larry Stevens–River Map and Guide

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:23:42 GMT

Larry Stevens–River Map and Guide

Larry Stevens recently released his updated guide to The Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. The guide is in full color and includes a map of the river similar to the Belknap River Guide. River miles in the book correspond to the most recent USGS-GCMRC measurements. Rapid ratings are based in order of four water levels: Very Low(1,000-3,000 cfs), Low (3,000-9,000 cfs), Medium (9,000-16,000 cfs) and High (16,000-35,000 cfs). The guide also includes camps that are commonly used and a sun and shade diagram that lets boaters know about when the shade will hit in the afternoon, and when the sunlight will hit the camp in the morning.

In addition to the river map the book is full of useful information about Geography, Geology, Human History, Biology, and Ecology. Larry Stevens has a PhD in Zoology, and is a natural historian and river runner with 35 years engaged in ecological research in the American Southwest.

The Geography Section of the book engages the reader by introducing the Colorado Plateau region and explaining Spatial Scale. A graph showing the average daily temperature and mean monthly precipitation is also included in this section. The section finishes up with some bleak predictions for the Colorado River because of Climate Change.

The Geology Section of the guide is very in depth and will keep the novice and seasoned geologist intrigued with its great diagrams and in depth information. The geology section includes a diagram of geologic stratigraphy of the Grand Canyon, Landscape evolution paleographic illustrations by Ron Blakey, and a River Basin Development diagram.

The human history timeline of the Grand Canyon is another highlight of the book. This timeline starts with the Paleoindian Period and ends at present day. Find when Georgie White first experienced the river and when Verlen Kruger did the first non-motorized up run through the Grand Canyon.

The Biology and Ecology section has a lot of great information and pictures of the flora and fauna of the area. It is especially interesting to see photos of all of the native fish of the Colorado River and read about the challenges they face.

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions just got a new shipment of these books. To order this new guidebook for the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River just visit the new Colorado River & Trail Expeditions Store .

Grand Canyon Guide, Larry Stevens

Flash flood at Redbud.

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:50:51 GMT

Flash flood at Redbud.

The desert air darkened with thick clouds that moments before could not be seen through the walls of a canyon a mile deep. The August heat suddenly gone, shifting as fast as the moods of the people as fast as blackened pillows blocking the sun. In what normally is a peaceful part of the canyon began to feel threatening. The monsoon that would open up would last about 35 minutes, thoroughly soaking through every piece of clothing- rain jacket or not- where five miles upstream and downstream was as dry as the desert ever was.

Two distinct images remain poignant to me. The first when the people huddling under the draping drenched rain fly peeled their dripping heads away from the canvas and saw the thousand foot waterfalls pouring red mud off the rim and realized this might not be so bad.

As they emerged from their wounded tent pile they saw the unnaturally green river swirl red like blood taken from hundreds of sources along the vein, the Colorado River .

The second was when I walked away from the small beach camp called “Brower’s Bower”, named for David Brower who’s efforts in part prevented the Marble Canyon Dam that would have inundated this part of Grand Canyon, and walked into Red Bud Alcove. I had been here before when it looked like it usually does, an overhanging dry fall.

I crossed the stream and entered the short box canyon into a froth of thick moisture. The falls fell furiously, in some sort of hurry, and upon hitting the streambed pushed and rolled boulders toward the main artery.

I could see that this was how rapids form. Inside the alcove the noise of the water intensified as the volume of water increased. Feeling the power of that place in that moment taught me the extremes of this canyon.

Where thirty minutes prior the 115-degree temperature was sucking moisture out of my skin, now the water pounding my body felt like the verge of implosion.

And then it stopped. The rain first, the Arizona monsoon clouds empty. Then the water running together collecting the red sand down the slopes above and over the rim to the river, it slowed and stopped. All that red mud, changing the river to blood, went downstream like it has for six million years. Downstream. Back to green, the color of the water of the bottom of the reservoir named Powell. Time to cook burgers beans and brats for the hungry wet people.

Experiences of the Grand Canyon River, flash floods Grand Canyon

High Water of Cataract Canyon 2011-Going Big

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:26:06 GMT

The snowpack in the mountains of Utah in June 2011 where 420% of average. The guides at Colorado River and Trail Expeditions knew that they were about to witness the Colorado River in flood stages that nobody had seen in nearly 30 years. In fact, the boatmen that were running the river in 1983 and 1984 were still talking about how big the water was in Cataract Canyon. The stories were told over and over again to the point where newer guides would reenact this legendary boatman by putting their hands on their hips, puffing their chest out just a bit and stare off into the imaginary distance with a voice full of reverence say, “back in ’83…” The truth was that we all just wanted our own stories to tell, to know just what it felt like to be confronted by waves like the Red Wall, standing a boat up vertically.

So when we saw the snowpack data, and how it just continued to stack up in the spring instead of meltdown into the rivers, we knew that there was potential for the water to get even bigger than anyone had ever seen before. We started to get ready, with newly acquired aluminum frames to run in our 35 foot long Leyland S-Rigs, fired up the motors and packed out the first trip. It was the beginning of June, and Cataract hadn’t yet reached its average peak flow of 50,000 cubic feet of water per second. When the big flows would boil down between the big canyon walls was anyone’s guess, but it was known that the cycle would begin just 3 days after the first sun-burn days of summer. Rigging the boats at the ramp we felt the first trails of sweat dripping down our backs and we knew the Rockies were melting.

We were on a four-day motor trip, so we had plenty of time to hike side canyons to waterfalls and ancient Native American cultural sites. At Little Bridge Canyon we camped at my favorite high- water campsite, with Prince’s Plume, nodding off at the end of its bloom. 4 feet-high candlesticks, these members of the mustard family found root in the soils of this ledgy camp.

By the time we pushed off, the water had risen past the top of the main ledge and we knew the rapids were getting bigger down below. At Brown Betty Beach, the sand was buried, up past the base of the Tamarisk at the very top of the beach. We stopped for lunch. And while our group was eating Mexican salad wraps, we called out on the satellite phone to the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center to find out what kind of flow we were looking at. 67,000 CFS. None of the boatmen here had quiet seen this much water before and the intensity of the situation seemed to escalate. We cleaned up lunch, not eating much ourselves, and pushed off. Brown Betty Rapid seemed monstrous- if this is what class III looked like- we were in for a big day. When we got to rapid 7, the North Seas, and the haystacks stacked up, feeling like Hermit Rapid on steroids!

Capsize and Mile Long Rapids made us feel like we were running a completely different river. Our normal rock-monolith markers were now buried deep and creating ferocious hydraulics. Our big boats flexed in the troughs absorbed breaking waves and extended through the maelstrom up into the desert sky. It felt like a wild roller coaster, yet the boats felt surprisingly stable. At Big Drop II we stopped to scout and decided to go right down the middle.

At this water level there was no gap between where the Ledge Wave lies, and the chaos from Little Niagara- today they met and formed the Red Wall. We motored in at full cob, and I’ll never forget the sensation of climbing, climbing, climbing, and the pure exhilaration of cresting the wave and falling back down the backside. Repeat customer and friend of CRATE Lina Berman filmed the following video from the front of the boat, and when she saw the Red Wall Wave approaching, she dropped her camera to hold on with both hands.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3g2UKLLdv8

This crux of the canyon lasted but a few seconds, and while we knew there were more big waves to run below, the biggest was now behind us. The excitement and thrill from this day left an impression in my mind over the last few years. We saw nearly 80,000 CFS that summer, with the river peaking at 89,000 CFS. It did not get bigger than the high water seasons of 1983 and 1984 where it got over 100,000 CFS, but it was high water for much longer. The slower winter run-off related to above-average peak flows of 50,000 CFS for over 60 days. That’s 2 months of high water compared to the average peak day of high flow. And the next generation of boatmen did have stories to tell, enough to have rookie boatmen rolling their eyes now when we talk about 2011.

Of course, not everyone is looking for the craziest ride of their life. When the water drops, as it usually does in late June, July, and August, the beaches we camp on can stretch on for nearly a mile. The way that high water flows deposit fresh sand on the banks gives you the feeling that nobody has ever been there before. And with just 5,000 people traveling down Cataract Canyon a season, (compared to 25,000 in Grand Canyon) you just might not see anyone else at all. Cataract Canyon always holds some sort of mystic in my mind. As the winter approaches, I watch the snowpack to see what kind of runoff next spring will bring. Whether its big water or big beaches, wildflowers or slot canyons, the river running through Canyonlands has something amazing to share.

Cataract Canyon, Cataract Canyon High Rapids, Cataract Canyon Rafting, Cataract Canyon River Rafting

Giving Thanks

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:17:17 GMT

On Thanksgiving Day, when it comes time to truly tally all that fills my world with joy, it is impossible not to include my life as a river guide. Though I’m grateful each time I look over my shoulder at a rapid safely navigated or emerge from a hike into a hidden side canyon oasis, this time of year I welcome the opportunity to reflect on the unmistakable elements of my life outdoors that make it so darn full. Here are just a few:

Today I am thankful for wild places ; any wild place, all wild places, untouched as they can be by the long reach of our industrial human hand. A place where it is possible to find solitude, to sit in silence or to observe the natural processes of this incredible Earth, is a place to be grateful for in my book.

I feel this gratitude when I’m hiking by myself, but not completely alone, listening to the playful chatter of a family of Ravens. When I lie down at the end of a long day beneath an infinitely dark sky filled with the crisp glitter of stars beyond stars, I cherish places removed from floodlights, stoplights, even my own porch light. After I’ve happened upon a herd of Desert Bighorn sheep, a dozen of them huddled atop one crumbling boulder, or a rattlesnake barely decipherable from the cactus its tangled among, I am a gracious visitor in their habitats. I am thankful for the lone Gray Wolf who recently made her way 450 miles to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, sparking the possibility that her species could return there someday after a 70-year absence.

Today I’ll toast the rugged, remote, untouched, undiscovered corners of the Earth and the need for them among all of our modern distractions.

I am also thankful for the organizations and individuals who fight for the protection of wilderness and how we use to get to use it. It seems I read about a new assault on a sacred place almost daily and am disheartened to think about it being irreversibly or unnecessarily altered. Still, it is also often that I meet and hear inspiring stories about people who persist in the fight to protect open spaces.

Currently, the dedicated activists at The Grand Canyon Trust and Save the Confluence are working to dismantle a development proposal that would place a tramway and snack bar at the confluence of the Little Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. The Canyonlands Watershed Council and the Sierra Club are fighting fracking and natural gas drilling operations that are already underway on the borders of Canyonlands National Park. The Grand Canyon, the Book Cliffs, Utah’s Canyon Country, and Alaska, the spectacular landscapes in which we work and play, in are constantly threatened by encroaching civilization. Thankfully there have been and continue to be explorers, writers, artists, activists, politicians and every-day people who take on the well-being of wilderness as their own. It is not easy and not often gratifying. I praise their energy and dedication.

Finally, I am eternally appreciative of the CRATE family and my place in it. I’m talking owners, guides, guests, friends, guests-turned-friends, drivers, allies, pioneers, legends, cronies, everyone. This company is tight-knit and we are all better for it. Along with being fortunate to wake up at the bottom of a canyon most mornings, I am lucky to spend my days exploring with folks who have become my closest friends. On each trip I am supported by the curiosity, kindness and team spirit of the CRATE crew. Laughing and living with them and having the opportunity to do the work we do as guides is a privilege.

Our crew is as diverse and talented as our clients, who are an exemplary bunch as well. Every day on the river offers me something new to learn. Whether I’m getting details about being a tugboat captain on the Mississippi River or spending the afternoon listening to a 14-year-old’s perspective on life in the Netherlands, I am able to show people a special part of the world and they are able to show a special part of it to me.

I am thankful for the relationships and the set of skills I have acquired over course of thirteen seasons that allow me to spend time with such vibrant people and have a part in this exchange.

So today, as much as ever, I am grateful that I get to be a river guide and that I am able to spend time in spectacular remote places with genuine people with which to share them. Happy Thanksgiving to river runners and wilderness enthusiasts everywhere. We are quite a lucky bunch. Cheers! – Mikenna

Thanksgiving from CRATE, Thanksgiving from the River

Remembering Martin Litton

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 17:46:40 GMT

From the Green River to the Redwood Forest to the Grand Canyon, Martin Litton was unapologetically dedicated to the defense of wilderness in the American West. As a journalist and a boatman he was openly passionate and sometimes downright angry, critically weighing in on some of the region’s most contested environmental battles. Litton’s efforts achieved lasting results, not only setting him apart as one of the most respected and effective conservationists to date, but propelling the environmental movement into mainstream consciousness as well. He was an accomplished outdoorsman, river running legend, Grand Canyon outfitter and an integral protector of the wild places he loved. Litton died Sunday at his home in Palo Alto, CA, at the age of 97.

Litton fell in love with wilderness as a teenager when he and a friend rented burros and spent 12 days climbing Mt. Whitney in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. He was a pilot in World War II before tackling environmental issues as a journalist for the Los Angels Times, Sunset Magazine and as board member of the Sierra Club. His work eventually landed him on a Grand Canyon river trip and he was immediately hooked. He founded a river company called Grand Canyon Dories and ran commercial river trips in the small wooden boats until the mid 1980’s, all the while continuing the outspoken activism that he had become know for.

Though he spearheaded campaigns that turned the tables in numerous environmental battles, one of Litton’s most recognized accomplishments is his contribution to the defeat of two proposed dams on the Colorado River within the Grand Canyon. By publicizing the government’s plans for the dams, scrutinizing their research and writing about their process, he helped bring the nation’s focus to the Grand Canyon like never before. He nearly single-handedly convinced the budding Sierra Club to take on the cause of the Grand Canyon and he used his own boats and skills as a boatman to row the dam’s most powerful proponent through the corridor of the canyon itself. Ultimately, Litton was instrumental in convincing politicians and the public alike of the Grand Canyon’s intrinsic value as an untouched wonder and irreplaceable national treasure. The Sierra Club’s anti-dam campaign eventually led to the defeat of both Grand Canyon dams in the critical months just before the project would have been finalized, eventually flooding parts of the Grand Canyon and changing it forever.

Here is author Kevin Fedarko’s telling description of Litton addressing a board meeting of the Sierra Club in 1963 at the Jack London Hotel in Oakland, CA. In this excerpt form Fedarko’s book, The Emerald Mile , Litton implores the club to take up the fight against the Marble and Bridge Canyon dams.

“He began by declaring that it didn’t make a hoot of difference that the canyon might not look any different from the top if the dams were put in. The river was the essence of the place, its heart—the thing that had not only carved and shaped the rock but also sustained the unique and fragile ecosystem at the bottom. If the river were dammed, the spirit of that place would vanish, and what replaced it would be a poor substitute: a pair of stagnant reservoirs whose surfaces would endlessly and noisily be crisscrossed by powerboats and houseboats and water-skiers.

What this amounted to, Litton continued, was the annulment of a space whose value resided not in the fact that it was accessible, but rather in that it was isolated and untrammeled. Indeed, access to the masses was the very thing that would destroy what made the place so precious by canceling out those elements that the canyon now possessed in abundance—the silence, the solitude, and the fact that it was so implacably cut off from the rest of the world. Those qualities were as fragile as a little wooden boat, and as Roosevelt’s words clearly implied, the willingness to nurture and protect such treasures amounted to a national test of character, as well as a covenant with future generations of Americans. A test that the Interior Department and the Bureau of Reclamation had demonstrably failed. Inside the canyon, Litton thundered, Interior and Reclamation are interlopers, and we don’t have to surrender to their scheme because the place doesn’t belong to them. It’s our canyon. It’s our national park.

As for the idea that the government was too big and powerful to confront head-on, Litton’s contempt was scathing. Of course it will be an uphill battle, he said. Of course our resources are limited and our numbers are few. But in God’s name, how can anyone in this room look themselves in the mirror if we don’t resolve to go after this with everything we’ve got?

Historians often minimize or discount the impact that any one individual can have on human destiny—and for good reason. Given the broad tides in the affairs of men, and the complexity of the forces that shape and change history, it is almost always a mistake to ascribe too much significance to the actions of a single person. But even the most jaded observer can concede that, every now and then, a man or woman steps up to the plate and takes a mighty swing that clears the bases and fundamentally changes the game. In the Jack London Hotel that morning, this is what Litton achieved.”

To read more about Litton’s life, his work and his lasting impact on the conservation movement and river running, check out the links below.

http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-martin-litton-20141202-story.html#page=1

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/12/141202-grand-canyon-dams-colorado-river-martin-litton-conservation/

Defending the Wilderness of the American West, Grand Canyon Rafting, Martin Litton

A Brief Tour of National Parks in Thailand

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 17:42:12 GMT

I recently returned from Thailand where we spent time exploring some of the National Parks. While there are many differences between the National Parks in Thailand compared to the United States, the experience found me reflecting on the positives and the negatives of the Parks in both places. While Thailand is only three fourths the size of the state of Texas there are 127 different National Parks, compared to just 59 National Parks in the United States. The Park Service was first created in the U.S. in 1916 with Yellowstone as the first park. Thailand created its Park Service in 1961 with Khau Yai as the first park. So why the discrepancy in numbers?

Size does matter. The largest National Park in the U.S. is the Wrangle St. Elias N.P. in Alaska, covering an area of over 13,000 square miles. Thailand’s biggest is Kaeng Krachan N.P. covering 1,125 square miles, close to the size of Yosemite National Park- the 16th largest park in the U.S. The parks we visited had a much different feel. Instead of visiting a swath of protected land, in Thailand we found pockets of special places protected from already busy tourists areas.

In Krabi province we hiked to a lagoon. Just outside of Railey beach we found the trail that went straight up the mountain, and back down into the innards of this peninsula peak. This hike made Grand Canyon hiking seem easy! The trail was only maintained with old ropes to help navigate vertical rock sections and very slippery mud. One group we passed was tying in with ropes and harness. When we got to the lagoon we had the place to ourselves. Wading into the center of the green pool we found ourselves surrounded by a vertical forest, with verdant plant life growing out of the limestone cliffs and closing out all but a circle of sunlight above. It felt like we had stumbled into an unknown paradise. There where no placards along the way, no steps cut or built into the trail, no improvements constructed to frame our perception of this place.

Nearby Diamond Cave was another National Park site that had a much different feel. This was the only place that had an entrance fee, all of $1. It reminded me of a mini version of Lehman’s Cave in Great Basin National Park in Nevada. Although we were only allowed to see a tiny fraction of the cave, similar infrastructure had been built to protect the fragility of the stalactites and stalagmites. Unlike the mandatory cave tour in Great Basin, we were free to explore the fenced section on our own.

Next we went to the Than Sadet National Park on the island of Koh Phangan. We passed a small visitors center with no entrance fee and walked up to a waterfall. The one sign that we saw told us we were looking at a waterfall named Phang Noi, a small fall sliding down a sliver of rock in the jungle.

Up the trail was a larger falls, and the path turned into a scramble. Like the lagoon there were no improvements, just a trail through jungle and up rock, reaching an amazing viewpoint.

I appreciated the experience of exploring National Parks in Thailand. It felt more raw, less developed. I felt that it gave me freedom to interpret the landscape through my own lens. But I also felt that these parks were somewhat dirty. It made me appreciate the parks at home, where these special places are well taken care of. In Thailand we saw a lot of trash along the way, wrappers dropped and broken sandals laid victim of challenging terrain. I think that the best way to view our National Parks here in the U.S. is to get off the paved trail, get away from the signs and improvements and get on the river. To travel down the river through Canyonlands, Grand Canyon and Glacier Bay, is the best way to really see wild places in pristine conditions.

-Ben

Glacier Bay, Grand Canyon, National Parks in Thailand, River Rafting Gear

Cathedral in the Desert

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 17:32:34 GMT

Finding Grandpa’s picture in that place was the first clue that he had been there before me. But at the time I floated within the walls of the drowned Cathedral in the Desert, and took my own picture, Grandpa’s ghost was just 4 years old and 40 feet underwater. “Cathedral in the Desert, 17 September 1965, Clear Creek- Escalante Canyon before Lake Powell got to it. But the Reeder boys got there before Lake Powell did,” read the caption written in cursive ballpoint pen. In the picture were my dad and one of his brothers running around an alcove rimmed with maidenhair ferns fed with falling water. The towering, curving walls looked as if they would close out sunlight, except for the few minutes of the noonday sun. While most of Grandpa’s pictures I found were black and white, this was an exception, revealing shades of green rarely seen in the desert. My photo in color film looked monochromatic, taken 42 years later.

The following is an excerpt from my thesis written for the Environmental Humanities graduate program at the University of Utah, where I graduated in 2012.

In my picture, the Cathedral was half buried up to the lip of the waterfall, even with a reservoir stricken with a decade of drought. An 80-foot thick, dull-white bleach zone marked the high point of the reservoir and dissected the contrast of red rock with streaking tapestries of desert varnish in blacks and browns. This was an important event on my journey, one that revealed currents in the river to follow. To see these canyons, these tributaries leading to the main stem of the Colorado River as my grandpa did, would be to witness a world of balance between humanity and the world that sustains us. I would learn that the question I was pursuing was not what I am willing to die for, but what I am willing to live for….

In April 2012, I drove the Hayduke to the Cathedral in the Desert to see how the high water of 2011 had reburied this reemerging icon. As I motored into the Cathedral, I barely recognized the canyon from just 5 years before. The elevation of the reservoir had risen 35 feet from when I was here in 2007, to 3,636 feet above sea level. Where I motored, the paradise Grant captured in 1965 lay 80 feet below me. I motored around the bend and around the next, and tied off to a chock rock exposed at the top of the second waterfall all but buried.

I camped that night up-canyon of the Cathedral, and did what Grant would have done– I marveled at the beauty of what was left. Beyond the black waters of the stagnant canyon, restoration is thriving in shades of green moss, maidenhair fern, and electric cottonwoods. The bleached zone on the canyon wall was dissected with fresh desert varnish, streaking down in vibrant contrast. 3,557. This is the elevation at which the Cathedral stands in full glory.

Through these drought years I think about what’s happening in Glen Canyon. It seems that since 2002 the water levels have fluctuated around 50% capacity. I go to www.lakepowell.water-data.com to see how far the Cathedral lies underwater, waiting for the day it dries out. Today the reservoir is just over 100 feet below capacity, 48% full. This means that the water covering the bottom of the Cathedral is 41 feet thick. I feel very ambivalent about high water years. While a thick snow-pack means big water in Cataract, I know all that water going downstream stops in Lake Powell and reburies places that have re-emerged. Over the last decade I have returned to the Cathedral in the Desert to see the progress of restoration, of the natural processes that carved these canyon walls reclaimed. And what I see is the dead zone of the reservoir ebb and flow between these arcing walls. With our changing climate I know that it is inevitable that this place will return. The Cathedral in the Desert remains an icon that represents the beauty of a special place lost, but also the fragility of providing water in the arid west that so many people depend on. To witness this re-emergence is to realize a world where we as humans find balance between growth, progress, and the beauty of the natural world that also sustains us. This is the world I hope to share with my children.

-Ben

Canyon Country Photos, Grand Canyon Flowers, Grand Canyon Plants, Plants in the Grand Canyon

Flowers of the Canyon Country

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 17:05:51 GMT

As the winter months bring snow and rain to the Canyon Country, the red desert sand becomes moist and fertile for the plants that find home here. With the warming spring temperatures, the landscape opens, bursting with colors to attract pollinators in hopes for reproduction. While some plants bloom consistently from year to year, others lay dormant waiting for abnormally wet seasons. Other opportunistic species bloom throughout the season, on a larger-than-seasonal cycle. Often times a strong monsoon season will find conditions prime for a fall bloom more spectacular than the spring. For those traveling downstream on a river trip, the following flowers might be spotted while drifting by on the boat or while hiking in side canyons.

Prince’s Plume

Stanleya pinnata MUSTARD FAMILY

Reaching heights of 4 feet tall, this yellow flowering plant blooms from the base up. Prince’s Plume thrives in soil rich in selenium, which gets transported by pollinating insects and can accumulate to toxic levels higher in the food chain. The Native Americans would mash up the roots to treat aches and pains.

One of my favorite places to see Prince’s Plume bloom is in Cataract Canyon camping at Little Bridge Canyon on high water trips. There, the top heavy blooms nod in the evening breeze on cool May nights.

Some of the most spectacular places to see Crimson Monkeyflowers are found hiking to waterfalls in Grand Canyon. Hiking up Saddle Canyon and back to the narrowing V of the canyon, Monkeyflowers can be seen growing thick along the water’s edge. Thunder River falls is another place Monkeyflowers thrive, where the mist of the cascading water creates a moist environment even under the direct desert sun.

Crimson Monkeyflower

Mimulus cardinalis SNAPDRAGON FAMILY

Usually found in shady side canyons next to springs or streams, the Monkeyflower blooms throughout the summer months. In Grand Canyon there are 7 different species closely related and nearly impossible to differentiate without the blooming flower.

Golden Columbine

Aquilegia chrysantha BUTTERCUP FAMILY

Often found growing next to Crimson Monkeyflowers, Columbine grow in less dense populations in shady canyons next to water. Like Monkeyflowers, there are 7 similar species in Grand Canyon blooming with a variety of colors. Because the nectar is stored deep inside of the flower, its main pollinators are butterflies with long proboscises and hummingbirds. Bees with short proboscises will often bite through the flower to get to the nectar and avoid the task of pollination.

Rounding the bend to the falls in Saddle Canyon, in the narrowest spot between canyon walls is where you can see 3 different species of Columbine bloom. In red, pink and yellow, the backward facing spurs stand tall to the sky, hoping for butterflies not bees.

Century Plant

Agave utahensis AGAVE FAMILY

Once thought to grow for a hundred years before blooming, botanists now know that the Century Plant blooms after 20-40 years before dying. Stems extending underground called rhizomes can clone the next generation next to the mother plant. The flowering stock can shoot up 15 feet into the sky, the climax after a long life in the desert.

While hiking to the top of the Redwall layer of limestone through the Eminence Fault break from the eminence camp, Century Plants appear as candlesticks in the fading afternoon light. One Grand Canyon river trip participant informed me that the post-flowering stalk of the Century Plant makes a good walking stick because it is light in weight, rigid and strong.

Driving to the put-in for Desolation Canyon in the spring feels like driving through an ocean of orange Globemallow blooms. Often opportunistic, Globemallow thrive within disturbed landscapes, lining the highways dissecting the desert Southwest. Hiking to the Doll’s House on a Cataract Canyon is a spectacular site to see globemallows bloom among other wildflowers.

Globemallow

Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia MALLOW FAMILY

Thriving after rainy seasons, Globemallow can be seen blooming both in spring and fall on talus slopes along the river. Seen in shades of reds and oranges, 10 different species of Globemallow can be seen in Grand Canyon. Because hybridization is common, differentiating between species can be difficult. Native Americans harvest the roots and make a sticky pulp in cold water to treat stomach pain and diarrhea. Globemallow can also be made into a tea that finds soothing effects.

One of my favorite places to see Sacred Datura is hiking through the winding narrows of 75 mile canyon above Nevills Rapid. The tall, vertical walls of Shinamu Quartzite provide enough shade to protect the flower from shriveling up throughout the day. Looking at the shapes formed by the Datura Flower, its impossible not to think about the artwork of Georgia O’Keeffe.

-Ben

Who can identify the following desert wildflowers? Feel free to post your answers in the comment section below.

Sacred Datura

Datura wrightii NIGHTSHADE FAMILY

Also called Moonflower, Sacred Datura blooms at night and tends to whither in direct sunlight. Because of heavy concentrations of toxic alkaloids found in the leaves, contact with the plant can cause fatal hallucinations. Hawk moths are the Datura’s main pollinator, and form a symbiotic relationship. Because of their extended proboscis, the Hawk moth can extract pollen from deep inside the flower. Hawk moth larvae feed on the alkaloid-rich leaves making them toxic to predators.

Canyon Country Photos, Grand Canyon Flowers, Grand Canyon Plants, Plants in the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Vacation: Tips for First Timers

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:08:25 GMT

Planning a trip to Grand Canyon is both exciting and confusing. If you are going to Grand Canyon for the first time, here are some tips to help you plan nearly perfect Grand Canyon family vacation:

First and foremost, check out the weather before you start with all the preparations. You can search the web to find out the best time to visit the Canyon. The period between March and May and then from September till November is considered to be the best time to enjoy vacations in Grand Canyon. Summers are warm and busy. To enjoy discounts and offers, you may plan your holidays in the winter months though you may have to bear the cold.

Next you must decide how you will get there. Depending on the availability of time, your budget, and personal choice, you may reach the Grand Canyon by train, or you may board a flight or drive on your own.

Decide which part of the Canyon you want to visit. South Rim is ideal for family vacation due to abundance of services and hotels. If however you are looking for fun and adventure, visit Grand Canyon North Rim. North Rim is quieter than the South Rim and is ideal for couples as well. If you want to avoid going on high altitudes and want to experience the bottom of the Grand Canyon instead, consider Grand Canyon West on the Hualapai Indian Reservation.

Make a list of things that you would want to do when in Grand Canyon. Exciting Colorado River rafting trips , hiking, biking, mule rides, and Grand Canyon air tours are some of the endless things you can do out there. Browse the web to find out what’s best to do in Grand Canyon. You may take help of a tour operator to plan the itinerary depending on the availability of time and your personal interest.

Finally, make the bookings well in advance and confirm them before you leave. Ensure that everything is in order and you would have a great time on your Grand Canyon vacation.

The Grand Canyon is a great place to plan your next vacation.

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7 Fun Things to do in the Grand Canyon

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:04:34 GMT

Ride a bike. The Grand Canyon has miles of green biking trails and rim side roads that let bikers enjoy stunning views of the Canyon. Biking in the Grand Canyon is full of fun and adventure. Further, if you are short on time, it is indeed a quick way to see the canyon.
Try out hiking. Want to experience the enormity of this natural wonder? Do some hiking, even if it’s just a few miles below the surface. As you traverse these mighty trails, you would get to feel the incredible vertical scale of the Grand Canyon. Just ensure that you are physically fit as hiking at such high elevation can be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions.
Go white water river rafting. There is no better way to see the canyon. White water river rafting promises the adventure of a lifetime. One will soon find out that in addition to the rapids there are hundreds of fabulous side canyons with waterfalls, pools, vertical walls, and fascinating geology.
Rent a car to hit on all the major highlights of the Canyon in a day. Renting your own car gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the Canyon at your own speed and convenience. You may take a guided tour if you want. Guided tours are great if you do not know much about the Canyon. By being with someone who knows the place inside out, you can rest assured of a great vacation in the canyon.
Take a mule ride if you want to have some fun on your Grand Canyon vacation. Mule rides are usually available at Bright Angel Lodge but you should check if they are available or not. Watching the mules is as much fun as riding on their back. Stop by the mule barn in the Grand Canyon to watch the mules.
Do you enjoy camping? Even if you have never tried it before, you can plan a camping excursion in the Grand Canyon. Just make sure to acquire a permit to camp around the Grand Canyon before you set your camp.
Visit Hermits Rest, Hopi Point, Mohave Point, Lookout Studio, Kolb Studio, and Hopi House. Though there are many other places to see, these are definitely a must-see places. These places are fun to be at and unique in their own way. Further, you can get some great photographs at these places.

Taking your holiday in the Grand Canyon can be a lot of fun. Just make sure that you plan your holiday well in advance and take a lot of great photos. You should come back home with great memories that you would cherish for ever.

California Condor on a Grand Canyon Rafting Expedition

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Which Is The Best Time Of The Year To Go To The Grand Canyon?

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:50:24 GMT

The Grand Canyon is a wonderful place to visit all year round. The winter can be cold, but offers some amazing photography opportunities because of possibility of the canyon being covered with a blanket of snow. The summer is a great time for rafting or to spend on the rim, but can be hot for backpacking and hiking. The spring and fall are the perfect times for hiking the trails and backpacking in the Grand Canyon.

The park is heavily crowded during summer, spring, and fall months, but can be a little less crowded in the winter.

If you are an adventure seeker and are looking for the best white water rafting experience though, you must plan your Grand Canyon holiday between April and September. This is the best time to raft the Grand Canyon. The water released from Glen Canyon Dam is a cold 48 degrees Fahrenheit, making splashing through the whitewater of the Grand Canyon “shocking.”

For those looking for a quiet and peaceful holiday, the ideal time to visit the Canyon would be between December and February. But be prepared to experience the chilly weather. Pack lot of warm clothes to bear the frosty temperature.

To make the most of your Grand Canyon holidays, decide what you want to do and then check the local weather conditions to ensure that the weather is ideal for enjoying the activities you want to take part in.

The Grand Canyon is a great place for a vacation!

Best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Rafting, Grand Canyon Tours, Grand Canyon Trips, Grand Canyon Vacation

Interesting Things You Need To Know About the Grand Canyon

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:30:49 GMT

Planning a vacation to Grand Canyon? Given below are some interesting things about this amazing year-round holiday destination. Increase your basic knowledge about this natural wonder and make the most of your holidays.

Grand Canyon National Park covers a total area of 1900 square miles and is roughly 277 river miles long

Archeological remains from the following culture groups are found in Grand Canyon National Park: Paleo-Indian, Archaic, Basketmaker, Ancestral Puebloan (Kayenta and Virgin branches), Cohonina, Cerbat, Pai, Southern Paiute, Zuni, Hopi, Navajo, and Euro-American

There are millions of facts and stories about the Grand Canyon. You can learn about them by reading books and researching online. The information gathered can lead to a better understanding of the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas on your vacation.

The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and 18 miles wide

There are a lot of controversies related to the age of the Canyon. Earlier studies state that the Canyon is 5-6 million years old (“60-Million-Year Debate on Grand Canyon’s Age”. New York Times.)

A study published in journal Science in December 2012 revealed that the Grand Canyon could be as old as 70 Million years.

The Grand Canyon has amazing wildlife. It has approximately 70 species of mammals, 250 species of birds, and 25 different types of reptiles.

Of the various reptile species that are found in the park, the Grand Canyon Pink Rattlesnakes are quite interesting. They have evolved in a way that their color is similar to the rock layers around them.

Although first afforded Federal protection in 1893 as a Forest Reserve and later as a National Monument, Grand Canyon did not achieve National Park status until 1919, three years after the creation of the National Park Service.

The Grand Canyon is full of beautiful waterfalls hidden in its side canyons

Grand Canyon Facts, Grand Canyon Rafting, Grand Canyon Tours, Grand Canyon Vacation, Whitewater Rafting the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Rafting FAQs

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:21:28 GMT

Thinking about rafting the Grand Canyon for the first time? It’s hard to know what to expect on a river trip, especially if you haven’t been before. We get a lot of e-mails and calls with general questions about our rafting trips. In an effort to help you better understand rafting the Grand Canyon with CRATE , here is a short FAQ list to answer some questions you may have.

Q- What is the best time of year to raft the Grand Canyon?
A- We have scheduled our expeditions during the times of year that we think are most appropriate and enjoyable. It doesn’t really matter when you go. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can think of April and May as the most moderate months as far as temperatures go. It can be kind of chilly on the river, especially when you are splashed in the rapids, but it’s usually perfect for long off-river hikes. This is also the best time to see wildflowers in bloom. June and July are warm and dry, perfect for running rapids and playing in side streams, waterfalls, and natural pools. In August, thunder showers cool things off a bit, and the rain causes cactus and other desert plants to bloom. Early-to-mid September, like the spring months, offers cooler temperatures and ideal weather for off-river trekking.

Q- What is your age restriction for the Grand Canyon?
A - 12 Years and older.

Q- Is there 1-Day rafting available in the Grand Canyon?
A - Access in and out of the Grand Canyon is very limited. There is a company that provides 1/2 and full day calm water float trips from the Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry (Colorado River Discovery). They will take 4 years and older. The shortest rafting trip with CRATE is our Ranch and Raft trip which is 3 days.

Q- Do I really need to bring a rain suit in July?
A - YES! We highly recommend bringing a rain jacket, at least. The Colorado River water temperature stays around 50 degrees F year round. Running rapids in the morning can be cold if the sun hasn’t come up over the Canyon walls.

Q- What kind of footwear should I bring?
A - Good quality, comfortable footwear. We recommend one pair of river sandals that can be worn on the raft and also on off river hiking excursions (Chaco, Teva, Keen). We also recommend one pair of athletic shoes as a backup or an alternative hiking shoe. Hiking boots are optional, but recommended if you need the foot-ankle support.

Q- How experienced are your guides?
A - Most of our guides develop their expertise through an in-house training program that gives them an opportunity to learn everything about the river business from the bottom up. They participate in numerous training trips as helpers, or “swampers,” and must be able to repair rafts, motors and other equipments before they start operating their own rafts with customers on board. This usually requires two seasons. Most of our guides have a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience. Our veteran guides have been with us from 10-20 years.

Q- What is your operating season?
A - Early April through late September.

Q- How many people per boat?
A - Our 37 foot motorized “S” rigs can accommodate 12-14 passengers plus 2 guides. Our 18 foot row rigs can accommodate 3-4 passengers plus 1 guide. Our paddle raft holds 6-8 paddlers plus 1 guide.

Q- What if I have a group?
A - We gladly welcome groups. 12 people qualify for our 10% Group Discount. If you are interested in chartering a trip, please contact us.

Q- How far in advance do I need to book?
A - Most people book a year in advance. Our April and May trips tend to fill up faster than our later summer trips. However, there are usually some last minute cancellations. Just call or e-mail our office to check availability. Final payment is generally due 60 days prior to the trip departure date.

Q- Can I book a trip online?
A - We like to deal with our clients directly and get to know them. Feel free to call us or e-mail us anytime with questions or to sign up for a trip.

Q- Why should we choose your company?
A - If you appreciate personal service and enjoy being treated more like a “friend” than a “client,” you will probably like going with us. From office staff to river crew, we will do everything we can to help you plan, prepare and enjoy your time on the river. Our guides are the best! In addition to their training and experience, they are kind and friendly and enthusiastic. You should also consider we do not overcrowd our trips or our rafts. Our equipment is in excellent condition. We love what we do!

Q- What is your menu like?
A - Delicious Dutch-oven dinners, sandwich bar lunches, and hearty camp breakfasts are provided throughout the river trip. We think our menu will satisfy everyone, from those who are watching calories and cholesterol to those who want to splurge on the richest desserts and the biggest steaks! With ample quantites of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pasta, non-meat eaters also have a variety of good foods from which to choose. Hot beverages such as coffee, tea, and cocoa are served in camp. Assorted non-alcoholic cold drinks are available throughout the day. We do not provide alcoholic beverages, but adult guests may bring small amounts of beer, wine, or liquor for their personal use.

Q- What about bathing and bathroom facilities?
A - It is okay to bathe and/or wash in the river, providing you use biodegradable soap and shampoo. Hand washing devices are set up in every camp. We carry clean, easy-to-use portable toilet facilities with us. They are set up in each camp and concealed in large, roomy tents for privacy.

Q- What is a typical day like on the river?

A - Our guides will wake you early in the morning with a call for “coffee.” When you hear the call, it means time to come to the kitchen area. After eating your breakfast, you will have a chance to pack your personal camping gear. The guides will break-down the kitchen and start to load the rafts. You may carry your gear to the beach area in front of the boats and when the guides have secured the deck, they will ask your your helping loading personal dry bags. We stop during the day of lunch, usually on a sandy beach along the bank of the river. After a full day or rafting and hiking, we will find a place to set up camp. We ask everyone who is able to help the crew unload the boats to form a line and pass gear on the to the beach. Guides will set up the kitchen and community camping gear while individuals set up their personal area. Soon after making camp, the guides will begin to cook dinner. This is often a good time to write in your journal, read a book, or take a refreshing bath or “power nap.”

For more FAQs: https://crateinc.com/why-crate

To make a reservation or check availiability please call or e-mail us at:
1-800-253-7328 / crate@crateinc.com
www.crateinc.com

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Archaeologist Speaks on Utah’s Nine Mile Canyon

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:02:48 GMT

For our lunch hour the CRATE team decided to go up to the University of Utah and listen to Jerry Spangler, professional archaeologist, Director of the Colorado Plateau Archaeological Alliance , and expert on Utah’s Nine Mile Canyon. Spangler’s presentation “Nine Mile Canyon: The Archaeological History of an American Treasure” is named after his new book which chronicles the history of archaeological research in the area dating back to 1890.

For those unfamiliar with the area. Our Desolation Canyon river trip on the Green River originates at Sand Wash. Just below Sand Wash on river right Nine Mile or Minnie Maud Creek joins the Green River. This Nine Mile Canyon is known as the “world’s longest art gallery”, and it is believed to be home to one of the most concentrated areas of Rock Art in the United States.

From the presentation we learned that 9-mile canyon is actually 45 miles long and John Wesley Powell had actually named Rock Creek, further downstream in Desolation Canyon, 9-Mile Canyon because he had spent some time mapping there. Unfortunately somewhere along the way Powell’s map has been misinterpreted.

In addition to the wonderful photos of the archaeology of the area Spangler gave a very interesting history of the archaeologists who have worked in the area. Colorado River & Trail Expeditions is really excited because we have a Desolation Canyon Archaeology Rafting Expedition slated for June 1-8, 2014 and Spangler or one of his crew has agreed to join us on the trip and talk about the area and show us some of the sites they have found.

For more information about CRATE’s Desolation Canyon Archaeology Rafting Expedition call Vicki at 1-800-253-7328.

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Paddling Guides for Dummies: How to Paddle a River Raft [Infographic]

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:59:15 GMT

Paddling a river raft is pretty challenging task for beginners as they have to work as a team to guide the raft down a river and through whitewater rapids. Paddling involves both skill and the ability to work with others as a team.

C.R.A.T.E., Colorado River and Trail Expeditions presents wonderful Infographic titled ‘Paddling Guides for Dummies: How to Paddle a River Raft’. It has been created to outline the basics of paddling for beginners. It adumbrates the common paddling techniques a rafter must be efficient at.

The Infographic reveals:

Names and visual guide of the different paddling techniques
The effect of each paddling technique
‘How-to’ steps for paddling

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The South Rim and The Power House Building

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:56:16 GMT

The last couple of days we have been at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for our annual Grand Canyon National Park Concession meetings. It was good to see all of our fellow river outfitters and National Park personnel. Time was spent reviewing our past season and what to expect for next year. We always feel lucky to travel to the South Rim and peer down into the abyss of the Grand Canyon. It is a spiritual experience and it reminds us of the exciting and fun times rafting along the Colorado River .

At the head of the Bright Angel Trail there is a new, very nice area complete with bathrooms to wait for fellow hikers. The Kolb studio was showcasing some amazing paintings of the Grand Canyon many of which were for sale. If you get to the rim definitely check out the artwork on display. Other highlights included waking up to dusting of light snow and running along the rim of the Grand Canyon along the “Trail of Time.”

Another thing we got to check out was the “ Power House ” building. There is talk to take this incredible old building, which used two Fairbanks-Morse continuous-duty Type D Diesel generators to supply power to the South Rim, and transform it into a museum for art or historic boats of the Grand Canyon. The building has a lot of character with high ceilings and lots of windows. The generators are still there as well as the power switches with their original labels: Indian Garden Pump; El Tovar; Fire Pump; Bright Angel Lights and Power; USNPS; Train Yard; Turbine Cooling Tower; Power House. On the other side of the building is the old Ice House where ice was made to supply the lodges and restaurants. It will be exciting to see what becomes of the Power House over the next couple of years.

Rafting down the Grand Canyon, Colorado, Alaska Rivers

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:56:00 GMT

Is Rafting Experience Required?

No prior rafting or camping experience is required for our rafting trips. We have guests who join us with little to no rafting or camping experience, who really enjoy their trips and some of them even have a life changing experience. Our guides will give you an orientation and camping talk once you are at the river. They are very experienced and will be happy to help you with any of your equipment or setting up your camp. They also are happy to answer any questions you might have.

There are a few things you can do to better prepare yourself for a rafting trip. It is important to thoroughly read your trip-planning handbook so you are familiar with the trip you have chosen. If you still have questions after reading through the materials, our office staff is happy to answer them or clarify anything for you. Reading our Frequently Asked Questions can also help prepare you for your trip.

Whitewater River Rafting Classifications, Ratings, and Levels

International Scale of River Difficulty

The six difficulty classes as described on the American Whitewater website .

Class I Rapids

Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.

Class II Rapids: Novice

Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class II+”.

Class III: Intermediate

Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class III-” or “Class III+” respectively.

Class IV: Advanced

Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require “must” moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class IV-” or “Class IV+” respectively.

Class V: Expert

Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential. Because of the large range of difficulty that exists beyond Class IV, Class 5 is an open-ended, multiple-level scale designated by class 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, etc… each of these levels is an order of magnitude more difficult than the last. Example: increasing difficulty from Class 5.0 to Class 5.1 is a similar order of magnitude as increasing from Class IV to Class 5.0.

Class VI: Extreme and Exploratory Rapids

These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. After a Class VI rapids has been run many times, its rating may be changed to an apppropriate Class 5.x rating.

First Time Camping?

With 50 years of experience of rafting the Colorado River, we know how to take care of our guests and make them comfortable. A lot of our guests we take down the river have never camped before. Camping on the river can be one of the best parts of the trip. We camp along the banks of the river on our rafting trips. Most of the time the camps are set up along sandy beaches. Sometimes the camps are in groves of cottonwood or tamarisk trees, or along rocky ledges. There are no pre-determined campsites, other than through Cataract Canyon’s rapid section.

All campsites are completely primitive with no bathrooms or picnic tables. We supply the entire kitchen and the bathrooms. Each night, anyone who is willing can help us to unload the rafts and set up the kitchen. Handwash stations are set up by the bathroom and kitchen. Everyone is required to wash their hands after using the bathroom and before coffee and meals.

We supply all of the camping gear necessary on our rafting trips. The camping gear provided will vary depending on the specific trip you decide on. Guests are always welcome to bring their own camping gear if they desire. Just let us know ahead of time if you plan to bring your own gear.

If you have any questions or to book an adventure today please call us at (800) 253-7328.

Via Magazine Highlights Green River

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:55:55 GMT

Via, the magazine of AAA recently did a rafting trip with Colorado River and Trail Expeditions on the 1-day section of Gray Canyon. The river trip was in conjunction with a weekender article about heading to Green River, Utah and exploring the area. Other attractions listed in the article included the “Good Water Rim Trial”, “Crystal Geyser”, the “John Wesley Powell River History Museum,” and “Goblin Valley State Park.”

The trip leader on the trip was Alex Jensen and is quoted in the article calling Green River and Gray Canyon “a special place that no one knows about.” We think Alex’s description of the area is right on. Green River is a special place that is often less crowded and overlooked due to the popularity of nearby Moab. The area has a remote beauty to it and the Green River 1-day section is as good of a river trip as the Colorado River 1-Day section above Moab.

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions generally meets our guests in Green River, Utah for their trips on the Green River as well as many of our Westwater Canyon river trips on the Colorado River.

Green River, Rafting, Via Magazine

Colorado River Rafting in Canyonlands National Park

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:55:52 GMT

Before the Colorado River enters Lake Powell and above the Grand Canyon is Cataract Canyon. Cataract Canyon is located in southeastern Utah and is a part of Canyonlands National Park. This section of Colorado River rafting is famous for its incredible rapids and stunning scenery. The area is a landscape full of sandstone canyons, grabens, buttes, and mesas. Cataract Canyon starts at the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers , with the rivers dividing Canyonlands National Park into three distinct and unique sections. Between the two rivers is the Island in the Sky District, here one can find incredible views, arches, and slickrock. On the west side of the Green River is the Maze district. This area is full of winding canyons and ancient rock art. On the East side of the Colorado River is the Needles District full of spires, grabens, and even more ancient rock art. One could spend a lifetime in Canyonlands and just scratch the surface of the place.

Rafting Cataract Canyon is a great way to explore Canyonlands National Park. Most trips start on the Colorado River south of Moab at the Potash Boat Ramp and are 3-5 days in length. After hearing a safety talk and being fitted with life jackets rafters board the rafts and head down river. After a short ride on the rafts boaters enter Canyonlands National Park. After lunch the first day there is a great spot to explore a petrified forest. There are numerous huge trees that have been preserved by being knocked over and covered by mud before oxygen could decompose them. The next popular stop is Lathrop Canyon. This is a great spot to see some Native American pictographs that were painted on the sandstone hundreds of years ago. Most trips camp in this area the first night.

The second day of the trip rafters will get the opportunity to see multiple Native American Granaries which were built to store food in. The next hike ones comes to on the river is Indian Creek, which in the spring offers a great opportunity to hike to a beautiful waterfall in a narrow canyon. After a few more miles on the river there is an opportunity to hike over the Loop. The Loop is a place where the river has made a sharp turn and almost come completely back upon itself. This allows those who feel like hiking to hike over a saddle of sandstone and meet the boats on the other side. After a hike over the Loop it is time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Next the Green River joins the Colorado River and Cataract Canyon officially starts. Trips usually camp just below the first rapid in Cataract Canyon which is called Brown Betty. Here there is one of the most beautiful sand beaches on the entire Colorado River system. This marks the turning point of the calm water to raging whitewater of Cataract Canyon. This section of rapids during flows above 50,000 cfs has rapids that make the famous rapids of the Grand Canyon seem small.

The next morning offers a great opportunity to hike into the “Doll’s House” of Canyonlands National Park. This is a very strenuous hike, but if one has the time and the weather is not too hot it is a great place to see. The best way to describe it would be a palace made of red stone with secret passages and rooms. It would be something Martian royalty might have. Besides the “Doll’s House,” the scenery is amazing and one can get a view of the skyline in all directions and see all the great geology of the area caused by salt, wind, water, and long periods of time.

After returning from the Doll’s House it is time for Colorado River rafting through Cataract Canyon. The rapids start small but grow quickly, and before you know it you are in Mile Long, Ben Hurt, The Big Drops, and Waterhole. At low water, these rapids require great skill to maneuver through the huge sandstone boulders, at high water the waves routinely reach 10-15 feet high trough to crest. After Waterhole Rapid the effects of Lake Powell start to rear their head. The rapids below this point are covered in silt. Huge sandbanks full of dead trees on each side of the river block ones view of the sandstone. This is another place where the geology is happening. This time rapidly. Lake Powell has only been around for about 50 years. In this short amount of time, sand has been deposited as the current slowed, and the river entered the lake. Currently, the lake is less than 50% capacity and the outlook for filling the lake is not good. The Western United States is in a drought and an increasing population is demanding more and more water that the Colorado River can not supply.

For more information about Colorado River rafting contact Colorado River & Trail Expeditions(www.crateinc.com). In addition to running Cataract Canyon they also operate commercial rafting trips

Rock Art in Canyonlands National Park seen on a Cataract Canyon Rafting Trip

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10 Questions to ask when planning a Grand Canyon Rafting Expedition

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:55:48 GMT

#1. When is the best time to experience the Grand Canyon?

If the focus of ones trip is the rapids and the side canyons with waterfalls then go in June, July and August. If hiking is important opt for May or April. Honestly anytime of the year is fabulous. Many people choose to go in September or October when it is a little cooler and it gets dark earlier.

#2. Rowing, Paddle, Kayak, or Motor?

Some people prefer the larger motorized rafts while other prefer to be right next to the action in a paddle raft. With the quiet modern motors used in the Grand Canyon the noise of the motor is not really a bother, but some folks prefer to here the silence and sounds of the canyon on a rowing trip.

#3. How much time do you have?

If general to travel through the entire Grand Canyon one needs at least 8 days. A rowing or paddle trip through the entire canyon will take 13 days or more. There are also shorter trips available that only travel through parts of the canyon.

#4. What are the different trip options available?

There are a lot of different trip options available. The best thing to do is see the entire 278 miles of Grand Canyon National Park. Another popular Grand Canyon rafting trip takes out at river mile 187 via helicopter take-out. Other options available include hiking in or out at Phantom Ranch, and coming in via helicopter at Whitmore Wash. These partial trips can be as little as a couple of days on the river.

#5. How fit do I need to be?

Although living in the elements of the natural world can be tiring, it is not essential to be in great shape to participate in a rafting expedition. If one has any questions about their ability it may be a good idea to try the Ranch and Raft trip and see if you like it before committing to a long period of time.

#6. Do you want to do a trip with all of your friends?

It is popular in Grand Canyon to charter a commercial trip for ones friends and relatives. If this is the direction you are thinking about it is important to plan at least a year ahead. This is because one can not only organize and customize their trip, but also get a date that will work for them. Charter trips require a minimum of 24 participants.

#7. Is there a minimum age requirement?

Commercial companies have different requirements on this. It seems that twelve years old is a universal age. Twelve year olds can interact well with adults and are usually old enough to take care of themselves if they end up swimming in one of the many Grand Canyon rapids.

#8. What is the camping like?

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions is a licensed concessionaire in Grand Canyon National Park. They supply cots, sleeping bags, tents, and paco pads. Their bathrooms are clean, hand washing before meals is required, and the meals are incredible . Common meals include free-range chicken and eggs, natural beef and pork, wild caught fish and vegetarian options. In other words the camping is deluxe if you are comfortable using a non-flush toilet and washing and bathing in the Colorado River.

#9. Where do I want to hike?

Lets start by saying that the off-river hiking on a Grand Canyon rafting trip is as incredible as the river portion of the trip. Hiking and exploring is a must. Some of the best spots include the Nankoweep Granaries, swimming in the Little Colorado, the waterfalls at Elves Chasm, the geology of Blacktail Canyon, and Deer Creek falls. One of the hikes intentionally left off the list is Havasu Canyon. This is because it is overcrowded and dirtier than the rest of the Grand Canyon. The place would be incredible if it was not so dirty.

#10. What about the Whitewater?

When someone thinks about Grand Canyon rafting the first thing that comes to mind is the rapids. Although the Grand Canyon has big rapids full of waves, whirlpools, holes, boils and rocks it is also kind with large recovery zones. That said the river is still a class IV river and boats flip and accidents happen so it is important to feel comfortable swimming in big water and accepting the risks involved.

If you still have questions about rafting the Grand Canyon be sure to check out Colorado River & Trail Expeditions( www.crateinc.com ) on the web or call them directly at 1-800-253-7328.

Colorado River Rafting, Colorado River Rafting Vacations, Going river rafting on the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Rafting, Grand Canyon River Rafting Vacations, Planning a River Rafting trip

Got Milkweed?

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:55:39 GMT

The monarch butterfly migration is one of nature’s most wondrous events. Millions of monarchs travel from as far north as Canada to gather each winter in a forested mountain range of Michoacan, Mexico, now a World Biosphere Reserve. Sadly, without milkweed to eat along the route, the incredible long-distance monarch migration is doomed. You can help the monarchs by planting milkweed this spring. It’s a fun and simple way to preserve an amazing migration and beautify your yard!

Over the years, at the Colorado River & Trail Expeditions’ office in Salt Lake City, Utah, we’ve seen a lot of monarch butterflies pass through our yard. We have a wild crop of milkweed that blooms each year and then turns into silver filaments of “cotton” that drift away on the breeze. When we consider how far these dainty monarchs fly on their journeys between Canada and Mexico, we consider their stopover in our yard as a gift. It’s a pleasure to watch them through the window and as we go about our work. With our first river trip launching today, it’s officially “spring,” and time to check the milkweed and make sure it’ getting ready to bloom!

Portions of this article was reprinted from Wild Earth Guardians.

Bring on the Snow

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:55:38 GMT

I’m learning to ski this winter, and it is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. It seems like my legs are always on fire as I struggle to hook the edges of my skis into the side of the mountain. They’re on fire when I’m standing in my boots in the parking lot. They’re on fire the next morning when I limp out of bed. Everything about learning to ski is awkward. Just when I think I’ve got it, I wobble and end up spinning like a starfish on my belly. I feel one confident turn for every ten I take. It’s annoying, exciting and humbling to learn something so foreign as an adult.

But learning to ski has given this desert girl a gift I have never fully realized before. Learning to ski in the Wasatch Mountains this season has opened my mind and my heart to of the beauty and wonder of snow. As a river guide, I’ve always known conceptually that snow feeds everything else I love to do, but this winter I’m turning that concept into a connection that I appreciate more than ever.

I have been lucky enough to experience precisely two “powder days” this winter, where the expanses of bottomless new-fallen snow look almost too pristine to play in. But I am beginning to understand how nothing could keep me out of them either – not fog, not cold, not work. I am able to understand an obsession I have only observed until now. I haven’t fully cultivated my personal relationship with the snow just yet, but I know that my love lies partly in standing at the top of a sparkling slope, high above the populace in the valley. It has to do with feeling a cold breeze brush my face at the same time my warm, worked heart is beating beneath all my layers. And yes, it has to do with the one good turn in ten, which is shockingly but certainly worth the effort of all the others.

Still, I think my obsession is shaping up to be a little different from that of the die-hard powder seekers. My bond with the snow is less about adrenaline and more about appreciation. It’s about perspective. Never has it been so clear that this precious powder is the direct lifeline for the other obsessions in my life: deserts and the rivers that course through them.

The headwaters of the Colorado River lie in Northeastern Colorado in the Rocky Mountains where the entire river is a stream running through a meadow. I’ve hopped across it. The Green River’s water comes from the remote Wind River Mountains in Wyoming. I’m aware that not much of the water in either hail from the Wasatch Range where I’ve been skiing, but I feel the connection nonetheless.

When I’m falling and flailing through deep powder I know that this moisture is infinitely precious to my way of life and the places I love. With any luck the white stuff I’ve been wallowing in on skis will continue to accumulate this winter and then slowly begin to melt come spring. Then I’ll get to experience it all over again it runs from the high country to the lowlands, through my favorite rapids and past my dearest hiking spots. I’ll get to sleep on a raft gently tugged by the current as the melt rushes by, and wake up each morning to the sound of the river bouncing off the banks.

As of yesterday the National Water and Climate Center’s snow reporting sites for the Colorado River Basin above Lake Powell were reporting snowpack at 87% of average. The Green River Basin was reporting 100% of average. That may sound pretty good, but compare those numbers to the snowpack in 2011, the most recent high water year for the Green and Colorado Rivers. At this time in 2011 the Green River basin was reporting 137% of average snowfall and the Colorado basin was at 149%. Considering how low lakes Powell and Mead have become over the last decade, we can always use more of the magic white stuff.

Luckily, we still have time left in this winter – time for snow to fall and for me to fall into it. Many of the things I do and the places I love hinge on how much snow is gifted to our highlands each winter. As it continues to fall, at least here in Utah, I am thankful today but always wishing for more.

Snowfall and Whitewater

Lineage of Grand Canyon Boatman

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:55:36 GMT

Long Term Environmental Monitoring Plan for Grand Canyon

It is easy to see why working for Colorado River and Trail Expeditions is an ideal place to work. We are a family, where past and present crew members are all a part of that legacy. As current guides, we hear stories about the first generation boatman, the second generation and the third. We know these guides like brothers and sisters even if we have never met them in person. Most of our guides are related to someone who worked for CRATE in the early years, Mother, Uncle, Cousin, or fell into the family through close family friendship. What Dave and Vicki Mackay have created is a lineage of people connected through their love and passion of the rivers we run.

To lay out the family tree of each boatman would be an entire book in itself. Here I would like to highlight two different 3 generation boating families, the Quayles and the Reeders.

Amil Quayle started working for Western River Expeditions in the 1960’s and soon found himself working side by side with Dave Mackay. My Grandpa Grant Reeder signed up as a passenger on some of these early Western trips with Jack Curry, Amil and Dave, and soon became a regular. After a few trips, Grant accepted the opportunity to row the second set of oars on the 33 foot-long double-oar rigs. The video link above is a 8mm film of two different river trips, 1965 and 1966 in Grand Canyon, trips that included Dave, Amil and Grant. It was in Lava Falls on one of these trips that another boatman flipped. A passenger on the flipped boat was dealt a bleeding head laceration and the trip stopped at Tequila Beach to figure out what to do. More than 40 years later, on a Desolation Canyon river trip, Amil recalls that day. He said that as a Doctor, Grant decided that stitching up the man’s head was the best solution. “I was so mad!” recalls Amil. “It should never take 3 hours to give someone stitches! We still had miles to make that day”. I laughed when hearing this story. Grant was an Anesthesiologist, and probably didn’t have much practice at stitching someone up. I could just picture him, being overly paranoid while trying to keep the wound sterile in that environment.

In the early 70’s Dave and Amil split off to start their own companies, Colorado River and Trail Expeditions and Quayle Expeditions, respectively. Amil’s sons Bruce and Manx fell in love with the river and started guiding when they were old enough. Grant’s sons Stuart and Mark guided for Dave’s company. While Quayle Expeditions lasted only a few seasons before Amil chose to go work the land, farming in Nebraska, his sons where drawn to spend as much time in the canyons as possible. Bruce Quayle and Stuart Reeder have continued to run trips all these years.

Manx told me about a trip he was on with my uncle Mark. It was 1983 and nobody had seen that much water running down the Canyon since Glen Canyon dam was completed in 1963. Manx said that it was Mark’s first trip with clients on his boat and Lava was cranking. “Mark had a wild ride, down the left side”, he said. “But he managed to get through staying upright”.

My uncles Bruce and Russell had short stints on the river. Russell met Holly- who was Vicki’s niece- on a Grand Canyon river trip. At 17 years old, the two fell instantly in love and got married. My cousin Zak was soon born to the young husband and wife, and began guiding for CRATE while still a teenager. Zak became a senior guide in the ‘90’s and early 2000’s, dedicating 17 years to Colorado River and Trail. At the end of the 2007 river season it was Zak who convinced me to leave my job guiding in Moab to join the CRATE family.

In 2008 Manx’s daughter Kyndl Quayle started guiding for Colorado River and Trail Expeditions. Same year as me. She had been down the river before, and found a natural knack for reading water, rowing boats, and motoring S-rigs. Don’t know where she got it…but she continues the legacy, building her own stories to tell. Leading trips, rowing, paddling and motoring she has been a key part of the CRATE crew.

One of my favorite parts of taking people down the river is telling stories about the ancestors. Because nobody has a knack for words as Amil does, I like to read from his book of poetry, Grand Canyon and Other Selected Poems. People love to hear his poems about Shorty Burton, Tater- the Invincible Dachshund, and about Shawn from poetry class. When I read the poem Grand Canyon, many people tell me that Amil puts to words what they feel in the Canyon, but cannot describe. I love to tell people about a trip my dad, uncle Stuart and Grandpa did in 1969. They were at Lee’s Ferry on the 4 th of July and Grant threw a string of firecrackers into the fire to celebrate. They where quickly reprimanded by park rangers, who informed them that launching the next day was Secretary of Interior Stuart Udall and Superintendents of the major National Parks to celebrate John Wesley Powell in a century memorial trip. Grant felt bad and apologized to a park ranger on the water a few days later. The ranger just laughed, and said, “I didn’t care, I thought it was funnier than hell!” Turned out to be Edward Abbey, who came from Arches to join the trip.

I feel very lucky to be a part of this crew, this family. Together our own stories grow. And even though the facts become blurred from one season to the next, the stories season, and get better and better. If you haven’t joined us to share your story around the chair circle at night, there’s no time like the 2015 season.

The best part is that anyone who has been down the river with us- is part of that family. Especially those Friends of CRATE who have been down on multiple trips with us. What a pleasure it is to see old friends and return to the conversations we left from the last time we went downstream together. For those who are not part of the family yet, you have an open invitation.

Grand Canyon Rafting Guides, Grand Canyon Rafting Trips, mackay, quayle, reeder

Long Term Environmental Monitoring Plan for Grand Canyon

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:55:31 GMT

Ever been on a river trip down the Grand Canyon and noticed “the tides” of the Colorado River nearly doubling, and then cut by almost half each day? The Long Term Environmental Monitoring Plan (LTEMP) is well underway and will open for public input in April-May of 2015. From February 25-27th, the Adaptive Management Work Group (AMWG) will meet to discuss the alternatives for the next flow regime. The meeting will be held at the Red Lion in downtown Salt Lake City, and is open to the public. Thursday the 26 th will be dedicated to the LTEMP, from 9:00-3:00. Click here for the schedule. Read on to learn why it is important to attend.

Water is the lifeblood of the Grand Canyon. It is the Colorado River and its awesome downcutting power that has revealed 1.8 billion years of geologic record below and between the rims and transported all that material out to sea. While Colorado has been at work for the last 6 million years, all-natural processes in the riparian zone of the canyon were altered in 1963 when the gates of the Glen Canyon Dam were shut. In the blink of an eye –of geologic time- the flow of nutrients and sediment changed, and seasonal fluctuations of water were released each 24-hour period and stripped the canyon of beaches and habitat. A young scientist named David Wegner began to study the effects of the post dam ecosystem. It was his work that led to the Grand Canyon Protection Act of 1992 that stated that Glen Canyon Dam operation could not adversely affect downstream resources. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was conducted, and in 1996 the Record of Decision (ROD) was signed that implemented the Modified Low Fluctuating Flow (MLFF), which continues to dictate canyon flows today.

While the MLFF was a huge improvement in protecting and improving the ecology of the river system, today’s fluctuating flows still swing water levels by up to 80% daily. High Flow Experiments (HFE) were implemented and effectively redistribute and rebuild beaches, but the daily fluctuations continue to erode the sand. After the last 3 HFE’s, I have witnessed the river swirl brown when fluctuations spike for peak power on June 1 st , with new beaches, washed downstream. Two steps forward, 1 ½ steps back. Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) who distributes hydropower from Glen Canyon Dam ramps up in peak winter and summer months to meet the power demands of heating and cooling in the desert Southwest. Over the last 3 years, the flow regime has been reevaluated, and today we have an opportunity to improve the environment of Grand Canyon over the next 20 years.

Over $120 million has been spent on science down there so far, but the decision on how to release the water between stakeholders is still unclear. Out of 6 alternatives listed, the Hybrid alternative has emerged as a combination of alternatives supported by the National Park Service, Bureau of Reclamation, basin states and WAPA.

As a board member for Grand Canyon River Guides, I got the opportunity to sit down and meet with Lynn Jenka, an accountant for WAPA and the manager of the Colorado River Storage Project, and Shane Caprone, a Wildlife Biologist with WAPA. Here are some key points I learned in the meeting about the Hybrid alternative, water flows, sediment transportation, and WAPA’s internal workings:

The Hybrid alternative currently has 24 HFEs scheduled over a 20-year period to help rebuild and maintain beaches for camping and habitat for native fish. These yearly floods are conducted when there has been a heavy sediment input from the Paria River, usually at the end of the monsoon season. The HFEs are also good for the native plants in the riparian zone, as the water can wash out non-native species. The potential length of these floods has been expanded from 96 hours of high flow- to 250 hours- given that conditions are ripe for longer high flows to most effectively distribute the sand.

WAPA claims that the carbon cost of allowing water through the bypass tunnels during the HFE’s over the 20-year period will be 1.7 billion pounds of CO2 released into the atmosphere. This figure was calculated by a member of the Salt River Project and assumes that the water not moving through the turbines will necessitate the equal amount of power generated through coal burning power plants. This raised a lot of questions among board members at the meeting, who felt that this calculation didn’t account for opportunities to offset potential hydropower with renewable energies- and the decreasing costs of solar power production. It also doesn’t consider conservation, where power users could use less energy.

Within the Hybrid, fluctuations will continue to rise and fall by 8,000 cfs. But Shane Caprone explained to us that it isn’t the fluctuations that are eroding the beaches, it is the total monthly volume of water released that is devastating to the beaches. While flows below 12,000 c.f.s are found to have minimal erosional capabilities, flows above 12,000 erode sand at an exponential rate, to the 3rd The Hybrid as currently discussed, evens out the monthly spikes of water flow throughout the year. This plan will retain 70 metric tons of sediment more than the existing MLFF. Discussion/ questions for the upcoming meeting:
HFEs are crucial to rebuild beaches and maintain habitat in Grand Canyon. Will the biased/skewed statistic relating to carbon emissions lead to less HFEs? Turbines could be built in the bypass tunnels for a cost between $20-30 million. How long would it take to pay off this cost?

Do we really need to continue fluctuating flows by up to 80%? In our meeting, WAPA representatives told us that the price paid for power generated by Glen Canyon Dam is the same for peak and off-peak production. How much more sediment could we retain if fluctuations were maxed at 4,000 c.f.s? Foreshadowing a last-minute move to increase fluctuations even more, Shane told us that fluctuation swings of 10,000 or 12,000 wouldn’t erode much more sand. What are the ecological impacts of fluctuating the Colorado by 120%? Certainly it would have negative impacts on river trips, with boats getting beached at camp, and lower flows at the bottom end of fluctuations to navigate the river.

So what can we do to ensure the right decision is made? Come to the meeting at the Red Lion, Thursday February 26 th starting at 8:00 AM. Make a public comment by emailing Glen Knowles at least 5 days before the meeting at gknowles@usbr.gov , and state that HFEs should be priority, and fluctuations should be kept to a minimum. Sign up for email notifications for when the draft EIS opens for public input in April/May. Power production was only a secondary thought after Glen Canyon Dam was built. There is only one Grand Canyon. We need to do what we can to protect the natural wonders of the world.

-Ben

Going on the Grand Canyon River Rafting, Grand Canyon Rafting Packing List, Packing for Grand Canyon Rafting Trips, Packing for the Grand Canyon

Ten Tips to Pack Like a Pro for Your Next Desert River Expedition

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:55:28 GMT

Walk Through Time, in Blacktail Canyon

Choosing what to bring on a commercial river trip can be a daunting task. With all the variables to consider – weather, hiking, camp routine, hygiene, photography – it’s easy for your dry bag to become a back-breaking, black hole of, as Edward Abbey put it, “all that bloody gear!” If you’re planning a river trip in the desert this summer, here are ten tips to help simplify your stuff, streamline your dry bag and leave you with exactly what you’ll need.

You will likely be in the sun from the time it rises until the time it sets each day. We recommend covering up us as much as possible in addition to wearing high SPF sunscreen. Even if you love the sun, never wear a hat or don’t own a pair of sunglasses in your regular life, bring the tools you’ll need to escape the sun on your river trip. We suspect there will be a time when you’ll use them. You will see your guides wearing long-sleeve shirts, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, ample sunblock and using pants or a piece of fabric to cover their legs and feet. We even have a guide who wears socks on especially sunny days!

The desert sun is wonderfully warm and life giving at the same time it is unrelenting and intense. As much as you can, be prepared.

#4 Consider Items that Have Multiple Uses

Can your fleece jacket be used as a pillow? Can your towel double a sun protection? Can you share a piece of gear with your spouse? As mentioned earlier, you are going to be happier with less, so how about pants that zip into shorts, skirts that double as a dress, and, never to be underestimated, a light top-sheet/sarong/ piece of fabric that can be used for just about anything.

I’ve seen sarongs worn as clothing, used as a towel, sunshade, wind block, dressing room, picnic blanket, nap station, head cover, backpack and lightweight bedding on a hot desert night filled with stars.

#5 Remember Lotions and Potions

I can’t tell you how many people underestimate how dry the desert Southwest is. It is really dry! And you will be too. During the day, employ the benefits of a high SPF sunscreen as mentioned above. River guides don’t splurge on much but we get the good stuff when it comes to sunscreen. Anything less than SPF 30 is not going be much help to you. In addition, bring a small container of thick moisturizing cream or lotion for the inevitable drying out of lips, heels, chin – yes chin! – backs of hands and other exposed places. You’ll certainly notice the desert’s toll after a long day on the river and you’ll wish for some relief.

Sunscreen and plenty of water are your best friends to combat dryness during the day. Reparative cream and more water are your arsenal at camp.

Matt’s presentation was on point, and people were impressed. By this time on our trip, we had gone nearly half-way through the canyon. We had watched as the walls rose up, layer after layer and oscillated up and down as the river cut through. Seeing the rock go from several hundred million years old and jumping to almost 2 billion years old as it does in Blacktail makes it hard to put into perspective how this relates to our personal sense of time. The first few day of a river trip seem to go in slow motion. Then, something strange happens. The days just fly by and what happened yesterday seems to blend into what happened the day before. To fully grasp what one is feeling and experiencing on a river trip is really difficult to explain in words. To understand how our lives compare to the deep geological time represented here is nearly as difficult as understanding our place in the cosmos. Very few places but the Colorado River can provide this perspective. Beyond the rapids, the waterfalls and beaches, sometimes it is the intangible discoveries that make a river trip a life-changing event.

#1 Leave Half at Home

Keep in mind that you may have to schlep all your gear up a sandy dune or across a beach. You are going to have to dig through it to find what you need (which is inevitably at the bottom) and pack it all up everyday. Having less in the first place simplifies your routine and allows you more freedom to leisurely sip your morning coffee, quietly listen to the sound of a rapid or chat around the campfire at night.

Before ever leaving your house, lay out all you think you’ll need and cull it by half. This principal applies especially to clothing, but is useful for electronics, books, magazines and anything else you can live without while in the canyons. Fabrics that are lightweight, versatile and dry quickly should make the cut, providing you with a clean outfit every other day or so. Transfer toiletries into smaller bottles, pick just one book or make photocopies of articles you’d like to read.

And don’t worry; everyone else is going to be dirty, sweaty and smiling in their twice-worn t-shirts too!

#2 Know When to Splurge

It can be tough to decide what to buy new and what to make do with when packing for the wilderness. Outdoor gear is expensive and its hard to know what you will end up using the most once you’re on the trip. If you’re going to splurge on one new piece of gear for a desert river trip, think about investing in high quality, durable, comfortable water shoes or sandals. You will be wearing them all day everyday. If your footwear is good and comfortable, you won’t think twice about jumping on and off the boat and taking a short water hike. If they’re uncomfortable or low quality, your shoes might last a day or two before we inevitably have to dig out the duct tape and super glue to limp them through the rest of the trip. Nothing is more annoying than staggering along a trail with the partially-attached sole of your shoe flopping against the ground with each step, threatening to blow out all together at any second.

Check with your local outdoor store, read reviews and contact our office for recommendations about quality footwear.

#3 Plan for the Sun

#6 Be Prepared for Wet Weather

There’s no need to bring your ski coat, but when culling your gear make sure a rain jacket and one warm layer make the final cut. Packing for the weather depends a lot on when you’ll be river tripping, but it’s always a good idea to have basic protection with you. After all, we are heading into wild country here! I have seen snow in Desolation Canyon in June, worn my raincoat against blowing sand in the Grand Canyon in July and been caught in many-a-drenching monsoon. The good news is that most of this crazy weather does not last long, but it does come up, so please bring the gear needed to combat it.

Even in July, a raincoat can be a much-appreciated splashguard for running early-morning rapids.

#7 Nothing Sacred

It is a good idea to leave your brand new smart phone – the one that holds all of your business contacts and photos of your children, that you’ve really been meaning to back up for months but haven’t quite gotten around to – at home or safely locked up at your hotel. We can tell you from experience that a lot can possibly happen to your expensive electronics and irreplaceables on a river tip: like sand, just to mention just one nuisance. Try not to wear your grandmother’s antique diamond stud earrings. It is a real downer to find one missing after a blissful afternoon of play in the Little Colorado River.

It happens, and it’s sad when it does.

#8 How Long is your Battery Life?

Almost universally we hear our guests lament the life of their camera batteries, saying they don’t last nearly as long as they’d expected, likely because they didn’t anticipate taking SO MANY photographs. This might be one area of packing where overestimation is slightly, and only slightly, encouraged. How much storage space do you have for photos? How many fresh batteries are you planning to bring?

There is no recharging once we’re off and floating, so make sure you plan accordingly. Batteries and memory cards are small and pack easily into the bottom of your dry bag. If you are a passionate shutterbug and would be devastated not to capture the canyons through your lens each day, bring ample power and storage to do so.

At the same time, don’t forget how relaxing it can be to put your camera down and solidify the memories of your trip the old fashioned way.

#9 Treat Yourself

Bring one set of clothing to keep clean-ish. Maybe you put your special clean shirt on at camp at night or just before you’re headed back to civilization at the end of the trip? If you’ve packed sparingly, a clean set of clothing feels like a real luxury. I wear my sweaty clothes all day and change into something cool and clean just before dinner each night. Some guides I know clean up just before they hop into their sleeping bag. Many of our guests reserve one t-shirt for the shuttle ride back to Las Vegas or Moab. It feels, good – really good – and is a simple treat you’ll want to give yourself at some point during your trip.

#10 Don’t Forget the Flare!

River runners, guides and guests alike, are a jovial bunch. We’re not sure if it is our nature or a mild form of heatstroke, but we like to dress up and goof around. And, as always, all are welcome to join us. If that sounds like something you might be interested in, stash something small that denotes celebration or makes you feel good – a piece of flare – in your dry bag. When you waltz into the chair circle wearing a tuxedo t-shirt or a feather boa, the echoing sound of camp-wide applause will make you glad you did.

CRATE passengers receive an itemized packing list specific to their trip, with details about exactly what they’ll need to bring. Use our list, call our office and keep these ten tips in mind while gathering your gear, and you’re sure to get the most out of your desert river expedition!

We want to hear from you! In the comments below, tell us what gear you wish you’d had on your river trip? What didn’t you need? What tips do you have for those taking a trip in the future?

Going on the Grand Canyon River Rafting, Grand Canyon Rafting Packing List, Packing for Grand Canyon Rafting Trips, Packing for the Grand Canyon

Paddling Strokes for Beginners [Infographic]

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:54:50 GMT

C.R.A.T.E., Colorado River and Trail Expeditions presents a wonderful Infographic titled ‘Paddling Strokes for Beginners’. It has been created to outline the basics of paddling a raft. It adumbrates the 6 common paddle strokes a rafter must be efficient at.

The Infographic reveals:

Names and visual guide of the different types of stokes
The effect of each stroke while rafting
‘How-to’ steps for each stroke

How to Paddle Stroke, Paddle Stroking for River Rafting, Paddling Strokes for Beginners, Paddling Strokes Guides Infographic

A Typical Day on the River

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 20:46:33 GMT

The morning begins at first light with a loud “COFFEEEEEE” call from the river guides, signifying that fresh coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and juice are ready for you at the camp coffee table. It is now time to wake up from your night of sleeping under the stars, sit up on your cot, slip on some shoes, grab your mug, and head down to the coffee table for a hot beverage or some juice. Hot water is available to prepare tea and hot chocolate. Coffee is made “cowboy style,” which means grounds and all are brought to a boil and then allowed to settle in the pot for a few minutes. We use triple certified coffee (organic, fair trade, and shade-grown) that always has a good flavor, but you will want to use the nearby strainer to catch the grounds when you pour it in your cup. Also close at hand are sugar, milk, and other fixings. Once you have your drink in hand, you can head back to your campsite to pack up personal items and camping gear into your dry bags and take down your cot.

A Rafting Trip Down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon – What a Typical Day is like

About 20 minutes after the coffee call, you will hear a “BREAKFAAAAST” call. Come and get it while it’s fresh and hot! If you still have some packing to do, there will be time to finish up after breakfast, while the crew dismantles the kitchen and loads everything back on the rafts. Breakfast, like lunch and dinner, is served buffet style, with a variety of items and condiments. Although meals vary from day to day, breakfast generally includes fresh fruit, breakfast meat, a main item such as eggs, pancakes or French toast, and cold/hot cereal options. Meal service includes nice plates, bowls, and utensils that are washed and reused throughout the trip.

There will always be a handwashing station near the kitchen area, and guides will remind you to “wash your hands” before every meal. This is to prevent the spread of illness and to ensure everyone stays healthy throughout the trip. We also have a 4-bucket dishwashing system that is set up to ensure dishes and utensils are properly washed and sanitized. You will be asked to wash your own dishes. After a meal, you will first scrape any left-overs into the garbage bag, then wash the plate/utensils in a cool soapy bucket, followed by rewashing the items in a hot soapy bucket, then a rinse in a hot water bucket, followed by a cold Clorox rinse. Dishes and utensils are then placed on a dish rack to air dry.

As breakfast is winding down, the guides will start to load kitchen kits, Dutch ovens, stoves, tables, and other cooking equipment back onto the raft. Guests can help by packing cots and chairs and putting them in labeled mesh bags that will be laid out on the sand. Each bag will have a tag explaining how many cots or chairs go in that particular bag. Once a bag is full, it is a great help to the crew if guests will tighten the straps around the bags and take them down by the boats for loading. Volunteer help with clean-up and packing is always appreciated, as the crew strives to break camp early so there is more time during the day to hike, explore, and stop to play in waterfalls and side streams.

After the kitchen gear is stowed safely back on the boats, the crew will lace up the decks and buckle down the hatches. Around this time, a “last call” for the bathroom will be made, the crew will ask for the cots and chair bags, then the personal sleep kit bags, and finally, the personal clothing bags, all of which will be loaded in their appropriate places aboard the raft and tied down securely. To set the plan or tone for the day, one of the guides may give a short reading, an interpretive talk, or tell a good story while the rest of the crew dismantles and cleans the bathroom equipment and stows it away on the raft. Lastly, a crew member or a willing guest will do a “beach sweep” to make sure no one left anything and then we’ll untie the boats, push off, and begin a new day on river.

During dinner the previous night, your guides may have given you an idea of what to expect and how to prepare for your morning on the river. This could mean the need for rain gear due to a series of early-morning rapids; or notice to keep your hiking boots/shoes handy (stow them in our “community” boot bag on the raft), because the guides are planning a morning off-river hike. This will depend on the day and our location on the river. Following is a description of an actual day on the river, but keep in mind that every trip is different and unique. The Grand Canyon is a place that could be explored for a lifetime and you would never find all of its hidden treasures.

Afternoons and evenings on the river are far more relaxed than the mornings. There is time to bathe, read, relax, or have a cold drink. Usually, there will be some simple hors d’oeuvres or snacks to tide you over until dinner is ready. Dinners are freshly-prepared and include salad, vegetables, entrée and dessert. The group usually gathers together with the crew in a circle to eat, share stories, and talk about the day. After dinner, each person washes their plates and utensils and fill up their water bottles. As night falls, some people wander off to their own camp to enjoy some quiet time, while others continue to sit together and chat.

As night falls, the Grand Canyon takes on a completely different character. The sun and blue sky give way to dusk and the stars begin to appear. When full darkness blankets the canyon, the sky is filled with stars and the Milky Way seems close enough to touch. It’s nice to lay on your cot and count shooting stars until you fall asleep. Later, when the moon rises over the canyon walls, it’s not uncommon to wake up and think it’s dawn, because of the moon is so bright. But after an active day, you won’t have trouble going back to sleep. Next thing you know someone will be yelling “COFFEEEEEE!”

A First Person Account of a Day on the River

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 20:46:31 GMT

We left our Ross Wheeler River Camp with our two motorized rafts at 7:45 AM. We ran Bass Rapid and then stopped at beach on river right to do a hike up to William Wallace Bass’ tourist camp from the 1890’s. The hike was about 4 miles round trip and consisted of gaining about 600 feet of elevation to a saddle, then dropping about 400 feet into Shinumo Creek. We hiked along Shinumo Creek another half-mile to the Bass Camp. There were a lot of big cottonwood trees along the river, and the canyon was very beautiful. There were old coffee pots, an old stove, and lots of other camp artifacts. The trail was well-traveled, but full of rocks and boulders to maneuver around.

Because we got an early start on the hike, most of the trail was in the shade on the way up. On the way back, we were mostly in the sun. Most of the group went on the hike, but some stayed at the boats to enjoy quiet time by the river. By the time we all got back from the hike, it was almost lunch time. The guides set up a deli-style lunch in the shade of some Tamarisk trees. The lunch included a plentiful variety of fresh vegetables, deli meats, bread, lots of pickles and peppers and other fixings, and assorted cookies, Pringles, and apples and oranges.

After lunch, we got back on the rafts and traveled about a half-mile downriver to where Shinumo Creek joins the Colorado River. We hiked about 300 yards up the creek to a small waterfall and pool. The water was cool and felt good after being in the hot noon-day sun. We hung out at the pool for about 30 minutes before heading back to the rafts.

The afternoon was HOT! And the splash from the rapids of Shinumo, Hakati, Walthenburg, and an assortment of smaller riffles was welcome. We pulled into Elves Chasm just as the upper parts of the Canyon were getting a little shaded. The hike up Elves was short but consisted of hiking over a lot of different boulders before seeing an incredible waterfall and pool. Anyone who wanted to, swam in the pool and climbed up behind the waterfall. By the time everyone got back to the boats, parts of the river were in the shade.

We traveled another 45 minutes on the river and then camped on a big sandy beach on the right side of the river. This was our fourth night on the river and our group had become good friends. Everyone helped as we formed a fire line up the beach and passed the gear off the rafts: first the personal dry bags, next the sleep kits, then cots and chairs, and lastly the kitchen set-up and cooking supplies. After all the gear was unloaded, we all found our own personal camping spaces, set up our cots, and made a home for the night.

Day 4 of 8 on a Grand Canyon Motorized Rafting Expedition

Ancient Rock Art and Archaeological Sites of Desolation Canyon

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:10:54 GMT

Respecting Cultural Resources

Ancient Petroglyphs and Pictographs

While the exact meanings of many petroglyphs remain mysterious, archaeologists and anthropologists have developed theories about their significance. Some depict animals important to hunting and survival, while others may represent spiritual or ceremonial concepts. The variety and distribution of rock art throughout the canyon suggest that this region was important to multiple cultures over an extended period.

Beyond rock art, Desolation Canyon contains numerous archaeological sites including ancient dwelling sites, artifact scatters, and other evidence of human occupation. These sites provide valuable information about how ancient peoples adapted to and lived in the desert environment.

Interpreting Ancient Art

Throughout Desolation Canyon, visitors can observe petroglyphs (rock carvings) and pictographs (rock paintings) created by ancient peoples. These artistic expressions provide insights into the spiritual beliefs, daily activities, and artistic traditions of the cultures that inhabited this region. The rock art varies in style and age, with some examples potentially dating back over 1,000 years.

Desolation Canyon's archaeological resources offer opportunities to learn about the long and complex history of human presence in the American Southwest. The landscape tells stories of adaptation, resilience, and cultural achievement that span thousands of years. Many of our guides are knowledgeable about the archaeological and cultural significance of the sites encountered during the trip.

Archaeological Sites

Learning from the Past

Desolation Canyon is not only a natural wonder but also an important archaeological landscape. The canyon walls and side canyons contain numerous examples of ancient rock art, archaeological sites, and evidence of human habitation spanning thousands of years.

As visitors to Desolation Canyon, it's important to approach archaeological sites and rock art with respect and care. These resources are irreplaceable and represent the heritage of Native American peoples and early explorers. Responsible tourism practices include not touching rock art, staying on designated trails, and following all regulations regarding archaeological sites.

Navigating the Rapids of Desolation Canyon: A Whitewater Guide

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:08:00 GMT

Water Flows and Seasonal Variations

The rapids in Desolation Canyon are characterized by their technical nature and the need for skillful navigation. Unlike some more extreme whitewater destinations, Desolation Canyon's rapids are approachable for a wide range of experience levels. The Class I-III rating means that while there is excitement and splashing, the rapids are generally safe for families and beginners with proper guidance.

Notable Rapids

Understanding the Rapids

What makes Desolation Canyon special is the balance it offers between exciting whitewater and peaceful, scenic floats. The rapids provide adrenaline and excitement, while the calm sections allow time to absorb the stunning landscape, observe wildlife, and relax. This combination makes Desolation Canyon ideal for those seeking adventure without extreme technical difficulty.

Three Fords Rapid: One of the larger rapids in Desolation Canyon, Three Fords provides a thrilling experience with significant waves and hydraulics. The rapid requires skillful navigation but is well within the capabilities of experienced guides.

Cow Swim Rapid: Named for the cattle that historically crossed the river at this location, Cow Swim offers a fun and splashy ride through a series of waves and obstacles.

Coal Creek Rapid: Located further downstream, Coal Creek provides another exciting section of whitewater with interesting technical features.

Desolation Canyon offers over 60 Class I-III rapids that provide excitement without being overwhelming, making it an ideal destination for family rafting and first-time rafters. The rapids are spread throughout the 84-mile journey, creating a varied and engaging experience.

The Balance of Adventure

Safety and Preparation

The Green River's water flow varies seasonally, affecting the character of the rapids. Spring runoff (typically May and June) brings higher water levels and larger waves, creating more dramatic whitewater. Summer and fall flows are lower, making the rapids more technical as exposed rocks create additional obstacles and challenges.

Desolation Canyon's rapids are managed by experienced guides who understand the nuances of each rapid and how water levels affect navigation. Proper safety equipment, including life jackets and helmets, is provided. Our guides conduct a thorough river orientation before departure to ensure all participants understand safety procedures and what to expect.

The Calm Before the Rapids: Experiencing the Serene Waters of Cataract Canyon

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:10:11 GMT

The Geological Story

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Photography and Artistic Inspiration

Navigating the Rapids of Cataract Canyon: A Whitewater Guide

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:09:49 GMT

Understanding Water Flows and Seasons

Notable Rapids and Their Characteristics

Safety and Preparation

Native American History and Cultural Heritage of Canyonlands

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:09:05 GMT

Archaeological Significance

Respecting Sacred Lands

Desolation Canyon: Utah's Hidden Wilderness Gem

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:07:54 GMT

Nestled within the remote canyon country of Utah's Green River Wilderness Area, Desolation Canyon boasts some of the most stunning and unique landscapes in the West. Rafting through this breathtaking region is the ultimate way to experience its natural beauty, rich history, and outdoor wonders.

Desolation Canyon stretches for approximately 84 miles along the Green River, beginning near the town of Green River, Utah, and continuing through some of the most pristine wilderness in the United States. The canyon is characterized by towering red rock walls, deep gorges, and a river that offers the perfect balance of exciting rapids and peaceful floats.

The Green River Wilderness Area

As you raft through Desolation Canyon, you may encounter a range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, desert eagles, river otters, and numerous bird species. There are also ample opportunities for exploration off the river, with short hikes to overlooks and hidden canyons that reveal the canyon's hidden treasures. The pristine wilderness ensures that wildlife viewing is often exceptional, particularly during early morning and evening hours.

Wildlife and Natural Wonders

Unique Landscapes and Geological Wonders

The Green River Wilderness Area encompasses vast stretches of undeveloped land where the river carves through multiple geological layers. The canyon walls reveal millions of years of geological history, with colorful rock formations that shift in hue throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky. The climate is "high desert," hot during the day and cool at night, creating a unique environment for both adventure and relaxation.

Desolation Canyon's landscape is truly one-of-a-kind, offering incredible views of natural rock formations, cliffs, and desert landscapes. The rugged beauty of the canyon will surround you as you navigate the river's rapids and peaceful stretches, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The canyon's name, given by early explorer John Wesley Powell, reflects the remote and isolated nature of this wilderness area.

John Wesley Powell and the History of Green River Exploration

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:05:49 GMT

Following Powell's Route

The Green River and Desolation Canyon hold a special place in American exploration history. In 1869, Major John Wesley Powell led one of the first successful expeditions down the Green River through Desolation Canyon, documenting the landscape, geology, and challenges of navigating this remote wilderness.

Powell's expedition was groundbreaking for its time. With limited knowledge of what lay ahead and primitive equipment by modern standards, Powell and his team navigated the rapids, explored side canyons, and made detailed observations of the geological formations they encountered. Powell's journals and sketches provided the first detailed accounts of Desolation Canyon and helped establish the scientific understanding of the region.

The Legacy of Exploration

Today, rafters following the Green River through Desolation Canyon are retracing the path of Powell's historic expedition. The experience connects modern adventurers to a rich tradition of exploration and discovery. Many of the landmarks and features that Powell documented are still visible today, allowing contemporary rafters to see the landscape through the eyes of this pioneering explorer.

Throughout Desolation Canyon, there are numerous historical sites and landmarks that tell the story of human interaction with this landscape. Ancient rock art, historic cabin sites, and other archaeological evidence reveal the long history of human presence in this region, from Native American inhabitants to early explorers and settlers.

Historical Sites Along the River

Our Desolation Canyon rafting trips follow a similar route to Powell's original expedition, allowing you to experience the same landscapes and challenges that captivated this pioneering explorer. The journey provides a unique opportunity to connect with history while experiencing the raw beauty and adventure of the Green River wilderness.

Packing Guide

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 21:00:07 GMT

When we confirm your reservation, we will send you a detailed clothing and equipment list appropriate for the expedition you have selected. In general, river apparel should be worn in layers that are easy to put on and take off, as weather conditions can change throughout the day. We recommend lightweight, warm, quick-drying fabrics such as nylon, polyester blends, capilene, or microfleece, which dry quickly, wick moisture, and remain comfortable when wet.

Clothing should be loose fitting and comfortable if wet. Many guests wear a bathing suit under shorts and a lightweight shirt, with long pants or long-sleeved shirts for additional sun protection. Waterproof sandals with secure straps or rubber-soled shoes work well on the raft and during wet hikes, while supportive footwear is optional. Sun protection, rain gear, and a warm layer are strongly recommended for most trips.

Packing List

River Sandals

Such as those made by Chaco, Teva, and Keen, to wear on the raft and on “wet” hikes. Choose those with comfortable fit, good fasteners, and non-slip soles.

Hiking Boots / Shoes

Most hikes can be completed in sandals or athletic shoes; hiking boots or lightweight, water-resilient footwear are optional for those who prefer extra support and protection.

Rain Suit

Two-piece, high-quality waterproof rain jacket and pants with hood and secure closures to prevent water seepage; used for protection from storms, cold splash, and rapids, especially in cooler or shaded conditions.

Quick Dry Clothing

Long or short-sleeved shirts and shorts or pants made of fast-drying fabric; can be worn over a bathing suit. Long sleeves and pants offer greater sun protection.

Sarong or Wrap

Sarongs can be great for multiple uses. Cover-up on the raft in you’re getting too much sun, get it wet and cool yourself off, or wear it around camp.

Sweatshirt or Light Fleece

A warm layer recommended for cool mornings, evenings, or shoulder-season trips, especially in early spring or autumn.

Hat

Bring a hat with a large brim for sun protection. Make sure your hat has a tie to prevent it from blowing off in the wind and being washed off in the rapids.

Sun Protection

Sun block, sun screen, lip balm, etc.

Sun Glasses

Make sure to secure your sunglasses with a strap. It’s always a good idea to bring a back up pair.

Day Pack

For off-river hiking excursions. Packs should fit a sack lunch, a water bottle, camera & film, and extra clothing and/or rain jacket.

Bathing Suit

A bathing suit may be worn under shorts and a loose, lightweight shirt, or replaced with shorts and a shirt made of quick-drying fabric.

High Quality Rain Suit

High quality, completely waterproof rain jacket and pants with hood and closures so water cannot seep in. You should We recommend Grunden’s Petrus Collection.

Rubber Boots

Calf-high, flexible rubber boots such as “Xtra-tuf.” You will practically live in these boots. Removable insoles will secure the fit and add insulation.

Thermal Underwear

Several sets of “expedition weight” polypropylene shirts and pants to wear under your clothing next to your skin.

Woolens or Synthetic Fleece

Warm fleece or wool hat, socks, pants, shirt, sweater, pullover and jacket. What you should have is a set of clothing that will maintain thermal qualities even if wet; clothing that you can layer for warmth and then take off when it gets too warm!

Warm Jacket

Stuffable, synthetic fabric (down-filled jackets are useless if wet).

Socks

Wool or synthetic blends to wear with your rubber boots (ex Smart Wool). You may also like thin synthetic “liner” socks to wear under thicker ones.

Grand Canyon | Cataract Canyon | Desolation Canyon

Clothing Tip: You will be most comfortable in loose fitting clothing that is made from lightweight and quick-drying fabrics. Consider fabrics such as capilene, microfleece, and nylon-polyester blends, that work well with a layering system. These fabrics dry quickly, wick away moisture, and keep you warm even if they are wet. If the air temperature is cool-to-cold, it can be very cold in the rapids and warm clothing will be appreciated.

A Day in the Life of a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:21:44 GMT

The Grand Canyon is a place of breathtaking beauty and endless wonder, where every moment feels alive with possibility. A day on the river is a whirlwind of adventure, from sunrise to starry night, with awe-inspiring sights and experiences that pass by in a flash.

Each morning begins with the soft light of dawn painting the canyon walls and the soothing sounds of the Colorado River setting the tone for the day ahead. As I prepare coffee and watch the world come alive, I’m reminded of the magic this place holds.

To wake up my fellow rafters, I call out a loud and cheerful “Coffee Call!” Everyone comes down, washes their hands, and grabs a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea before heading back to their camp to start packing up their cots and sleeping bags. About half an hour later, a hot, healthy, and filling breakfast is ready.

After breakfast, my river crew and I tear down the kitchen and load it back onto the rafts while the group finishes packing their sleep gear. Guests bring their dry bags and camping items back to the boats, and once the bathrooms are packed away, we’re ready to head downriver.

Each river day is unique. Typically, we’ll start with a morning hike, stop for lunch at a scenic spot, and fit in another hike in the afternoon before finding a place to camp for the night. Hikes range from short walks to stunning waterfalls to longer, more challenging treks that reward us with breathtaking views of the canyon. Hikes are always optional. Some guests jump at every chance to explore, while others prefer to relax in the shade, read a book, or take photographs of the incredible scenery.

Time on the river is equally varied. On some stretches, we float quietly, letting the sounds of the canyon surround us. Other times, the guides will read a passage from a book or poem, adding to the sense of wonder. On certain days, we’re focused on covering miles, navigating thrilling rapids, and making progress downstream.

As the shadows of the canyon walls begin to overtake the beaches, we arrive at camp, ready for the next adventure the evening has in store. There’s a shared energy as everyone helps unload the rafts and set up the kitchen, a rhythm that quickly becomes second nature. While camp comes together, my crew puts out hors d’oeuvres, and the delicious aromas of dinner begin to fill the air.

As night falls, real friendships take root, and laughter echoes through the canyon. When it’s time to sleep, we drift off under a canopy of stars, more vivid and expansive than most have ever seen. Before we know it, the first signs of dawn appear, and the sound and smell of coffee signal the start of another unforgettable day.

FAQ's

FAQ's About Geology and Formation of the Grand Canyon Rapids

FAQ's About Hydrology and River Dynamics

8-Reasons the Grand Canyon is the most sought-after rafting destination in the world:

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:18:23 GMT

Unparalleled Rock Layers: The Grand Canyon exposes nearly two billion years of Earth’s history through its stunning stratified rock formations. No other place allows rafters to see such a complete and dramatic geological story in action.

1. The Geology

3. Scenic Grandeur

Thrilling Challenges: The Colorado River features some of the most famous and exciting rapids in the world, such as Lava Falls, Crystal, and Hermit.
Unique Rapids Grading System: Unlike the traditional international Class I-V scale, Grand Canyon rapids are rated from 1 to 10, creating a unique allure for rafters.

Immense Scale: The sheer size of the canyon—277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep—creates an experience unlike any other.
Breathtaking Vistas: Towering cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and surreal colors at sunrise and sunset add to the magic of the journey.
Side Canyons and Features: Stunning locations like Elves Chasm, Havasu Canyon, and Deer Creek Falls provide incredible opportunities for exploration.

Isolation: Once you’re on the river, you’re truly disconnected from the outside world, offering a rare opportunity for solitude and immersion in nature.
Starry Skies: Few places rival the Grand Canyon for stargazing. Spending nights beneath the Milky Way in such a remote setting is unforgettable.

5. Indigenous Peoples

2. The Rapids

4. Wilderness Adventure

Cultural History: The Grand Canyon is not only a natural wonder but also a sacred place deeply intertwined with the histories, cultures, and identities of the Indigenous peoples who have called it home for thousands of years. Tribes such as the Havasupai, Hopi, Navajo, Paiute, Zuni, and Hualapai, among others, hold profound spiritual connections to the canyon, viewing it as a place of origin, a source of life, and a bridge to their ancestors. The intricate petroglyphs, ancient dwellings, and trails that weave through the canyon are testaments to their enduring presence and deep understanding of this land. For these communities, the Grand Canyon is more than breathtaking vistas; it is a living, sacred entity imbued with stories, lessons, and meaning. As stewards of the canyon, they remind us of the importance of respect, sustainability, and harmony with the natural world, offering invaluable perspectives that enrich the experience of all who visit this extraordinary place.

6. A Journey Through Time

7 The Bonding Experience

Dynamic Landscapes: The river constantly changes, with seasonal flow variations related to the operation of Glen Canyon Dam changing the character of individual rapids.
Living Geology: The Grand Canyon’s evolving landscape, such as new rapids forming after flash floods, is a testament to nature’s power in action.

Community on the River: Sharing this adventure with others—whether friends, family, or strangers—creates deep, lasting connections.
Guide Expertise: Experienced guides bring the trip to life with their knowledge of geology, history, and folklore, making the journey even more enriching.

8. Accessibility for All Types of Adventurers

Diverse Trip Options: From motorized rafting for quicker trips to oar-powered journeys for those seeking a traditional experience, the Grand Canyon has something for everyone.
Flexible Durations: Trips range from 3 days to over 2 weeks, accommodating all schedules and levels of commitment.

The Ultimate Guide to Grand Canyon Rafting: Everything You Need to Know

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:05:38 GMT

By Walker Mackay

For me it was fate. I was lucky enough to have been born into a rafting business. My Dad (David Mackay) was a gym rat after returning home from Vietnam, and one of the guys he played handball with was Jack Currey. Jack had recently started a river running company and was actively looking for guides. My Dad took him up on his offer to go see what the river was about, and after rafting through the Grand Canyon my Dad didn’t wanted to do anything else.

He started working for Jack in 1965. And met my Mom (Vicki) on a Grand Canyon river trip in 1968. She worked at the Los Angeles airport and had noticed an ad hung up in the airport about the opportunity to raft the Colorado River . She immediately talked to her friend and decided that if they did the trip they would definitely reach one of their lifelong goals as 21 year olds to make the Los Angeles Airport Newsletter. For their trip they decided to hike in at Phantom Ranch. The trip was composed of boy scouts and them. And as my fate would have it my Dad was a boatman on the trip.

My Dad continued to work for Jack until 1971. At that point in time Grand Canyon National Park decided they were going to stop issuing commercial river permits for the Colorado River in Grand Canyon. My Mom and Dad were fortunate enough to get one of the last commercial permits given out by Grand Canyon. They started Colorado River & Trail Expeditions(CRATE) and did their best to build up use, as the permits were issued based on the number of passengers each company took down in 1971. In the 1970s we had an average size permit in Grand Canyon. Today we are the smallest outfitter in Grand Canyon because every company smaller than us has been bought by someone bigger.

I was born in 1976, did a 21 day river trip on the Noatak River of Alaska at age 2, and did my first Grand Canyon raft trip in 1985. I grew up in the river business and started guiding trips in 1995. My wife and I got married on the rim of the Grand Canyon with the river below in 2003, and formed a dynamic team running trips together for 8 years before having kids. Today I have accumulated somewhere around 150 trips through the Grand Canyon with another 100 trips on others sections of river. Most of those trips are on motorized rafts, but I also have ran dories, oar boats, paddle rafts, kayaks, inflatable kayaks, and river boards through the rapids of Grand Canyon. I love the place and feel incredibly lucky to have been born as a river guide. CRATE is a family and veteran owned business with my Dad, Mom, Sister, Wife, and I all playing a part in its success on a daily basis.

Colorado River Trips Through Cataract Canyon

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:00:48 GMT

⛺ 4-Day Cataract Canyon Rafting Adventure – A thrilling journey through the heart of Canyonlands National Park, packed with whitewater excitement and stunning scenery.

�� 6-Day Cataract Canyon Rafting Expedition – A more immersive trip with extra time for hiking, exploring ancient ruins, and soaking in the beauty of Cataract Canyon.

�� 7-Day Spring Special: Cataract Canyon Rafting & Hiking – A unique springtime adventure with extended off-river hikes and and hidden side canyons.

Cataract Canyon is home to some of the most powerful whitewater on the Colorado River , especially during peak runoff. With around 30 rapids packed into a 14-mile stretch, this section delivers intense Class III-V whitewater, making it one of the most exhilarating rafting experiences in North America. Rapids like Big Drops 1, 2, and 3, Capsize, Mile Long, and Satan’s Gut promise heart-pounding adventure.

High Water (May–June): Flows can reach up to 100,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), creating monstrous waves and massive hydraulics.
Lower Water (Late Summer–Fall): The rapids become more technical, requiring precise navigation through rapids strewn with exposed rocks.

1. Big Water, Big Rapids

Cataract Canyon cuts through the breathtaking landscapes of Canyonlands National Park, offering some of the most stunning desert scenery in the Southwest. As you raft through this remote canyon, you’ll see:

Towering red rock cliffs and dramatic sandstone formations
Hidden waterfalls that only flow during the Spring or after a monsoon rain.
The Confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers, first mapped by John Wesley Powell in 1869
Panoramic views from hikes to The Loop and The Doll’s House

2. Spectacular Scenery & Geological Wonders

3. Rich History & Ancient Ruins

This stretch of the Colorado River has a deep historical and cultural significance. Along the way, you’ll discover:

�� Ancestral Puebloan ruins and pictographs.
�� The historic route of John Wesley Powell’s 1869 expedition, the first recorded descent of Cataract Canyon
⛺ Historic inscriptions from past river runners, surveyors, and trappers.

4. Multi-Day Adventure with Riverside Camping

Legendary Whitewater – Some of the biggest rapids on the Colorado River.
Breathtaking Scenery – Raft through the stunning canyons of Canyonlands National Park.
Rich History & Exploration – Follow in the footsteps of John Wesley Powell and explore ancient ruins.
The Ultimate Multi-Day Experience – Combine whitewater thrills with hiking, camping, and relaxation.

Whether you want to experience the rapids during high-water or a scenic multi-day rafting and hiking experience, Cataract Canyon is an unforgettable way to explore the Colorado River, and the best way to see Canyonlands National Park.

Book Your Cataract Canyon Rafting Trip Today!

Why Choose Cataract Canyon for Your Colorado River Rafting Adventure?

Colorado River Beyond The Daily Section To Potash (River Mile)

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:51:36 GMT

As the Colorado River flows beyond the Moab Daily section, it enters a stunningly scenic stretch that winds through the Moab Valley, past the Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve, and into The Portal, where towering sandstone cliffs mark the gateway to Canyonlands. This section of the Colorado River is known for its calm waters, breathtaking red rock scenery, and fascinating geological features, making it a great extension for those looking to explore more of the river.

A Scenic, Tranquil Float – Unlike the rapids found upstream, this section of the Colorado River is mostly calm, offering an ideal opportunity to relax and take in the surrounding beauty.

Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve – This lush river oasis is home to a variety of bird species and other desert wildlife, making it a must-see for nature lovers.
“Wall Street” Sandstone Cliffs – A world-famous rock climbing destination, these towering cliffs rise dramatically from the banks of the Colorado River, offering stunning views and thrilling challenges for climbers.
Iconic Desert Landscapes – As the river approaches Potash, rafters are treated to panoramic views of the La Sal Mountains, jagged red rock formations, and the dramatic canyon walls leading toward the confluence with the Green River.
Gateway to Canyonlands – This section leads toward Canyonlands National Park, where the Colorado River meets the Green River, setting the stage for more adventurous rafting trips like Cataract Canyon.

What to Expect on This Section of the Colorado River

Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts – A peaceful float through lush wetlands and desert terrain, perfect for spotting native wildlife.
Rock Climbers & Outdoor Adventurers – A chance to experience the famous Wall Street cliffs from the river or stop for a climb.
Paddleboarders & Kayakers – The gentle flow makes it an excellent section for paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking.
Scenic Rafters – A great option for those looking to experience a laid-back stretch of Colorado River rafting without intense rapids.

Who Should Explore This Stretch of the Colorado River?

What Makes Westwater Canyon a Must-Raft Section of the Colorado River?

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:48:28 GMT

The Colorado River picks up speed as it carves through the narrow, rock-walled gorge of Westwater Canyon, delivering a series of legendary rapids. Be prepared for the adrenaline rush of Marble Canyon Rapid, Skull Rapid, Funnel Falls, Sock-It-To-Me, and Last Chance Rapid. The rapids are more technical at medium to low flows, offering a dynamic rafting experience year-round.

Westwater Canyon is a visual masterpiece. As you raft through this stretch of the Colorado River, you’ll see:

Towering red rock cliffs of Wingate Sandstone.
Precambrian Black Rock formations—some of the oldest exposed rock in North America (similar to those found at the bottom of the Grand Canyon).
Desert wildlife, including bald eagles, great blue herons, and bighorn sheep.

2. Stunning Canyon Scenery

This section of the Colorado River is filled with fascinating historical sites:

An early 1900s dugout cabin, believed to have been used by gold prospectors.
A mysterious cave, rumored to have housed outlaws and counterfeiters.
Stories of early explorers like Bert Loper and Ellsworth Kolb, who first navigated this canyon in 1916.

3. Rich History & Hidden Landmarks

4. Relaxing Scenic Floats & Riverside Camping

After the rapids, the river calms, offering time to float in your lifejacket and soak in the incredible desert landscape. For multi-day rafting trips, Big Horn Camp is a favorite camping spot, featuring a sandy beach nestled among ancient Precambrian rock formations.

1. Exciting Whitewater Rapids

Why Choose Westwater Canyon for Your Colorado River Rafting Adventure?

Best Short-Trip Whitewater Experience – Perfect for those looking for a quick but thrilling rafting trip.
Amazing Scenery – A mix of red rock canyons, towering cliffs, and ancient rock formations.
Exciting Rapids – Experience some of the best Colorado River whitewater outside the Grand Canyon .
Wildlife & History – Spot bald eagles, explore hidden caves, and learn about the river’s storied past.

Book Your Westwater Canyon Rafting Trip Today!

Whether you’re looking for a one-day whitewater adventure or a multi-day rafting and camping experience, Westwater Canyon is an unforgettable way to explore the Colorado River.

Call us at (800) 253-7328

A Guide to the Best Colorado River Rafting trips

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:25:22 GMT

Experience the adventure of a lifetime with Colorado River & Trail Expeditions! We offer unforgettable Colorado River rafting trips through Utah and Arizona, where you’ll navigate thrilling rapids, explore breathtaking desert landscapes, and immerse yourself in the rich history of the American Southwest.

From the Colorado-Utah border to Lake Mead, the Colorado River winds through some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth, including Canyonlands National Park and Grand Canyon National Park . Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding rapids or a scenic float, we have the perfect rafting trip for you.

Stretching 1,450 miles, the Colorado River originates in the Rocky Mountains at La Poudre Pass and flows through diverse landscapes before reaching the Colorado Plateau. As it carves its way through Grand Valley, Ruby Canyon, and Horsethief Canyons, it creates an unparalleled playground for rafters of all experience levels.

The Colorado River: A Natural Wonder

From thrilling rapids to scenic floats, the Colorado River offers diverse rafting adventures for every type of explorer. Here are the most popular sections to raft, each offering unique landscapes, history, and whitewater excitement:

Top Colorado River Rafting Trips

1. Grand Canyon Rafting – The Ultimate Colorado River Adventure

2. Cataract Canyon – Big Water, Big Adventure

Best for: Large Rapids during spring run-off. The best way to see Canyonlands National Park.
Rapids: 30+ rapids, including Brown Betty, Big Drops, & Satan’s Gut.
Highlights: Stunning red rock landscapes, off-river hikes, and beautiful sand beaches in Cataract Canyon.

3. Westwater Canyon (River Mile 128-111) – Short, Exciting & Scenic

Best for: The best overnight river trip in the world.
Rapids: Class III-IV rapids, including Skull, Funnel Falls & Sock-It-To-Me.
Highlights: Towering canyon walls, wildlife, and historical outlaw hideouts

4. Fisher Towers / Moab Daily (River Mile 88-74) – Family-Friendly Fun

5. Horseshoe Bend / Glen Canyon (River Mile 15-0) – Scenic Float Through a Natural Wonder

Best for: First-time rafters, families, and scenic half-day to full-day trips.
Rapids: Mild Class I-II rapids, great for all ages.
Highlights: Red rock formations, easy rapids, and great swimming spots.

Best for: A peaceful, calm water float with incredible views.
Rapids: None – a smooth, relaxing ride.
Highlights: The iconic Horseshoe Bend, towering canyon walls, and crystal-clear waters.

Geology and Formation of the Grand Canyon Rapids

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 16:44:40 GMT

Grand Canyon Rapids and the Geology Behind Them

How were the rapids of the Grand Canyon formed, and what geological processes contribute to their existence?

The rapids encountered while rafting the Grand Canyon are primarily formed at the mouths of side canyons. When these side canyons experience large floods, they carry debris—such as rocks, boulders, and sediment—into the main channel of the Colorado River. This debris forms a natural obstruction, often referred to as a “low-head dam.” The combination of the river’s flow dropping over this debris and the presence of the rocks within the channel creates the turbulence and waves that we recognize as rapids.

Why are some rapids in the Grand Canyon more intense than others?

Large Wave in Crystal Rapid

Most rapids in the Grand Canyon are classified as Class III, with some reaching Class IV at certain river flow levels. The intensity of a rapid depends on several key factors:

Gradient – The steepness of the river channel through the rapid influences the speed and power of the water. A steeper gradient results in faster-moving water and more turbulence.
Rocks in the Channel – Boulders, debris, and other obstacles in the river channel disrupt the water flow, creating waves, holes, and eddies that increase the rapid’s difficulty.
River Constriction – When the river narrows, the same volume of water is forced through a smaller space, increasing the speed and turbulence, which makes the rapid more intense.

These factors combine in different ways at each rapid, which is why their intensity can vary significantly across the Grand Canyon.

How does the flow of the Colorado River affect the rapids over time? Are they changing or evolving?

Excitement in the Grand Canyon

The flow of the Colorado River, and consequently the nature of its rapids, is heavily influenced by Glen Canyon Dam, which regulates the river’s flow. Before the dam was constructed, the river experienced large spring floods, which naturally flushed debris downstream after flash floods from side canyons. These powerful seasonal flows helped to reshape and maintain the rapids, preventing the buildup of debris over time.

Since the completion of Glen Canyon Dam, however, the natural flooding cycle has been replaced by controlled releases, which lack the magnitude of pre-dam floods. As a result, when side canyons flash flood and deposit debris into the river, it becomes harder for the regulated flows to wash that debris downstream. This has led to a gradual buildup of material in certain rapids, making them progressively harder to navigate, especially at low flows.

At low flows, rocks and debris that remain exposed can increase the technical difficulty of rapids. This is particularly challenging for larger motorized rafts, which require more precision to maneuver around obstacles at reduced water levels. In contrast, higher controlled flows can smooth out some rapids but may not have the power to fully remove accumulated debris.

In summary, the flow of the Colorado River—once governed by natural cycles—is now tightly regulated, which has changed the way rapids evolve. While the dam’s operation provides benefits like flood control and hydroelectric power, it has also contributed to a dynamic where some rapids in the Grand Canyon are becoming more difficult to navigate over time.

What role do debris flows from tributaries, such as flash floods, play in shaping the rapids?

Flash floods play a significant role in shaping and altering the rapids of the Grand Canyon. Each time a flash flood occurs, debris such as rocks, sediment, and boulders is washed from tributaries into the Colorado River. This debris often settles at the mouths of side canyons, altering the structure and flow of the river at that location, which directly impacts the characteristics of the rapid.

The extent of these changes varies—some flash floods result in dramatic transformations to a rapid, while others cause only minor adjustments. Over time, this process of debris deposition and rearrangement continuously shapes the rapids, making them dynamic and ever-changing features of the river.

Are there specific rock types or geological features in the Grand Canyon that influence the rapids’ locations and characteristics?

Rapids are found all along the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, cutting through a wide variety of rock types. However, the largest and most powerful rapids are generally located in the Inner Gorge of the canyon. The Inner Gorge is made up of hard, erosion-resistant metamorphic and igneous rock, such as Vishnu Schist and Zoroaster Granite. These rock types are much harder and more durable than the sandstones and limestones found in other areas of the canyon. As a result, the river’s gradient tends to steepen in these sections, contributing to the formation of larger, more intense rapids.

That said, not all major rapids are located within the Inner Gorge. For example, Lava Falls, one of the most famous and challenging rapids in the Grand Canyon, is situated at the mouth of Prospect Canyon. Here, a tall debris fan from flash floods has created a dramatic obstruction in the river, producing the rapid’s iconic intensity, even though it is not within the hard rock formations of the Inner Gorge.

This combination of geological features and debris deposition highlights the diverse factors that influence the location and characteristics of the Grand Canyon’s rapids.

If you are ready to raft the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon give Colorado River & Trail Expeditions a call at 1-800-253-7328.

Tatshenshini River Adventure

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 17:10:03 GMT

A Tatshenshini River Adventure: A Journey Through Wilderness

The Tatshenshini River , a pristine wilderness river, offers an unforgettable adventure through one of the most remote and stunning landscapes on Earth. With its glacial-fed waters, towering mountains, and diverse wildlife, the Tatshenshini is a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts.

Why Choose Colorado River & Trail Expeditions?

When planning your Tatshenshini River adventure, choosing the right outfitter is crucial. Colorado River & Trail Expeditions has been guiding trips on this iconic river since the late 1970s. Their experienced guides, comfortable camping setups, and focus on safety and adventure make them an excellent choice for your next wilderness expedition.

A Laid-Back Approach to Wilderness Exploration

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions takes a more relaxed approach to their Tatshenshini River trips. You won’t have to worry about paddling, as experienced guides will row the raft. However, you’re welcome to assist with paddling if you’d like. This means you can enjoy the beauty of the river and its surroundings without feeling rushed. You’ll spend most days on the river for 4-5 hours, giving you plenty of time to soak up the scenery and wildlife.

Thrilling Rapids and Scenic Beauty

While the Tatshenshini River offers some exhilarating whitewater, particularly on the first day, the majority of the time the river is fast, but doesn’t have a lot of rapids. As you journey down the river, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including towering mountains, lush forests, and massive glaciers.

Exploring the Wilderness Beyond the River

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions offers a variety of opportunities to explore the wilderness beyond the river. You can embark on side hikes to stunning locations like Goat Ridge or explore the area around the Walker Glacier. These hikes offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

Wildlife Encounters

The Tatshenshini River is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, eagles, and other fascinating creatures.

Booking Your Adventure

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions offers prime dates for your Tatshenshini River adventure in 2025 and 2026 , including July 15-25 and August 5-15. These dates offer optimal river conditions and weather for an unforgettable experience.

Key Takeaways:

Experienced Guides: Colorado River & Trail Expeditions has a team of experienced guides who know the river intimately.
No Paddling Required: Enjoy a relaxed pace, with guides doing the rowing.
Stunning Landscapes: Experience breathtaking mountains, glaciers, and forests.
Thrilling Rapids: Tackle exciting whitewater on the first day of the trip.
Comfortable Camping: Sleep in comfortable North Face tents and enjoy delicious meals.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot bears, moose, eagles, and other wildlife.
Prime Dates: Book your trip for July 15-25 or August 5-15 for optimal conditions.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable wilderness adventure, the Tatshenshini River with Colorado River & Trail Expeditions is the perfect choice. Book your trip and start planning the adventure of a lifetime.

Instructions for Replacing the Tiller Handle on a Tohatsu MFS 30D

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:22:44 GMT

Step 1: Remove the Upper Cowling by unhooking the latch at the back of the motor

Step 2: Remove the (2) 10 mm bolts that hold the side cover piece

Step 3: Remove the Rubber Grommet that holds the throttle cables and electrical wire from the tiller handle.

Step 4: Pop the Rubber Cover off to reveal the tiller handle wire connections.

Step 5: Carefully disconnect the tiller handle wire.

Step 6: Disconnect the Throttle Wires From the engine by taking the bolt out connecting them to the powerhead.

Step 7: Using 10 mm wrenches unhook the throttle wire nuts from their bracket.

Step 8: Disconnect the ball Socket Joint connecting the throttle wire mechanism to the throttle body.

Step 9: Disengage the shift handle from the tiller handle bracket.

Step 10: Lastly Remove the (2) 14 mm bolts holding the tiller handle bracket on.

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions sells used and new Tohatsu MFS 30D outboard motors. Their light weight and dependability make them our choice in the Grand Canyon rafting industry. We stock used and new Tohatsu 30 D outboards. Our sister company Mackay Marine is an authorized Tohatsu dealer and carry a large selection of Tohatsu 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D parts. To discuss your outboard motor needs give us a call at 1-800-253-7328, or send us an e-mail to crate@crateinc.com .

Ultimate Gift Guide for Rafting Enthusiasts

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 17:46:39 GMT

Whether they are conquerin g roaring rapids or peacefully floating down a gentle river, rafting lovers are a unique breed of adventurers who thrive on the thrill of the water. If you’re searching for the perfect gift for the paddler in your life, look no further. We’ve curated an ultimate gift guide for rafting enthusiasts that will definitely make a splash, whether they’re seasoned experts or just dipping their toes into the world of river exploration.

Dry Bags and Waterproof Cases

Protecting personal belongings from water is crucial during rafting trips. Gift them a set of high-quality dry bags or waterproof cases to keep essentials like phones, wallets, and keys safe and dry. Brands like NRS, Jack’s Plastic Welding, and Sea to Summit offer reliable options.

www.nrs.com

www.jpwinc.com

www.seatosummit.com

Rafting Apparel

Help them stay comfortable and stylish on the water with specialized rafting apparel. Consider quick-drying, moisture-wicking clothing, UV-protective rash guards, and water shoes with excellent grip. Look for brands like NRS, Patagonia, and Chaco for reliable and fashionable options.

www.nrs.com

www.patagonia.com

www.chacos.com

GoPro or Waterproof Action Camera

Capture the exhilarating moments of a rafting adventure with a GoPro or a waterproof action camera. These compact devices can be mounted on helmets, life vests, or rafts to record high-quality videos and photos. Choose a model with image stabilization for smooth footage, and don’t forget to include additional mounts for versatile shooting angles.

www.gopro.com

River Guide Books

For those who enjoy exploring new rivers and navigating diverse rapids, a comprehensive river guidebook can be a thoughtful gift. Look for guides that provide detailed information on different rivers, including difficulty levels, points of interest, and safety tips. We have guides book available on our website for Grand Canyon, Desolation Canyon and Cataract Canyon.

www.crateinc.com/shop

Rafting Adventure Gift Certificate

Give the gift of a thrilling rafting experience by purchasing gift certificates for guided rafting trips. CRATE offers customizable gift certificates that fit your needs. We offer single day trips as well as multi-day. This gift allows your loved one to choose their own adventure. Call or e-mail us to get started on a gift certificate.

www.crateinc.com

Finding the ideal gift for a rafting lover involves considering their passion for adventure and the unique challenges they face on the water. Whether it’s practical gear, personalized items, or thrilling experiences, the gifts mentioned above are sure to delight any rafting enthusiast and add an extra layer of excitement to their next river expedition. Happy gifting and may the rivers be ever in their favor!

Heat Acclimatization and Why it Might be a Good Idea Before Rafting the Grand Canyon

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 20:46:20 GMT

During river trips there are variety of problems that can arise from being subjected to, working in, and playing in hot temperatures. These include Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Syncope, Heat Stroke, and Hyponatremia.

What is Heat Acclimatization?

In simple terms heat acclimatization is what happens when our bodies become used to a hotter climate and are more comfortable being active in hot weather. As this happens we develop the ability to hike longer, work harder, and sleep better at higher temperatures. According to the CDC, heat acclimatization is “the beneficial physiological adaptations that occur during repeated exposure to a hot environment.”

What are the Physiological Changes that occur with Heat Acclimatization?

Physiological adaptations make it easier and safer to work and play in hot environments like the Grand Canyon. One of the key adaptations is the sweating our bodies do to maintain body temperature. As we become more acclimatized to hot environments, humans sweat earlier, more, and with a reduced loss of electrolytes. Other adaptations that occur with heat acclimatization include increased skin blood flow at a given core temperature, a better ability to perform tasks with a lower heart rate and core temperature, and stabilization of the circulatory system.

Why is Heat Acclimatization Important?

In the case of river running and outdoor adventure travel, the more equipped your body is able to deal with the heat, the more enjoyable your trip will be.

Who Can benefit from Heat Acclimatization?

Heat acclimatization can be beneficial for anyone planning to work or play in warm environments.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is home to the most famous section of the Colorado River. Rafting the Grand Canyon can be a challenge during the shoulder and summer months because of high temperatures.

Data From the Western Regional Climate Center-PHANTOM RANCH, ARIZONA

Period of Record Monthly Climate Summary

Period of Record : 8/ 1/1966 to 12/31/2005

It is interesting to note that this data stops after 2005. The World Meteorological Organization determined that the last 8 years, (2015-2022) are the hottest on record. Doing a little research on my own from 2022 I found out the average high temperature for June 2022 at Phantom Ranch was 104.3 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average high temperature at Phantom Ranch for a two week period from July 9-22, 2022 was an astounding 110.6 degrees Fahrenheit!

When doing research about heat acclimatization, two different disciplines dominate the internet. The first is the US military and the second is athletics. Two places with abundant information about heat acclimatization on the web are the Korey Stinger Institute and the US Army .

Korey Stinger Institute

Korey Stinger Institute Website

Korey Stinger was a pro-bowl offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings who passed away from exertional heat stroke. His wife Kelci teamed up with exertional heat stroke expert Douglas Casa, Ph. D, ATC at the University of Connecticut. Together they developed an exertional heat stroke prevention institute to honor her husband. The Korey Stringer Institute was started in April 2010. The Korey Stinger Institute is geared toward heat acclimatization in athletes.

According to the Institute, ” When preparing to acclimatize to the heat, athletes should gain a base level of fitness in a cooler environment prior to heat exposure. Fit individuals already have some of the physical advantages that are gained with acclimation—for example, an increased sweat rate.” After these basic levels of fitness are achieved, the next step is to gain gradual heat acclimatization. The Korey Stinger guidelines do this by gradually introducing more heat and exertion to football players. At first players are subject to one practice per day without equipment. By day six they can wear full gear. Practice time is gradually increased over a couple weeks. This gradual acclimatization improves an “athlete’s ability to handle heat stress during exercise.”

Ranger and Airborne School Students-HEAT ACCLIMITAZATION GUIDE(2003)

US Arm y Heat Illness Prevention Pocket Guide

Although the guide is meant for Ranger and Airborne School Students the information in the guide can benefit anyone. The guide “provides practical guidance to obtain optimal heat acclimatization to both maximize performance and minimize the risk of becoming a heat casualty.” The guide makes the point that acclimatization is specific to a certain climate and level of activity. However being acclimatized to a Desert Environment will greatly help a soldiers ability to work in a Jungle Environment and vice versa. It goes on to say that “Soldiers who perform light or brief physical work will achieve the level of heat acclimatization needed to perform that task,” but “additional acclimatization and improved physical fitness will be needed” to perform a more strenuous task in a hot environment.

According To the Guide The Benefits of Heat Acclimitazation are:

Thermal Comfort-Improved
Core Temperature-Reduced Sweating-Earlier & Greater
Skin Blood Flow-Earlier
Body Heat Production-Lower
Heart Rate-Lowered
Thirst-Improved
Salt Losses(sweat and urine)-Reduced
Organ Protection-Improved

Heat Acclimatization-How do you obtain it?

According to the guide you must exercise hard enough to produce an elevated body temperature and cause “perfuse sweating.” This needs to happen repeatedly to acclimatize. For the best results the exercise needs to happen in the hot environment soldiers are working in. It is not always possible to acclimatize under the same environment, and when this is the case work out in a warm room wearing sweatsuits.

How long does it take to become heat acclimatized?

The guide claims “two weeks of daily heat exposure is needed to induce heat acclimatization.” During this time two hours per day need to be allotted to the the acclimatization. This can be broken into two 1-hour sessions. During this time soldiers need to gradually increase intensity each day until meeting “the required physical activity level for the advanced military training and environment.”

How long do the benefits of heat acclimatization last?

According to the Heat Acclimatization guide “The benefits of heat acclimatization will be retained for about 1 week and then decay about 75 % by 3 weeks.”

BE YOUR “ BEST “

Always talk to your physician before starting a heat acclimatization exercise program.

Here are some tips for becoming heat acclimatized.

Begin Early-

Start training at least a few weeks before your rafting trip

Environment-

Mimic the environment you are going to. For example: In a warm environment turn off the air conditioner. In a cold environment wear a sweat suit to the gym to workout in.

Sweat-

Work out hard enough and long enough to induce sweating. As you become comfortable add more time and load to the workout.

Teach Yourself To Drink and Eat-

Make sure to drink plenty of water and electrolytes, and eat plenty of food. Make sure to not skip any meals. Meals are required to replace most of your electrolytes and water. One method to determine how much water you lose during exercise is to weigh yourself before and after a work-out. For every pound you lose, you should rehydrate yourself with 16 ounces of fluid.

Introducing The Gecko Brands Waterproof Backpack

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 18:52:16 GMT

Gecko Brand Waterproof Backpack.

The packs have padded shoulder straps.

We just got in a new shipment of Gecko Brand waterproof backpacks!

They look great and come in four different colors: Grey, Orange, White, and Mahi Geckoflage. They are 30 L in size and are a nice accessory for river trips. These packs are highly recommended on our Alaska rafting trips. They provide easily accessible, dry storage, on land or water for clothes and rain suits. The packs should also work well for Grand Canyon rafting trips. The packs are waterproof for extreme water activities like whitewater rafting, jet skiing, skiing, and canoeing, but are not intended to be submerged.

The packs have padded shoulder straps, waist and chest straps, and 2 large drink bottle pockets. These features will make the packs work well for off-river excursions.

The packs are a bargain at $59.95+$15.oo shipping, and can be purchased immediately by calling our office at 800-253-7328. They will be available at our online store soon.

Monument Hill Sculpture Park

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 19:24:53 GMT

The Ratio" by Andrew Rogers

Green River, Utah

Located in Eastern Utah, Green River is already famous for its watermelons, rafting trips , Rays Tavern, sunsets, and the John Wesley Powell River History Museum . You can now add to that list the Monument Hill Sculpture Park . The sculpture park features not one, but two land art sculptures by world famous sculptor Andrew Rogers. The park has an interesting past and a lot of future potential. The land for the park was originally purchased by Herbert Steiner.

Herbert Steiner-The Visionary

Green River is isolated, and that is exactly what appealed to the railroad buff and retired Seattle school teacher Herbert Steiner.

“I had a feeling of aloneness walking the land,” Steiner said. “You could walk in four directions and there were no fences. Nobody was going to shoot you. It was unbelievable land. … I love the land and that feeling of aloneness and solitude.”

Mr Steiner purchased 75 acres of land between the railroad tracks and I-70 and commissioned the building of “The Ratio” designed by famous Australian Land Artist Andrew Rogers. Steiner financed the sculpture for $145,292. “The Ratio” is based on the Fibonacci Sequence described by the Italian Mathematician who lived from 1170-1250. Fibonacci’s manuscript Liber Abaci (1202) explored the ratio. The ratio is found in patterns throughout nature including nautilus shells, leaf patterns, tree stem growth, and population growth.

Andrew Rogers-The Land Artist

Steiner claimed to have the sculpture built out of “love.” He was particularly excited to have world famous land artist Andrew Rogers build “The Ratio.” Steiner found “one of the greatest world-famous sculptors to build it,” and “It is going to be there until God knows when. No one will remember me, but this is something that I leave that will be immortal.” The project was completed on December 14, 2010. The sculpture consists of 53 blocks measuring 39″ x 39″ x 68″. The sculpture is 44 feet high and 42 feet wide and it is capped with a gold leaf block at the top.

In his book, Rhythms of Life: The Art of Andrew Rogers , Ken Scarlett describes sculptor Andrew Rogers “Like a cicada that has spent part of its life underground, then crawled out of confining tunnel to come forth into daylight, Rogers put his figurative style behind him and accepted abstraction…Rogers emerged confident and assured, articulate with a new vocabulary of forms.” In Rogers Rhythm of Life Land Art Project he has built 47 structures on all 7 continents. This is the largest contemporary land art undertaking in the world. Rogers has constructed an impressive Google Earth Tour of his Rhythm of Life Land Art Project on his website .

Rhythms of Life: The Art of Andrew Rogers

Andrew Rogers added a second sculpture to Green River’s Sculpture Park in 2013 with “Elements,” a structure composed of four 10 meter high towers representing Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. One of the towers is topped in 23-carat gold.

"Elements" by Andrew Rogers

Still Surrounded by Alfalfa Fields

The Monument Hill Sculpture Park adds another layer of interest, character, and beauty to the Green River landscape. Like Herbert Steiner, we love Green River. Colorado River and Trail Expeditions built our warehouse on the north side of town in the mid 1970s, and in 2022 it is still surrounded by alfalfa fields. Green River is our base for our rafting trips through Desolation Canyon, Cataract Canyon, and Westwater Canyon. So next time you are in Green River, Utah spending an afternoon before your rafting trip, make sure to check out Monument Hill Sculpture Park.

An In Depth Look at How to Become a River Guide

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 14:47:56 GMT

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions river guide application is available by clicking here

Why become a Professional Rafting Guide?

It is the Best Job in the World

If you enjoy people, thrive on adventure , and are not afraid of hard work, River Guiding is a perfect fit.

You have a real impact on fellow crew and clients

River Guides , particularly on multi-day trips, form bonds with their clients. Many of our current river guides have developed friendships all over the world with the clients they met on river trips.

You are part of a team, but also have autonomy

The success of a river trip depends on the River Guides . As a team and as individuals there are tasks and measures that are taken each day to make the trip fun with safety in mind.

River Guides have a huge impact on preserving and protecting the environment

Customers on river trips generally listen when their River Guide speaks. Combined with the aura of the place many guests after their trip want to help protect wild places for the future.

Guides are respected and revered

At Colorado River & Trail Expeditions we treat our River Guides like family. We appreciate what they do and who they are.

Guiding Keeps you in Great Shape both Physically and Mentally

No one realizes the amount of physical work that a river guide does each day until they become a guide. This is also true of the mental aspect of the profession.

You Work and Play in some of the most beautiful places on Earth.

At Colorado River & Trail Expeditions our River Guides work in Grand Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, Kluane National Park, Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park, Westwater Canyon, and Desolation Canyon.

You get to live life to the fullest

River Guides rise with the sun along beautiful rivers in deep canyons. They hike, run rapids, explore, and impart knowledge. Then fall asleep under a dark night ski.

Describe what a Professional Rafting Guide does?

Guides clients on one day and multi-day whitewater rafting expeditions-

River guiding requires training in Wilderness First Aid, Swiftwater Rescue, and Food Handling. It also requires massive amounts of on the job training learning to read the river, run the rapids, and how to do everything related to a river expedition efficiently and safely. Being part of a successful guide team requires being a team player, leading at times, and following at times.

River Guides are part of a skilled team based on seniority

It is a river guide’s responsibility to ensure that their guests feel safe and comfortable on a river trip. This includes having the proper training and skills to navigate the river in a variety of boats depending on the section of river. At Colorado River & Trail Expeditions our guides operate row rafts, paddle rafts, snout rigs, dories, inflatable kayaks, and motorized S-Rigs. Guides are also responsible for keeping guests well fed, setting up and taking down camp, leading off-river hikes, and interpretation.

Work extremely hard

River guides work incredibly hard. They rise with the sun and don’t usually stop until they go to sleep at night. Even off the river, guides are busy cleaning up trips and packing for the next one. The work is rewarding and requires strength, fitness, and the ability to work well with and respect your co-workers.

Instills a love of place

Preserving and Protecting the rivers, canyons, and wilderness our river expeditions venture through is at the heart of guiding. Through a love of place, hard work, kindness, and interpretation, guides are able to pass these wilderness ethics onto our guests. As a guide one of the best compliments is being told from a client how they “can tell how much you love a place just by the way you present yourself.”

How can someone get started as a river guide?

At CRATE we often train guides that have little or no rafting experience. We realize that our guides are the most important part of being a successful rafting company for over 50 years. Because we operate primarily multi-day trips on the premier river sections of North America, and we treat our guides like family, we have very little turnover of guides from year to year. Lucky for us, many of our current guides have worked for CRATE for over a decade! That said, we are always looking for exceptional guides willing to work hard. We are only looking for guides who plan to work for multiple summers. The amount of time needed to train someone to our standards takes years.

We like to interview prospective guides at our office in Salt Lake City, Utah. After the interview, if we decide the prospective guide might be a good fit, we will send them on a multi-day training trip. The multi-day river trip is for the prospective guide to make sure they know what the job entails, and see if the veteran guides on the trip think they are a good fit for the company. If they are a good fit, they will be required to accumulate on water experience and complete training before becoming a certified guide. The training courses required of river guides include Wilderness First Responder which is a 72-80 hour first aid course similar to an EMT, but geared towards the wilderness setting. They are also required to have a Food Handler permit. At CRATE, we require guides to have additional training related to wilderness, harassment, interpretation, and river rescue.

Can I river guide during the summers while going to school?

Yes, river guiding is a great job for a college student. The rafting season usually begins in April and runs through September, but the peak months of May, June, July, and August generally coincide nicely with summer breaks.

Are there official or unofficial steps, stages, ranks, benchmarks etc. to commercial guiding on the rivers you run?

Our guides generally start their rafting career at our Green River, Utah location. This is our base for running 1-day trips on the Green and Colorado Rivers, as well as Westwater Canyon, Cataract Canyon, and Desolation Canyon. Guides generally row baggage boats when they start. As they obtain more experience and better judgement they row passengers. Usually they will progress next to captaining paddle rafts and finally to running our large motorized rafts. We don’t have official benchmarks. We pay employees based on seniority with the company. Trip leaders and guides are chosen based on qualifications, experience, skill, ability, and seniority.

What makes Colorado River & Trail Expeditions a great company to guide for?

We are a family operated rafting company under the same ownership for 50 years.
Ownership is hands on and works in the day to day operation.
Our employees are treated like family
We operate on the best sections of river- Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Cataract Canyon, and Westwater Canyon. Green River in Desolation Canyon. Tatshenshini-Alsek River in Alaska/Canada .
Our employees are incredible people that have an abundance of river experience and knowledge

What are a handful of BIG IDEAS that are necessary to embrace as a river rafting guide?

Love what you do.
Work hard.
Everyone on the crew is important.
Passengers Make the Trip Possible.
Have pride in the way you operate your boat
Be Efficient
Have a Back-up Plan
Trust

Grand Canyon Rafting with an Emphasis on off River Hiking

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 20:24:34 GMT

Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash

Limiting the Trip to the First 13 participants

Special Spring Pricing $3175/person

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions (800)253-7328

Due to high demand Colorado River & Trail Expeditions is pleased to announce the addition of a second spring hiking and rafting expedition. This trip will end with a helicopter take-out at Whitmore Wash.

The spring temperatures and small group size will make this trip one not to miss. The 8 day trip to Whitmore Wash will allow plenty of time for off-river hiking and exploration. Participants will have the opportunity to go places that are inaccessible during the hot summer months. The trip will be guided by Colorado River & Trail Expeditions owner Walker Mackay.

The trip includes roundtrip transportation from Las Vegas. With chartered Motor Coach from Las Vegas to Lees Ferry on April 1. The trip concludes on the morning of April 8 with a helicopter ride to the rim of the Grand Canyon and chartered flight back to Las Vegas.

Spring Grand Canyon Rafting and Hiking Trip April 1-8, 2021

Camping at Kwagunt Beach

36 Questions: Alaska Rafting, Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 13:30:26 GMT

Common Questions About Alaska Rafting

Tatshenshini River and Alsek River

36 Questions Answered

One of the best things about Colorado River & Trail Expeditions is we operate rafting trips on the best rivers in the world. Usually after someone has done one of our trips on the Colorado River or Green River on the Colorado Plateau or in the Grand Canyon they want to know what they should do next. This often leads to a discussion about how amazing our Alaska Trips are. Here is a rundown of the most common questions we hear.

To Learn More About our Tatshenshini River Trips and Alsek River Trips, or to sign up for one of our trips visit our Alaska Rafting Page

#1. What are your rafting trips in Alaska like?

This is obviously a broad question, but our Tatshenshini and Alsek rafting trips are as amazing as the Grand Canyon, but in a totally different environment and geographical setting.

#2. What type of geographical settings do these rivers encounter?

True Wildness with some Ice Age Wilderness. Big Rivers, tall peaks, glaciers, canyons, wooded forest, and open space.

#3. What kind of environment do you raft in on your Alaska River Trips?

The Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers are based out of Haines, Alaska in Southeast Alaska. Southeast Alaska can get a lot of rain or be sunny and clear during June, July and August.

#4. Where does the Tatshenshini River trip start?

The Tatshenshini River trip starts at Dalton Post in the Yukon Territory of Canada.

#5. Where does the Alsek River trip start?

The Alsek River trip starts on the Dezdeash River at Serpentine Creek in the Yukon Territory.

#6. Where does the Tatshenshini River Trip end?

The Tatshenshini River trip ends at Dry Bay, Alaska. Just a few miles from where the Alsek enters the Pacific Ocean.

#7 Where does the Alsek River Trip end?

The Alsek River trip ends at Dry Bay, Alaska. Just a few miles from where the Alsek River enters the Pacific Ocean.

#8. Do the Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers end at the same point?

Yes, the rivers combine about 40 miles before reaching the Dry Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

#9. So the last part of your Tatshenshini rafting trip is the same as the last part of the Alsek rafting trip?

This is correct. The last 3-4 nights of both trips are the same.

#10. Are the upper sections of the Alsek River and Tatshenshini River much different?

Yes they are quite a bit different.

#11. What is the upper section of the Tatshenshini River like?

The Tatshenshini starts as a small, wooded river. The first day drysuits are dawned to run a gorge of rapids through a narrow canyon. After that the river steadily grows on its way to the confluence with the Alsek. The scenery is exquisite and the wildness is amazing.

#12. What is the upper section the Alsek River like?

The Alsek River gets big fast. Drysuits are used for rafting through Alsek’s Lava North Rapid sometime around day 4. The scenery is less wooded than the Tatshenshini and more open. There are more glaciers on the upper Alsek than the Tatshenshini. The scenery is exquisite and the wildness is amazing.

#13. Which river trip in Alaska has a helicopter portage?

The Alsek River requires a helicopter portage of Turnback Canyon.

#14. Why is the Alsek rafting trip more expensive than the Tatshenshini rafting trip?

Because of the Helicopter portage and the transportation logistics.

#15. Does the Upper Alsek River or the Tatshenshini River provide a better river trip?

They are both as magnificent as the Grand Canyon and each other.

#16. What are the temperatures like on Alaska Rafting Trips?

In the summer months they usually hover around 50-65 degrees Fahrenheit.

#17. If it rains a lot on an Alaska River trip what do you do?

In this case preparation is the best answer. Alaska rafting is more physically and mentally challenging than river trips in the southwest United States.

#18. What if it is mostly sunny the entire trip?

It is not uncommon for our Grand Canyon guides to end up sunburned on an Alaska River trip. There is very little darkness and the sun uv index can be high. Therefore it is important to bring proper attire to protect yourself from the sun, in addition to bad weather.

#19. Why is there very little darkness on Alaska rafting trips?

The tilt of the Earth, the fact that the Tatshenshini and Alsek rivers are located so far North, and these trips are operated in the summer.

#20. How do you prepare for an Alaska River trip?

Have the right clothing, gear, and attitude.

#21. What kind of gear does Colorado River & Trail Expeditions provide for your Alaska rafting trips on the Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers?

We provide tents, sleeping bags, other camping gear, and drysuits.

#22. What do I need to bring on an Alaska rafting trip?

We will give you a detailed gear list of the items you need to bring for your Alaska Rafting trip.

#23. How many days long is your Tatshenshini River Trip?

We feel like 11 days is the perfect amount of time for rafting the Tatshenshini River.

#24. How many miles long is the Tatshenshini River Trip?

132 Miles.

#25. How many days long is your Alsek rafting trip?

In general we take 12 days.

#26. How many miles long is the Alsek rafting trip?

174 miles.

#27. How many people do you take on your Alaksa rafting trips?

Because we were running trips before regulations were put on Tatshenshini Rafting trips, we are able to take a maximum of 25 people on one of our trips and 15 people on another. This includes crew.

#28. What is the whitewater like on the Tatshenshini River and Alsek River?

Both rivers are probably class III-IV. There are some sections of whitewater and the rivers are really cold. We try to mitigate the cold river by supplying drysuits for Lava North Rapid on the Alsek, and the canyon section of the Tatshenshini.

#29. What about fishing on your Alaska rafting trips on the Tatshenshini River and Alsek River?

We don’t fish on our river trips because the rivers are full of glacial silt and the salmon are on their way to spawn.

#30. Who usually goes on your Alaska rafting trips?

We have had individuals, couples, and groups join us on our Alaska rafting trips. Many of our guests have travelled the Grand Canyon with us in the past. For others, this is their first trip with Colorado River & Trail Expeditions.

#31. You call these Alaska rafting trips, but do they actually start in Canada?

The Tatshenshini River trip and Alsek River trip both start in the Yukon Territory of Canada, travel through British Columbia, and end in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park.

#32. What about Kluane National Park and the Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park?

Both rivers travel through the Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park. The first couple days of the Alsek rafting trip is in Kluane National Park.

#33. Are the Tatshenshini River and Alsek River part of an UNESCO world heritage site?

Yes! Kluane, Wrangell-St. Elias, Glacier Bay, and Tatshenshini-Alsek Parks comprise an impressive complex of glaciers and high peaks. The area is home to grizzly bears, wolverines, Dall sheep, and other wildlife. It contains the largest non-polar ice field in the world.

#34. What kinds of wildlife have you seen on your Alaska rafting trips?

Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Wolverines, Moose, Porcupine, Fox, Lynx, and Bald Eagles among others.

#35. Where do your Alaska rafting trips meet?

Our trips originate at our CRATE North Warehouse in Haines, Alaska. The night before the trip we have a pre-trip meeting and fit everyone with drysuits.

#36. How do I sign up for one of your Alaska rafting trips?

Call us at 1-800-253-7328. More information can be found on our website: https://crateinc.com

Grand Canyon Geology

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 16:16:39 GMT

Basic Grand Canyon Geology

It can be said that a Grand Canyon rafting trip is the best way to travel through time. The Colorado River has cut a “layer cake” of geology so to speak. Each geological rock layer of the Grand Canyon is a piece of the puzzle of the history of the Earth. Each layer contains clues into what kind of environment was present when the layer was being deposited. As well as the plants and animals that were living during this chapter of time.

Imagine if we had a real time machine! How awesome would it be to take our Grand Canyon raft back in time. We could witness first hand, chapters of the Earth’s history, and the processes that led to the formation of the Grand Canyon we know today.

In a Grand Canyon Raft Time Machine

How did the Grand Canyon Form?

“Dude, Th e Grand Canyon Rocks!” The common response is “Of course it does!” But DUDE is an easy mnemonic for remembering the processes that formed the Grand Canyon we love today. It is interesting that as studied as the Grand Canyon is, there is still some mystery to exactly how and when it formed. Geologists do agree Deposition, Uplift, Downcutting, and Erosion were major factors in forming the Grand Canyon.

Deposition of sedimentry rock layers including Limestones, Sandstones, and Shales over hundreds of millions of years.
Uplift of the Colorado Plateau like a table top due to plate techtonics.
Downcutting of the Colorado River.
Erosion due to wind and water slowly breaking the Grand Canyon apart.

Deposition, Uplift, Downcutting, and Erosion

What are the Geological Rock Layers of the Grand Canyon?

Grand Canyon Rock Layers

A simple mnemonic to remember the majority of the Paleozoic Rock Layers in Grand Canyon is: K now T he C anyon’s H istory S tudy S ome R ocks T ellingly M ade B y T ime

K now- Kaibab Limestone
T he- Toroweap Formation
C anyons- Coconino Sandstone
H istory- Hermit Shale
S tudy- Supai Formation
S ome- Surprise Canyon Formation
R ocks- Redwall Limestone
T ellingly- Temple Butte Limestone
M ade- Muav Limestone
B y- Bright Angel Shale
T ime- Tapeats Sandstone

Grand Canyon Geology-Traveling Through Time the Same Way a Grand Canyon Raft Would on the Colorado River

We are going to start at Lees Ferry on the Colorado River. We will examine each rock layer and the environment that created that particular layer in the order we would encounter them on a Grand Canyon River Trip. That is, from youngest to oldest. Our first stop will be the Kaibab Formation.

Grand Canyon Paleozoic Rock Layers

The Paleozoic Era began with the Cambrian explosion of marine life 541 million years ago and ended 252 million years ago with the end-Permian extinction. This era contains(from youngest to oldest) the following Grand Canyon Geologic Rock Layers: Kaibab Limestone, Toroweap Formation, Coconino Sandstone, Hermit Shale, Supai Formation, Surprise Canyon Formation, Redwall Limestone, Temple Butte Limestone, Muav Limestone, Bright Angel Shale, and Tapeats Sandstone.

Kaibab Limestone

Our rafting time machine is set to 270 million years ago. This takes us back to the Permian Period of the Paleozoic Era. Our Grand Canyon raft transforms into a submarine. Looking outside the windows of the submarine we can see the sea floor and the light from the sun above. It is a marine environment, our depth finder says we are about 80 feet down in a clear ocean. Fish and Sharks swim outside the window. Along the ocean floor shellfish, sponges, and seaweed dot the landscape. Crinoids sway with the ocean currents. East of the submarine the water gets shallower and eventually give way to land.

The present day Kaibab Limestone forms a cliff in the Grand Canyon. It is a limestone composed of the shells of the sea creatures that lived and died during its formation.

270 Million Years ago Crinoids swayed with the shallow ocean currents.

Toroweap Formation

This time our rafting time machine is set to somewhere between 273-270 million years ago. Still in the Permian Period. Most likely we will need the submarine for our exploration of this spot 273 million years ago. However, it is likely that the water is shallow, possibly land locked from the ocean. The Toroweap formation contains muddy limestone, dolomite, sandstone, gypsum and halite. This suggests that the sea was retreating, and this area was close enough to shore that fine sediment from rivers was clouding up the water.

Toroweap Formation in Grand Canyon separates the Kaibab Limestone from the Coconino Sandstone.

The gypsum and halite suggest that lakes of sea water may have become supersaturated, allowing the minerals to precipitate. Fossils that have been found in the Toroweap Formation include brachiopods, bryozoans, crinoid, rugose corals, bivalves, gastropods, and cephalopods. The fossils suggest that there was ocean here for some of the deposition period of the Toroweep Formation. In summary, depending on when our time machine visited the Toroweap Deposition period would determine what we saw. During the deposition of the Toroweap Formation there were periods of ocean, shallow marine and desert environments.

The present day Toroweap Formation generally forms a slope. This is because of the softer rock layers of shale and mudstone. It separates the Kaibab Limestone from the Coconino Sandstone.

Coconino Sandstone

The time machine will need wheels for this trip. The dial on the time machine is set to the Permian Period somewhere between 275-273 million years ago. When we arrive, the time machine has transformed into a “dune buggy,” big sand dunes dominate the landscape. The sand dunes have been formed in a way that suggests the wind usually blows from North to South. The landscape in some ways is similar to the desert environment that we came from. Scorpions, millipedes, and spiders scurry across the sand dunes as we approach them.

This is how a Dimetrodon may have looked.

Off in the distance we are thrilled to see a dimetrodon! A dimetrodon is probably the best known non-mammalian synapsids. Dimetrodons are often mistaken for dinosaurs because of their looks and big sail, but they became extinct 60 million years before dinosaurs evolved and their DNA is closer to that of a human than it is to any reptile alive or dead.

The present day Coconino Sandstone layer of Grand Canyon forms an imposing cliff that is light pink in color. Upon closer examination cross bedding is visible. Well preserved tracks can be found throughout the layer.

Hermit Shale

To visit the depositional environment of the Hermit Shale we will have to travel back 285 million years. We will be able to float our rafting time machine on an ancient river system. The semi-arid climate has contributed to the river banks filled with drought-adapted seed ferns, horsetails, small pines, and ginkgos. Large dragonflies buzz by the raft. The atmosphere has a higher oxygen content than present day earth(35% vs 21%). It is possible during a flood that our slow, meandering river can switch paths. Swampy areas can be found where the river has abandoned its old channel.

Iron oxide is responsible for the dark red hue of the Hermit Shale. The layer is made up of shale, siltstone, mudstone, and fine grained sandstone. Because the layer is soft ,it erodes easily, and usually forms a slope.

During the deposition of the Hermit Shale Ferns were abundant along an ancient river.

Supai Formation

The Supai Formation in Grand Canyon has been divided into 4 sub-layers with a geologic unconformity between each: Watahomigi Formation, Manakacha Formation, Wescogame Formation, and Esplanade Sandstone. The entire formation was deposited in the Pennsylvanian and Permian Periods. The entire period of deposition of the Supai Formation would cover about 30 million years from 315 MYA to 285 MYA. We will time jump around in the Supai Formation in our time machine so we can get a better idea of what was happening.

Hiking through the Supai anticline in North Canyon.

Esplanade Sandstone

Setting our time machine to 290 million years ago brings to the time period of deposition for the Esplanade Sandstone. Geologists believe the Esplanade Sandstone was deposited largely in an estuarine environment. Our rafting time machine traveled back in time, and ended up on a large river carrying loads of ancestral rocky sediment into the ocean. Looking west the sun was setting over the Ocean.

Wescogame Formation

During the latter part of the Pennsylvanian Time Period the Uncompahgre Uplift caused the Ancestral Rocky Mountains to rise. This resulted in streams and rivers carrying sediment from these mountains. Rising sea levels led to the deposition of this sediment as part of the Wescogame Formation in the Grand Canyon. Our rafting time machine was set to travel back 300 million years ago and ended up transforming into a submarine to explore the ocean floor. Marine life was abundant. The Honaker Trail Formation in Canyonlands National Park was being deposited at the same time.

Manakacha Formation

Time traveling 8 million years further in the past puts us at 308 million years ago in the Pennsylvanian. We are floating on our Grand Canyon Raft Time Machine out in the open ocean.

Watahomigi Formation

Last stop on our time travels through the Supai Formation is 315 million years ago in the early Pennsylvanian Period. Looking outside our rafting time machine we are floating in a basin of water. The ocean has receded since our last stop during the deposition of the Manakacha Formation. There are rivers flowing into this basin bringing fine sediment and sand into it.

Summary of the Supai Formation

The Supai Formation is mostly formed by shale with some limestone and capped by sandstone. Limestone becomes more prevalent in the Western Grand Canyon leading one to hypothesize this area was more of a marine environment. Further East, a large river system brought ancestral rocky mountain sediment into the ancient ocean. The layer is rich in red color and forms a series of blocky steps, ledges, and slopes along the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Many fossils have been found in the Supai Layer including reptiles, amphibians, and terrestrial plants in the eastern part of the formation, and marine fossils further west.

North Canyon pool surrounded by the Supai Formation in the Grand Canyon.

Surprise Canyon Formation

The Surprise Canyon Formation was deposited during the late Mississippian Period(360 to 318 Million Years Ago). The layer is sandwiched between the Redwall Limestone and the Esplanade of the Supai Formation.

From Wikipedia-Sharks lived at the time the Surprise Canyon Formation was deposited.

Its depositional environment was most likely a shallow marine environment, with riverine and estuarine deposits preserved in the Surprise Canyon Formation. The formation can be found in ancient valleys that were formed at the top of the Redwall Limestone. There are a vast amount of fossils preserved in the Surprise Canyon Formation including: dental and dermal parts of ancient sharks, bryozoans, brachiopods, echinoderms, mollusks, and trilobites.

The Surprise Canyon Formation is probably the hardest layer to see of the Paleozoic Grand Canyon rock layers. Lenses of the layer can be found at the top of the Redwall Limestone. The Surprise Canyon Formation contains clastic and calcareous sedimentry rocks. Clastic sedimentary rocks are made up of pieces of other pre-existing rocks. Calcareous sedimentary rocks are mostly composed of calcium carbonate, in other words, containing lime or being chalky.

Taking the Rafting Time Machine back to 358 Million years ago we would be floating on top of a sea that was regressing. The estuaries were filled with marine life. Putting on scuba gear we could swim with early sharks and see trilobites. Imagine the underwater photos.

Redwall Limestone

During the Mississippian Period(360 t0 318 Million Years ago), what would become part of the Grand Canyon was under an ocean. This period of carbonate deposition lasted for approximately 40 million years. During this period the sea environment was both shallow and deep. We will need to transform our time machine from a raft into a submarine to explore the ocean floor.

The fossil remains of the Nautiloid, one of the most ferocious predators of the Mississippian Sea.

Brachiopods, corals, echinoderms, and bryozoans are abundant outside the windows of the submarine. Upon searching we find multiple “orthocone,” or straight shelled nautiloids. Nautiloids are a type of cephalopod. These nautiloids add chambers to their shell as they grown bigger. Over time their shell grows large, creating a large cone shaped shell. These cephalopods are relatives of modern day octopus, squid, cuttlefish, and nautilus. Nautiloids were marauders of the Mississippian Sea, and were ferocious predators.

The Redwall Limestone is an easily distinguished layer of rock in the Grand Canyon. This rock layer is responsible for vertical cliffs nearly 500 feet high. In the Grand Canyon the rock is generally stained red from the rocks layers above it.

Temple Butte Limestone

The Temple Butte Limestone was formed during the Devonian Period(460-318 Million Years ago). Traveling back to the Devonian Period of time, our rafting time machine would once again float upon an ocean. The western part of the Grand Canyon was inundated by ocean, while further East ocean water dwindled into estuaries over mud flats. An estuary is the tidal mouth of a large river, where the tide meets the stream.

Wayne Ranney photograph of a Devonian River Channel filled with Temple Butte Limestone.

Two animal groups began to colonize the land during the Devonian Period, terrestrial arthropods and tetrapods. The oceans were home to ammonites, echinoderms, corals, and crinoids. In addition, many new fish species developed during the Devonian time period.

Before the ocean rose these mud flats were home to slow meandering rivers. As the oceans rose, the river beds of these meandering rivers were home to the deposition of limestone. This deposit is Temple Butte Limestone. The Temple Butte Limestone can be hard to differentiate from the Redwall Limestone and the Muav Limestone, but to the trained eye it is easily distinguished. The Temple Butte Limestone has a slightly different color and texture. In many places it is exposed as a half circle shape. The modern Grand Canyon has cut through these Devonian meandering river channels. This has allowed river runners to see cross sections of the Temple Butte Limestone exposed near the Marble Canyon Damsite and Buck Farm Canyon.

Muav Limestone

The Muav Limestone was deposited during the latter part of the Cambrian Period(505 Million Years Ago). It was formed in a deep sea environment when all life on Earth was ocean dwelling. No plants or animals had evolved on land yet. In the book Ancient Landscapes of the Colorado Plateau by Wayne Ranney and Ron Blakey , the terrestrial environment is described as being similar to “Mars.” Our time machine raft would float on top of the ocean. Looking through binoculars eastward, a barren landscape could be seen as far as the eyes could see. There are not many fossils preserved in the Muav Limestone. A few brachiopods have been found. Brachiopod fossils look similar to the fan shaped shells you find at the beach in modern times.

Muav Limestone Narrows in Matkatamibia Canyon.

Bright Angel Shale

The Bright Angel Shale was deposited in a shallow marine environment, just off shore, during the the Cambrian Period(506 Million Years ago). This rock layer is rich with iron and other elements giving it stunning colors. The layer erodes easily and is made up of very fine sediment brought in by rivers and streams. One of the most interesting creatures to emerge during the Cambrian Period is the Trilobite.

Photo of Trilobite found in the Bright Angel Shale courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park.

For the deposition of the Bright Angel Shale we will definitely want to transform the Time Machine into a submarine to explore the ocean floor and the trilobites. Trilobites dominated the Sea Floor from the Cambrian Period all the way until the end of the Paleozoic Period 252 Million Years ago. These creature were survivors. They are the relatives of modern day insects, crabs, and spiders. There were over 20,000 species of trilobites that lived during their existence. Trilobites caught food by filter feeding, scavenging, predation, and even developed mutually beneficial relationships with bacteria. In Time Machine it would be amazing to see if it was really true that Trilobites may have been social. Some evidence suggests that they migrated in groups across the ocean floor. It is believed that trilobites evolved to deal with predators. Some types of trilobites curled up, others developed thorny spines, many burrowed underneath the sand and mud to effectively hide.

Today the Bright Angel Shale is one of the more stunning layers. Its purple and green colors stand out amongst all of the red hues of the Grand Canyon. It is also worth noting that the Bright Angel plays a big role in the shaping of Grand Canyon. Because it is such a soft layer it tends to erode easily. This results in the rock layers above falling down as it erodes away. The Tonto Platform is because of the Bright Angel Shale. It is also believed that through geologic history big landslides have occurred due to the softness of the Bright Angels Shale. It is also theorized by some geologists that the next huge landslide that potentially could block the Colorado River will happen where the Bright Angel Shale is exposed at river level

Tapeats Sandstone

The Tapeats Sandstone was formed during the Cambrian Period(508 Million Years Ago). During the Great Cambrian Transgression, the ocean transgressed from West to East, covering the modern Grand Canyon. This transgression caused the ages of the Cambrian Rocks of the same type to be slightly different ages. For example the Tapeats sandstone in the Western part of Grand Canyon is older than the Tapeats Sandstone deposited in the Eastern Grand Canyon.

Tapeats Sandstone that has been shaped and fluted by the Colorado River rising and falling for thousands of years. Photo Credit: Adam Hiscock

The Tapeats Sandstone is one of the best rocks to take a “power nap” on. It creates flat ledges along the Colorado River in places like Blacktail Canyon. Also in Blacktail Canyon one can look up close at the Grand Canyon Great Unconformity. An unconformity geologically speaking is a gap in the depositional rock layer record that may indicate episodes of crustal deformation, erosion, and sea level variations. Put simply, an unconformity is a break in time in an otherwise continuous rock record. The Great Unconformity in Grand Canyon occurs where the Tapeats Sandstone was deposited directly on top of the Proterozoic Crystalline Rocks. This unconformity spans a gap of over a billion years of time. This unconformity can be seen in a variety of locations in Grand Canyon, but having the chance to span the Great Unconformity in the shady Tapeats Sandstone of Blacktail Canyon is special. Deep time is something that is extremely hard to comprehend for the human mind, but it is also astoundingly powerful.

Time traveling back to the beginning of the Cambrian Transgression and start of the deposition of the Tapeats Sandstone might be pretty awesome. We could travel back in time in our rafting time machine and find a small cove to anchor off shore. A short swim to shore and a small hike back to the open ocean would put us in the vacation spot of our dreams. Imagine a huge beach stretching for miles, big waves crashing on the shore, the sun disappearing over the horizon, and not a single piece of vegetation, animal, or human. The beach would be ours and the surf would be amazing! Unfortunately there would be no palm trees for shade.

Blacktail Canyon

Sixtymile Formation

The Sixtymile Formation is composed of a thin layer of sediment. It is only found in a few places in the Chuar Valley. The upper part of the formation is believed to be a stream deposit. The middle part of the formation accumulated in standing water. The lower part of the layer contains landslide deposits as well as lake deposits of siltstone and sandstone.

According to the newly released The Grand Canyon Trail of Time Companion book by Karl Karlstrom and Laura Crossey , the Sixtymile Formation’s age is formally changing from 650 million years old to a new age of 510 million years. This will move the Sixtymile Formation out of Grand Canyon Supergroup. It will now be part of the Tonto Group.

Proterozoic Rock Layers in Grand Canyon that can be seen from the Colorado River(from youngest to oldest):

Chuar Group
Galeros Formation
Kwagunt Formation
Nakoweep Formation
Unkar Group(1200-1100 Million Years Ago)
Cardenas Lava
Dox Formation
Shinumo Quartzite
Hakatai Shale
Bass Limestone

The Grand Canyon Supergroup

Grand Canyon Precambrian Crystalline Rocks

Zoroaster Granite
Grand Canyon Metamorphic Suite
Vishnu Schist
Brahma Schist
Rama Schist

Proterozoic Era Geologic Rock Layers( 2500 to 541 million year ago)

The Proterozoic is an era in geological time spanning the time from the appearance of oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere to just before the proliferation of complex life on Earth. Grand Canyon geology explores the following rock groups(from youngest to oldest) during the Proterozoic: The Grand Canyon Supergroup and Grand Canyon Precambrian Crystalline Rocks.

The Grand Canyon Supergroup contains(From youngest to oldest)The Sixty Mile Formation, Chuar Group, Nankoweep Formation, and the Unkar Group. While these layers are all found within Grand Canyon, we are only going to briefly explore the Sixtymile Formation, Chuar Group, and Nankoweep Formation. These geologic groups and layers are not seen or only briefly seen from the Colorado River.

More time will be spent looking at the Unkar Group which is composed of the the Cardenas Basalt, Dox Formation, Shinumo Quartzite, Hakatai Shale, and Bass Limestone.

Chuar Group

This group is composed of the Kwagunt Formation, the Galeros Formation, and the Nankoweep Formation. The Chuar Group contains about 85% mudrock with interbedded dolomite and sandstone. The group is rich in fossils of stromatolites, microfossils, and architarchs. The depositional environment included shallow marine and low energy waters where mud and organic material could accumulate.

Nankoweep Formation

The Neoproterzoic Nankoweep Formation consists of thin red beds of sandstones, siltstones, and mudrocks. The layers is only visible sporadically through the Grand Canyon. One such place is across from Tanner Canyon at the Tanner Graben. It is unclear what the depositional environment of the Nankoweep Formation was, but it may have been deposited in shallow slow moving waters. The Nankoweep Formation used to be considered its own rock unit, but is now considered part of the Chuar Group.

Unkar Group

The Unkar Group composes the lower half of the Grand Canyon Supergroup. The rock layers of the Unkar Group are sporadically, but easily, seen on a Grand Canyon rafting trip.

Cardenas Basalt

From the vantage point of the Colorado River, the Cardenas Basalt most often presents itself as cliff forming lava flows. The dark basaltic cliffs are laced with dikes and sills and interbedded with sandstone. The layer was formed because of rifting of the ancient supercontinent of Rodinia. This supercontinent formed about 1.1 billion years ago. This rifting resulted in the outpouring of Cardenas Basalt.

Dark layer of Cardenas Basalt.

Taking the Time Machine back to look at Earth during this time would be incredibly exciting. The Cardenas Basalt was one small part of mass volcano eruptions across the Earth. It is believed that the diabase sills found in Grand Canyon were essentially “feeding,” the Cardenas Basalt. There is no place where the diabase sills can be directly connected to the Cardenas Basalt, but their chemistries and age are the same.

Dox Formation

Sandstone, Shale and Mudstone form the Dox Formation. The layer is predominantly red in color. It is common to find mud cracks and ripple marks in the Dox Formation. These features suggest our Rafting Time Machine would likely be floating on marine, coastal, or estuarine waters. We may also find ourselves stuck on fluvial mud flats.

Beautiful sunset looking upstream from the Hilltop Ruin above Cardenas Camp.

The fluvial mud flats are similar to what we encounter, when our rafts enter Lake Powell or Lake Mead. In the case of Lake Powell and Lake Mead the reservoirs were full until the late 1990s. As the Colorado River was slowed, by the headwaters of the reservoirs, the sediment settled out of the river onto the lake bottom.

Due to the extended drought of the 2000s the reservoir levels have steadily dropped. This drop resulted in the Colorado River cutting through its previously deposited sediment. Just before the muddy river enters the blue green water of the reservoirs it fans out. The braided channels are shallow and span hundreds of yards. The mud flats are barren and vast.

Shinumo Quartzite

The Shinumo Quartzite has a complex past. It was deposited at different times by an ancient river system, nearshore marine environment, coastal tidal, and supratidal flats. Depending on when we visited the deposition of the Shinumo Quartzite would determine what we could see from our Grand Canyon Raft Time Machine.

The difference between sandstone and quartz is in whether the individual sand grains are separate or have been recrystallized to the point where the grains become tightly interlocked. In the Shinumo Quartzite the grains are interlocked. The Shinumo Quartzite is a harder rock than regular sandstone.

Shinumo Quartzite exposed in 75 Mile Canyon near Nevills Rapid.

Hakatai Shale

The Hakatai Shale is a brightly colored rock layer situated between the Shinumo Quartzite and the Bass Limestone. It is first seen along the Colorado River just above Hance Rapid. Most of the layer was deposited in a marginal marine environment. This is supported by the mudstones and shales found within the formation. The array of bright colors found in the Hakatai Shale are the result of the oxidation of iron-bearing minerals. Cross-beds, salt crystal casts, and cracks suggest the climate was really dry during the Hakatai Shale deposition.

Our time spent in the Grand Canyon Raft Time Machine during the deposition of the Hakatai Shale would be spent on slow moving, shallow water.

Bass Limestone

The Bass Limestone layer is composed of white to grey limestone mixed with a small amount of shale. The layer is significant because it is the oldest rock layer in Grand Canyon to contain a fossil record. The Stramatolite fossils present what primitive life looked like before the Cambrian explosion. Stramatolites are layered sedimentary features that are created by Cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are primitive bacteria that use the sun for fuel. Microbial mats were created by the microorganisms cementing sand and other rocky materials. These mats build up over time, layer upon layer. The fossilized stramatolites can be found in all kinds of different shapes depending how the microbial mats were shaped.

Bass Limestone from the Grand Canyon NPS

Stramatolites dominated the shallow seas of the Bass Limestone. Today, stramatolites are isolated to a few locations around the world where other organisms will not outcompete them or consume them.

From our Grand Canyon Raft Time Machine we would be able to see the stramatolites a few feet down, in the clear water of the Bass Sea. The round mats of microbial life would dominate the waters.

Wayne Ranney talking geology over a Stromatolite Fossil.

Another way to see this interesting life form would be to visit the Great Salt Lake in present time. About 300 miles North of the Grand Canyon is the Great Salt Lake. The Great Salt Lake is a basin filled lake with no exit point. The lake is much saltier than the ocean and is dominated today by Brine Shrimp and Stramatolites. In fact, the Great Salt Lake is ideal for Stramatolites, and is home to some of the most extensive reefs of living stramatolites on Earth. The hypersaline environment has no organisms to graze, browse, burrow, or bore into them.

Asbestos in Grand Canyon

At the contact point of the Bass Limestone and igneous diabase sill, Grand Canyon Asbestos deposits are found. These chrysotile asbestos deposits are of the contact metamorphic type that occur in magnesium-bearing Mesoproterozoic dolomites and limestones altered by basaltic sills.

Ad for Asbestos coated Iron.

Chrysotile is formed by the limestone reacting with silica bearing fluids, heated by the basalt intrusions. Asbestos is known today to cause cancer, but in the late 1800s and early 1900s it was used for applications included fire-retardant coatings, concrete, bricks, pipes and fireplace cement, heat-, fire-, and acid-resistant gaskets, pipe insulation, ceiling insulation, fireproof drywall, flooring, roofing, lawn furniture and drywall joint compound.

John Hance and William Bass both attempted to mine asbestos in the Grand Canyon. They built trails and camps, and put an incredible amount of effort into mining. Both men eventually gave up the toils of mining for tourism. The trails they built for mining turned out to be perfect for taking tourists into the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Precambrian Crystalline Rocks

In the inner gorges of the Grand Canyon are the oldest rocks. These are the basement rocks of the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon Metamorphic suite includes the Vishnu Schist(altered sandstone and shale), Brahma Schist(Metamorphosed Basalt), and the Rama Schist(altered rhyolite). The Metamorphic schists and Zoroaster Granite Intrusions form the Grand Canyon Suite.

Raft at the mouth of Clear Creek.

Before 1.75 Billion years ago the continental crust that would eventually make up the Colorado Plateau and Grand Canyon did not exist. Then an ancient island chain slid Northwest toward North America. Mud, Sand, and Lava from ancient volcanos accumulated in the basin between the island chain and North America. As the island chain moved closer to the continent and eventually collided with it, the buried deposits were deformed, squeezed, and folded. These rocks were also subjected to enormous amounts of heat and pressure deep in the Earth. These rocks were metamorphosed into schist, gneiss, and amphibolite.

These rocks were heated and “cemented” to the basement of North America. At “midcrustal levels” the rocks did not become hot enough to entirely melt. Deeper in the crust the rocks completely melted due to heat and pressure. These magma pockets rose from the depths and filled in cracks and fractures in the metamorphic rock. This combination of the lighter colored igneous rock and darker metamorphic rock has created an artistic array of colors, folds, and textures. A mountain building event and erosion eventually led to these Precambrian Crystalline Rocks returning to the surface.

It would be fun to take our Grand Canyon Raft Time Machine back to the Proterozoic. Imagine floating in the ocean between the continent and the island chain. Knowing that 1.75 Billion years in the future we would be rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon , and deciphering the Earth’s history through the rock layers and Grand Canyon geology left behind.

30 Horsepower Tohatsu Four Stroke Outboards MFS30A-MFS30B-MFS30C-MFS30D

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 16:51:20 GMT

Tohatsu 30 Horsepower Outboard and Colorado River & Trail Expeditions

2024 will mark the 23rd year Colorado River & Trail Expeditions has used Tohatsu 30 horsepower outboard engines on their Grand Canyon motorized expeditions. During this 20+ year period the 30 horsepower Tohatsu outboard has seen 4 different models. The MFS30A debuted in 2001. The MFS 30B came out in 2005, MFS30C in 2015, and most recently the MFS30D was released in 2022. Colorado River & Trail Expeditions uses the long shaft tiller models on our Grand Canyon Rafting trips.

Tohatsu MFS 30A(2001-2005)

MFS30A Tohatsu on Lake Mead Run-Out.

The debut of the 30 horsepower four stroke Tohatsu came in 2001. The MFS30A is dark grey in color. The engine has 3 carburetors and 3 cylinders. The carburetors can be balanced with an electronic vacuum gauge from Tohatsu. The idle can be adjusted by turning in a screw in or out on the bottom carburetor. This is a really nice engine that opened the eyes of a lot of the other manufacturers at the time.

At Colorado River & Trail Expeditions, we first tried the 30 Horsepower Honda four stroke engine when Grand Canyon National Park began requiring the quieter and cleaner four strokes. After a handful of years running the Hondas, we made the decision to switch to the Tohatsus. We did this because they gave us better performance in the whitewater of the Grand Canyon. Most notably less problems with the engines killing in the rapids when we tilted them to avoid rocks in the river channels. The 30A has a rev limiter of 6500 rpms, and a 2800 max rpm when the low oil sensor is triggered. The tiller/long shaft MFS30A engine weighs just under 160 pounds.

Tohatsu MFS 30B(2005-2014)

Tohatsu Outboard Engine on raft.

The MFS30B model of the four stroke 30 horsepower Tohatsu was introduced in 2005. This engine was the first EFI(Electronic Fuel Injection) four-stroke 30 that could be started manually without an external battery. The MFS30B was a joint venture with Mercury Marine and is basically the same engine as the 30 horsepower Mercury Outboard. The cowl and transom brackets differ, but the lower unit and the powerhead are the same.

The MFS30B added slightly larger piston displacement than the MFS30A model(+7%). While the rev limiter and max rpm due to low oil pressure stayed the same as the MFS3oA(6500 rpms/2800 rpms). There is no idol adjustment on the MFS30B. The fuel system has a low pressure and high pressure fuel pump to deliver the fuel to the cylinders. The spark plugs and injectors are easy to get to in the event they need to be changed. The long shaft MFS30B weighs 161 pounds.

Tohatsu MFS30C(2015-2022)

“Darth Vader” look of MFS30C Tohatsu Outboard Engine.

The MFS30C update in 2015 included a new look with different cowlings and some changes to the lower unit. Our guides like to call it the “Darth Vader,” because of the cowlings. The new lower unit utilizes a lower gear ratio(2.17:1 previously 1.92:1). Lower gear ratio gives better low end torque, as well as the ability to turn a higher pitch prop, resulting in better top end performance. The new cowlings allow more room to work on the engine. The bottom cowling utilizes a better hook to clip to the top cowl. Overall, the MFS30C is very similar to the MFS30B, but looks different because of the cowlings. Our Grand Canyon rafting guides love the MFS30C. Tohatsu is a great company with its United States headquarters in Carrolton, Texas. To learn more about Tohatsu be sure to read our blog about the History of Tohatsu Outboards.

Tohatsu MFS 30D(2022 to Present)

Tohatsu 30D on the back of our Grand Canyon Raft.

Tohatsu made big changes when they switched tp the MFS30D. Most notably dropping nearly 30 lbs of weight! The MFS 30D weighs in at just under 130 lbs. This is a game changer in the river industry because the motors can be tilted easier and moved around easier. In addition to losing the weight the motor also has a 2.17:1 gear ratio providing better low end torque and the ability to spin higher pitch props for higher to end performance.

Tohatsu also incorporated a “No-mess” oil filter drip pan and a stainless steel water pump housing liner providing greater durability for silt laden waters like the Colorado River. The gear case is more torpedo shaped and will reduce drop and improve performance. Tohatsu redesigned the flywheel to create more airflow inside the cowling. This will keep electrical components cooler and maximize reliability on an already really reliable electrical system. The new intake manifold is also completely redesigned to shed unwanted weight. We have been really impressed with the 30D. The weight drop has been noticed by our guides. One of them even commented about how this was the first motor they could actually lift and move around since the 2-stroke models. We used these motors in 2023 and have switched over to a complete new fleet of Tohatsu MFS30Ds for 2024.

Tohatsu 30 HP Four Stroke Outboards For Sale

The EFI engine for the 30 Horsepower Tohatsu is beautiful and compact.

We specialize in the 30 horsepower Tohatsu engine. If you are in the market for a Tohatsu 30, let us know. We routinely sell used outboards. If you are looking for a new Tohatsu 30, we may be able to assist you through our sister company Mackay Marine. Feel free to call us at 1-800-253-7328. Rafting the Colorado River in Grand Canyon and Canyonlands National Park has given us confidence in these outboard engines. We have had very few problems with them.

A Canyon Voyage

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 21:27:12 GMT

Friday at the Historic Book Library #4

#1 In and Around the Grand Canyon by George Wharton James

#2 Grand Canyon Treks by Harvey Butchart

#3 The Man Who Walked Through Time by Colin Fletcher

A Canyon Voyage by Frederick S. Dellenbaugh

The Book:

A Canyon Voyage is one of the most beautiful Grand Canyon books.

A Canyon Voyage was published in 1908 by G.P. Putnam’s S0ns of New York and London. Frederick Dellenbaugh was an assistant topographer on the Powell Expedition of 1871-72. The book is Frederick Dellenbaugh’s narrative of this amazing river expedition down the Green and Colorado Rivers, and the time spent off river, surveying and mapping the region.

The Author:

Dellenbaugh was not even 20 years old when he explored the Grand Canyon with John Wesley Powell.

Frederick S. Dellenbaugh was born in 1853 in McConnelsville, Ohio. He gained notoriety for being an assistant topographer for the John Wesley Powell’s second expedition through the canyon’s of the Colorado River in 1871-72.

Dellenbaugh was part of an All-Star cast on the Harriman Alaska Expedition of 1899. The expedition included notable explorers of the day including John Muir, Karl Grove Gilbert, and George Bird Grinnell. The expedition explored the coast of Alaska from Seattle to Siberia, discovering 600 undocumented new species along the way.

Dellenbaugh spent the summer of 1903 painting Zion Canyon. These paintings were displayed at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. From 1909-1911 he served for the American Geographical Society as their Librarian. He was one of the founding members of the Explorers Club and became a fellow of the American Ethnological society. Dellenbaugh retired to upstate New York. He passed away in 1935.

Why Its a Great Grand Canyon Book:

Dellenbaugh Butte at the confluence of the Green River and San Rafael River.

A Canyon Voyage is a work of art. The cover and binding are exquisite. The cover artwork displays the title at the top of the book surrounded by the cliffs and canyons of the Colorado River. The image on the front shows two men working hard to portage a boat through some jagged rocks along the edge of a rapid.

The book was used by the Kolb Brothers during their river trip in 1910. “This book[A Canyon Voyage] has been our guide down to this point[Kanab Creek]. We could not have asked for a better one.” Dellenbaugh is good at describing the river and canyons of the Green and Colorado Rivers. The book includes many of Beamans photos from the 1871 trip. Emery and Ellsworth Kolb presented their copy of the book to Dellenbaugh in May of 1921 at the Powell Monument. The same day Dellenbaugh unfurled the flag flown by the Emma Dean in 1871 marking the 50th anniversary of the expedition leaving Green River, Wyoming. “That priceless volume, tattered and battered and filled with sand by the exposure to the elements during consultation in the boat by day, and by the fire at night.”

Dellenbaugh also does a really good job at making you feel like you know the participants of the expedition. Here is his description of John Wesley Powell: “Major Powell was a man of prompt decision with a cool, comprehensive, far reaching mind. He was genial, kind, never despondent, always resolute, resourceful, masterful, determined to overcome every obstacle.” And here is his description of Almon Thompson “Professor Thompson possessed invaluable qualities for this expedition: rare balance of mind, great cheerfulness, and a sunny way of looking on difficulties and obstacles as if they were mere problems in chess. His foresight and resourcefulness were phenomenal and no threatening situation found him without some good remedy.”

Dellenbaugh also describes the Powell Expeditions time off river in Kanab, Utah. He describes the fort and the customs of the Mormons staying in Kanab during the winter of 1871-72.

Favorite Passage:

E.O. Beaman photograph of the second Powell Expedition lining their boat around Chandler Rapid in Desolation Canyon.

Dellenbaugh’s passage about Desolation Canyon stirs the emotions. He describes it perfectly: “The high cliffs, two thousand feet, red and towering in the bright sun, became sombre and mysterious as the night shadows crept over them, the summits remaining bright from the last western rays when the river level was dim and uncertain. There was plenty of driftwood, and our fires were always cheery and comfortable. The nights were quite cold, or at least chilly, while the days were hot as soon as the sun came over the edge of the cliffs. Through some of the narrow promontories at this particular camp there were peculiar perforations suggesting immense windows looking into some fairer land. I would have been glad to examine some of these closely, but as it was not necessary they were passed by. It would also have been difficult to reach them as they were very high up.”

The Man Who Walked Through Time

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 21:31:02 GMT

Friday at the Historic Book Library #3

#1 In and Around the Grand Canyon by George Wharton James

#2 Grand Canyon Treks by Harvey Butchart

The Man Who Walked Through Time by Colin Fletcher

The Book:

The Man Who Walked Through Time By Colin Fletcher

The Man Who Walked Through Time was published in 1968 by Alfred A. Knopf , inc of New York. The book chronicles Colin Fletcher’s hiking of the Grand Canyon from Havasu Canyon to Nankoweep. These were the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park in 1963. In 1975 President Ford effectively doubled the length of the National Park by adding Marble Canyon and the section of the Grand Canyon from Havasu Canyon to the Grand Wash Cliffs to the National Park.

The Author:

Colin Fletcher drinking from a Canteen on his hike through Grand Canyon.

Colin Fletcher was born on March 14, 1922 in Cardiff, Wales. Fletcher got his education in England and eventually fought in the Royal Marine Commandos during World War II. Fletcher later was a trainer at the Mountain Warfare Traing Centre before moving to Africa with his wife Sonia Mary Ash. In 1947 they operated the Kitale Hotel in Kenya. After the marriage ended in 1948 Fletcher farmed in Kenya and Surveyed in Zimbabwe before moving to Canada. In 1956 he moved to the United States. We walked the length of California along its eastern edge in 1958 and published his book about it in 1964 The Thousand Mile Summer .

Colin Fletcher hiked the Grand Canyon in 1963, and published The Man Who Walked Through Time in 1968. Fletcher went on to write a series of books including River which documented his rafting/hiking trip from the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming to the Sea of Cortez. Fletcher writes eloquently, and is a believer in keeping the Grand Canyon untouched. Brooks Atkinson of The New York Times Book Review describes him well “If anyone is entitled to define the personality of the Grand Canyon, Colin Fletcher is the man.” In the epilogue Fletcher cries for help from the threats facing Grand Canyon “Unless we do something about it, you and I, we may soon find that this book has become a requiem for Grand Canyon.” It is interesting how his words ring as true in 2020 as they did in 1968.

Why Its a Great Grand Canyon Book:

Colin Fletcher fishing in the river at Colorado River near Bass Camp.

First of all, the book is really enjoyable to read. Colin Fletcher is really good at describing things and taking you into the Grand Canyon through his words. Secondly, his adventure calls many people. Hiking the Grand Canyon is something anyone who has peered over the edge of the canyon has thought about doing. Fletcher takes it to the max, by spending 2 full months hiking, exploring, discovering, and thinking about every facet of the amazing Grand Canyon.

The book has a nice fold out map showing the route taken by Fletcher in his journey. He started by hiking down Havasu Creek to the Colorado River and then backtracked back up Havasu Creek and followed the rim for part of the journey. Fletcher was relieved to reach the Colorado River near Bass Camp . “For two days and three nights I camped at the foot of Bass Trail, in a little rock-bound bay beside the river. At first, luxuriously aware that for the moment I had escaped the pressures of time and of uncertain water supply, I lay fallow.” Fletcher continued past Phantom Ranch and out to Point Imperial via the Nankoweep Trail. Along the journey Fletcher received only 3 air drops of supplies.

Favorite Passage:

Map showing the Colin Fletcher route through Grand Canyon.

“There is a powerful human compulsion to leave things tied up in neat little bundles. But every journey except your last has an open end. And any journey of value is above all a chapter in a personal odyssey. Its end is not so much a goal attained as another point in a continuing process. And the important thing at the end of a journey–or of a book–is to keep moving forward, refreshed, with as little pause as possible.”–Colin Fletcher

Best Photography Locations in the Grand Canyon

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 13:04:05 GMT

The Grand Canyon Inspires Photography

Photography captures a moment in time that can’t be repeated. The Grand Canyon has been captured by the imagination of humans for thousands of years, and by photographers ever since the invention of the camera. The Kolb Brothers became the first resident photographers of Grand Canyon in 1903, and built their house and studio on the South Rim in 1906. Over the next six decades, Emery and Ellsworth Kolb established themselves as adventurers and talented photographers. They even made a motion picture about running the rapids of Grand Canyon in 1911. They showed this film at the Kolb Studio for over 60 years.

How to Capture a Stunning Photograph

“There will never be a photograph of the Grand Canyon that can adequately describe its depth, breadth, and true beauty.”

― Stefanie Payne

It has been said that a good photograph is made by four different factors: Composition, Story, Timing, and Light. Image processing is a fifth factor that is highly controversial. Many believe a photograph should be what the camera takes, and not the image that arises out of complex processing. It is a combination of these factors that turns an average photograph into something special.

The Four (or Five) Factors of a Good Photograph

Composition

The composition of a photograph should take the viewer through the photograph. It should welcome the imagination, inspire the soul, and hold the eyes. The Grand Canyon is a perfect compostion. It is full of texture, patterns, color, depth, visual tensions, and shapes.

Story

The story of a photograph does not necessarily need to be obvious, but it needs to connect the viewer to photograph. Some of the best photographs of the Grand Canyon are weather related. They show lightning, snow, dark clouds, and beautiful sunsets.

Timing

A successful photographer will tell you that the secret to success is patience. The perfect photograph of a particular place may only be available for a fraction of a second over an entire day. Shadows need to be just right for many landscape photos. Other times a photographer gets lucky and is rewarded for an action shot that captured just the right turn of events.

Light

Light is the driving force of a great photo. Shadows, sunrises, and sunsets are responsible for making a photograph “pop.” Other times the light is too bright or too dark for an otherwise great composition.

Image processing is a very controversial topic in the world of photography. Those in favor of it will say Ansel Adams was as good in the dark room as he was with a camera. Those against it will argue you can’t improve on a natural shot of the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, or Yellowstone. The “morality” of image processing is something we will leave to the individual.

Image Processing

7-Best Places to Take a Photograph in the Grand Canyon

View from Nakoweep

Nankoweep Trail

Steve Biel Photograph of the Nankoweep Granaries and the Colorado River.

When the United States of America began minting “The America the Beautiful” quarters in 2010, they chose the view from the Nankoweep Trail as the image for their Grand Canyon quarter. The view looking downstream has been featured on countless calendars and magazine covers.

The viewpoint is accessed via Colorado River rafting tours though Grand Canyon or by backpacking into the Grand Canyon.

Elves Chasm

Elves Chasm along the Colorado River is a magical place to photograph.

Elves Chasm is located deep in the heart of Grand Canyon. In fact, the oldest rock found in the Grand Canyon is located where Royal Arch Creek enters the Colorado River. This metamorphic rock is nearly 2 billion years old and is called the Elves Chasm Gneiss.

As you would imagine, Elves Chasm is most easily accessed via the Colorado River on a Grand Canyon rafting trip. An insider tip: once people swim in the pool below Elves Chasm the water will become turbid. So ask the group not to swim until you get the photograph you are looking for. Also the area has full sun mid-day, but later in the afternoon or early in the morning has varying levels of shade and shadows.

Toroweap Point

When National Geographic celebrated Grand Canyon National Park’s 100th Birthday they use Toroweep for the cover photo.

Toroweap is located on the North side of the Grand Canyon near Fredonia, Arizona. From Fredonia, it is an 8 mile drive on AZ 389 to the turnoff to Toroweap Point. The road to Toroweap is called Country Road #109 or the Sunshine Route. This route requires 61 miles of extremely rough driving. The road is extremely rough, full of rocks, and has a lot of washboard.

Toroweap offer dramatic views including a 3000 foot vertical drop above the Colorado River. The landscape is dotted with ancient cinder cones hinting at the area’s volcanic geologic history. Advance permits are required for camping at the Tuweep Campground as well as the backcountry of Grand Canyon. Kanab, Utah based Dreamland Safari Tours offers overnight and day tours to Toroweap Point.

Desert View Point

This often photographed point is located near Desert View Watchtower. The Watchtower was designed by famous architect Mary Colter and is located 25 miles east of the South Rim Village. Desert View Watchtower was designed to look like an Ancestral Puebloan watchtower.

It is believed that somewhere near this viewpoint is where Spanish conquistador Garcia Lopez de Cardenas first set eyes upon the Grand Canyon in 1540.

Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls is located along Havasu Creek in the bottom of the Grand Canyon on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Permits are required to camp and travel on the reservation. The color palette of the area is stunning with red rocks, blue green water, and green cottonwood trees. Mooney Falls is another photo worthy waterfall in Havasu Canyon. Colorado River and Trail Expeditions featured Mooney Falls in our insiders guide to the waterfalls of Grand Canyon.

Havasu Falls is located just upstream of Mooney Falls. It is often photographed and has appeared on countless magazine covers and Grand Canyon calendars. Beyoncé even filmed her music video for her song “Spirit” with Havasu Falls as a backdrop. The song is featured in the “Lion King” live action remake.

Deer Creek Falls

A short walk takes rafters to the base of Deer Creek Falls.

Deer Creek falls is located along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park. It is best accessed via the Colorado River, but it can also be accessed by backpacking via the Bill Hall Trail or Thunder River Trail. Deer Creek Falls is visited on nearly every Grand Canyon rafting trip .

The waterfall ad Deer Creek is approximately 150 feet high and plunges into a beautiful pool a short walk from the Colorado River. The area offers multiple vantage points to capture the falls with a camera. In addition, there is a trail that leads up above the waterfall and to the “Deer Creek Patio.” The Deer Creek patio is another beautiful place to photograph.

Redwall Cavern

Cover artwork showing the Hermit Camp

Redwall Cavern is the result of thousands of years of erosion caused by the force of the Colorado River. John Wesley Powell famously noted in his journal that 50,000 people could fit in the giant cavern. He also referenced how during high water the floor would be covered with water. Because of Glen Canyon Dam regulating the Colorado River Redwall Cavern’s floor is rarely covered by water anymore.

The location does offer shelter from the noon day sun, as well as somewhere to escape a big Grand Canyon thunderstorm. It is a nice place to power nap or eat lunch. Most importantly it is a great place to photograph. The site has become especially popular in capturing silhouettes of people. To capture these silhouette photographs in Redwall Cavern the photographer goes back deep in the cavern and takes the photograph looking out toward the Colorado River.

3 -Bonus Photography Locations often mistaken for being in the Grand Canyon

Deadhorse Point

Tom Till Photograph of Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park from Deadhorse Point.

The view overlooking the Colorado River from Deadhorse Point is one of the most photographed viewpoints in the world. Many people upon first glance think the view is of the Grand Canyon. This is not true. Deadhorse Point overlooks the mesas, buttes, pinnacles, and spires of Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah. Canyonlands National Park is the home of Cataract Canyon rafting trips .

While in Moab be sure to check out the Tom Till Gallery. Tom is one of the most renowned photographers in the world and leads photography tours in the Moab area and on the occasional river trip with Colorado River & Trail Expeditions.

Horsehoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend at Sunset Photograph by John Fye

This scenic point is often mistaken for being in the Grand Canyon. The iconic bend in the river is actually a little bit upstream of the Grand Canyon in Glen Canyon. The overlook is approximately 1000 feet above the river. The trailhead to the Horseshoe Bend lookout is 1.5 miles roundtrip over a hardened path.

Antelope Canyon

Cover artwork showing the Hermit Camp

Antelope Canyon is located near Page, Arizona on Navajo Tribal Land. A Navajo Guide is required to accompany anyone who visits Antelope Canyon.

Peter Lik’s photograph “Phantom,” was photographed inside this narrow sandstone canyon. The photograph became the most expensive photograph ever sold in 2014, when it was sold for 6.5 million dollars.

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions offers rafting trips and tours throughout the Grand Canyon, Colorado Plateau and Alaska. We will be celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2021, all under original ownership. Feel free to contact us via our website, or call us directly at 1-800-253-7328.

Grand Canyon Treks

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 21:32:39 GMT

Friday at the Historic Book Library #2

#1 In and Around the Grand Canyon by George Wharton James

#3 The Man Who Walked Through Time by Colin Fletcher

Grand Canyon Treks by Harvey Butchart

The Book:

Grand Canyon Treks was published in 1970.

Grand Canyon Treks was published in 1970 by La Siesta Press of Glendale, California. The book contains information on 20 different hiking and backpacking routes and trails within the Grand Canyon.

The book was written during a time when there was very little information about hiking and backpacking within the Grand Canyon. When Colin Fletcher hiked the Grand Canyon in 1963 his biggest source of information was Harvey Butchart. In his book, The Man Who Walked Through Time, Fletcher wrote ”I inquired of park rangers, packers, geologists, and men who had run the river several times.

But before long it dawned on me that when it came to extensive hiking in remote parts of the Canyon, none of them really knew what they were talking about. So I set about tracking down the experts on foot travel. In the end I discovered that they totaled one: a math professor at Arizona State College in Flagstaff. But Dr. Harvey Butchart, I was relieved to find, knew exactly what he was talking about.”

In the introduction from 50 years ago the author sums up Grand Canyon hiking today: “The Grand Canyon is not the place for one’s first experience in hiking….The newcomer should test himself in the summer heat and the rugged terrain before attempting the longer trips.”

The Author:

Photo of Harvey Butchart in his book: “Grand Canyon Treks.”

Harvey Butchart was born in Hofei, China, some 250 miles west of Shangai. He received his preparatory schooling at the American School nearby. The school did not offer traditional sports so Butchart turned toward hiking and mountaineering in the nearby hills.

When Butchart returned to the United States he earned a Mathematics degree from Eureka College in Illinois. This is the same school that former President Ronald Regan graduated from a few years later. Harvey Butchart eventually graduated with a Ph.D. in math from the University of Illinois in 1932. He came to Arizona State College(Now Northern Arizona University) in 1945. He was the head of the math department there for 22 years.

Like many mathematicians Dr. Butchart was number oriented and kept analytical logs. When Butchart says he spent a certain amount of time or days hiking, climbing, or exploring the reader can be assured these are correct. Butchart acknowledges George Wharton James and E.D. Mckee as authors he read that suggested routes he explored in the book.

Why Its a Great Grand Canyon Book:

Map in Grand Canyon Treks.

This book was the first in depth backpacking and hiking guide to the trails of Grand Canyon. It is very detailed and gives great descriptions of the routes in Grand Canyon. The book is especially interesting to anyone who has some familiarity with the trails of Grand Canyon and those who have rafted the Colorado River through Grand Canyon . The book includes sections on a number of inner canyon routes: Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Trail, North Kaibab Trail, Clear Creek Trail, Grandview Trail, Hance Trail, New Hance Trail, Tanner Trail, Hermit Trail, Esplanade West of Bass, Great Thumb to Supai, Havasu Canyon, Nankoweep Basin, Chuar Valley, Unkar Valley, Hindu Amphitheater, Shinumo Amphitheater, and Tapeats and Deer Creek.

Favorite Passage:

Title page of Grand Canyon Treks.

The book has too much good information to choose just one passage. It is amazing the amount of time and effort Buchart put into exploring the Grand Canyon. In the Hermit Creek section, Butchart writes about Louis Boucher. Boucher is rarely talked about in any Grand Canyon books. “Louis Boucher must have been quite a character. Unable to wrangle dudes like Bass and Hance , he befriended wrecked rivermen and he entertained a geologist and his wife. As Edwin Corle said, He wore a white beard, rode a white mule, and told only white lies.”

In and Around The Grand Canyon

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 21:33:49 GMT

Friday at the Historic Book Library #1

In and Around the Grand Canyon-By George Wharton James

The Book:

In and Around the Grand Canyon was published in 1900 by the Little Brown & Company of Boston. The book contains over 100 historic photographs or “illustrations.” The book details James travels in around the Grand Canyon including trips to Lees Ferry, Havasu Canyon, the summit of the San Francisco Mountains, the summit of Williams Mountain, Sunset Peak, and into deepest depths of the Colorado River waterway. The book is dedicated to John Wesley Powell.

In the preface the author describes completing the book at the Bass Camp. “…what book has ever had such a composing room! Under the shelter of an overhanging rock with pinion boughs piled up and canvas stretched to completely exude the sun all day; the purest air of earth freely circulating around me, and the bluest sky of earth ever above me…”

James goes on to describe his composing room.”My paper weights are pieces of limestone, my shelf a rude deal box, my side desk a huge boulder, my table made in rough camp style, with my seat–a packing box–at one end, and my blankets stretched on the solid rock at the other end..”

The Author:

Author working on his book at Bass Camp 1899

George Wharton James was born in Lincolnshire, England on September 27, 1858. He became an ordained Methodist Minister and immigrated to the United States with his wife in 1881. He wrote more than 40 books about California and the American Southwest. Some of his other well received books include the Old Missions of California(1905), The Wonders of the Colorado Desert(1906), Through Ramona’s Country(1909), and the Old Missions of California(1915).

James later divorced and married again. He lived with his second wife in Pasadena, California. His house was described as a kind of “museum salon.” James passed away in 1923.

Why Its a Great Grand Canyon Book:

The Wagon Ride to Lees Ferry

For anyone who loves the Grand Canyon , this book connects on many levels. James beautifully describes Grand Canyon, is a talented writer, and an advocate for Grand Canyon. The book does a nice job telling the human history of the Grand Canyon, particularly John Wesley Powell. The photos and illustrations in the book are spectacular, and the book itself is beautiful with gold lettering and a nice cover.

River runners will particularly enjoy the historic photos, and James descriptions of going down to the Bass Camp, Havasu, Diamond Creek, and Lees Ferry.

Favorite Passage:

From Chapter XVI-Mr. W. W. Bass and His Canyon Experiences

Bass Winter Camp on the Shinumo

“What a life to Lead! Never, or seldom, sleeping in a house, but out of doors, on Mother Earth’s sturdy bosom; dusty, dirty, rocky, muddy, often wet and always hard; bugs, flies, fleas, mosquitoes, centipedes, earwigs, rattlesnakes, and scorpions as occasional companions; in the neighborhood of rats, bats, wolves, foxes, coyotes, and skunks, and now and then bears and mountain lions; cooking over a camp fire where everything gets smoked, black, and dirty beyond remedy, and where handles get red-hot and cut into one’s flesh, and where smoke gives flavor to everything,—-and this in the best of weather. But in “other” weathers! Think of cooking in a sand-storm with fine sand penetrating everything; in a rain-storm, when wood is wet, fire won’t burn, and everybody is ill-tempered, and hungry; in a wind-storm, when the smoke whirls and swirls in every direction, and one’s eyes are blinded, and the fire burns now to the east, then to the west, veers to the north, then to the south, and finally to all points of the compass and up and down at the same time! And eating and sleeping and riding and driving and working have all to be done under similar adverse conditions.”

Five Fabulous Ways to Take Vacations in Grand Canyon

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 18:44:15 GMT

#1- Take a Vacation Rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon

A rafting vacation along the Colorado River through Grand Canyon is our specialty. There is no better way to see the entire Grand Canyon than by raft. The Colorado River travels 278 miles through the Grand Canyon. Along the Colorado River’s path from Lees Ferry to the Grand Wash Cliffs; the Grand Canyon rises and falls, passes by hundreds of unique and beautiful side canyons, and encounters some of the best whitewater rafting in the world.

The Best Vacation in Grand Canyon

Many options are available for a rafting vacation along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon depending on the amount of time you have and the type of boat you wish to travel on. There are upper grand canyon rafting vacations that require hiking out of the Grand Canyon. As well as Lower Grand Canyon rafting vacations that require hiking into the Grand Canyon. In addition there are vacations that exit the canyon via helicopter, and rafting vacations from Las Vegas that helicopter into the Colorado River at Whitmore Wash.

#2- Take a Grand Canyon Backpacking Trip

The most popular backpacking route in Grand Canyon National Park is to go rim to rim from the South Rim to North Rim or vice versa via the Bright Angel Trail and North Kaibab Trail. The campgrounds along this route are Indian Gardens Campground between the South Rim and Colorado River, the Bright Angel Campground at Phantom Ranch, and the Cottonwood Campground between Phantom Ranch and the North Rim.

Grand Canyon Hikers Yield to the Grand Canyon Mules on the inside of the trail.

The total distance along this route is 23.5 miles and there is an elevation gain of 5761 feet from the Bright Angel Campground to the North Rim and 4380 feet from the Bright Angel Campground to the South Rim. The best Grand Canyon backpacking vacation is to spend 3 nights on the route and spend an adequate time in the Grand Canyon to appreciate all of its sites and sounds. A permit can be obtained from the Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit Office .

#3- Spend Your Grand Canyon Vacation at Phantom Ranch

Phantom Ranch is located along Bright Angel Creek at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. It is only accessible by hiking, mules, or rafting down the river. The ranch was designed by Mary Colter and completed in 1922. In December of 1966, Phantom Ranch was damaged by the same flood that changed Crystal Rapid. While you are there be sure to check out the Kaibab Suspension Bridge .

Phantom Ranch Boat Beach.

Today, staying at Phantom Ranch is very popular. Phantom Ranch has a huge demand for reservations and has transitioned to a lottery system. There are both dorm style rooms and cabins available to stay in. The ranch is a great place to stay on a cross canyon trek, or as a destination. It also acts as a base for exploring the Grand Canyon. Phantom Ranch has a small Cantina and serves food daily. For information on lodging availability at Phantom Ranch follow this link .

#4- South Rim of the Grand Canyon

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a beautiful place to vacation. It offers chances to hike into the Grand Canyon, stargaze from the rim of the Grand Canyon, and listen to various National Park Service Ranger interpretive talks. The South Rim is home to the historic El Tovar Lodge built in 1905, as well as the Kolb Studio, where Emery and Ellsworth Kolb showed their famous Grand Canyon movie about running the rapids of the Colorado River. You can watch the movie on the University of Northern Arizona’s digital archive collection .

The view from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The Bright Angel trail starts next to the Kolb Studio, just under the Bright Angel Lodge. The South Kaibab Trail starts at Yaki Point, which can be reached via the Grand Canyon Village Shuttle bus. Both trailheads offer nice opportunities for day hikes below the rim of Grand Canyon. Another option while on vacation at the South Rim is to rent a bicycle and ride it along the rim of the Grand Canyon to Hermit Rest and back.

A common saying is you have not “experienced” the Grand Canyon until you have witnessed a sunrise and sunset. After the sunset, the night sky will be almost as impressive as the Grand Canyon itself.

#5- North Rim of the Grand Canyon

The North Rim is much less crowded than the South Rim. Perfect for taking a Grand Canyon Vacation! It is a little harder to get to than the South Rim, and the lodges and roads are only open seasonally. Lodging on the North Rim is typically open from May 15 to October 15. There are multiple beautiful viewpoints to check out on the North Rim including Point Imperial and Cape Royal. The Lodge at the North Rim is spectacular. It has huge windows and really nice outdoor seating.

The North Kaibab Trailhead is located about 1 miles from the North Rim Lodge. The North Kaibab Trail leads down to Phantom Ranch. There are also various day hikes along the North Rim including the Bright Angel Point Trail, Widforss Trail, Point Imperial Trail, Transept Trail, and Uncle Jim Trail.

Taking in the beauty of the Grand Canyon from the North Rim.

25 Toys and Games For Past, Present, and Future River Runners, Campers, and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 14:21:24 GMT

It is universally known that the best toys to inspire the imagination and promote a love of wilderness and wild places are a babbling stream, some rocks and sand, and a few stick boats. Here is a list of the Best Toys and Games for River Runners, Campers, and Adventure Travelers not made by Nature .

#1 Foamie Friends

Foamie Friends are handmade toys. They come in kayak and canoe models. The toys date back into the 1970s, but have been improved upon over time. James Locke took over from Foamie Fun owner George Robbins around 2013. Locke is the first to use 6 pound mini cell foam, first to rubber dip boaters, first to use fiberglass rod, and first to use automotive urethane paint. These works of art retail between $24 and $35. There are a variety of boats to choose from these days including Premium Wood Kayaks and Canoes, Plastic Mini Spud Kayak and mini Creeker Kayak, and Plastic Spud Kayak and Creeker Kayak. The hand made boats come in multiple colors and patterns, as well as kits to build your own “Foamie.” These are one of the best toys to play with in side streams and creeks because they self right and they can do some mesmerizing moves in holes, waves, and eddylines. Foamie Friends can be bought directly from James Locke at foamiefriends.com .

Foamie Friend taking on Havasu Creek in the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

#2 Action Man Mission Raft

Climbing Barbie Driving the Action Man Zodiac

Action Man with his Yellow Adventure Raft

In the 1960s and 1970s Action Man was a popular toy in Great Britain, similar to GI Joe in the United States. The company that was making Action Man was eventually sold to Hasbro in the 1990s. The theme of action man changed from military to more action and adventure. The Action Man mission raft is one of the most realistic river runner toys ever made. It is modeled after the Zodiac fc470 assault boat. It came complete with a battery operated outboard motor that pivots, tilts, and can be removed from the raft. The raft is also perfect for the Action Woman Barbie to execute all of her different outdoor adventures. The Action Man raft can still be found in boxed condition around the internet. It sells for $25-$50.

#3 Tonka Coleman Camping Set #1920

Tonka and Coleman brought this adventure set to the stores in 1982. What more could an aspiring adventurer want? A yellow Jeep complete with a canoe strapped on top, a tent, sleeping bag, and adventure figure. This set is extremely rare to find complete. Individual pieces of the set can be found used on ebay for $5-$10.

Tonka Coleman Camping Set #1930

#4 The Adventure People-North Woods Trailblazer #312

The Northwoods are calling to these Trailblazers. These adventure people are ready for some time in the wilderness. It is up to your imagination to figure out where this trip will go. The set includes a canoes to explore the nearby stream. Originally produced between 1977 and 1982, this set is hard to find. It is selling on the internet in used condition for close to $100.

#312 Northwood Adventure Playset by Fisher Price

#5 Fisher Price Sportyak

1974 Fisher Price Sportyak

Sportyak Photo Courtesy of Bill Belknap and the Cline Library.

The Fisher Price Sportyak was actually called a barge when it was sold. It came with a small tugboat that could attach to the white post. In a river guides mind this is definitely a Sportyak. It was produced in 1974. This was about the same time Sportyaks reached their peak of popularity it the river guiding world. Sportyaks were solid plastic and were used by river outfitters as a way for clients to row their own boat through the rapids. The fisher price boat is also pure plastic and nearly unsinkable. Another perfect creek toy for the past, present, or future river guide. The boat sells on Ebay for between $10-$15.

#6 The Adventure People Scuba Divers by Fisher Price

This set was produced by Fisher Price from 1976-1981. It included two divers(Matt and Becky), two scuba tanks, and a yellow zodiac diving raft. The raft was unsinkable….perfect for running the rapids of the nearby streams. The set can be found in used condition on ebay for around $20.

The Adventure People Scuba Divers Set Complete with a raft.

#7 Hyside Toy Raft

Talk about a life like raft. The Hyside toy raft was available from the Hyside Booth at most trade shows and events that Hyside Inflatables attended. The toys ended up in the hands of many river runners and has been a favorite for a long time. Hyside Inflatables is still in business and their life size boats are often admired for their high quality Hypalon construction.

Hyside Toy Raft

#8 Stream Machine TL-750

The Stream Machine TL-750 is probably the ultimate river rafting accessory for water fights. This TL-750 launches a steady stream of water 70 feet. The water launcher features a 17 in. single barrel design that extends to 36 in. when refilled. Stream Machine Water Launchers are quick to reload by submerging the barrel into the river and pulling the handle back. All Stream Machine Water Launchers are comprised of high polymers that will not chip or peel. Stream Machines are designed to withstand years of fun, but sometimes the silt laden waters of the Green and Colorado River can jam the water guns. Stream Machine website sells the TL-750, and is available in 4 different colors .

Stream Machine sprays water 70 feet

#9 Kayaking Smurf

The kayaking smurf figure from 1979 inspired many past river guides. This particular smurf can be found throughout the internet as a centerpiece of images immersed in whitewater and braving rapids throughout the world. The Kayaking Figurine sells on ebay for close to $50.

The most famous Smurf in Whitewater Rafting.

#10 1974 Barbie High Sierra Adventure Set

The box says it all “Daytime is boat’ n hike time…Nighttime is Camp’n sleeptite time…And all the time is FUNTIME.” Sounds like a river trip! This Barbie set did not include a doll, but it did come with an orange raft, lantern, shovel, pots and pans, and a backpack.

Barbie was rafting in 1974!

#11 It-Girl On-the-Go Beach Kayak

Is this a Dagger, Perception, or Jackson Kayak? No it is an It-Girl Kayak. It comes complete with a paddle, helmet, and spray skirt. The set does not include a doll, but is designed for 12″ dolls(Barbie or similar). The Kayak looks realistic and is molded in pink, yellow, blue, and purple. The Kayak is available on the internet through various retailers.

Girl On the Go Kayak

#12 Lego 60202 City People Pack Outdoor Adventures

This lego set inspires the imagination of outdoor enthusiasts. The set comes complete with a mountain biker, skier, campers, and a RIVER RAFT! The set was discontinued by Lego, but it can still be found on ebay.

This Lego set screams adventure!

#13 Playmobil Whitewater Rafting Set

This play set is made in Germany. The set includes two figures with lifejackets, paddles, helmets, and a green two man ducky. The Inflatable Kayak actually floats and the figures are posable making the set action packed.

Two person “ducky” kayak to take on the rapids in the Playmobil universe.

#14 Barbie Team Stacie Summer Camp Playset

Young campers will have tons of fun with this Stacie Summer Camp Playset. Send Stacie white water kayaking with her paddle and life vest. Hike to exciting off river locations with her backpack, map, and compass. Brush her teeth before bed and put her to sleep in her spacious tent with plenty of room for all of her sisters. This set is available from retailers and on the internet. The set sells for $29.99.

Team Stacie is ready for adventure. Bring on the rapids and night sky.

#15 American Girl Jess’s Kayak and Gear

The orange inflatable kayak with a two bladed paddle was released in 2006 by American Girl. The set included a stylish life jacket and a drawstring orange bag to store the kayak in when it wasn’t in use. A new color scheme was introduced in 2009 before and the kayak and gear was retired in 2010. The set can still be found on ebay.

Inflatable Kayak and gear from American Girl.

#16 Paper Boats

Paper boats are fun, free to build , and actually float. How long they float depends on the type of paper being used. Here is a video explaining how to fold a paper boat .

Paper Boat folded at Colorado River & Trail Expeditions.

#17 Speedo Swim Goggles

The best way to feel comfortable on a river is to be a competent swimmer. Swimming comes with a lot of practice and goggles make that practice a lot more enjoyable. Goggles can also be used on river trips where the water is clear to locate anything dropped in the river, or to check out fish in side stream plunge pools.

Speedo Swim Goggles can be used on clear rivers.

#18 Bocce Ball Set

Bocce is a great game to play on a river trip. Players can play traditional rules or change the game to cross country rules. Cross country rules don’t require a court. Instead the pallino(the white ball) is thrown anywhere on the beach. There are usually 4 teams with two players each who take turns throwing their colored bocce balls as close to the pallino as possible. After all the balls are thrown the team with the closest ball get 1 point, or if both of their bocce balls are closer than any of the other teams they get 2 points. In addition, for each bocce ball touching the pallino, 2 more points are given. The team that scores get to throw the pallino for the next round. This turns bocce into a game similar to miniature golf with trick shots and paths around trees, boulders, and sand berms. Play to 11, 15, or 21.

Bocce Ball is a great game to play at a sandy river camp.

#19 Kubb

The object of the game Kubb is to knock over wooden blocks by throwing Batons at them. The game takes place on a small rectangular field. Rules vary slightly amongst different regions, but the overall goal of the game is to knock over all of the wooden blocks and then to knock over the King. Games can last from minutes to hours. A beach can make a great field for Kubb. The game is nicknamed Viking Chess because of its alleged Viking origin.

Setting up the game of Kubb.

#20 Horseshoes

A staple of beach games and river trips for a number of years. Horseshoes can be fun or competitive, one on one or teams. It is played with four horseshoes and two stakes driven into the ground.

The elusive “double ringer” in horseshoes.

#21 Self Righting Rubber Duck#21 Self Righting Rubber Duck

It used to be hard to find rubber ducks that were self righting. If you threw one in the water, it would usually float on its side down the river. You could fix this by glueing a weight to the bottom or adding magnets. Now rubber ducks are very popular and a good portion of them that are self righting. Rubber ducks are used in fundraiser races, at carnivals, and on thermometers for pools and spas. The “Sailor Duck” is a marketed as a self righting river race duck. The ducks sell in lots of 10 and cost about $2 per Rubber Duck from funcarnival.com .

The Pop-Up Sailor Duck

#22 Frisbee

The frisbee has passed the test of time and is a timeless accessory for a day on the sand. The airfoil shape of the disc allows it to generate lift and fly through the air. Spinning the disc stabilizes it by applying a gyroscopic force, allowing it to be thrown for distance and accuracy.

Frisbee is a brand of flying disc.

#23 Washers

A game like horseshoes without all of the heavy equipment. The games consists of eight washers and two cups per team. The cups can be made of PVC pipe and the washers can be bought at a local hardware store. The cups are spread apart 15 feet on a level beach and buried to the height of the sand on the beach. Players alternate throwing the washers toward the opposite hole. Three points for in the cup, two points for leaning over the edge, and one point for within a washer’s width of the cup. Only one team scores per round. Games are played to 15, win by two. The game can be played in teams or by individuals.

Night Washer Game in the Grand Canyon

#24 Swovo Vintage Pop-Pop Steam Powered Boat

This boat is steam powered and runs on the flame of a candle. The steam chamber is primed by putting a little water in the tubes before adding heat. The boiler contracts and expands with the boiling of the water. The boat is pushed as one pipe sucks in water and the other blows it back out. This boat can be found on Amazon and Ebay for under $10.

A boat that is run by the heat of a candle.

#25 Whitewater Rafting Keychain

Everyone needs a keychain for something. These bright colored rafts will remind you of the fun, excitement, and adventure of whitewater rafting. These keychains are for sale on the Kingdom Etsy Store .

Four different colors of Raft Keychains.

Please make sure to comment below if we missed any items that should be included in this list.

Looking to immerse your kids in Nature? Try one of our Rafting Trips on the Green or Colorado Rivers.

The First Grand Canyon Rafting Trip after a 81 day shutdown due to Covid-19

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 21:40:00 GMT

Rafting the Grand Canyon during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions Raft Alone in Marble Canyon. Photo Courtesy John Dillon

As luck would have it, I got to be the trip leader on the first rafting trip to leave Lees Ferry after the Grand Canyon was shutdown for 81 days due to COVID-19. I was really excited about this opportunity to see the Grand Canyon before anyone else. I wondered what may have changed with the river, canyon, and wildlife. This would probably be the first time in over 50 years the Colorado River through Grand Canyon had been untrammeled by humans for an extended period of time. The trip was originally supposed to leave one day earlier, but thanks to John and Chris Vail at Outdoors Unlimited the park let us move the trip one day forward. Our trip had dwindled due to COVID-19 from a full trip of 24 passengers down to 14, and then with the moving of the trip forward one day down to 11 guests.

The trip was small, it was a trip organized by Yendor, and it would mark his 10th trip through the canyon. The small group all traveling together was reassuring given the current situation with COVID-19. Colorado River & Trail Expeditions already had a Covid-19 mitigation plan in place, and we were going to do our best to keep safe. As a river company we were already essentially a floating restaurant, following all of the necessary precautions to stay safe from food borne illnesses and slowing the spread of any disease that might be brought on a trip. To stay safe from COVID-19 we were going to do even more washing and sanitizing, wear masks around food, and do temperature checks. The temperature checks would begin 3-4 days before the trip, then continue at Lees Ferry, and would be done every morning of the river trip. The concept makes sense and although it felt a little strange to point a medical infrared thermometer at everyones forehead the first day, it became much more routine as the trip progressed. It was just part of rafting during COVID-19.

After talking with Yendor and the rest of his group we decided an early launch would be in everyone’s best interest. The early start would give us more time on the river, it would help with social distancing at Lees Ferry, and it would also allow us a chance to experience the Grand Canyon before anyone else. Because of the Mangum Fire on the North Rim, Highway 89A was closed from Fredonia to Marble Canyon. We would instead have to drive around through Page. This would add about 40 minutes each way to our drive to rig. It would also mean missing the delicious cookies at Jacob Lake that my sweet tooth had yearned for all winter.

Starting Our River Season in June

Mindy, Kaicia, and Ridge sending us off in Lees Ferry Attire.

It was such a strange concept to launch the first trip in the middle of June. I had not missed an April Grand Canyon river trip for 20 years and April had become my favorite month in the canyon. In Fredonia it is cold in the morning in April and sometimes it would snow driving over the Kaibab. There was a trip in 2004 or 2005 where our passengers showed up to our warehouse in Fredonia during a blizzard. We even had a passenger change his mind about coming on the trip on the way to Lees Ferry and ride the Coach back to Las Vegas. Inevitably the weather in the canyon was beautiful though. I’m sure there were cold, windy days, but my memory always hit “delete, ” and I just remember the wildflowers, warm days, cool nights, and hiking. Rigging boats in the mid day sun at the warehouse quickly made us realize this first trip was going to start in the middle of June, and although it didn’t seem quite right, everyone at the CRATE warehouse was nervous and excited to get back on the river.

The drive and rig was uneventful. The commercial outfitters had all worked together, staggering rig and launch times. Lee’s Ferrys’ ramp was empty and in great condition. We put our masks on, rolled the raft off the trailer, inflated and attached the side tubes, and did all of the normal things we have done for as long as I can remember. Floating on a boat in the water at Lees Ferry had a calming, yet probably false sense of safety from the virus.

The next morning Mindy and the kids brought me to Lees Ferry to send me off. Two of the people in the group had done trips with Mindy and me before we had kids and before Yendor. Luyen had done a trip with Mindy and I back in 2005, he had come back in 2009 with his friend Fye. On the trip in 2009 we saw the only big rockfall I have ever seen in the canyon. A car size boulder had fallen from the top of Kaibab formation at North Canyon rapid. Subsequently the entire canyon had filled with dust and visibility had been reduced dramatically. We stopped for lunch while the dust cleared and then stopped at North Canyon Rapid to see if anything had changed. The river had swallowed the dust and debry just above the rapid, and there was no sign of a rockfall ever happening as far as the river was concerned. It ended up that Fye lived down the street from Yendor and he had been the one to connect Yendor to myself and CRATE. Since our first trip in 2011 Yendor and I have become great friends. Yendor is hands down the best carpenter and woodworker I have met during my river life, and he has given us some amazing hand made wood gifts. Kaicia and Ridge have the most beautiful hand crafted rocking horse I have ever seen thanks to him, and when I sent him the plans for a Briggs Dory, he built a beautiful one and let me take it through the Grand Canyon in 2019.

Launch Day on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon: June 14, 2020

Resting at Redwall Cavern through a fisheye lens.

After getting everyone fitted properly with lifejackets, taking temperatures, and giving the essentials of the orientation we headed downstream. There was a wonderful feeling being back on the river. Our group was super excited, and it was obvious from the beginning the trip was going to be good. We left Lees Ferry pretty close to 8:00 AM AZ time in some of the first rays of sun and the blanket of smoke put in place by the Mangum Fire. The plan was to escape the smoke and head to Redwall for Lunch. As we floated underneath the Navajo Bridges, Mindy and Kaicia waved and Ridge yelled down. Then it was silent. A Condor flew over the top of us and landed on the bridge. Our boat floated around the corner out of site into the great unknown.

March 24, 2020, Grand Canyon river rafting trips including administrative, research, private and commercial trips, were suspended in Grand Canyon. No one had floated in these upper stretches of Marble Canyon for 81 days. The only tracks on the beaches were from the wildlife of the area. The beaches were windblown with riffles of sand all the way across them. We saw a typical amount of bighorn sheep the first day. The rapids had not changed since I saw them in the latter part of August a year earlier. The aura of the canyon was different and special though.

After eating our first river sammies of the year everyone power napped at Redwall Cavern. The soft cool sand made it easy to relax and enjoy the silence and the moment. After the rest, we stopped to look at some Nautaloid Fossils and then headed for camp at President Harding. One of the nicest parts of being first on the river was knowing there were no trips in front of us. We could choose any camp we wanted. It made me think of the stories I had heard over the years from my Dad and Mom (Dave and Vicki Mackay), Amil Quayle, Jake Luck, Paul Thevenin, and the Curreys). In the mid 60s it was still rare to see anyone on the river and you could camp at Redwall Cavern , Deer Creek, Tapeats Creek, or anywhere you wanted.

I have always liked the camp at President Harding. I have memories of pulling in there for lunch on my first river trip during a big rainstorm, surfing the wave in front of the rock in a kayak, and the beautiful bloom of brittle bush that blankets the camp in yellow during each spring. My swamper Kai and I set up camp, disinfected, put on our masks and cooked dinner. By the time dinner was over there was still plenty of light thanks to the long days of mid June. After dinner I took some time to stare at the rapid. The sound of water is powerful and comforting to me the way comfort food is. I then went and socialized as darkness took over. I got a very informative lesson on the use of the GoPro Hero8 from my guests and then fell asleep under the dark starry sky.

Moving Down Stream and the Aura

Blacktail Canyon reflection.

We started the second day with another round of temperature checks and Covid questions. A good group effort took us to the waterfall in Saddle Canyon. We floated past the Nankoweep Granaries, andswam the afternoon away in the Little Colorado River. As we were leaving the Little Colorado River, another trip was arriving. We did our best to be cordial, but still social distance. We spent the night next to the roar of Nevills Rapid.

Probably the most unique experience of the trip happened on our third day. We stopped at the mouth of Clear Creek and hiked the 3/4 mile up the canyon to where the water cascades, falls, and deflects sideways. On the way down from the hike we saw something I had never seen before. A 4 foot long Gopher Snake aka Bull Snake (Pituophis Catenifer–Thanks to Geoff Carpenter) was drinking out of Clear Creek. Because of the noise from the creek, the placement of the small cobbles around him, and probably because no one had interfered with his daily routine for months he did not notice our small group. We watched and took pictures for over a minute of this beautiful creature guzzling the fresh waters of Clear Creek. It made us all realize how nice it must have been for the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River to have a break from humans.

By the time we got to Phantom Ranch a couple other trips had caught us. The canyon still felt empty, but the aura of knowing we were alone was now gone. By now temperature checks under 100.4degrees fahrenheit were the norm and the Covid-19 routine was just what we do. Our trip slowly floated down river. We pulled in at the bottom of the Island below Crystal and scampered amongst the rocks telling stories over the roar of the rapid that raced around both sides of us. Camp was set up early at Bass Camp, and we motored down to Shinumo Creek for the afternoon. Bass Camp is one of the most popular camps in Grand Canyon. Due to the large numbers of people who camp at Bass Camp the camp can sometimes have mice, ringtail cats, and snakes. This time we did not see any of these critters. The long period free of humans had resulted in the end of a food supply for the camp dwellers. Days 4 and 5 were pretty routine. We got to enjoy Elves Chasm, Blacktail Canyon, Stone Creek(camped), Tapeats Creek, Deer Creek, and Matkatamibia by ourselves.

Rafting the Rest of the Grand Canyon

Camped next to the Upset Rapid.

We camped our 5th night at Upset Rapid. Yendor and I both like really loud powerful places and there is not a louder camp than Upset. House Rock would deserve a honorable mention. You can set a cot up along the gravel there and stare, listen, and peer into the soul of the monstrous hole at the bottom. You pretty much have to yell to hear one another.

One thing we noticed from the lack of river use in the canyon was the huge amount of invasive plant life taking over some of the beaches. Russian Thistle (Salsola tragus L.) was growing rampant on the sandy benches at Upset. We did a group invasive plant project and pulled as many as we could at their roots. We laid them on the sun baked recently shaded dry rocks, with the intent to have them wither away to nothing. Some of the group was really into it, others were not so excited about the loud camp with Russian Thistle scattered about it. After all, up until this point we had spent our nights at President Harding, Nevills, Bass, and Stone Creek with a group size of 13 people total. In any event, it seems the Canyon could use a cleansing river flow each spring to clear the invasives and clean the beaches, something much higher than 45,000 cfs.

Days 6, 7, and 8 were great and went by fast. The trip was one I will never forget. During this really hard year there was a bit of normalcy and comfort found within the canyon walls.

Sports Illustrated’s Best Whitewater River Running Issues-Grand Canyon and Alsek River

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 20:05:04 GMT

Grand Canyon-Running the Colorado River

Regan Dale rowing a Dory through the rapids of the Grand Canyon.August 1, 1977

River running was featured front and center on the cover of the the August 1, 1977 Sports Illustrated. The cover photo shows Regan Dale guiding a dory through one of Grand Canyon’s famous rapids. It was the first time whitewater river running graced the cover of a magazine usually given to sports stars such as Reggie Jackson, Larry Bird, and Tony Dorsett during the 1970s.

August 1, 1977

The Cover story by Melissa Ludtke and the photographs by John Blaustein did a good job of bringing the fun and thrill of running rivers to anyone who read Sports Illustrated. “Waves crested with white foam thrust the bow up and out of the water like a sailfish dancing at the end of a fisherman’s line. For a moment the dory hangs suspended like a punching bag, rocking from side to side as waves sweep underneath, leaving one oar, and then the other, flapping uselessly at air. Before long the passengers are drenched and the dory is partially swamped.” Ludtke also does a nice job explaining the relaxing part of a river trip. “Now at night travelers lie on the beach in sleeping bags, and the Colorado’s restful murmur lulls them into sleep.”

Walt Blackadar’s First Descent of Turnback Canyon and the Alsek River

Cover artwork showing the Hermit Camp

August 14, 1972

Although the cover featured Bobby Fischer the Chess Master, this issue had a feature story about Walt Blackadar’s first ascent through Turnback Canyon on the Alsek River. The story connects to Colorado River & Trail Expeditions on many accounts. We have operated on the Tatshenshini and Alsek rivers for a long time (since 1978), and both rivers are dear to our hearts. They are one of the last places to find true wilderness and we hope they stay that way forever.

Sports Illustrated frames the story “The Alsek River flows in a torrent into the Gulf of Alaska. So fierce are its white-water rapids and so menacing the huge icebergs that break away from glaciers along its banks that no man had ever run the river in a boat. There were reports of an especially treacherous gorge named Turn Back Canyon with 500 to 1000 foot vertical granite walls, numerous waterfalls and dizzying whirlpools. The water was flowing at 50,000 cfs.”

Walt Blackadar wrote the article himself. Here are some of the highlights.

AUG. 13 “My Birthday–49! Looked in the mirror and realized I wasn’t getting any younger. Decided to paddle the Alsek alone.”

AUG. 19 “Took out a two-week accident policy for $50,000, which would pay off all my debts and leave a reserve.”

AUG. 20 “When I reached Juneau, the bow of the kayak was caved in, dented like a ping-Pong ball. I took two three pound coffee cans, rammed them forward with a paddle and popped the dent out. There is no visible damage.” Blackadar’s kayak was 13 feet long and 23 inches wide and he carried 84.25 lbs in addition to his body weight of 175 pounds. At 5:20 pm he “was able to take off in a chartered plane piloted by Layton Bennett to overfly the Alsek and examine Turn Back Canyon….Started flying up the gorge at 500 feet. Then after two trips at 200 feet with, it seemed to me, wing tips nearly touching the canyon walls, I called a halt to the low flying. A kayak would be safer.” After flying Turnback, Blackadar was sure “There is nothing in the Grand Canyon…..with as much violence or power.”

AUG. 22 Blackadar started his trip on the Dezdeash River in Haines Junction, Yukon. “Left the road at 7 pm…..river flowing 2 mph. Camped at 8:30 with a headwind of 40 mph and waves 2 feet high.”

AUG. 23 “I paddled down the Dezdeash to the Alsek. Rain quit during the night. Slept well.”

Cover artwork showing the Hermit Camp

AUG. 24 “Big water today. Not stops needed to scout rapids. Stayed in the center but constant maneuvering necessary to avoid rocks and holes. No flips, but my heart pounded once or twice as I passed cliffs with boils and huge hydraulics—violent currents that twist and turn and grab from all directions at once. The water is now icy, and I can’t force myself to practice rolling up and thus psychologically prepare myself for the canyon ahead.” Blackadar goes on to describe the landscape “Lowell Glacier, off to the right is tremendous. It is a mile of bright blue ice wall over 100 feet high and extending out into the Alsek.” By now Blackadar was constantly planning for Turnback Canyon “Must have paddled 50 miles today so quit early but could have gone all the way to Turn Back Canyon, where the worst rapids begin. Plan to sleep late in the morning and proceed gradually, but if I get to the canyon before 2 p.m. I’ll tackle it then; otherwise, will rest until noon the next day. I have been paddling in my full wetsuit, including boots and gloves, but no wet suit head stall; only my regular protective helmet. I want to remove the gloves in the gorge, if the icy water is not unbearable, so that I can grip the paddle more firmly. I’m three days ahead of schedule and going strong–very relaxed.”

AUG. 25 “I want any kayaker to read my words well! The Alsek gorge is unpaddleable! Unbelievable. After carefully scouting the rapids I found it twice as bad as it looks. There’s one huge horrendous mile of hair (The worst foamy rapids a kayaker can imagine), 30 feet wide, 50,000 cubic feet per second and a 20 degree downgrade going like hell. Incredible! I didn’t flip in the mile or I wouldn’t be writing.” Blackadar then goes in-depth describing Turnback Canyon and its incredible rapids. On our Alsek river trips we portage over Turnback Canyon with cargo nets. It is an amazing feat that Blackadar paddled Turnback solo during the high water month of August.

One of the rapids was particularly exciting. “I saw an immense cresting wave blocked the way, the one I had seen seven days before from the air….I paddled furiously through the easiest spot to crash the roller, which was well to the right of center, accepting the risk of plummeting into a terrible hole some distance below should I fail to roll up in time. Got my paddle and body through the wave and hung on upside down, feeling my boat tear apart above me. Missed my roll and in fact found I was outside the kayak. My first instinct was to swim to the surface, but instead I snuggled back into the overturned boat. Before I could roll up, the kayak washed into the feared hole. I got scrubbed, tumbled and shaken; rolled and missed—rolled and missed. Finally I caught a breath, calmed my nerves, jammed my knees solidly into the sides of the boat and on my sixth try made a perfect roll and popped up.” Blackadar quickly found out he “had torn the left thigh hook off the deck , and part of the deck as well…the (wave) had popped the spray skirt and swamped (the boat).” He spent the rest of the day fixing the fiberglass kayak and penned his famous quote about Turnback Canyon. “I’m not coming back. Not for $50,000, not for all the tea in China. Read my words well and don’t be a fool. It’s unpaddleable.”

AUG. 26 “Second patch placed on the boat in the morning and both hardened well even in the cold. Deck solidly fixed by two p.m. so took off….Am spending the night relaxing at the base of Vernritche Glacier and glad I’m out (of Turnback Canyon).”

AUG. 27 “At Dry Bay, the mouth of the Alsek. I can’t find the airfield in the dark….saw grizzly number 7. The Alsek Glacier was terrific with a whole string of ocean liners (icebergs) coming down.”

AUG. 28 “Got through on the radio to Layton Bennet. He will pick me up this evening in a float plane and take me Juneau with my kayak strapped outside. A man from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game flew in to interview me regarding the Alsek. He said the gorge is too fast for salmon, even kings, the only huge river known where the speed of the water stops fish. Usually it’s a dam or a falls.”

June 24-July 5 2021 Alsek River Adventure–We are super excited about this trip in 2021. Please join us for the trip of a lifetime!

If this blog was interesting to you, be sure to check out these trips offered by Colorado River & Trail Expeditions:

How Big is the Grand Canyon?

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 19:14:25 GMT

The Grand Canyon is massive. It was formed over millions of years by geologic processes including deposition, uplift, downcutting, and erosion. Today the Grand Canyon covers 1902 square miles in area. The state of Rhode Island is only 1212 square miles in size.

The Colorado River flows 277 miles through Grand Canyon from Lees Ferry to the Grand Wash cliffs. John Wesley Powell took the first river trip through the Grand Canyon in 1869. Today over 20,000 people travel by boat through the Grand Canyon each year. In comparison, approximately 6,000,000 people visit the Grand Canyon each year.

The Grand Canyon is over a mile deep. A mile high is 5280 feet which is about 145 of our Grand Canyon motorized rafts stacked end to end or 293 of our oar boats put end to end. As the Condor flies it is 10 miles across from the North Rim Village to the South Rim Village. It is a 21 mile hike across the canyon via the North Kaibab and South Kaibab trail system or 23.5 miles via the North Kaibab and Bright Angel Trail.

To fill the Grand Canyon it would take 1,100,758,441,558,442 gallons of water which is 5.45 trillion cubic yards. This is approximately the same volume as Haley’s Comet and 1,500,000 times bigger than the Great Pyramid of Giza.

John Wesley Powell’s Base of Operations: Kanab, Utah

Sun, 15 Dec 2019 18:11:31 GMT

John Wesley Powell’s River Trips

John Wesley Powell in 1872.

John Wesley Powell made the first two organized river expeditions through the Grand Canyon. The first expedition began at Green River, Wyoming, on the Green River. The expedition followed the Green River through the canyons of Lodore, Desolation, Labyrinth, and Stillwater before joining the Colorado River above Cataract Canyon. Powell and his crew continued through Cataract Canyon and Glen Canyon, finally arriving at Grand Canyon. The crew had started on May 24, 1869, but did not reach the Grand Canyon until August 4. Powell’s crew exited the Grand Canyon at the Grand Wash cliffs on August 29. A few days earlier, Bill Dunn and the Howland brothers, decided to leave the expedition and attempted to hike out of the Grand Canyon via Separation Canyon. They never made it.Powell’s second expedition followed the same route as the first trip. Except, this time Powell decided to stop at the mouth of the Paria River, and explore and map parts of what would become Southern Utah and Northern Arizona on horseback.

The Base of Operations 1871-72 Kanab, Utah

Powell’s first stop and the supply base for his operation was Kanab, Utah. All of the main members of Powell’s second expedition were in Kanab, Utah, in early December 1871. This included John Wesley Powell, A. H Thompson, W.C. Powell, F.S. Dellenbaugh, F.M. Bishop, E.O. Beaman, J.K. Hillers, S.V. Jones, and A.H. Hattan. Almon Harris Thompson was the leader when Powell was not around. He was also the astronomer for the expedition. W.C. Powell, Hillers, and Beaman were in charge of photography for the expeditions. Dellenbaugh and Bishop made maps, and Hattan was the cook.

The first order of business for the Powell expedition in Kanab was to set up a “base line.” A base line is a line of known distance that can be used to figure out distances across the countryside by using geometry and triangulation. Powell determined a spot just south of Kanab for the base line. The line was 9 miles long and under ideal conditions, it could be used to figure out distances as far as 60 miles. Thompson and the men set up a tent camp about 6 miles south of Kanab near present day Fredonia, Arizona. The camp was constructed on the middle of the base line, west of todays highway 89A.

Christmas day of 1871, the entire Powell expedition had a celebration. Emma Powell and Ellen Thompson made treats and plum pudding. The tent camp had a main tent with a stove in it. In addition there were two other separate tents for Powell and Thompson. The men finished their survey work around Kanab on February 21, 1871. Among their accomplishments was learning that Kanab was in Utah, 14,863 feet north of the Thirty-Seventh Parallel. The thirty seventh parallel makes the border of Utah and Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado, and Oklahoma and Kansas.

Powell and his group liked being in Kanab. They could pick up and mail letters. They had access to blacksmiths to repair broken items. There were carpenters to fabricate posts and other necessary survey equipment. They had people who could shoe their horses and keep track of their animals, and they could find help for their survey work. In town Powell cold buy meat, cheese, molasses, potatoes, vegetables, butter, and milk. In addition Kanab offered a social life for Powell’s men. They often attended dances at the Kanab schoolhouse, dined with people from Kanab, and Captain Francis Bishop even joined a debate group. John Wesley Powell’s wife Emma and his infant daughter spent some of the winter in Kanab. As did Powell’s sister and Thompson’s wife Ellen Powell Thompson. Ellen collected botanical species for the expedition.

Black and White photo of Kanab Utah.

Exploring Southern Utah and Northern Arizona and a River Trip Through Grand Canyon

From March until the first part of July the Powell Expedition explored the west end of the Kaibab Plateau, Dirty Devil River country, Henry Mountains, Mount Trumbull area, and Berry Spring(ten miles above Washington, Utah, on the Virgin River). Then it was time to get back on the Colorado River. The group headed back to Lees Ferry, and completed their second Colorado River expedition , 143 miles downstream at the mouth of Kanab Creek. They left their boats near where Kanab Creek joined the Colorado River. Powell and his men followed the small stream for approximately 50 miles back to the small settlement of Kanab, Utah.

At the end of November of 1872 the Powell party was disbanded. Most of the group headed back home to the eastern United States. Dellenbaugh and Thompson stayed and worked on the map that is published in Dellenbaugh’s book Canyon Voyage:

“The map we made in a tent in Dec. 1872 and Jan. 1873 in Kanab. was based on our triangulation from the nine mile measured base line at Kanab. . . . Prof. Thompson laid down the triangulation points and I drew in the topography assisted by John Renshaw a new comer then. This map was soldered in a tin tube which I carried on my back to Salt Lake in Feb. of 1873 and sent to Washington. It was there divided into two parts which are reproduced in my Canyon Voyage. ”

Preliminary Map No. 2, a map worked on by the Powell Party in Kanab, Utah.

CPAP in the Outdoors

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 17:51:42 GMT

Abel O. Nelson

Mount Sinyala view from the Muav Gorge

Approximately 22 million Americans have some form of sleep apnea; I am one of those fortunate folks and must use a CPAP machine to treat the condition. I have not allowed it, however, to impede my enjoyment of spending time outdoors, most often as a commercial river guide.

This write-up describes the solution I use to enable working up to 14-day rafting trips where the power grid is nowhere to be found.

There are a number of commercially available solutions for battery-powered CPAP machines, however, most assume access to a power source within 24 hours of one’s location to recharge the battery; whether it be a wall outlet at an established campsite or a camper vehicle with a generator.

Another option is the use of a deep-cycle marine battery to power a CPAP, frankly very effective, however, the battery can be quite heavy and unwieldy making it difficult to pack around. Those assumptions do not work for the environment I travel in and necessitate a more creative solution.

I settled on the following:

All of this fits into the Z1 travel bag, shown below, which packs into my waterproof river bag containing all my sleep gear; sleeping bag, sheets, pillow and warm stuff.

Complete Solar CPAP kit with size 12 Chaco sandal for scale

HDM has a battery kit as well as a DC mobile power adapter , but my insurance would not cover those additional items and I wanted a solar-rechargeable power source that could charge up my camera and other assorted electronics (yes, shouldn’t have all that stuff in the outdoors, but it *is* the 21st century!).

My solution allows me to treat my sleep apnea with virtually unlimited days out, so long as there are solar rays available.

The HME component is an inline humidifier, definitely not as efficient as my home machine, but helpful in the desert Southwest where I spend most my outdoor time.

Most, if not all, the outdoor/camping CPAP solutions recommend that one does not use the humidifier on a standard CPAP system. The power requirements necessary to heat water for humidification are simply too high for most battery powered machines causing the batteries to run down very quickly.

I am able to get approximately 20 hours of CPAP therapy with a single Sherpa 100 battery and with a spare I can keep one charging during the day and always have additional electrons, just in case. I understand that I could squeak more battery life if I disable the “Auto” function on the Z1 but my particular condition is best suited to auto-adjusted pressure throughout my sleep cycle.

I chain my Goal Zero solar panels (Nomad 28 Plus and Nomad 20) together to increase output while charging my batteries.

This kit has enabled me the pleasure of spending extended time outdoors without concern for maintaining CPAP usage compliance. The best thing of all though, is that I get a great night’s sleep every night outside under the stars!

Below is a photo of my Sherpa 100 (partially shaded) attached to the chained Nomad panels whilst the river trip crew takes a hike up a side canyon.

Chained charging in Havasu harbor, Grand Canyon NP

This is a close-up of the kit, less hose and 2nd panel. Extremely portable and completely TSA compliant, which means I can fly to my destination with the kit, and use the CPAP on the flight if I want to catch some zzz’s.

TSA-Compliant for air travel too!!

Additional links fo r further research and information:

Goal Zero

ResMed CPAP Camping Tips

ResMed Battery Guide (including specific models and their respective power draw)

Human Design Medical (manufacturer of the Z1 Auto)

Easy Breathe, Online CPAP Store

River Piracy…Without the Skull and Crossbones

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 19:45:06 GMT

Kaskawulsh Glacier, Slims River, and Kaskawulsh(Alsek) River and Stream Piracy due to Glacial Melting

Photo taken from the Yukon Government Website. Photo by Michael Schmidt July 16, 2016.

Over the past century many of the glaciers in Alaska and Canada have retreated due to Global Warming. One of these glaciers is the Kaskawulsh Glacier located in the Yukon Territory of Canada. This glacier has historically been the source of the Kaskawulsh River and the Slims River. The Kaskawulsh flows south eventually joining the Dezadeash to form the Alsek, eventually draining into the Pacific Ocean. The Slims River flows north and has been the main input of water into Kluane Lake, the largest lake in the Yukon. Kluane Lake is 50 miles long and covers an area of 158 square miles. The output of Kluane Lake flows into the Yukon River and on to the Bering Sea. In May of 2016, the Slims River suddenly reduced to a trickle and the Kaskawulsh became much larger. This was due to a new diversion channel that developed as the glacier continued to recede. This new diversion channel developed around the toe of the Glacier and caused the proglacial lake that fed the Slims river to drain into the Kaskawulsh River. This capture of the one river by another was documented in a study by the University of Washington Tacoma and is the first known case of “River Piracy” in modern times. Dan Shugar, a geoscientist from the University of Washington Tacoma, commented that “Geologists have seen river piracy, but nobody has documented it happening in our lifetimes.” Shugar continued by saying “People had looked at the geological record–thousands or millions of years ago–not the 21st century, where it is happening under our noses.”

It is also interesting to note that until about 300 years ago the Slims River flowed south out of Kluane Lake and was part of the the Alsek River drainage. Then during what has been termed a Little Ice Age somewhere in the late 1600s or early 1700s the Kaskawulsh Glacier advanced and completely blocked the Slims River. This blockage stopped the southern flow out of Kluane Lake and caused the Slims River to reverse direction. This in turn caused Kluane Lake to develop a new outlet on its northern shores which fed the Yukon River drainage. This outlet is the Kluane River and still exists today.

The effects of this river piracy were noticeable almost immediately. Over the summer of 2016, Kluane Lake dropped about 3 feet causing marinas to be inaccessible. In addition the exposed lake bed caused dust storms. The lower lake levels have also resulted in lower flows in the Kluane river causing concerns about reduced habitat for spawning salmon, and the animals that depend on the salmon as a food source. On the other side of the coin, the Alsek River drainage has seen a substantial increase in flow. From a river running standpoint this means a change in campsites, how rapids are run, and an overall faster, higher volume river.

Below are comparison photos taken of the Kaskawulsh Glacier and its outlets in June 2015 and June 2016. Some of the interesting things to look at are the Slims River, Kaskawulsh River and the changing sizes and shapes of the proglacial lakes. It is also worth taking note how Kluane Lake has shrunk exposing the vast gravel and dust plain of the Slims River.

Kaskawulsh Glacier with Slims River and Kaskawulsh River June 2015 PHOTO CREDIT NASA

June 2016

June 2015

Kaskawulsh Glacier with Slims River and Kaskawulsh River June 2016 PHOTO CREDIT NASA

It is amazing to see such big time geology happening on a river system we operate on. Below is a larger photo taken from Google Earth showing the Tatshenshini-Alsek River System along with the Kaskawulsh Glacier.

Tatshenshin-Alsek River System

Here is another shot from Google Earth showing where the Alsek River Drains as opposed to the Yukon River.

Yukon River Delta and Alsek River Delta

Between 2010 and 2015, we have noticed a similar occurrence to what is happening with the Kaskawulsh Glacier at the Fisher Glacier. The Fisher Glacier is located just below Lava North Rapid on the Alsek River adjacent to where the Alsek River above Bates River and Tweedsmuir Glacier River Gauge is located. On our first CRATE Alsek Rafting Trip in 2010 we camped at a beautiful sandy beach located at the mouth of the upper outlet of the fisher glacier. Martha Clark cooked delicious halibut fish tacos and Mindy Mackay spotted a wolverine running up the scree slopes behind camp. The next day we passed the lower outlet from Fisher Glacier and it was noteworthy because of what a big volume of water was coming down it. Over the next few years our trips didn’t camp in the area.

2010 Photo of Sandy Beach Fish Taco Camp with Clear Upper Fisher Glacier Outlet

Then, in 2015 we noticed the small clear glacial outlet was a raging silt laden river with 10 foot haystack waves extending all the way into the main channel of the Alsek River. The raging torrent completely covered the camp and even if it had not, there would have been absolutely no way to access it. The the next day we passed the lower outlet and it was essentially dry. Apparently as the Glacier had melted back during these 5 years the lower channel had been captured by the upper channel. In this case the water ended up in the same river only a few miles away, in contrast to what has happened at the Kaskawulsh where the Slims River water now enters the Pacific Ocean instead of the Bering Sea over 900 miles apart.

Fisher Glacier Upper and Lower Drainage Channels into Alsek River

A cool thing to note is this geology can be related to the Grand Canyon. In Wayne Ranney ’s book “CARVING GRAND CANYON Evidence, Theories, and Mysteries,” Wayne gives a synopsis of the Museum of Northern Arizona’s Bulletin #44. This bulletin breaks down the formation of Grand Canyon into 5 stages and includes the possibility that the Marble Canyon section of the Grand Canyon was carved by an ancestral river that flowed through the same drainage as the Little Colorado River today. This river may have been captured by headward erosion through the Kaibab Plateau by what is referred to in the bulletin as the”Hualapai Drainage System.” Resulting in the Colorado River in Marble Canyon following the present day course of the Colorado River through Grand Canyon, and the Little Colorado River becoming a tributary of the river system. This is a different vehicle to stream piracy than the melting of a glacier, but accomplishes the same process. It is also believed that the River Thames in Southern England had its course altered 450,000 years due to an expanding ice sheet. Other geologic vehicles that have resulted in Stream Piracy besides Glacial Melting, Headward Erosion, and Glacial Damming include Tectonic Uplift and Karst.

Rafts on the Tatshenshini River

What do rafting guides do in the offseason?

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 16:27:42 GMT

One of the most common questions fielded by rafting guides is “What do you do in the offseason?” As everyone knows guides work really hard during the river season. Long hours, hard physical labor, and the mental challenges that go along with taking care of guests and other guides are the norm for the better part of six months. When our last trips get off sometime towards the end of September our guides go in lots of different directions. Some of them work on Brine Shrimp boats on the Great Salt Lake or coach or patrol in the Ski Industry. A few of our guides are furthering their already impressive educations while others decide to take the time off of work and concentrate on travel.

At the CRATE office, things are more laid back during the fall and winter season. Our main focus is to gather bookings for the coming seasons. Considerable time is also spent attending meetings with the National Park Service and BLM, writing reports for the different agencies we work under, and organizing paperwork for the Federal Motor Carriers Division. Other office projects include working on marketing and social media, keeping our guides up to date on certifications, and answering questions via e-mail and phone calls.

Warehouse work this year has mainly consisted of rubber work on our boats and going through our outboard motors. In the photo below, one of our 37′ motorized rafts is ready to be painted.

Before the paint is applied the boat is checked to make sure it holds air adequately, rub pads are placed where the aluminum frame has started to wear through the fabric of the boat, and D-rings and valves are checked and replaced if necessary. Next, the boat is sanded down and any loose paint is removed. Finally, the boat is taped and painted.

Salt Lake Warehouse

37′ Motor raft used in Grand Canyon is ready for paint.

Boat after paint job.

Normally we use 11 side tubes in Grand Canyon and 6 in Green River for our Utah operations in Cataract Canyon . This past fall CRATE was awarded a contract to bid on National Park Service trips in Grand Canyon so we added 4 more tubes. So far we have not done any of the trips, but potentially we may need these extra tubes to run the trips.

Side tubes rolled out and checked over.

Side tubes are a similar process to the boat. This year each side tube was carefully looked at, patches were placed if necessary, and then sanded and painted accordingly. The side tubes and boats that we use for our motorized trips are incredibly well built and amazingly durable.

Army of Side Tubes

Painting Side Tubes in Fredonia, AZ.

Besides rubber work, we also spent time on our outboard engines. Most of the motors just needed routine maintenance and stabilized gas ran through them for the winter. Others needed much more work. This photo is taken of the piston from one of our pusher motors in Green River. The motor suddenly died on our last trip of the season. Apparently, one of the piston rings broke and gouged the piston and cylinder. Currently, the cylinder is being reamed out larger and a larger piston will be put in its place. Then we will put the engine back together and see if it runs.

More Rubber Work This Fall. Replacing Seam tape on one of our Havasu boats.

One of the great things about our offseason meetings is the places they are held. Utah meetings are held at Red Cliffs lodge along the Colorado River and Grand Canyon meetings are held at the Grand Canyon.

Our old pusher motor Z died on our last Westwater Trip of the season. It looks as though the piston ring broke and gouged the cylinder.

Sunset at Red Cliffs Lodge along the Colorado River.

Sand Wash and Hank Stewart

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 17:02:39 GMT

Desolation Canyon rafting trips on the Green River generally start at Sand Wash. Sand Wash is a dirt boat ramp about 100 miles North of Green River, Utah. The day before the trip starts our truck, crew, and gear drive from Green River, Utah to Sand Wash. Once at Sand Wash they rig the boats for the trip and prepare for the next morning when our guests arrive. Our guests fly up the morning of the trip from Green River, Utah on small 4-6 person planes and land on a dirt runway on a mesa above the Green River. Once at the runway their gear is transferred from the plane to the truck and one of our guides leads a mile and a half hike down to the river. Anyone unable to walk that far hops in the truck and is taken with the gear down through the dry wash back to the rafts. Once at the river, gear is loaded, life jackets are fitted, and everyone is given an orientation about the environment and safety. Then its on to the river for 5 days and 4 nights on one of the most beautiful and fun stretches of river anywhere.

Desolation Canyon rafters hike down from the dirt runway to Sand Wash.

The Green River has always been a barrier for travel. Early fur trappers and frontiersman had to ford the river or build boats out whatever they could find. Early in the 1900s it was still a major undertaking to build a bridge across a river the size of the Green. Henry “Hank” Stewart operated a ferry at what is now known as Sand Wah during the 1920s. The ferry was mainly used to transport livestock between summer and winter ranges. Up to 45,000 sheep passed by Sand Wash each year. The ferry had a capacity of 50 sheep per trip. They were sheared across the river from Sand Wash to what is referred to as the “Wrinkles” side. The wool was then carried out by Wagon. In Stewart’s best year he made $2700 dollars form the ferry. He charged 3 cents per sheep to use the ferry and one dollar per wagon.

Stewart sold the ferry somewhere around 1930 and moved to a different location. The ferry was operated under different management until 1952. In addition to the ferry Stewart also built a manger, livestock shelter, and cabin that you can still visit. Stewart transported his cabin to Sand Wash from Ouray, Utah. The cabin was disassembled, labeled, and hauled 35 miles over river ice to Sand Wash. The cabin has lost headroom over time due to spring floods depositing layers of mud on the floor. Stewart also built a work shed and corral. In addition to his work with the Ferry, Stewart was also a friend of Butch Cassidy and his gang, spoke the Ute language fluently, rowed for a couple different river surveys, ran a route for the United States Postal Service, and worked his own copper claims. He worked hard to make a living in an inhospitable location. John Wesley Powell wrote of the area around Sand Wash and Desolation Canyon that “the walls are almost without vegetation; a few dwarf bushes are seen here and there clinging to the rocks…we are minded to call this the Canyon of Desolation.”

Did you know in 1982 there were only 22 California Condors left in the world?

Sat, 16 Dec 2017 15:09:24 GMT

A conservation plan put in place by the United States Government led to the capture of all the remaining wild condors, which was completed in 1987. These few survivors were taken to two zoos in California to begin a captive breeding program. As the program successfully grew the condor population, the next step was to reintroduce them into the wild.

In 1991 and 1992, California Condors were reintroduced into the wild in California and Mexico. Then in 1996, California Condors were released in Arizona near the Grand Canyon on the Vermillion Cliffs.

Some guest on river trips , are lucky enough to see these amazing birds soar above the canyon walls. With a 9 foot wing span, it is truly a remarkable sight. They like to hang out around Navajo Bridge (which you float under), the Vermillion Cliffs, and the South Rim. Each condor has a number under its wing. You can go to peregrinefund.org/condor-list to learn more about that particular condor.

In 2016, there was an overall population of 446 condors, of which 276 were wild and 170 were captive. Following the condor recovery program can be very interesting. For more information, go to peregrinefund.org .

Endangered California Condor

History of Tohatsu Outboards

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 15:49:41 GMT

Tohatsu is Japan’s oldest outboard manufacturer. Tohatsu’s first outboard engine was built in 1956, and from the beginning were found on the belief of building an engine that is dependable and adaptable to different uses. Over the last 60 years the outboards have served a variety of different industries including rafting on the Colorado River, commercial fishing, marine transport, competition, and recreation. To keep up with the competition and customer demands, products have been developed and researched with know-how and advanced technology. Tohatsu built its first 4-stroke engine in 1998, its first TLDI(Two-Stroke, Low Presser, Direct, Injection) clean burning two stroke engine in 2000, and introduced the Everrun series aimed at commercial industries in 2011. Tohatsu was the first to offer a battery-less EFI system in the 30 HP that provides quick throttle response and very smooth rides on the water. This is the engine that Colorado River & Trail Expeditions uses on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon. Prior to manufacturing outboards “Takata Motor Research Institute,” which was founded in 1922 built train carriages, high-speed portable engine generators, motorcycles, and radio controlled generators.

Tohatsu Marine Corporation was set up in 1988 as joint venture with Brunswick Corporation, USA. Mercury Marine is a division of Brunswick Corporation and many of the smaller Mercury Outboards are just rebranded Tohatsu Engines. In addition, the entire line of Nissan outboards are rebranded Tohatsus. More recently Evinrude/Bombardier released a press release saying that they would be rebranding small Tohatsu engines for their line, and Tohatsu has begun using larger Honda outboards(60, 75, 90, 115, 150, 200, 225 and 250 hp models) to fill out their line-up. All in all Tohatsu seems to have a pretty amazing line of engines.

Tohatsu Outboard Engine on raft.

Tohatsu’s USA headquarters is located in Carrollton, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. All of Tohatsu’s outboard engines are produced in Japan. A new state of the art warehouse was built in central Japan in 2005 that has 370,000 square feet of space and a production capacity of over 200,000 outboards per year.

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions was the first to use the Tohatsu four stroke 30 hp outboard engine for rafting the Grand Canyon in 2002. We have been impressed with the Tohatsu from that first trip and continue to utilize the Tohatsu 30 hp which over time has evolved from a carbureted model to an electronic fuel injected model or EFI. The 30 HP weighs about 158 lbs in its basic form which is very competitive with Honda and other manufacturers. The engine does a great job in the rapids and heat of Grand Canyon and very rarely has been swapped out for the spare because of a mechanical problem.

It is always fun to hear questions about the outboard engines on river trips. In general our guests are pretty amazed with how quiet the motors are. Many of our guests also like to tell about their Tohatsu at home that “just keeps running.”

We specialize in the Tohatsu 30 Horsepower outboard engine. We know a lot about these engines and sell them new and used. If you are looking to buy an engine, or have a question about the Tohatsu 30 comment below or send us an e-mail with subject line Tohatsu 30 to crate@crateinc.com .

Two Boats down in the bottom of the Grand Canyon facilitating a quick loop hike between Escalante and 75 mile canyons.

Did you know Canyonlands National Park was designated as a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park?

Fri, 08 Dec 2017 14:51:53 GMT

Did you know Canyonlands National Park was designated as a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park?

You might be wondering what is a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park. It is a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for it’s scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and or public enjoyment.

“The Milky Way stretching across the Park’s incredibly dark night sky is a sight many visitors will never forget,” said Canyonlands Superintendent Kate Cannon.

Canyonlands is an amazing place to see and explore during the day but it is also an amazing place to be at night. Traveling by boat into the heart of Canyonlands gives you an incredible opportunity to view the night sky without any artificial light. Imagine sleeping under that amazing blanket of stars after a wonderful day of hiking and rafting. The red rocks around you, the stars above you and the river beside you.

Join us on a fabulous rafting trip this year in Canyonlands National Park

A sky full of stars along the Colorado River. Photo Courtesy of Steve Biel.

The Kaibab Suspension Bridge

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 19:01:37 GMT

One of the first signs of civilization you see on a Grand Canyon rafting trip after leaving Lee’s Ferry is the Kaibab Bridge. The Kaibab Suspension Bridge is located just upstream of the Boat Beach at Phantom Ranch. It connects the South Kaibab Trail with the North Kaibab Trail. Less than a mile below the Kaibab Suspension Bridge is the Silver Bridge which connects the Bright Angel Trail to the North Kaibab Trail. Mules bringing supplies and people down the Bright Angel Trail generally use a connection trail to get to the Kaibab Bridge from the Bright Angel Trail because the Kaibab Bridge has a solid floor, whereas the Silver Bridge can be seen through. Also the Kaibab Bridge seems less wobbly.

The Kaibab Bridge was completed in 1928. It connected the canyon in a way it never had before. Prior to 1928 the only way to cross the river between the North and South Kaibab trail was via David Rust’s cable car. In order to build the bridge, humans and mules carried 122 tons of material down the trail from the rim. Forty-two Havasupai tribesman carried the one-ton, 550-foot suspension cables.

The Kaibab Suspension Bridge

Photo: GRCA Museum and Archives #10111

Photo: NAU Cline Library, Emery Kolb Collection, NAU.PH.568.9399

If you have ever hiked from the Colorado River up to Phantom Ranch from the Boat Beach, you have probably noticed a grave located on your right hand side just before your first sighting of Bright Angel Creek. This is the grave of Rees B. Griffith. Griffith was a Trail Foreman who was killed by a large boulder that was dislodged from a blast excavation he was inspecting. This unfortunate event happened in the canyon he loved so dearly on February 6, 1922.

Wildlife Viewing on the Tatshenshini or Alsek—Wolverines

Fri, 01 Dec 2017 20:34:51 GMT

Wolverines have a reputation for being ver y mean solitary animals but a lot of stories we hear are not true. A recent study by Fish and Games researchers tracked 18 wolverines between September 2007 and March 2014 to find out just what they are up to. Here are some interesting facts they found.

Wolverines will interact with each other and wrestle and play as long as food is abundant.
Their eyesight and hearing are not very good but they have an incredible sense of smell.
They have a high mortality rate for their young. Two to four kits born in the spring usually become one to two by fall. Females have a litter about every other year starting at three years of age.
Wolverines can cover 30 miles a night and have incredible stamina.
They have an amazing ability to travel through rough mountainous terrain.
They are mostly scavengers but also hunt snowshoe hares, voles, ground squirrels and marmots.
They have a very thick warm coat.
Wolverines also have very strong jaws. This is important for crushing bones and eating frozen meat.
They have strong claws for climbing, digging and defense.
Wolverines have a large home territory. Females cover 115 to 230 square miles and males cover 270 to 380 square miles.

It is amazing to see these creatures in their habitat from the raft or camp, so join us on an Alsek or Tatshenshini river trip for some spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities.

Wolverine in its natural habitat.

Did you know you might see a wolverine on a Tatshenshini or Alsek River Trip ?

In recent years one of our best wolverine viewing opportunities happened along the Alsek River near the Fisher Glacier. Our camp was set up along the clear blue waters of the outlet of the lake below the glacier. The camp was full of white sand and the camping opportunities were abundant. We had just ran Lava North Rapid and were being treated to some of Martha Clark’s delicious Halibut Fish Tacos. As the evening progressed Mindy Mackay noticed a wolverine running up a scree slope behind our camp. From our viewpoint it was clear that the wolverine would not be able to rim out using this path. The wolverine was incredibly fit and climbed the 200 yards of 70 degree vertical scree, realized it could not make it up the last 20 foot cliff, turned around, and ran back to the bottom. Then it moved over 50 yards and tried again…finishing the climb with the same fate. Finally on the third attempt it found a scree slope that enabled it to rim out into the pine trees above camp. In all we had seen the wolverine for about 5 minutes. It was one of the best wildlife viewings ever. Although you don’t see a wolverine every trip, it is an incredible wildlife sighting when it happens.

Cooking Fish Tacos at the Wolverine Camp. John Toner, Martha Clark, Mindy Mackay, and Bruce Quayle.

Impressions of The Grand Canyon From the Private Guest Book of John Hance

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 05:01:19 GMT

Personal Impressions of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado is a book collected and compiled by GK Woods of the personal impressions left by Captain John Hance’s guests during the 1890s. It was published for GK Woods, Flagstaff, Arizona Territory by the Whitaker & Ray Company of San Francisco in 1899. The book is particularly interesting to river runners of the Grand Canyon. It is fun to compare and contrast what visitors think about the Grand Canyon today with those who visited it over 100 years ago. As a river guide some of the comments below could be taken out of a personal river guest log this past summer. Moreover Captain John Hance is a legend to river runners because of his tent camp and guiding, his famous storytelling, the asbestos mines, and the rapid that has taken his name.

1899 Book Compiled by GK Woods of the comments in Captain John Hance’s personal guestbook.

Captain John Hance moved to the Grand Canyon from Tennessee in 1883 looking to make his fortune mining the walls of the Grand Canyon. After a huge amount of work building trails and mining a small amount of Copper and Asbestos, Hance realized there was much more gold and silver in the tourists pockets who were starting to flock to Grand Canyon. Hance turned his life work toward being a guide and hotelier. He built the first tent camp on the rim of the Grand Canyon and placed an ad in the Flagstaff Paper explaining his expertise in showing guests the Grand Canyon. With a hiking trail connecting rim to river already in place from mining, Hance was successful from the beginning of this endeavor.

Hance was known for spinning tall tales around the campfire at night or anytime he had an audience. Apparently he would of been a great poker player because many new visitors to the Grand Canyon believed every word he said. Some of his more famous tales include telling guests the Grand Canyon is so hot at the bottom that the wings of flies melt off, about the time he rode his trusty mule across the cloud filled Grand Canyon, and how he single handedly dug the Grand Canyon. One time during this storytelling a young girl tugged at Hance’s shirt and asked what happened to all the dirt. For the first time in his life Hance was lost for words. Supposedly Hance’s last words were “yeah, what did I do with all that dirt.”

From his guestbook it is clear that Captain John Hance was an amazing guide, storyteller, and overall good guy. His guests loved him and he loved the Grand Canyon. John Hance passed away in 1919 which is the same year that Grand Canyon became a National Park. Hance is buried in the small cemetery on the South Rim. In addition Hance Rapid is named after the Captain.

Captain John Hance

A Sample of Personal Impressions From John Hance’s Private Guest Book:

“I can cheerfully say that this, the Grand Canon of the Colorado River, is the grandest sight of my life-as I noticed in this little book of Capt. John Hance, a great many people say indescribable. I can say no more.”

Mrs. Geo. T. Dornliff, Illinois May 20, 1891

“By all means visit the Grand Canon of the Colorado River, in Arizona. See Hance, too.”

E.R. Herman, California September 1891

“Of all the sights in the world this is the greatest sight I ever have seen. Words cannot tell the grandeur, beauty, immensity, and sublimity of this wonderful production of Nature’s own work. I would advise all tourists to visit this canon. You cannot be disappointed. The beautiful forests we travel through going to the canon is worth the trip alone. I am coming again to stop here for a month. I have visited many places, but this beats them all. Good-by.”

O.S. Gardner, Massachusetts October 13, 1891

“Intended to come last fall with Geological Congress, but am contented to open the ball for 1892, “Mente et Malleo,” as a special correspondent of Scientific American . Went down Hance trail with Mr. Boucher, and stayed overnight, returning next day; enjoyed it immensely. Found the trail in excellent order, and made the trip comfortably”

Horace C Hovey, Middletown, Conn. April 9, 1892

“I could hope all the those who come to the canon would get Hance to show them something of what he know, and that is more than can be suspected simply on the first outlook. Much of my intense pleasure I owe to him.”

I.R. Baxley, Santa Barbara, Cal. 1892

“I arrived at Flagstaff on the 25th of June, 1892, from Syracuse, NY, and started on the 26th of June for the Grand Canyon of the Colorado by stage line. After riding all day through some of the the largest forests of pines, and the most beautiful valleys that I have ever seen, I arrived at the canon just when the sun was setting. On the morning of June 27th, myself and several others were guided over the trail and into the canon by Captain John Hance. After winding around here and there over the trail for several miles, we reached the river, which is a grand sight. After resting an hour, and a plunge in the river, we started for the rim, arriving about dusk. I have traveled all over the United States, have been about all the sights, but I have never seen such a wonderful and marvelous piece of nature’s own work as this, the Grand Canon of the Colorado River.”

Geo. Marshall, Syracuse, NY June 28, 1892

“I have never witnessed anything like this. It scares me to even try to look down into it. My God, I am afraid the whole country will fall into this great hole in the ground.”

Mrs. John Z. T. Varmer July 9, 1892

“This is a warm place. I fainted when I saw this awful looking canon. I never wanted a drink so bad in my life. Captain, I won’t forget you for bringing me the oyster-can full of water. Good-by”

Gertrude B. Stevens July 12, 1892

“Universal comment is that it is too sublime for expression, too wonderful to behold, without awe, and beyond all power of mortal description.”

Buffalo Bill Expedition to Grand Canon of Colorado, WF Cody(Buffalo Bill) November 14, 1892

“God made the canon, John Hance the trails. Without the other, neither would be complete.”

Wm. O. O’Neill January 25, 1893

“Nature’s masterpiece is what I call the Grand Canon of the Colorado. Why Americans will go to Europe and around the world, where they can see nothing to equal it, before they have looked upon this marvelous spectacle in their own land, I cannot imagine. On September 12th I made the trip, with guide, from the rim down Hance trail to the river, and returned in eleven hours; but I would advise anyone of average strength and endurance to take the usual two days for the trip.”

Mattison W. Chase, Ogdensburg, New York, September 1893

“We have been to Moran Point, and we would like to go to the river, but I do not think we can. I think it is very, very deep, and grand, and that it must have taken a very long time to make it. I would like to stay here forever, it is so beautiful.”

Caroline Hadley(Age 9) August 22, 1895

“To Mr. Hance I wish a few gold-mines and many years of health and happiness besides.”

Dr. S.A. Knopf May 12, 1896

“It is a chasm to afford a place wherein the soul may seek repose, and which may prompt the deepest emotions to great activity, and lift man above himself.”

WM. Stowe Dervol, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona August 12, 1896

“Anyone who comes to the Grand Canon, and fails to meet Captain John Hance, will miss half the show…..Long live Captain Hance.”

T.C. Poling, Quincy Ill., July 2, 1897

“Glorious, laborious. Glad I went. Thankful its over. Special thanks to Captain John Hance. Splendid guide, in spite of his economy of the truth.”

David Forbes, New York City, NY, September 29, 1897

“Captain John Hance,–a genius, a philosopher, and a poet, the possessor of a fund of information vastly important,–if true. He laughs with the giddy, yarns to the gullible, talks sense to the sedate, and is a most excellent judge of scenery, human nature, and pie. To see the canon only, and not to see Captain John Hence, is to miss half the show.”

Chester P. Dorland, Los Angeles, Cal., August 26, 1898

Original Hance Cabin

In addition to tourism, and prior to that mining, John Hance tried to make some money from the patent and sell-off of his asbestos mining claims on the North Side of the river below Hance rapid. Hance patented 325 acres in 1901 and sold them to his Hance Asbestos Mining Company. Grand Canyon Park administrators basically missed them until William Randolph Hearst bought the 325 acre parcel inside the boundary of Grand Canyon National Park for back taxes in the 1950s. Today the land is the only privately owned parcel in Grand Canyon.

Today river runners are still reminded of Captain John Hance by the rapid that bares his name at the bottom of the Hance Trail. In addition, there are historical old mines and artifacts dotting the canyon walls. So next time you pass mile 76 think about Hance and the impact he had on so many people coming to the Grand Canyon for the first time in the 1890s.

“A Sinclair Public Service Message on America’s Need for more Outdoor Recreation Opportunities”

Thu, 02 Feb 2017 20:48:16 GMT

“for as our population grows, more of our scenic heritage should be preserved…to give all Americans, for all time, the spiritual refreshment of Nature’s Spectacular wonders.”

With all that is happening today it was refreshing to see an ad put out in support of protecting our natural resources by an oil company. The ad from 50 years ago seems so relevant. It would be great to see something like this today for Bears Ears, Greater Canyonlands, or Greater Grand Canyon.

While thumbing through an old magazine from the early 1960s I came upon this ad put out by Sinclair Oil Company.

Utah Rafting Predicted to Be Epic

Tue, 17 Jan 2017 13:16:59 GMT

Water Supply Looking Good For Utah Rivers

The Colorado River Basin Forecast Center report released on January 16, 2017 predicts an incredible summer of rafting on Utah’s Green and Colorado Rivers. The latest model predicts the water supply at Green River, Utah will be greater than 130% of normal, and the Colorado River at Cisco, Utah will be 110-130% of normal. These high numbers are a result of a series of storms that blanketed Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado with snow.

What This Means For Utah Rafting

If you have been waiting to experience high flows and huge rapids then come see them in Cataract Canyon . Colorado River & Trail Expeditions has 3 and 4 day motorized launches scheduled throughout May and June, and 6-day oar powered trips in July and August when the water drops out. We can also do custom dates and trip lengths for groups of 12 or more. Historically the peak flow should happen sometime between Memorial Day and the middle of June. At flows above 40,000 cfs the Colorado River in Cataract Canyon has rapids bigger than the Grand Canyon. When the river drops out the rapids are still fun and exciting.

2017 should also be a great year for river rafting on the Green River through Desolation Canyon . Desolation Canyon’s rapids are smaller than Cataract Canyon, but they are greater in numbers and give participants the chance to be the captain of their own ship in inflatable kayaks. Desolation Canyon is a great choice for multi-generational groups and families because it is more suitable for younger kids and offers something for everyone. CRATE starts our Desolation Canyon season in mid May and trips are scheduled into August.

I want to go! Now What?

To check availability or make a reservation please call us at 1-800-253-7328 or send an e-mail to crate@crateinc.com . We will be happy to answer any questions you might have and prepare you for your Utah rafting adventure.

Life Magazine Infamous Lava Falls Photograph

Fri, 13 Jan 2017 05:01:45 GMT

From Life Magazine Caption: Kenneth Kementis shot this rare mishap on a Colorado River raft trip. No one was injured and Klementis won First Prize in the Amateur Action category.

The above photo, which has shown up in numerous books, on countless walls, and more recently on the internet comes from a special double issue of Life Magazine showcasing their photo contest of 1970. The issue was published on Christmas Day 1970. The photographer is Kenneth Klementis who was awarded a $5000 prize for winning the Amateur Action category of Life’s 1970 photo contest.

Along the left margin the title of the photo is called “Stopping the Action.” The description of the photo from Life Magazine is:

This picture of a boatload of vacationers about to get a dunking in the Colorado River perfectly illustrates a few of the problems and rewards of action photography. At least four photographers are watching the sudden drama. But one (extreme left) is reacting too slowly to get a good shot. Another (left of boat) is so involved in the event that he has forgotten his camera. A third (behind the boat) has started shooting but is unluckily in the wrong positions and can see only the underside of the raft. Only the fourth, Kenneth Klementis, who took this picture, had the combination of good luck, reflexes and skill that produces the exciting action photography we show on these pages.

Fred Harvey’s Hermit Camp

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 05:02:30 GMT

Today at the office, we were looking at an old softcover book published by the Fred Harvey company called “ The Story of the Grand Canyon. ” The book was originally published in 1917, but our copy is a tenth edition published in 1926. On the cover of the book is a drawing of the old Hermit Camp with the towering walls of the Redwall Limestone behind it. On our rafting trips in Grand Canyon we occasionally do a hike we call the “Granite to Hermit” hike. The hike starts at Granite Rapids, follows Monument Creek up past its namesake and eventually reaches the Tonto Platform. From there the hike follows the Tonto downstream to the Hermit Drainage, descends into Hermit Creek, and finally ends at Hermit Rapid. Right before the trail leaves the Tonto Platform and heads down into Hermit Creek there are a series of foundations and other ruins from the old Hermit Camp that can be seen off to the left. The hike is a favorite to many because of the feeling of being in the middle of it all–the rim, the river, the side canyons, the buttes and mesas, the temples. There are fantastic views in all directions. There is also some really interesting history related to the Hermit Camp. Seeing the cover of the book sparked our interest to learn more.

Cover artwork showing the Hermit Camp

The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway reached the rim of the Grand Canyon around the turn of the century, and they desired to bring folks down into the Grand Canyon for monetary reasons. Ralph Cameron controlled the Bright Angel Trail at the time and he was charging a toll for everyone who traversed the trail. So, the Railway went to the next best place to build a trail, which turned out to be the Hermit Trail. The route, like most in Grand Canyon, had been used by Native Americans. The Railway hired the L.J. Smith Construction Company to build a trail big enough for the safe passage of people and equines. The trail was named after the “Hermit,” Louis Boucher, who operated several mines and prospected in the area. During this same time frame the railroad constructed the Hermit Camp on the Tonto Platform next to Hermit Creek. Guests would start their trip with a 9 mile stagecoach ride from the Train Station to Hermit’s rest. At Hermit’s rest they would ride mules down the trail to the camp, usually arriving early in the afternoon. From there, many guests would walk the short distance down Hermit Creek to the Colorado River and return back to the Hermit Camp in the early evening. The scene would probably look similar to Phantom Ranch today with guests eating together and telling tales of their Grand Canyon experience. After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, guests would return to Hermit’s Rest via a Mule, and then ride the stage coach back to the Train Station and the El Tovar.

Back to the Early 1900s.

Fred Harvey Postcard Showing Hermit Camp around 1920

The Hermit Camp was operated by the Fred Harvey Company, a partner of the railroad. Plenty of time and money was put into the venture to provide first class accommodations. Guests stayed in tent cabins that featured windows, Native American rugs, and stoves. In addition, visitors had electricity, telephone service, and even showers. The central dining room was complete with meat, vegetables, fresh fruit, and ice. The building cost of the trail and camp was about $100,000.00. In 1912 the camp was composed of 11 canvas tent cabins and a Dining Hall. At full capacity the camp could accommodate 30 guests. In 1927 the mule trip, overnight accommodations, and the meals cost $18.25 per person. With inflation this translates to about $275 per person today, close to the same price of a trip to Phantom Ranch today.

In 1914 Mary Colter designed Hermit’s Rest at the beginning of the Hermit trail as a place to relax and buy gifts after hiking the Hermit Trail. In 1925-26 a 4000 foot aerial tram was built from Pima Point down to the Hermit Camp. The tram was used to ship supplies to the camp. In 1930, the National Park Service (NPS) persuaded the railroad to abandon Hermit Trail and Hermit Camp and focus its attention on Phantom Ranch. This lead to the closing of Hermit Camp which had hosted thousands of guests in its 18 year run.

Fred Harvey Takes Over

Photo of the Hermit Camp Tramway that transported supplies from Pima Point down the to Camp from 1926-1930

In 1930 the NPS had recently purchased the Bright Angel Trail from Ralph Cameron and completed a rim to rim trail along the North and South Kaibab. In addition they believed it would be better to develop one central corridor of trails and lodging to protect the Grand Canyon for future generations. Phantom Ranch also was a more desirable location than the Hermit Camp because of its proximity to the Colorado River and Bright Angel Creek. Hermit Camp continued to deteriorate until 1936 when the NPS ordered the dismantling of it. The tram was taken down and the buildings were destroyed. In November, during a cold night, visitors near Grand Canyon Village watched a huge blaze, as anything left of the camp was burned to the ground. The only remnants of the camp today are the tramway’s concrete foundation, steel wheels and cables, a cellar, a corral, and the concrete building foundations and sidewalks. So next time you find yourself hiking the Granite-Hermit Loop in conjunction with a Grand Canyon rafting trip be sure to check out this interesting piece of Grand Canyon history.

Grand Canyon National Park Service

Another Grand Canyon Mystery with Unusual Suspects

Thu, 05 Jan 2017 13:44:58 GMT

It was an exchange day. We had all awoken an hour pre-dawn, made coffee, packed bags, cooked breakfast, taken down the kitchen and bathroom and were loading the last pieces of odd shaped gear onto our 3 small oar rafts and 1 paddle raft when Chad came up to me and mentioned he could not find his wallet. It was still early, and the late September sun had not yet reached our boats floating in the eddy at Zoroaster. A beautiful camp located a few miles above Phantom Ranch nestled in the inner gorge of the Grand Canyon. We asked him which number his sleep kit was and unpacked the black and yellow dry bag after searching amongst the boats. He quickly opened the bag and searched through the Paco Pad, Sleeping Bag, and ground tarp. He could not find it and the crew did a secondary quick search of the sleep kit. We could not either. Next we brought the dry bag with his personal gear onto shore. Once again no luck. We as a group had become pretty close during the first 5 days on the trip. It was a small charter trip, in which most of the participants were part of the paddle boat team. They were all close knit and had brought the crew into their personal friends circle. They played games and recounted stories about their days rafting the whitewater of Grand Canyon late into the nights.

Team of Grand Canyon Paddlers.

After having no luck with his personal dry bag we quizzed him to find out the point last seen of his wallet. Upon this questioning we learned that in addition to his wallet missing, he was also missing his phone. Both items had been sealed in a small ziplock bag. As he laid his head down to look at the night sky he had placed the small bag on the sand underneath his cot. In the morning the entire ziplock bag had disappeared. Although I don’t think Chad ever thought it, I immediately had the thought cross my mind that he may have thought one of the crew took it. I knew this was not what had happened, but nevertheless, upon talking to the rest of the crew I was not alone in this terrible thought. Moving forward the crew started taking the dozen cots off of the raft and going through them one by one. We all looked through the individual cot bags and unrolled the blue roll-a-cot bundles. Still there was no sign of the wallet, phone, or ziplock bag. By now it was about 8:00 Utah and Navajo time. Chad wanted to push-off and head downstream, but I have always learned from my Dad to never give up, especially when it comes to missing items. About this time I had a memory pass through my mind.

The Colorado River

Six or seven years earlier Mindy and I had been camped along the river in the inner gorge below Phantom Ranch. In the middle of the night we had awoken to the sound of banging aluminum on rock above us. We immediately grabbed our headlights and shone them upon the pillar of Vishnu Schist above us. The banging immediately stopped and two little beady eyes shown in the light as if to be agitated. Then the eyes disappeared and the clanging started again moving higher and farther away by the second. We looked at each other and realized we had not thrown away our pack lunch from the day. It had been in a sealed ziplock bag next to our sleeping bags full of apple cores, granola bar wrappers, and a couple of smashed coke cans. It was now 300 feet above us in the mouth of some critter. We immediately knew the culprit. The ringtail cat(Bassariscus astutus) is a mammal of the raccoon family, native to arid regions of North America. They have fluffy black and white ringed tails, are nocturnal, and look very innocent and lovable. They are also very mischievous and enjoy wreaking havoc on Grand Canyon rafters by getting onto rafts in search of a quick meal.

Grand Canyon Night Sky

I relayed this story to the group and said that a ringtail cat must have mistaken the phone and wallet for a meal. I don’t think many people believed me. Regardless I was the trip leader, and forced everyone to spread out amongst the camp and look around and under the rocks for the missing items. Ten minutes passed then twenty minutes, there was still no ziplock bag, wallet, or phone. Instead, Mindy had found a stash of three old toothbrushes, one tube of toothpaste, and a ball of wrappers under a big rock just past the sand. Everyone returned back to the boats figuring the wallet must be in a pack or bag or some other random place, and would turn up once things were unloaded up on the rim of the Grand Canyon. I convinced everyone to search for ten more minutes beyond where we had looked previously. I started walking upstream. About 50 yards beyond the point where the beach gave way to the talus slope my eyes opened wider and I started to grin. On top of the crushed black rocks was a ziplock bag with phone and wallet. Near the corner of the bag was a half circle cut out where the ringtail cat had bit the bag to haul it off. After getting the treasure a safe distance from camp the ringtail must have realized there was no food in the bag and left it there. Mystery solved!

We left camp by 8:30 and were hiking up the Bright Angel trail from Pipe Creek shortly thereafter. Chad had his stolen wallet, and everything turned out for the best.

The mischievous and adorable thief.

—-Walker

Saddle Canyon Flood

Thu, 01 Dec 2016 14:09:34 GMT

I first witnessed Saddle Canyon in the mid 90s, and I have been captivated by its narrow walls, greenery, and small gurgling stream ever since. On a 2-boat motor trip in early August 2016, while driving past Saddle Canyon on my way to the Little Colorado, I had noticed that a big flood had come down the canyon. The delta entering the river was barren of greenery, and where the plants and vegetation once stood was now covered in cobble sized rocks, dead trees, and some black charcoal sand. It was obvious a big flood had come through the canyon, and I made a mental note at that time that I needed to make sure to see Saddle Canyon the next time I was fortunate enough to travel through the Grand Canyon.

The Old Saddle Waterfall

Three days later, on that same early August trip our group got to witness firsthand a powerful monsoon storm. The rain began just below 140 mile canyon. Shortly after, hail the size of nickels started, and side tube tarps and spare life jackets were brought out to protect our guests from the sharp pain caused from the falling ice. Then the rimfalls started. I remember thinking how lucky I was to be able to eat Ice out of the sky at the bottom on Grand Canyon in August while watching upward of 100 different rimfalls cascade off the cliffs of the Muav Gorge. We stopped at Olo and watched the thundering dark red waterfall. The guides: myself, Ben Reeder, Wayne Ranney, Jennifer Lair, and Ryan Pearl all were excited to take photos and share their excitement with each other. Then the rain stopped and the sun emerged. Probably the storm had only lasted 30 minutes but had made a huge impact on the landscape and those lucky individuals who got to be part of it. A couple days later we witnessed the newly formed Granite Springs Rapid and heard the tale of a trip that had been stuck at Diamond Creek for a couple of days. They had hiked up the canyon and mentioned the D10 was stuck on an Island of gravel between two huge ravines.

This Boulder is Gone!

Fast Forward to September 1. Our trip had spent the morning in the Supai Sandstone of North Canyon, ate lunch at Redwall Cavern, and now was enjoying the overcast weather provided by a light wall of clouds above and around us. The plan was to hike Saddle in the afternoon and see what the flood from early August had done. As we rounded the bend at Saddle, two other trips must have had a similar idea. Azra, with Wayne Ranney and Jed, looked like they were just about ready to head downstream, and Western’s two boats of guides and guests were probably not too far behind. My trip was just one boat, and we set up camp at the lower Saddle camp. After Western left, we would make our way up the canyon. It became incredibly annoying when the Sun decided to break free of the clouds just as we started the unloading process. Then, just as the last dish bucket was filled and put on the table, the clouds once again covered the sun. Not long after, the shadow from the Redwall cliffs blanketed our camp, Westerns boats disappeared, snacks were passed out, water bottles filled, and our group started hiking. Yendor, our celebrity crew member, volunteered to stay behind and keep our camp safe from ravens and wind gusts.

Saddle Flood by Paul Montano

As we made our way up the trail our group separated into two. I was leading the faster hikers and my swamper Ryan Curry was sweeping and keeping track of the slower hikers and those taking a lot of photos. By the time our faster group got up to the lush green valley there was a small spattering of rain drops. The rain then stopped and started again. This time it was steady, but really light. As we got to the narrows I was captivated by the big changes that had occurred. The small pools were filled with gravel and all of the plants and flowers at the mouth of the narrows were gone. Then, as I rounded the next bend I noticed the huge chokestone was gone, and it was an easy stroll to the bottom of the waterfall that had grown by about eight feet now that the debris and gravel held by the chokestone was gone. I tried to explain to my small group how big the chokestone was. With my hands outstretched I explained it was about 8 feet tall by 10 feet wide and extended at least 8 feet back. By this rough calculation it was comprised of 640 cubic feet of rock. I knew a cubic foot of concrete weighed 150 pounds. Therefore the rock must have weighed 96000 lbs or almost 50 tons. And it was gone. There was no sign of it anywhere. From where the rock once stood I looked at the clear cascade of water coming over the top of the waterfall. Recalling all of the pushing and pulling I had done over the years to get my adventurous passengers to the base of the waterfall and beyond into upper Saddle Canyon with Dave Brown and Zak Reeder. Then I noticed a drastic change in cloud color in the upper Saddle drainage. I told everyone it was time to go. We didn’t want to experience the fate of the 50 ton boulder. Just about that time it started raining hard and I hurried my group of six out of the narrows and on our way back to camp. Paul Montano, a great photographer on the trip, took a couple photos on the way out. Paul was in awe of the rain, light, and small trickles starting to come down the narrow walls.

Camp after the Rain

We caught up to our slower group, who had also decided to turn around, at the end of the valley, and everyone was heading down enjoying the sounds of thunder and the big rainstrorm from the safety of the upper slope trail. As we neared the end of the trail a big rimfall could be seen flowing from the canyon upstream of Saddle. Then, as we were careening through the switchbacks the roar started. At first I thought it was from a windshift carrying sound from the upper side canyon flash flood, but as we traveled to where the trail leveled off it was obviously coming from the Saddle Canyon drainage. Saddle had flashed big again and it was full of dark brown sludge and rolling boulders shaking the ground. I looked at my watch and exactly 45 minutes ago we had been at the narrows when the rain started coming down in sheets.

–Walker

The Sierra Club Cup

Sun, 20 Nov 2016 18:48:31 GMT

Version 1 of our Colorado River & Trail Expeditions Sierra Club Cup.

Version 2 of our Colorado River & Trail Expeditions Sierra Club Cup.

A few months ago while organizing and cleaning up some of our old gear we came across some “Colorado River & Trail Expeditions” stamped Sierra Club cups. Before we switched over to insulated plastic and stainless steel cups 30 years ago, sometime in the 1980s we outfitted our guests and guides with Sierra Club cups. They were in some ways the swiss army knife of early river running. They were used to lift coffee pots and dutch ovens off of driftwood fires; drink coffee, tea, water, lemonade, and hot chocolate; consume meals and desserts; measure out ingredients, cook with, and purify drinking water over the fire. They were usually worn on the belt and didn’t come off except for sleeping. They are a symbol of a different time in river running when the experience was absent of many of the creature comforts of todays elaborate expeditions. A time when it was standard practice to burn your lip on the steel rim of the Sierra Club Cup while drinking your morning coffee.

John Muir relaxing with his tin cup that would later evolve into the Sierra Club cup

John Muir whose environmental activism helped to preserve and protect the Yosemite Valley, Sequoia National Park, and many other wilderness areas co-founded the Sierra Club along with Professor Henry Senger, a philologist at the University of California-Berkeley in 1892. Muir was famous for trekking through the wilderness with “only a tin cup, a handful of tea, a loaf of bread, and a copy of Emerson.” This tin cup eventually evolved into the sierra club cup.

Below is a story taken from Yosemite National Park’s website:

Curious Matters: A Tin Cup with a Story

July 23, 2015 Posted by: HG – Museum Intern

Sometimes John Muir seems like a myth. Like a fantastical Greek god that strolled the forests belaying his unquestionable wisdom upon the creatures of uncharted lands and the withered pages of his notebooks. As he trekked through the backcountry of Yosemite, he triumphantly carried “only a tin cup, a handful of tea, a loaf of bread, and a copy of Emerson.” The fact that the Yosemite Museum has his tin cup in its collection has fueled accusations of hero-worship. With his quotations written in italics on the walls of most buildings in Yosemite Valley, he seems more like a prophet than a fallible traveler, a young man getting lost in the woods. But from most accounts, John Muir was shy. He was sensitive and had flaws, just like any of us.

His tin cup reminds us of the human John Muir. Not only is it a tangible object that he carried and cleaned and tossed about in his pack, but it is a relic of a mistake. Muir left the cup behind, alongside a trail while he was camping through Hetch Hetchy in August, 1895. It was an accident. He forgot something, like everyone does. Maybe he had that feeling as he was walking onto the grass that day that he was forgetting something. Or maybe it had completely slipped his mind until he wanted a sip of hot tea the next night. Either way, we can empathize. We can feel, if only in this moment, like we understand and are equals with the fabled woodsman. In a world where Britney Spears’ chewed gum sells for $14,000 on eBay, we’re accustomed to sanctifying objects that have come in contact with our idols. And yes, John Muir did touch this cup. But that’s not the only reason it matters. More importantly, this rusted and mundane chunk of tin grounds the legend and myth back to the reality of an imperfect and utterly human man. A man we can relate to.

Next is a Poem by Blanche Stallings published in the 1940 Sierra Club Bulletin:

John Muir’s Cup he accidentally left along the trail.

Sierra Club Cups

by BLANCHE STALLINGS

Sierra Club Bulletin 1940

If I had to be a cup, and wanted a delightful, varied, interesting, and useful career, I think I’d say,

“Make me neat and smooth, out of tin, stamp these words on me, ‘Sierra Club of California,’

and hang me on the belt of a good mountaineer.” Bright, little Sierra Club cups!

Over the mountains they go, dipping pure, sparkling water for thirsty high-trippers.

They dip from streams – streams over trails, streams over granite, streams in forests, streams in meadows,

white streams cascading down from the blue sky, clear streams bubbling up from the ground.

They dip from lakes – blue, wind-ruffled lakes, quiet, reflecting lakes, green-blue,

half-frozen lakes, dark, silent, star-filled lakes. From streams and lakes,

changing and changeless in sunshine and shadow, cups of cold water.

Ansel Adams with the Sierra Club Cup:

The Group on Peak Number One (l.to r., standing: William Colby, Ansel Adams, Lulie Nettleton, Mrs. Huber, Helen LeConte, Margaret Forbes; seated: two unidentified men, Jessie Whitehead) by Ansel Adams

In 1928 the Sierra Club did a trip into the Canadian Rockies. The same year that Glen and Bessie Hyde disappeared on their honeymoon river trip. One of the people on the expedition was Ansel Adams. This is a great photo showing Adams wearing his Sierra Club cup.

Kenneth Brower, David Brower, and John McPhee:

An original Sierra Club of California Cup dating somewhere between 1905 and WWII.

In middle age, a father now myself, I flew by bush plane into the wilderness of Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, on an assignment for National Geographic. We were backpacking into a region seldom visited. Our guide, an Everest climber who knew the country, specified at the end of the equipment list he sent: Do not bring a Sierra Club cup. I bristled at this. At our first camp, when I debated him on it, he pointed out that the cup is not insulated. It burns your lips and tongue. And by the same principle that scalds the tongue—instantaneous heat transfer—the cup quickly turns hot food cold. It’s an awful little cup.

I knew all this, in a subliminal way, though I would never have put it so brutally.

But it misses the point. Communion goblets are not insulated either. Nor is the chalice in which wine is transmuted into the blood of Christ. For some of us, wild country really is like religion. For others—me, for example—it is religion, for we have been instructed in no other kind.

In Encounters with the Archdruid , his 1971 John McPhee describes the use of the Sierra Club cup ” In the mountains, a Sierra Club mountaineer eats and drinks everything out of his Sierra Club cup, and in various wildernesses with Brower I had never seen him eat or drink from anything else. In the past, in the High Sierra, he had on occasion rubbed pennyroyal-mint leaves over the embossed letters in the bottom of his cup and added snow and whiskey for a kind of high-altitude julep.” McPhee goes on ” everything—noodles, beef, chocolate pudding—was eaten from the cups.”

The first Sierra Club cup dates back to 1905, when John Muir was fighting to keep the Hetch Hetchy Dam out of Yosemite. It was was the cup for mountaineers for the first three quarters of the twentieth century and continues to be a symbol of that incredible time of adventure. The original cups were stamped in tin, but changed to stainless steel after World War II.

Kenneth Brower the son of David Brower who was the first executive director of the Sierra claims “it was in the mountains that I learned the cup’s real value. If the Sierra Club cup is ideal for anything, it is dipping in a stream to drink. We could do this in any Western mountain range in those days, the era before giardia. Snowmelt is the best water in the world, of course, and as a boy I tried to sample every stream. I was nearly grown before it occurred to me to drink directly from the current, like a wolf, but that felt oddly unnatural. I tried it once or twice and quickly reverted to my cup.” He went on to tell a story:

The photo below was taken by Bob Whitney in 1974 of Bill Trevithick in Lava Falls. The photo was featured in the Whale Calendar.

Photo of Colorado River & Trail Expeditions owners David and Vicki Mackay with Sierra Club Cup circa 1968.

Bill Trevithick running Lava Falls Circa 1974 with Sierra Club Cups on Belts.

CRATE owners Dave and Vicki Mackay with Sierra Club Cup.

FAQ – Are There Age Requirements for Rafting the Grand Canyon River?

Tue, 23 Aug 2016 14:25:14 GMT

When it comes to planning a rafting trip, there are a lot of questions that come up. Whether it’s what is the best trip to choose, what to pack, or what an average day on the river is like, we are always happy to answer any questions you may have. One common question we get is about age requirements on our trips.

Q: Is there a minimum age required for your rafting trips?

A: Yes, we have a minimum age requirement on all of our rafting trips. The age requirement varies depending upon the trip. We have these age requirements in place for safety reasons. Our minimum age requirements are as follows:

Grand Canyon: 12 Years Old (Motorized) | 14-16 Years Old depending on child’s size and experience (Rowing/Paddle)

Cataract Canyon: 12-14 Years Old (Depending on River Flows)

Desolation Canyon: 6-8 Years Old with a minimum weight of 60 lbs

Westwater Canyon: 12-14 Years Old (Depending on River Flows)

Alaska Rafting: 14 Years Old (Depending on River Flows)

1-Day Trips: 6-8 Years Old with a minimum weight of 60 lbs

If you are looking for a multi-day trip that is great for families, the Green River through Desolation Canyon is a wonderful option. With its warm water, great beaches, amazing side hikes, and mellow, but fun rapids, this trip has it all.

Have additional questions?

P.O. Box 57575

Salt Lake City, UT 84157-0575

www.crateinc.com

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions Receives Second Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 16:34:52 GMT

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions has been awarded a 2013 Certificate of Excellence from Tripadvisor.com for its rafting trips . This is the second straight year C.R.A.T.E. has received this accolade, which honors hospitality excellence. This accolade is only given to tour companies that consistently achieve outstanding reviews on Tripadvisor from their guests. Only about 10% of those companies and organizations listed with Tripadvisor.com receive this prestigious award.

In order to qualify for this award CRATE had to maintain an almost perfect rating as reviewed by travelers. Additional criteria included the volume of reviews received during the past 12 months.

CRATE is honored to be rated so highly by their guests and is grateful for all of its wonderful employees who put together such wonderful trips.

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions has been honored with this award for 2013

Anatomy of the Grand Canyon

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:10:18 GMT

Anatomy of the Grand Canyon by W. Kenneth Hamblin

This book can be purchased at the CRATE BOOKSTORE for

$300.00 – RARE & OUT OF PRINT

If you have been looking for an informative geology book with a lot of big colorful photos, then this is the book you want. The book takes panorama size photos of different locations within the Grand Canyon, and in small text labels the rock layers and names of different features. With each photo a couple of paragraphs help in explaining what is happening in the photo. The book includes both photos from the Colorado River and from the rims looking down. This is a great book for someone who is going to the Grand Canyon for the first time, as well as a river guide who has been down the river over 100 times. This is a must have book for anyone interested in Geology, rafting the Grand Canyon, hiking the Grand Canyon or exploring the points on the rims.