Grand Canyon Adventure

July 6, 2007 6:35 PM

Featuring the Grand Canyon Skywalk and Colorado River Rafting in Arizona.

This is a journey to the land of the Hualapai Nation and Grand Canyon West. The Hualapai are a native people of the southwest. At the Hualapai Ranch, we enjoyed a variety of activities including wagon rides, a cowboy cookout and games. The next stop was Eagle Point and the Skywalk. The Grand Canyon Skywalk allowed us to walk beyond the canyon walls, becoming surrounded by the Grand Canyon while standing at the edge of the glass bridge. Suspended more than 4000 feet above the Colorado River, the glass bridge is a horseshoe shaped walk on soft booties. The last stop of the day is Guano Point, yes named for the bat droppings. Guano Point offers breathtaking views of the canyon and river.

The next day, we hop on a converted school bus and head for the only Colorado River access within the Grand Canyon. We experienced whitewater waves and the majestic walls of the Grand Canyon reaching to the sky in all directions. This was a day of unparalleled wilderness beauty and memorable major rapids. Each raft guide has a background in natural history and is a native of the Hualapai tribe. The rafts are motorized and extremely sturdy, holding up to eight passengers. Lunch is included on the banks of the river and snacks and beverages are provided throughout the day. At the end of the rafting adventure, we were lifted out of the canyon by helicopter, another spectacular adventure, allowing great views of the awesome vastness of the Grand Canyon.

Next day we travel through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona and a jeep tour through the Boynton Canyon. We are led by guides in their trademark old western attire ready to inform us about the history, geology and folklore of Sedona. Later that night, along the banks of the Verde River in Cottonwood, we enjoyed western activities including a shooting gallery, train ride, horsehoe pits, a mechanical roping horse, and friendly farm animals. When the dinner bell rang we were treated to an all-you-can-eat chuckwagon supper followed by the harmonic sounds of the Blazin M Cowboys. Their story included music and comedy.

Last stop Phoenix and a trip to Chase Field for a major league baseball game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers. That is one large domed stadium. Boy is it hot in Phoenix in late June.

posted by netbros to Trip Reports