A guest’s firsthand account of a dramatic Grand Canyon rafting day below Diamond Creek, featuring flash floods, quick thinking, teamwork, and river grit.
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.
A vivid account of a sudden Grand Canyon flash flood, monsoon rains, roaring waterfalls, red river water, and the raw power that shapes canyon rapids.
A river guide shares Thanksgiving gratitude for wild places, conservation efforts, and the CRATE family, celebrating wilderness, community, and life on the river.
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.
A reflective essay on Cathedral in the Desert, memory, loss, and renewal in Glen Canyon, exploring drought, restoration, and the balance between people and place.
Discover the flowers of Canyon Country, from Prince’s Plume to Sacred Datura, and learn where to spot vibrant wildflowers while hiking or rafting the Grand Canyon.
A visit to the South Rim highlights Grand Canyon views, Bright Angel Trail, Kolb Studio art, and plans to restore the historic Power House building.
Why milkweed matters for monarch butterflies and how planting it helps protect their epic migration while supporting wildlife right in your own yard.
Discover Monument Hill Sculpture Park in Green River, Utah, featuring land art by Andrew Rogers and a unique blend of art, math, and desert landscape.
Friday at the Historic Book Library #4
Friday at the Historic Book Library #3
A fun list of 25 toys and games that spark imagination and adventure for river runners, campers, and outdoor lovers of all ages.
An overview of the Kaibab Suspension Bridge, its 1928 construction, role linking canyon trails, and the human stories behind this Grand Canyon landmark.
“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.
