While there are millions of visitors to the canyon rims (vast majority to the South Rim), a relative few see the canyon while rafting on the river. The National Park Service estimates there are 11,000 to 13,350 annual rafters based on private and commercial trip data. We have had the good fortune to raft twice: the first time less than a week after 9\/11 for a 4\u00bd day trip, and in 2015, a 10 day trip covering 226 miles. Although there are a variety of river crafts to choose from, in both cases we chose a motorized raft trip. Both have also been in September, when the extreme summer heat has waned. Each night, we camped comfortably on a sandbar (camping pad and sleeping bag provided; tent if necessary or desired). The food was wonderful, and you can help in the “kitchen” if you want (but no pressure to do so). The scenery, day after day, is stunning, and each day, we stopped at least once for a hike up a side canyon. There are plenty of rapids, from a ripple to “hold on tight!” thrilling. At no time did we feel in the slightest danger. Interested? We booked each trip a year in advance as they are quite popular. These rafting expeditions have been the best (above water) trips we have ever taken. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following is a particularly large gallery with photos from each day. In a sense, it tells a story from day 1 to day 10.>Return to Arizona<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n