Tours Go To Grand Canyon

Looking for a great activity that everyone can enjoy when visiting Grand Canyon National Park? Try a 1 day, Colorado River float tour. These trips traverse one of the most beautiful sections of the canyon and deliver a one-of-a-kind experience no other day trip can match.

These water-rafting adventures start from the South Rim, where you take a bus or an airplane to Glenn Canyon Dam in Page, AZ. The float starts at the Dam's base and goes 15.3 miles downstream to historic Lee's Ferry. Here you'll pull out before the rapids start and hop a motor coach back to the National Park.

Types of Smooth Water Float Trips
The basic version comes with a bus ride to Page. The route is full of scenic gems, ranging from Desert Watchtower and the Little Colorado to the Navajo Bridge and the Painted Desert. The deluxe version comes with an airplane flight and a Jeep tour of fabulous Antelope Canyon.

Both packages require you to drive through the dam's 2-mile access tunnel on the east side. This tunnel is spectacular and was bored prior to the dam's construction in order to get supplies down to the base and to remove blasted rock. The pontoon rafts are docked at the base of the Dam's 700-plus foot wall.

The Colorado River
The float takes you past incredibly orange sandstone cliffs and rock formations. The penultimate highlight is when you navigate around beautiful Horseshoe Bend. You'll also pull out at a sandy beach and take a brief walk to view ancient Indian rock art, or petroglyphs. It's around here that the presence of wildlife increases.

The terrain changes as you near Lee's Ferry, which is also known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon. The landmark was named after a pioneer named John D. Lee, who was commissioned by the Mormon Church to operate a ferry that would get missionaries across the river. The ferry became obsolete in the early 1900's with the construction of Navajo Bridge.

Lee's Ferry
From Glenn Canyon to Lee's Ferry, the water is smooth and refreshing. There's not a trace of whitewater (a.k.a. rapids). This changes after Lee's Ferry, where the "real" river picks up its head of steam and breaks into roaring, churning waves of water.

These one-day float tours are ideal for travelers of all ages. Kids four years of age and older can do it, as can fit seniors. Teens and twenty-somethings will also enjoy this trip.

Departure Time
This trip leaves in the morning around 6:30 a.m. and will take a full day. Trips are seasonal and run from March to November. I recommend that you book in advance as seats fill quickly. Use the Internet to find and book the best deals.

These water-rafting trips are all-inclusive and come with all equipment, boat, guide, ground transportation and a box lunch. Complimentary shuttle service is only available for the bus package. Those choosing the airplane bundle must self-drive to Grand Canyon Airport, which is only 5 minutes from the National Park.

Things to Bring

• The bottom of the canyon is hotter than the top. I suggest you pack the following:
• Sun block
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Water
• Extra set of dry clothes
• River sandals
• Snack
• Light long-sleeved shirt

Let's Go Rafting
One-day Grand Canyon rafting tours are an excellent way to enjoy your canyon visit. The part of the Colorado River that you float is pristine and beautiful. Even the encounter with Glenn Canyon Dam is fascinating. There are no rapids on these tours so it's fun for the whole family, too. If it's fun and excitement you're looking for, definitely add a float trip to your list of must-do's.

Travel writer and adventurer Erik Magnus enjoys rafting the Grand Canyon. Read his top picks for 1 day Grand Canyon rafting and see the National Park from the bottom up!

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