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

Fall Into Grand Canyon River Rafting!

Kids are back to school, the weather is getting chillier, and the 2012 rafting season will soon be coming to an end. Fall is definitley upon us but it's still not too late to book a one day motorized trip or a non-motorized multi-day rafting trip for this year and it is the best time to start planning for 2013!

Rafting in September-October can be a gorgeous time to be in the canyon with fair , mostly clear weather and the changing fall colors. Cooler temperatures can allow for longer trips and longer side canyon hiking opportunties that just aren't possible in hot summer weather, and if you're looking to beat the crowds or just a smaller group size, now is definitely the time to go.You can have the trip of a lifetime, however it is important to remember that the Grand Canyon is a place of extremes. In the course of one day you can experience a multitude of weather conditions so the key to your overall enjoyment of the trip no matter what time of year you go is your level of preparation and overall sense of adventure!

No matter what time of year you raft in the Grand Canyon, the river is always between 45 degrees and 55 degrees fahrenheit as it is coming from the bottom of Lake Powell and the water has never seen the light of day. September and October are generally mild months weather wise, but the biggest mistake people make when rafting this time of year is under dressing.

If the morning is chilly, start off wearing layers of warm, quick drying clothing such as fleece and don't forget a waterproof, two piece rain suit! You'll appreciate the protection from the elements as you splash and ride through those chilly rapids. As the day warms you will have plenty of opportunities to de-layer and it is always better to pack something and not need it than not to pack it and end up wishing you had! For pictures and examples of the type of river gear to buy, we recommend visiting our Rivers & Oceans Outfitters store via the link on our main page.

Happy Rafting!