By the time it starts snowing in the Grand Canyon, Colorado River rafting businesses have already stowed away their equipment for the high-desert winter. But for those adventurers looking to enjoy the area when most tourists are back home, there is plenty of winter majesty in the Grand Canyon even without Colorado River raft trips.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most intense of American landscapes. In the warmer months, a Grand Canyon rafting trip is a great way for the average tourist to see even the inaccessible parts of the canyon. Most travelers miss out on most of the natural beauty hidden deep in the recesses of the rough terrain. However, wintertime adventurers in the four-corners region have to respect the true remote ruggedness of the landscape. The south and west rims stay open all year, even while other parts of the park are closed. While the National Park Service cautions against hikes down into the gorge, multi-day hikes, mule trips and back-country trekking are still available to travelers, and accommodations at local El Tovar Lodge and Hopi House can provide comfortable rooms, warm fireplaces and fine cuisine.
Interested in seeing the area from another perspective? Following the route that carried travelers to the South Rim for centuries, the Grand Canyon Railway departs daily from Williams, Arizona, year round, with a three and-a-half hour lay-over at the South Rim for you to take a short hike and enjoy the incredible view. Or, speaking of views, helicopter tours of the region are also available throughout the year. From hundreds of feet above the rocky terrain, the stunning vistas of the four-corners region and the tumbling river below are sure to entice adventure-seekers to make reservations for a summertime Colorado River raft trip, where an up close and personal experience with the scenery is possible.
While winter excursions to the region can be incredible, after the snows melt in spring and summer months the landscape is dotted 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 recommend actually getting down to the base of the gorge, where millions of years of geologic history is written and the river rushes by. With most expeditioners, Grand Canyon rafting is open from April through September, and offers an experience on the water that is unmatched. However, the beauty of the area can be experienced in any season, and off-season wintertime 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 consider when planning a winter trip 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 hit any time. That being the case, be prepared for driving delays due to inclement weather, and pack water, some food, and extreme cold weather protection in case you get sidelined in the car for a few hours or a few days. Also, while winter is definitely the slow season at the park, the holidays can get pretty busy, so visitors wanting to celebrate during the holidays will need to book reservations as much as a year in advance. And remember that while Colorado observes daylight savings time, Arizona does not, which is important when setting up appointments and reservations with local outfitters and lodging. While white water rafting the Grand Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the region has a lot to offer year-round. Experience the winter wonderland offered by one of our treasured national parks.
Author Resource:-
Stephen Daniels is an acclaimed internet marketing strategist. If you are interested in booking a unique Grand Canyon rafting trip along the mighty Colorado, he recommends Hatch River Expeditions. Their guides will pamper, educate and entertain you with tales both true and tall 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.