| Grand Canyon Rafting
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In the October issue of TRAVELER, we feature 22 superb weekend getaways. One of our selections is rafting in the Grand Canyon. Of the experience, writer Jim Richardson says, “As the river drops at a demented angle, smashing into stone walls, forming monstrous standing waves, your fear turns to dread—but then mingles with adrenaline and, oddly, joy.” We think you’ll be inspired to visit after reading Richardson’s tale. So here, we offer the best links on rafting and traveling to the national park. |
BASICS
Planning Your Trip
www.nps.gov/grca
Information from the National Park Service covers peak seasons for visitors, transportation, operating hours, directions, and park entrance fees
Making Telephone Calls
www.555-1212.com/area_codes.cfm
Enter 86040 for Page, a Grand Canyon-area city
Determining Time Difference
www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/search.html
The current time and date for seven Arizona cities
Checking Weather Forecasts
www.weather.com/weather/cities/us_az_grand_
canyon_natl_park.html
Seven-day forecast, current weather conditions, and severe-weather alerts, as reported by the Weather Channel
ESSENTIALS
Where to Stay
www.thecanyon.com/tostay.htm
Information on Grand Canyon National Park campgrounds, as well as campgrounds, lodges, hotels, and motels in the park’s vicinity and surrounding areas
bestlodging.worldres.com/script/node.asp?n=1902
Descriptions and room-rate information for Grand Canyon-area lodges and hotels
Where to Eat
www.thegrandcanyon.com/dining.htm
Listings and phone numbers for cafes, saloons, delis, coffeehouses, and steak houses
www.areaparks.com/grandcanyon/dgrandcanyon.html
Listings for fast-food joints and casual eateries in the Grand Canyon-area
www.thecanyon.com/toeat.htm
Listings and phone numbers for area restaurants that range from casual to classy
THINGS TO DO
Rafting
www.kaibab.org/misc/gc_river.htm
An extensive list of contact information for outfitters that host excursions on the Colorado River
www.riveradventures.com
Information on a variety of rafting expeditions in the canyon led by Wilderness River Adventures, including 12-day and 14-day oar trips
www.oars.com
Information on a variety of trips led by Outdoor Adventure River Specialists, Inc.
www.atlastravelweb.com/grandcanyonriverrafting.shtml
An overview of Grand Canyon rafting expeditions led by Atlas Cruises & Tours, including three-day, four-day, and six-day outings
Hiking
www.grandcanyontrailguides.com
Information on Grand Canyon Trail Guides’ day hikes, multiday expeditions, and family hikes; plus, photographs, a link to order books, and information on local entertainment
www.thecanyon.com/books-hiking.htm
Links to order a variety of hike guides, including Hiking Grand Canyon National Park and the Official Guide to Hiking the Grand Canyon
Attractions & Activities
www.webcreationsetc.com/Azguide/GrandCanyon/Attractions
A comprehensive overview of Grand Canyon-area attractions, including Point Imperial, Pima Point, Moran Point, and Lipan Point
www.thetrain.com
Information on the Grand Canyon Railway steam engine train, which departs daily from Williams, Arizona, and leads visitors on a historic 65-mile (104-kilometer) ride to the Grand Canyon National Park.
www.thecanyon.com/todo.htm
Information on a variety of activities, including mule trips, horseback rides, fitness retreats, and a music festival in Grand Canyon and Tusayan
TRAVEL GUIDES
Maps
www.nationalgeographic.com/store
Where to order “Grand Canyon National Park” and “Heart of the Grand Canyon” maps—the National Geographic Store
MEDIA
Books
shop.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?
WRD=Grand+Canyon&userid=3LRFGXU0NM
Barnes & Noble’s listing of Grand Canyon-related titles sold, including guidebooks and narratives
CD-ROM
www.nationalgeographic.com/store
Where to order 15 Major U.S.A. Parks—the National Geographic store
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce
www.thecanyon.com/chamber/members.htm
Information on lodging, rafting, tours, campgrounds, attractions, restaurants, activities, service clubs, and more
