How Do You Raft The Grand Canyon?
Rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is one of North America’s greatest adventures. The wet ‘n’ wild ride is an expensive thrill, however, so be sure to choose wisely when hiring a rafting outfitter. Here’s what you need to know. Plan the trip at least a year in advance. Most of the rafting trips through the Grand Canyon book quickly–National Park regulations allow a limited number of boats through the canyon each season–and require a down payment. If you can’t plan that far in advance, go standby and ask the rafting outfitters to call you if there’s an opening. The Colorado’s water releases are controlled, so the best rafting conditions are typically in the spring (April) and fall (September and October). Review your budget–you may be draining more than your raft every day. Costs run a minimum of $250 per person per river day. (All food and nonalcoholic beverages are included.) Add more for travel to and from, gratuities, hotels and alcohol. Choose from four types of
