Whitewater Rafting the Grand Canyon

An Epic Adventure: Our Colorado River Trip 2022

Have you ever dreamt of embarking on an incredible river adventure, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty? Well, my wife Andrea and I recently had the privilege of living out that dream when we joined the group for the "second half" (10 days) of a 16-day private permit trip along the Colorado River. In this post, I’m excited to share our unforgettable experience of hiking down the Bright Angel Trail to join a group of fellow adventurers who had already spent 6 days on the river exploring this stunning river canyon.

The Journey Begins

Our adventure began with a steep 8 mile hike down the iconic Bright Angel Trail at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to swap places with passengers hiking out who did the first half of the trip.

We had only backpacks with essentials, full water bottles and our trekking poles we flew to Arizona with.

Our dry bags with our river gear had been shipped weeks in advance and then loaded onto the boats that were meeting us at the bottom.

As we descended deeper into the heart of the scorching hot Grand Canyon, we couldn't help but be awestruck by the sheer magnitude of the landscape that enveloped us. The jagged rock formations and the play of light and shadows on the canyon walls created a visual spectacle that was simply awe-inspiring.

Joining Forces with Fellow Explorers

After our steep 8 mile hike down. we met up with our 14 fellow river lovers who had already spent six days navigating the Colorado from Lees Ferry to Phantom Ranch. The camaraderie among our fellow adventurers was palpable, and we were welcomed with open arms into this close-knit group of river enthusiasts. It was clear from the outset that this was going to be an incredible journey filled with shared experiences, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Ten Days of Adventure Awaits

After a cool-off dip in the river and with our group now complete, we set off for the next leg of our journey – ten days of camping and rafting along the majestic Colorado River from Phantom Ranch to our take out at Diamond Creek.

Our days were filled with thrilling white-water rapids, moments of tranquility as we floated through calm stretches, and awe-inspiring views around every bend. Camping under the vast, star-studded desert sky was a humbling experience, and the sounds of the river lulled us to sleep each night on our cots. As no rain was in the forecast, we never pitched a tent.

Nature's Beauty Unveiled

One of the most remarkable aspects of this adventure was the opportunity to witness the ever-changing beauty of the Grand Canyon. Each day brought new discoveries, from hidden waterfalls and ancient petroglyphs to the vibrant flora and fauna that call this rugged terrain home. The Colorado River, with its emerald-green waters, carved a path through the canyon's immense red rock walls, creating a mesmerizing contrast of colors and textures.

A Profound Connection to Nature

As the days passed, we couldn't help but feel a profound connection to the natural world around us. The simplicity of life on the river – waking up to the rising sun, cooking meals over a campfire, and listening to the river's soothing melody – allowed us to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the Grand Canyon.

We were divided into 4 groups of 4 for our rotating responsibilities. Cook, Clean, Groover, Off. This system evenly shares the duties of everyday life on the river. On this 16 day trip, you were off every 4th day.

Our Colorado River adventure was a journey of a lifetime.

We had a Golden Run and now it was time to pull into the take out at Diamond Creek where we will deflate the boats and sort the equipment out.

This adventure was an unforgettable experience. Ten days spent camping and rafting along the Colorado River allowed us to forge lasting connections with both nature and our fellow river runners.

If you ever have the opportunity to go on a similar adventure, we wholeheartedly encourage you to seize it.

The Grand Canyon and the Colorado River offer a rare and captivating glimpse into the natural world's raw, untamed beauty. It's an experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the great outdoors and a lifetime of cherished memories.

Spotted these beautiful wooden Dories. They are a unique boat option via a commercial outfitter to run the Colorado river.

Be sure to check out our video below if you have ever wondered what it’s like to sit in the front seat of a raft thru rapids.

This video is from our 2022 Colorado River Trip. Watch our Safety Kayaker run Lava Falls!

Check out our list of river gear essentials: 👇