Taking Care of the Bare Necessities

Let’s start with the most important question- when you gotta go, where do you go? The National Park Service regulates everything in the Grand Canyon, including where you can use the restroom. Urination always takes place in the main river as it is not permitted in any the side canyon streams or pools. The guides will designate separate areas for men and women. For solid waste, the guides set up a portable facility like what you have at home, only it doesn’t flush and has a much better view! For privacy, they set up a “key’ system near the washing station. Take the key (often a seat cushion, hat, or some other large object) with you when you use the restroom so other passengers know it’s occupied and return it to the washing station when you’re done.

There’s nothing like a good scrub down after a long day of rafting and exploring, and you won’t have to completely forego your daily preening while on the river. Like the restroom, bathing takes place in the main river and only biodegradable soaps and shampoos are permitted, but not to worry! These items are becoming more available at the local Wal-Marts, Walgreens and Targets. Solar showers can be hard to keep track of on the raft, but you may bring one if you wish, but remember: the water from your shower must fall into the main river! Most passengers opt to follow the guides’ example. When you stop at a beach for lunch, while the day is still warm, jump in the river, jump out and suds up, then jump back in and rinse off. And remember safety first, so stay near the shore, always have a buddy nearby, and always tell the guides where you’re going.

Camping in the Grand Canyon will likely be one of the most “cush” outdoor experiences of your lifetime, but it’s also a group effort. The outfitters provide all of your camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, cots on some motorized trips or sleeping pads) as well as all of the kitchen essentials. In the afternoon after the camp site has been chosen and the rafts have been beached, everyone will form a bucket line to help unload the rafts. While you pick out a spot to pitch your tent, the guides will set up the bathroom and kitchen facilities and get to cooking the group an amazing meal.

While lunch is the more average meal of the day (generally sandwiches and salads, something that can be quickly prepared) and breakfasts are hearty with all the fixings, dinners really take the cake. The evening meals will change daily from fresh meats like steak and fish to pasta with sides and dessert. If you’re vegan, vegetarian, have any food allergies, etc. as long as the outfitters know in advance, most dietary preferences and restrictions can be accommodated. Celebrating a birthday or anniversary? You may be surprised with a homemade Dutch oven treat!

So while on your Grand Canyon adventure, remember to take note from an old bear and “rest at ease” because we took care of the bare necessities!

by Vanessa Therrien
edited by Megan Prescott