Hottest-Selling Grand Canyon River Rafting Daytrips

Sunday, November 4, 2012
A Grand Canyon float tour is probably the best way to take in this majestic National Park. As you meander down the smooth Colorado River, you'll come to appreciate the immensity of this natural wonder. The best float tours start out just south of Grand Canyon Village with the most popular trip being the one that includes an airplane ride and a 4x4 Jeep trip to Antelope Canyon followed by deluxe bus transportation back to your point of origination.

There is an airport in Tusayan, Arizona that flies tourists in and out of the Grand Canyon that is located just outside the main gates of the park. A flight east will take you to Page, Arizona, and on the way you will get to see Navajo country and the beautiful Painted Desert.

From there a Jeep with four wheel drive will take you to Antelope Canyon, where you can get a close look at the wonders of nature. There you will find channels cut into the rocks of the canyon wall that are big enough to walk through. Finally, the Jeep will take you through a two mile long tunnel to the base of Glen Canyon Dam. The dam itself is a spectacular sight, towering more than 70 stories high. Grand Canyon smooth-water rafting tours launch from this awe-inspiring spot.

If you'd rather skip the flight, you can take a motor coach tour to Glen Canyon Dam. Along the way, you'll have a stopover at Glen Canyon Recreational Area. The tour guides are very knowledgeable about the history and geology of the area, and they love to explain the amazing scenery you will encounter.

Your float tour of the Grand Canyon will cover about 15 miles of the Colorado River, and you will experience some of the most awesome scenery on the planet. At Horseshoe Bend, you can get off the float and take a short walk to see some Native American rock drawings called petroglyphs. You can also enjoy a relaxing lunch under the majestic cliffs that tower above you.

Then, your trip will continue down river to an historic trading post and fort known as Lee's Ferry. At this point, the smooth waters end, so you will board a bus and be transported to the South Rim of the canyon. Before you get there, you can do some shopping for authentic Native American crafts during a stop at Cameron Trading Post.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen, because you'll be spending several hours in the hot sun. Long-sleeved shirts are recommended, but wear your swimsuit under your regular clothes, because you'll be stopping at places where you can enjoy a cool, relaxing dip in the river. Your tour may provide drinking water, but if it doesn't, plan to bring plenty along.

A float tour is one of the most memorable of all Grand Canyon adventures. The water is very calm and there are no rapids to worry about so these trips are ideal for kids and grandma and grandpa too. Book your tour in advance, because seats fill up fast. Find a reputable, dependable tour company and then make your reservations as soon as you can.