Personal Experience: Rafting the Grand Canyon
Rafting the Grand Canyon: Leah Rybak
From September 15- October 9, I rafted the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon with my dad, sister and 13 other white water enthusiasts. Without a doubt, I can say it was a life changing experience that I will never forget.
As the trip approached, I was excited but also hesitant about being away from society for over 20 days. The first day on the river, after putting in at Lees Ferry, took all of my anxiety away. As we floated under the Navajo Bridge and departed from society, cell phone service and man-made objects, I felt a stirring sense of adventure mixed with the calm of knowing this was exactly where I was supposed to be.
There are more experiences in my moleskine journal (and in my heart) than I could ever transcribe to an online format, so I’ve chosen some highlights from my trip to share.
The rapids:
Lava Falls! Photo by Brian York.
- Scariest: Crystal, class 9
When we got to Crystal, a NPS helicopter was flying overhead and as we got to the top of the scout we saw a boat overturned in the middle of the river! No one was hurt but the boat was stuck there for over 24 hours.
- Most intense experience: Lava Falls, class 9
I almost fell out of the boat but managed to hold on just past cheese grader rock!
- Favorite: Granite, class 8
The most enjoyable rapid we did! Such a great wave train!
The hikes:
MatKat! Photo by Chelsea Rybak
- Matkatamiba Canyon
After scrambling between rocks and swimming through creek water, we came to the middle of what we called “MatKat” canyon and enjoyed a lush and beautiful oasis!
- Havasu
We didn’t make it all the way to Beaver Falls, but Havasu’s crystal blue water lives up to the hype.
- The Throne Room
We hiked up to the Throne Room in the pouring rain and took shelter under the overhang. I will never forget the steep hike and how the thunder sounded echoing throughout the canyon!
Havasu meeting the Colorado River. Photo by Brian York.
Those are the highlights from my amazing rafting trip! I can truly say that the Grand Canyon is a slice of heaven that should be protected, honored and enjoyed.
Leah Marie Rybak is AVA’s Marketing Manager, a Summit County, Colorado native and a rafting enthusiast. Please send any questions or comments to [email protected] and make sure to check out AVA’s rafting opportunities for next summer at www.coloradorafting.net.