Grand Canyon River Rafting Trips: A Trip Through Time
When you hear the term "white water rafting," what thoughts come to mind
? Most people associate this sport with shooting the rapids, thrills and spills, fear, and exhilaration, particularly when it comes to Grand Canyon river rafting expeditions. In many respects, this stereotype is accurate, since rafting in this breathtaking national park is both exciting and fun. But did you realize that these 277 river miles are brimming with other amazing features as well?Consider, for instance, the biological diversity of this region. White water rafting on the Colorado will give you the opportunity to experience five of the seven climatic zones, including Lower Sonoran, Upper Sonoran, Transition, Canadian and Hudsonian. In less than 300 miles, you can experience the climatic equivalent of traveling from Canada to Mexico, encountering an incredible diversity of animal species along the way. In fact, the Grand Canyon National Park contains over 1,500 plant, 355 bird, 89 mammalian, 47 reptile, 9 amphibian and 17 fish species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.
Two of the park's most loved and celebrated mammalian inhabitants are the Albert and Kaibab squirrels, which live on the south and north rims of the canyon respectively. As you skim down the Colorado River, you might see one or more of the endangered fish that live here, like the squawfish, the humpback chub or the bonytail chub. Look up, and if you're lucky you could feast your eyes upon a California condor or even a bald eagle. Plant diversity abounds here as well. Along the Colorado River and its tributaries alone, you will find Coyote willow, western honey mesquite, exotic tamarisk (saltcedar), catclaw acacia and arrowweed as the predominant species.
Biology is only one of the sciences you can study on your river rafting trip. Geologic white water rafting trips down the Colorado River afford you a fascinating look at millions of years of our earth's history. The Colorado River basin in which the canyon lies is thought to be about forty million years old, with the canyon being approximately 17 million years old. Described as a huge gouge in the Colorado plateau, the Grand Canyon walls feature sequenced layers of ancient exposed rock that spells out the geologic history of the continent. Whether you are a trained scientist, an avid nature enthusiast or someone just realizing the diversity this area has to offer, you will be utterly amazed by what you see.
When you return from your adventure, expect your friends to ask you about the rapids and natural beauty you encountered. You will have the chance to expand their horizons by discussing the myriad other climatic, biological and geological wonders this stretch of water has to offer. Don't be surprised if they start making plans to take a similar trip in the near future.
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