Grand Canyon Kayaking

The Grand Canyon is located in the Colorado Plateau in the State of Arizona. The major part of the Grand Canyon is located in the Grand Canyon National Park. The canyon was formed approximately, over a period of 6 million years. The Canyon runs 277 miles and has a depth of one mile in certain areas. The entire area is known for the beautiful landscape that it offers. The Grand Canyon is divided into two major parts namely, the North Rim and the South Rim. There is a variation in temperature at the two Rims, as the North Rim is cooler than the South Rim. Due to the low temperature, the North Rim is not open all through the year.

The Canyon is frequented by 4 to 5 million tourists each year. It offers a list of activities, like Grand Canyon rafting, kayaking, sight-seeing, boating and hiking. Due to the long waiting list, it was difficult to kayak the Grand Canyon independently. The list had grown to about 25 years, hence, recently the waiting list was done away with, and a lottery system was started. The chances of a newbie getting a chance to kayak in the canyon have therefore increased manifold. A tourist has to choose five dates, which are suitable for him to undertake the expedition. In the lottery, if luck favors, the tourist gets a chance to kayak the Grand Canyon. People who have not got a chance to kayak in the last 5 years are given higher priority. There are many tour operators who arrange Grand Canyon kayaking tours as per the requirements.

Kayaking in the Grand Canyon
It is said, the best way to know the Grand Canyon is through kayaking the entire stretch of 277 miles. With all the other options of hiking, riding a mule, etc., it is not possible to have a look at the myriad flora and fauna of the canyon. It takes approximately 18-21 days to kayak the entire stretch. People normally visit in a group of 7-8 people. When kayaking through the Grand Canyon, you will encounter rapids like Class IV-V, Lava Crystal and Granite Rapids. In case the tourists are short of time, they can choose to start the expedition from the Phantom Ranch. This expedition will take on an average 7 days. To reach the Phantom Ranch, there are two trails namely, Kaibab and Bright Angel Trail. Though, Kaibab trail is shorter, people avoid it as it does not have water. Instead, they prefer the Bright Angel trail that has a stream of water running through it. The expeditions are attempted in the summers, when rains have reduced and temperatures are bearable.

When there is a rapid, the guides pull the boat to the side of the river. After having assessed the rapid, the journey continues further. Often after traveling for 3-4 hours, the expedition stops for lunch or to camp for the night. Most of the river is silent and calm, but there are some rapids in the river. Very often the rapids are heard, before they are seen. The sound starts as a rumble, only to attain decibels of high magnitude. The Colorado has certain monstrous rapids, although strangely, the Colorado does not have too many rocks. There are water pools, hot water springs and streams cutting small canyons, which you will enjoy as you kayak. There are caves in the canyon, which have been inhabited by various tribes.

Grand Canyon kayaking enables you to stay under the sky, watch the sunset and the stars and actually be one with nature. There is no pollution, no mobile network and it's just the nature at its best. A day can be spent relaxing on the river. You don't have to worry about carrying your luggage, food and water, which is the case with hiking, etc. It can be very conveniently loaded in the boats.

It is advisable to master the kayaking skills before the Grand Canyon Kayaking expedition. Many a times, you will find yourself in water and the boat over you. Although the plus side of the trip would be, that you will forge unending bonds with others in the group. But if you are scared of water, then the expedition is not for you.