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Home/Canyon Column/2013 Archives/Let’s Go Boatin’!

Let’s Go Boatin’!

Colorado River Rafts | Photo by Mike Buchheit
Colorado River Rafts | Photo by Mike Buchheit

The much anticipated commercial river running season at Grand Canyon kicks off this week in earnest. After a winter spent repairing bones and boats, getting reacquainted with friends and family (spouses included), seeing the world (or just hanging out in Flagstaff coffee houses), the hard working guides that share the depths of Grand Canyon with close to 20,000 passengers a year are raring to get back on the water.

Running the Colorado River through the canyon is one of the premier whitewater experiences in North America—one that anchors many a bucket list. There are a handful of outfitters that are licensed by the National Park Service to conduct business in the park. Be sure to budget in a year or two to find a trip that suits your pocketbook, timing, and desired watercraft (oar-powered vs. motorized rafts). As a ten-trip veteran myself, this author can attest to the claims that this is truly the trip of a lifetime.

Published on: April 15, 2013

Categories: 2013 Archives, Canyon ColumnTags: Grand Canyon rafting, river running, river trips

About Mike Buchheit

Mike Buchheit was the director of the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute for over 25 years, a professional landscape photographer and instructor, a freelance travel writer, and a popular lecturer on a wide variety of Grand Canyon-related topics. As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he called home.

As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he calls home. You can see some of his beautiful work on his Grand Canyon Prints website.

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Havasu Creek | Photo by Mike Buchheit

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