The Travelling Celts

Indiana Jones and the waterfall

by Michael Cameron

The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the entire southwestern United States. Its powerful waters, which start high on the Continental Divide in Colorado, surge down the mountains and through America’s Southwestern deserts all the way to Mexico. The river feeds thousands of communities along the way. Along its path are wonderful steep-walled canyons that were carved by the force of nature over the thousands of years. To experience the Colorado River up close and personal, at least one day river rafting is recommended, an experience we couldn't miss.

Whitewater rafting with the Hualpai River Runners at Grand Canyon West was expensive, but worth it, the one-day rafting experiences, in addition to the rapids, included hiking at travertine cavern falls, local wildlife viewing, lunch along the banks of the river, and an option to take a helicopter ride from the river up to Grand Canyon West. During the trip we learned about the Hualapai Tribe and their connection to the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River.

We were transported from Hualpai Lodge to and from the river in an old school bus. An experience in itself, fun to begin with but as the the bus transversed fairly rough roads, quite uncomfortable. The river rafting itself was great, though the sandwich provided not so memorable. We both look back at the sad ending though, enjoying dinner at the Lodge our party soon learned of the sad demise that day of Michael Jackson, the singer. We were both fans.

Click the links below for Colorado River photos and/or videos