Rafting Through The Grand Canyon

Karen Gideon
Jul 8
2 min read

by Karen Gideon, The Hive Overland Park

Don't miss a thing with The Hive Women and Buzz from The Hive! Subscribe today.

Dreaming about rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon??

I have done it! Not only have I done it—I did it with about 3 weeks notice. I got lucky and by that I mean, it dropped into my lap when a friend couldn't go on the trip and asked if I could take her spot- and I knew it was a gift I couldn’t pass up.

After saying "yes," I began a mad dash of gathering equipment, planning air flights and coordinating with the other travelers. The plan was to begin in Flagstaff, AZ mid-August and power raft for 7 nights and 8 days the 228 miles down the canyon. There are rafting trips you can take where you “oar” your way through it and they can vary from 14-16 days. You can also hire someone to paddle it or you can paddle yourself. Lots of options.

The canyon is stunning, every turn is another ‘ahhh’ moment. We slept along the river, on the sand, under the stars. I’d never done that before and started by using a tent, which quickly was put aside because it was extremely hot. The temps during the day were at times above 100 and the sun was relentless. We wore sun hats, long sleeves, and face bandanas to help keep our skin from drying out. At the end of the day, all we wanted was clear, cool water to bathe in. The water was quite cold, but not clear in the least. In August, the monsoon rains turn the water a deep latte color, mixed with the red dirt from the canyon walls. It took a bit to get used to bathing in the muddy water, but quickly I abandoned any sense of vanity I had and embraced the "wild: aspect of living on the river, fully experiencing the natural world in its most beautiful form.

The Grand Canyon totally captivated me and transformed my perspective before I even realized it. It's fascinating how being in the wilderness can alleviate anxiety, stress, and worries, replacing them with a sense of understanding and calm. Imagine waking up in the pitch-dark night, with only the stars illuminating your surroundings. If you're lucky, you'll see several shooting stars, and it's even more magical during a full moon. I fell asleep to the sound of crickets and woke up with the sunrise. As I packed and unpacked my gear each morning and evening, all the rafters became a cohesive team, working together.

There were times I wished for an ice-cold beverage and a shower to get the sand out of my hair and ears, but before long, those modern conveniences lost their hold on my mind. I immersed myself in the entire experience, making friends, enjoying the stunning scenery, and living the adventure to its fullest. It was a magical experience that must be experienced first-hand.