Grand Canyon River Rafting For The July 4th Holiday

By Author: Tracy Delvecchio
Total Articles: 17
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If you want an exciting Fourth of July getaway, you should think about taking a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon. It is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday!

The float tours in the Grand Canyon stay on calm waters in the most scenic parts of the river. Since there is no rough water, the tours are suitable for kids as young as four years old, and senior citizens too.

The two tour departure points are Las Vegas, NV and Tusayan, AZ. Tusayan is situated close to the main gates at the South Rim of the canyon and it is where GCA, or the Grand Canyon National Park Airport, is located. These rafting tours of the Grand Canyon depart every morning and last an entire fun-filled day.

Las Vegas Trips

Rafting trips from Vegas are wildly popular and you would have a fantastic time on one over the holiday. The tour starts with a thrilling helicopter descent from the top of the rim to the floor of the canyon. You have the chance to explore the area on foot for about 30 minutes and then you get on a motor coach for a short ride to the Hoover Dam.

That is where your motorized pontoon boat awaits you, ...
... when you get on board, your 11-mile float along the Colorado River begins. You'll float through Black Canyon and other beautiful stretches of the lower Colorado before your boat pulls in at Willow Beach. You might see some bighorn sheep along the way!

Tusayan Float Trips

At Tusayan, you can choose a basic float tour or a more comprehensive version.

The basic trip begins by taking a bus from GCA to the base of Glen Canyon Dam. After boarding your 19-passenger motorized pontoon raft, you'll float 15 miles down the Colorado. The float rips ends at Lee's Ferry.

If you choose the deluxe tour, you begin with an airplane flight to Page, Arizona. Then you'll head to Antelope Canyon (where the famous ?Slot Canyons? are located) on an off-road 4x4 Jeep trip. Don't forget you camera, you will definitely want photos of this beautiful place.

After the Jeep adventure, you return to Page and get onboard the raft. The basic and deluxe tours both end with a bus ride back to the airport in Tusayan.

All-Inclusive Rafting Trips

These all-inclusive excursions provide for all your needs such as a river guide, live vest, water, and lunch. They also include your transportation and taxes and fees. These tours are very well planned, leaving you free to worry about other things like what you should wear.

Wear clothing that protects you from the sun such as a long sleeved shirt made from cotton, a hat with a brim, sunglasses, shorts, and river sandals. Also, bring along a camera, charged smart phone, lip balm, sunscreen, and a change of clothes in case you decide to go swimming. I also recommend bringing some salty snacks and extra water.

To Recap

Float trips in the Grand Canyon depart from Tusayan and Vegas. When you leave from Vegas, you can choose the exciting tour that includes a helicopter descent to the canyon floor. Most of the tours at the South Rim originate there.

Any of these tours would be great fun for the Independence Day holiday, but don't forget to book your seats as soon as you can. Tour operators will be busy then. I'd suggest booking at least a week before the tour date you want.

Another thing, you should book your tour online. You will find the cheapest prices on the tour company's website. When you complete your purchase there, you get their low Internet rate. Otherwise, you have to pay full retail price and spend more than you need to.

Author Tips

Travel journalist Tracy D. is an authority on Grand Canyon National Park 1-day rafting trips and suggests visiting this site for the top prices: http://www.grandcanyonwaterrafting.com/