Millions Of Years Of Geology and Thousands Of Years Of Human History Await Colorado River Rafters
White water rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is undoubtedly an adventure that relatively few will ever get to enjoy, though it has to be considered one of the world's most exciting excursions on many levels. Apart from the thrilling rapids (which, it should be noted, are widely thought of as among the best in the world), the comaraderie of the group, 277 miles of scenery, geology, and archeology that one can experience from the raft or during the many day hikes through side canyons are endlessly fascinating. Put all of these things together and you have a getaway that you and your friends and family can never forget.
The best prospects for getting to take one of these epic excursions is to book a trip with a professional white water rafting outfitter authorized to guide tours of the canyon. For those who prefer to raft without guides, your best option is to enter the lottery and hope that your name with be selected.
The geological record is something that one can observe in the very observable strata of the canyon walls, which really gives the viewer the sense of the millions of years it took to form the canyon. The visible layers of rock tell nothing less than the story of the earth's history and formation for the last billion years or so. Several different layers of limestone and shale are visible in the upper layers, with sandstone and granite below. The canyon's geological formations are of such significance that geologists from all around the world visit every year to study them. The canyon's depth and visible strata make it one of the leading places on the planet to access those billions-of-years-old layers, and the exposed rock has led to many significant scientific discoveries throughout the years. And yet, with all this history visible, scientists and geologists still debate over exactly how the canyon itself was created.
Human and animal histories are also here in abundance. There are places on the canyon's rims where preserved dinosaur footprints have been discovered, documenting that they once roamed this landscape; and there are many other types and layers of fossils from just about every geologic interval to be found as well. Day hikes to amazingly well-preserved ruins from early tribes such as the Anasazi are part of most multiple-day Colorado River raft trips, and there are also several sites where you are able to see preserved rock art from these primitive peoples.
The Grand Canyon includes an incredible panorama of buttes and spires all around the central canyon that the river etched. You can find unknown numbers of side canyons that should probably not be attempted by inexperienced hikers or those without guides, as people do get lost in the canyon every year.
For rafters, most day hikes are not too difficult, and respite from the summer heat is easily at hand in the cool waters of the river. Rafters will enjoy other famous points of interest that few others will even have the ability to see, including famous rapids such as Lava Falls, Granite, and Hermit. Your Colorado River rafting guides are there to see to your safety, while spoiling you along the way. They are skilled and knowledgeable in the ways of the river and the canyon, know the history of the area very well, and love to share both historical fact and stories to amuse you on the trip.
About the Author
http://www.hatchriverexpeditions.com is a commercial outfitter that offers Grand Canyon river raft trips that will thrill and educate all participants. Their skilled guides will take you on the adventure of a lifetime, showing you the river and canyon as few see it, while making sure that all your senses are well stimulated, including your taste buds.
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