Go For A Grand Canyon Smooth Water Float Trip This Memorial Day Weekend

By Author: Tracy Delvecchio
Total Articles: 17
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If you want to take one of the exciting Grand Canyon rafting tours over the upcoming holiday weekend, you better get your tickets in advance. The holiday will be here before you know it and the seats will go quickly.

Anyone four years old and up can join in the fun since these aren't whitewater rafting trips and there aren't any rapids. The rafts cover the portion of the river that has only smooth waters.

The raft trips in the Grand Canyon are exciting full day experiences. You can take one of these scenic tours every day of the week, including the holiday weekend, from the months of March through November. They begin at about 6 a.m., departing from Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCA) at Tusayan, Arizona (just outside the main gates at the South Rim) and Las Vegas.

Tours Of The South Rim

You can choose from two tours to the South Rim. The standard tour starts off with a bus ride from GCA to Page, AZ. Then you go to the base of Glen Canyon Dam. There you will hop on board your raft and begin your float tour.

The deluxe tour starts differently, with a 45 minute flight from GCA to the ...
... airport in Page. Next, you take a thrilling 4x4 Jeep ride through Antelope Canyon to see the amazing slot canyons. Then you head over to the Glen Canyon Dam and meet up with the pontoon boat that will take you on your river tour.

Both versions treat you to a 15 mile glide through the canyon's magnificence. You'll see some truly spectacular scenery, including Horseshoe Bend (picture red sandstone cliffs against beautiful turquoise water). The river portion ends when you arrive at historic Lee's Ferry.

Tours from Vegas

These tours are popular side trips from Vegas over the holiday. They start with a copter ride from Vegas to Grand Canyon West. The helicopter descends to the canyon floor where you hop on a raft and take an eleven mile scenic float down the Colorado River. This trip takes about ten hours from start to finish.

More Information

About that helicopter ride, the West Rim is the only part of the National Park where choppers are allowed to fly below the level of the rim. After your chopper lowers you 3500 feet to the bottom, you get out right next to the Colorado River.

You get on your raft at the foot of the massive Hoover Dam, which towers 700 feet above you. You'll cruise through beautiful Black Canyon in a 19 passenger rubberized pontoon boat until you reach the end of the line at Willow Beach, Arizona.

Prepare For Your Adventure

You will be outside all day long, so prepare accordingly. It can get hot in the inner canyon during the day. You want to bring along your sunscreen and some extra clothes in a waterproof bag. Protect yourself with sunglasses, long sleeves and a hat.

Included in your raft tour of the Grand Canyon is the necessary equipment, fees, taxes, drinks, lunch, and an interesting and informative tour guide. These tours are highly recommended, so take one if you can. Lose yourself in the experience of a raft tour so you don't have to waste time worrying about finding things to do over the holiday.

In Conclusion

The holiday is on Monday, May 27 this year. Most folks will treat it as a three day weekend. The Grand Canyon is a popular holiday destination, and you'll have plenty of competition for seats on a rafting tour. I strongly recommend booking in advance. Be sure to buy your tickets on the Internet too because you will get a discount that way. As long as you complete your purchase on the tour operator's website, you can use the Internet discount.

Author's Tips

Travel editor Tracy D. is an authority on Grand Canyon rafting tours and recommends using these based upon quality and price: http://www.grandcanyondaytrips.com/rafting-tours