With current events happening around the world and our socially imposed, self-isolation, I’ve been reminiscing back to old adventures. A favorite that I recall was a white-water rafting trip I took with my father down the Colorado River through the depths of the Grand Canyon. Located in a part of the United States that is still “off the map” for most mobile phone providers, down more than a mile below the rim of the canyon redefined the concept of being cut off from society.
At its deepest point of 6000 ft, from the edge of the rim down to the river, the Grand Canyon is quite possibly the best display of over 2 billions years of the Earths geological history that we have. The trip in question was arranged specifically for a group of geologists, my father being one, so the bulk of the highlights were meant to show off the little-known geological features that most tourists would glaze their eyes over at. But the Grand Canyon is not all just about the rocks; it also possesses a rich history of Native American cultures and an incredible biological diversity.
The tour company that guided us, Hatch River Expeditions, have been running trips down the Grand Canyon long enough they’ve got everything down to a beat. The pontoon rafts they use were the Cadillac’s of the Colorado, but the adventure was far from a ‘glamping’ excursion. After each day of riding through white-water rapids and exploring the crevices of the canyon, we set up camp on a nook along the canyon wall. Running water was a foreign concept and the only source of electricity was a solar charged battery pack that was mostly used to top off flashlights and the satellite phone in case of emergencies. Toilets were a metal bucket with a seat on top. Taking my first shower after the trip felt like the first shower I had ever taken. To my amazement though, the crew managed to cook us incredible meals of steaks, pork chops, or ribs each night. During the day, they were expert guides showing us natural wonders such as the Little Colorado River and ancient Puebloan structures and granaries built into the cliff face hundreds of feet above the river.
I’ve found that over the years, when people start talking about once-in-a-lifetime sort of trips, the majority of examples they come up with (at least for Americans) are these remote, foreign locals. However, even in our own backyard of the United States, we’re lucky enough to have an incredibly diverse range of parks and natural wonders to explore. I have to count a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon on the same level as a trip to the Galapagos Islands. It is a solely unique experience with an isolated ecology unlike anything else you will find in the world. Just be sure to bring enough spare batteries for whatever camera you’re using. And make sure its waterproofed.
