By the time the snows begin to fall near the Grand Canyon in the colder months, Colorado River rafting outfitters have already stowed away their gear for the season and are enjoying the high-desert winter. But for those adventurers who want to enjoy the area when most other travelers are back at home looking forward to next summer's retreat, there is winter magic in the Grand Canyon even without Colorado River raft trips.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most extreme of American landscapes. During the spring and summer months Grand Canyon rafting is a great way to gain access to parts of the park inaccessible for the average tourist. Most travelers miss out on most of the natural beauty concealed deep in the recesses of the rough terrain. However, wintertime adventurers in the four-corners region have to respect the true distant ruggedness of the panorama. Some parts of the park are closed, but the South and West Rims stay open year round. While the National Park Service cautions against treks down into the gorge, multi-day hikes, mule trips and back-country trekking are still accessible to travelers, and accommodations at local El Tovar Lodge and Hopi House can provide comfortable rooms, warm fireplaces and excellent cooking.
Interested in seeing the area from another perspective? Following the road that carried travelers to the South Rim for hundreds of years, the Grand Canyon Railway departs every day from Williams, Arizona, year round, with a adequate lay-over at the South Rim for you to take a short hike and enjoy the extraordinary view. Or, speaking of views, aerial excursions of the region are also available all through the year. From hundreds of feet over the rocky landscape, the stunning vistas of the four-corners region and the tumbling river below are sure to lure adventure-seekers to make reservations for a spring or summer Colorado River raft trip, where an up close and personal experience with the scenery is possible.
While wintry weather trips to the region can be incredible, after the winter precipitation melt in spring and summer months the landscape is strewn with wildflowers and the river swells to its world-class white water conditions. For your average thrill-seeker, this is the time of year that the local authorities advocate actually getting down to the base of the canyon, where hundreds of thousands of years of geologic history is written and the river rushes by. Among the majority of expeditioners, Grand Canyon rafting is open from April through September, and offers an experience on the water that is unmatched. However, the splendor of the area can be experienced in any season, and off-season cold-weather travels to the four-corners region can feel like the majesty of the vista is all just for you.
There are a few things to think about when planning a winter adventure to northern Arizona and southern Colorado. Pack warm, because while there is usually plenty of sunshine, temperatures can get pretty low and a snowstorm can strike any time. That being the case, be ready for driving delays due to inclement weather, and pack water, some food, and extreme cold weather protection in case you get stranded in the car for a few hours or a few days. Also, while winter is certainly the unhurried time of year at the canyon, the holiday seasons can get pretty hectic, so guests wanting to celebrate during the holidays might want to book reservations as much as a year ahead of time. And remember that while Colorado observes daylight savings time, Arizona does not, which is notable when setting up appointments and reservations with local outfitters and lodging. Although white water rafting the Grand Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime event, the region has much to offer year-round. Take pleasure in a winter wonderland at one of our national park treasures.
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About the Author:
Stephen Daniels is an acclaimed internet marketing strategist. If you are looking for unique Colorado River raft trips, he recommends Hatch River Expeditions. Their guides will pamper, educate and entertain you as you experience the nature and history around you. You can be assured that all your needs will be attended to while enjoying the trip of a lifetime.
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