Although people have been exploring and studying the Grand Canyon for centuries, no one can say with any certainty how or when it was etched by the Colorado River. What everyone can agree upon, however, is that the canyon is not only one of the seven wonders of the world, but that a Colorado River raft trip is one of the most breathtaking and exciting ways to explore the area.

Grand Canyon river rafting takes visitors on a journey through the history of the surrounding country, as well. Anthropologists have discovered evidence of human habitation of what is now known as Grand Canyon National Park that goes back more than 10,000 years. Native American tribes, beginning with the Anasazi, followed by the Puebloans and the Cohonina settled and grew crops there. It is believed that sometime in the 13th Century a drought forced them out, and that the area was later resettled by the Paiute, Cerbat, and the Navajo, who thrived there until they were forced by the U.S. Government to relocate to reservations. The eastern area of the canyon now houses the Navajo reservation, whose residents have recently started catering to visitors by building luxury hotels and a glass-bottomed walkway that allows travelers to gaze down into the depths of the canyon.

Grand Canyon river rafting began in earnest in 1869 with John Powell’s survey of the area. Powell and nine other men paddled wooden boats for 1,000 miles through the rapids, losing three of their party along the way. Two years later, Powell took another group on a mapping expedition that provided valuable information that ultimately led to the founding of the U.S. Geological Society.

Prospectors attempted to mine the canyon for valuable minerals, but found the process too risky and difficult to be profitable. It soon became obvious that tourism was the ideal way to exploit the wealth of the area; with the introduction of railroads and reliable ground transportation locals were easily able to fill new hotels with visitors.

The first rafts specifically built for whitewater rafting were made of four rubber cloth tubes with a wraparound floor. These gave way to inflatable rafts and small craft designed for the military, and eventually to the advanced equipment employed today. Colorado River raft trips are now made in multi-passenger motorized rafts, 18-foot rowing rigs and 16-foot paddle rafts, kayaks and other secure, comfortable vessels.

Although Grand Canyon River rafting has surged in popularity in recent years and become a memorable adventure, be sure to check with your outfitters about age requirements, since many trips are unsuitable for small children. For the most part, however, a vacation that includes a whitewater rafting trip in the Canyon is guaranteed to be one that the entire family will remember forever.

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If you are interested in booking a high adventure Grand Canyon river rafting vacation, author Stephen Daniels recommends Hatch River Expeditions. Their skilled guides will take you on the adventure of a lifetime, showing you the river and canyon as few see it, while making sure that all your senses are well stimulated, including your taste buds.

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