In the spirit of October and the approaching All Hallow’s Eve holiday, we would like to extend some of our ideas on how you can make your One Day Whitewater rafting trip even more memorable. Make Flagstaff your base camp, an easy 2 hour drive from Peach Springs and the only One Day Whitewater rafting trip in the Grand Canyon, and pay a visit to our local ghosts!
We suggest you begin your adventure with a guided tour of the Riordan Mansion located next to Northern Arizona University on West Riordan Road. Designed by Charles Whittlesey, the same man who designed the famous El Tovar Hotel at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the guides will take you on a walk through the Riordan’s home, which is more than 100 years old, and share with you the history of one of Flagstaff’s favorite treasures. It is highly recommended that you make reservations in advance.
Your next stop could be the Museum Club, located on Historic Route 66, for lunch or an early dinner. A central hub for great music from bands like Mogollon and with an interesting ownership history, guests may hear the eerie creak of footsteps overhead or even find themselves ordering a drink from Thorna Scott, the ghostly wife of former owner Don Scott.
For a small fee, you can finish your day with a “Haunted Tour” of Historic Downtown Flagstaff. The tour begins in Heritage Square and takes you to many haunted and historic buildings including the famous Monte Vista, where John Wayne was the first to report a ghost sighting, and the Weatherford Hotel. Tours are currently running on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings leaving between 5:30pm and 8:30pm regularly throughout October with extra tours scheduled on Halloween night.
When it’s time for a change of scenery, move on to your scheduled One Day Whitewater rafting trip starting out of Peach Springs, Arizona. You will raft the last 35 river miles of the Grand Canyon and enjoy a thrilling ride through Class II and III rapids. The Hualapai Native American guides offer a unique cultural experience and perspective on the history of the canyon, and may even share a ghost story or two of their own.
After completing your rafting trip and a restful night’s sleep at the Hualapai Lodge, you can drive on for another 2 ½ hours and arrive at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the last place the famous honeymooners, Bessie and Glen Hyde, were seen before their mysterious disappearance. We also highly recommend taking a self guided tour through all of the historic lodges, and when you stop at the El Tovar, keep an eye out for the ghosts of Mary Jane Coulter, Fred Harvey, and one of the Harvey Girls.
Get in to the “Trick or Treat” spirit and see a spookier side of Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon you may not have known existed! Happy ghost hunting!
By Vanessa Therrien
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
This Month In Grand Canyon History
September 1540-
Conquistador Francisco Vasquez de Coronado is coming toward the tail end of his expedition through the wildernesses of North America to find the Seven Cities of Cibola. Don Garcia Lopez de Gardenas, in late August 1540, is sent out to explore beyond the province of Tuzan for eighty days. Guided by the native Hopi people, amongst sightings of big horn sheep and other native fauna, Lopez comes upon the Grand Canyon.
The following is an excerpt from the book "The Journey of Coronado, 1540-1542, from the City of Mexico to the Grand Canyon of the Colorado and the Buffalo Plains of Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska, As Told by Himself and his Followers" published in 1904, edited and translated by George Parker Winship. This excerpt is quoted from pages 202-203.
“He was conducted beyond Tuzan by native guides, who said there were settlements beyond, although at a distance. Having gone 50 leagues west of Tuzan, and 80 from Cibola, he found the edge of a river down which it was impossible to find a path for a horse in any direction, or even for a man on foot, except in one very difficult place, where there was a descent for almost 2 leagues. The sides were such a steep rocky precipice that it was scarcely possible to see the river, which looks like a brook from above, although it is half as large again as that of Seville, according to what they say, so that although they sought for a passage with great diligence, none was found for a long distance, during which they were for several days in great need of water, which could not be found, and they could not approach that of the river, although they could see it, and on this account Don Garcia Lopez was forced to return.”
Don Garcia Lopez and his soldiers were the first Europeans to see the Grand Canyon in its early glory. Now, 471 years later, the entire world has the opportunity to see and explore what Lopez never did. Join us on an adventure down the Colorado River, and take the opportunity to stand upon the rim in the company of history, and to appreciate the beauty of one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World.
By Vanessa Therrien
Conquistador Francisco Vasquez de Coronado is coming toward the tail end of his expedition through the wildernesses of North America to find the Seven Cities of Cibola. Don Garcia Lopez de Gardenas, in late August 1540, is sent out to explore beyond the province of Tuzan for eighty days. Guided by the native Hopi people, amongst sightings of big horn sheep and other native fauna, Lopez comes upon the Grand Canyon.
The following is an excerpt from the book "The Journey of Coronado, 1540-1542, from the City of Mexico to the Grand Canyon of the Colorado and the Buffalo Plains of Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska, As Told by Himself and his Followers" published in 1904, edited and translated by George Parker Winship. This excerpt is quoted from pages 202-203.
“He was conducted beyond Tuzan by native guides, who said there were settlements beyond, although at a distance. Having gone 50 leagues west of Tuzan, and 80 from Cibola, he found the edge of a river down which it was impossible to find a path for a horse in any direction, or even for a man on foot, except in one very difficult place, where there was a descent for almost 2 leagues. The sides were such a steep rocky precipice that it was scarcely possible to see the river, which looks like a brook from above, although it is half as large again as that of Seville, according to what they say, so that although they sought for a passage with great diligence, none was found for a long distance, during which they were for several days in great need of water, which could not be found, and they could not approach that of the river, although they could see it, and on this account Don Garcia Lopez was forced to return.”
Don Garcia Lopez and his soldiers were the first Europeans to see the Grand Canyon in its early glory. Now, 471 years later, the entire world has the opportunity to see and explore what Lopez never did. Join us on an adventure down the Colorado River, and take the opportunity to stand upon the rim in the company of history, and to appreciate the beauty of one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World.
By Vanessa Therrien
Friday, August 13, 2010
Going Tribal on Grand Canyon Raft Trips
“The best thing I’ve ever done in my life!” You’ve probably heard this exclamation many times from people who’ve done a Grand Canyon rafting trip. I imagine that you have an idea in your mind of what their trip must have been like – the stupendous scenery, wet and wild rapids, good food, and fresh air. But you probably wonder if all that is why so many people come back in a daze. Or is it something else? Is some kind of river Kool-Aid still circulating through their blood stream? Do they have a touch of dehydration?
I’ll tell you the secret . . . it’s not the big fun rapids and the glorious scenery and it’s not a special river cocktail. The thing that most people are not expecting when they start a raft trip through the Canyon and the thing that keeps them clinging to cloud 9 after the trip is over is going tribal!
A river trip is a natural homecoming to the very basics of human nature – the simple tribal way. Most people have no idea that this is the secret to happiness, the thing that money can’t buy; the tribal way is that extra something they’re missing in their every day lives. In this world of 3-G networks, life coaches, and mocha lattes, going tribal is the enlightening experience most folks have never had, but secretly long for.
Now . . . you may have your doubts, having run into some schmuck on the subway or had some jerk text through an entire movie you’d been waiting to see for 3 months. With those recent slights of strangers in the forefront of your mind, you may be asking yourself, “Probability proves, that going tribal can’t happen every time; what if I don’t like the other people on the trip? What if I get stuck on a trip with people I’d never associate with in my life?” I can tell you this, it will not matter. That’s where the magic of Grand Canyon, yes I said magic, comes into play. When the cliff walls are towering thousands of feet above you, all of that angst and those preconceived worries wash away like sour vinegar in the raging waters of the notorious Lava Falls Rapid.
While considering this epic endeavor, you may feel as if you are about to be set adrift in a lifeboat on a vast open sea, but once you’re on the trip you’ll find the guides will alleviate your fears of the unknown. They live up to every possible meaning of their job title as they guide you through the Canyon, through the rapids, through history, and through the “getting to know you” process. In their confident, capable, and knowledgeable hands, soon everyone is looking out for one another; whether it’s helping to put up each others tents in a windstorm, lending a hand to the one behind you on a hike, or just making sure each others life-jackets are tight before going through the rapids. You quickly realize that your fellow traveler is going to be there to help pull you out of the water should you fall in and that you will do your best to help them if they go overboard.
Your mind and body do not respond rapidly (no pun intended) to the realization that you are at one with nature. It takes a few days to revel in your disconnectedness and sink into the rhythm of simple river life. All alone, a mile within the earth, at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, your group of rafters must work as a team to deal with being exposed to the elements 24/7. Then, after the oddities of not having to flip a light switch, flush a toilet, or answer a phone have melted away, it happens . . . you’ve become a close knit group, a team, a tribe.
Soon after this bond is formed, you begin playing with the idea of never returning to your cubicle again. You’ve finally found that freedom you’ve been looking for!
By the end of a Grand Canyon rafting trip, people who have started out as strangers have often become friends for life and every time they check in with one another, the tribal bond flares as they recall that truly unique experience they shared.
By Sharon Hester (edited by Megan Prescott)
Monday, December 21, 2009
Add This Fun Stop To Your One-Day Rafting Trip
Historic Route 66 is the road you take to do a one-day whitewater rafting trip in the Grand Canyon, why not add on a stop at the quirky town of Seligman AZ, full of all that fun kitschy stuff from a bygone era when cars were king and driving Route 66 was the way to go across the country. Step back in time in this friendly town and throw in a entertaining tour of the Grand Canyon Caverns.
Seligman is 30 miles from Peach Springs where you start the one day rafting trip and the Caverns is halfway between the two.
Seligman is 30 miles from Peach Springs where you start the one day rafting trip and the Caverns is halfway between the two.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Spirit of Adventure!
To: Locals of Flagstaff, AZ and Anyone Who is Willing and Able
For $1,000.00 + $12 National Park Entrance fee, you may participate on a 7 day full canyon trip to Lake Mead in the Grand Canyon departing August 9-15, 2009. To join this trip, payment in full will be due at the time of booking and, as per the outfitter's cancellation policy, is non-refundable. You will have to arrive the night of August 8, 2009 in Flagstaff for a 6:00pm orientation meeting at the Holiday Inn Express. This night's stay will be an additional cost. On August 9, you will board a bus at 6:00am for the two hour drive to your put in point at Lee's Ferry, river mile 0.
You will spend the next 7 days rafting and hiking side canyons as well as 6 nights camping beside the river. For your traveling convenience, you may rent camping equipment from the outfitter for $50.00 per sleep kit. On August 15, you will arrive at South Cove on Lake Mead, where you will take a bus back to the Holiday Inn in Flagstaff arriving between 4:00pm and 6:00pm.
If you have any questions regarding this trip or if you'd like to purchase a space on it, please contact us as soon as possible! www.rivers-oceans.com or 800-473-4576.
Adventure is waiting! The only thing missing is you!
For $1,000.00 + $12 National Park Entrance fee, you may participate on a 7 day full canyon trip to Lake Mead in the Grand Canyon departing August 9-15, 2009. To join this trip, payment in full will be due at the time of booking and, as per the outfitter's cancellation policy, is non-refundable. You will have to arrive the night of August 8, 2009 in Flagstaff for a 6:00pm orientation meeting at the Holiday Inn Express. This night's stay will be an additional cost. On August 9, you will board a bus at 6:00am for the two hour drive to your put in point at Lee's Ferry, river mile 0.
You will spend the next 7 days rafting and hiking side canyons as well as 6 nights camping beside the river. For your traveling convenience, you may rent camping equipment from the outfitter for $50.00 per sleep kit. On August 15, you will arrive at South Cove on Lake Mead, where you will take a bus back to the Holiday Inn in Flagstaff arriving between 4:00pm and 6:00pm.
If you have any questions regarding this trip or if you'd like to purchase a space on it, please contact us as soon as possible! www.rivers-oceans.com or 800-473-4576.
Adventure is waiting! The only thing missing is you!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Grand Canyon River Trip Deal!!!
Trip Type: 3 Day Upper Canyon Motor Trip
Trip Cost: $612 per person (normally $1,007 per person)
Trip Dates: July 12-14
Trip Details: You will have to be present at the Holiday Inn Express on Lucky Lane in Flagstaff the night of July 11, 2009 for a 6:00pm orientation meeting where you will receive your river equipment. On July 12, 2009 you will board a bus at the Holiday Inn Express at 6:00am for the 2 hour drive to Lee's Ferry, river mile 0 of the Grand Canyon.
You will spend the next 2 1/2 days rafting the first 88 miles of the canyon. In this section, you will hike to Native American ruins, stop at the famous Little Colorado, and run the full range of rapids on the Grand Canyon scale of 1 to 10.
On July 14, 2009 you will arrive at Phantom Ranch, river mile 88, early in the morning to begin your 9.5 mile hike out of the Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail. This hike takes about 4 to 8 hours depending upon your level and the outfitter's hiking guide will stay with the slowest member of the hiking party. The outiftter will provide you with hearty snacks, water, and electrolytes for the hike out.
If you regularly engage in some sort of physical labor or aerobic exercise at work or play, this hike is possible for you. However, physical conditioning and consistent exercise prior to your trip is essential. Be sure to concentrate on strengthening your leg muscles, calves, and quads to avoid extreme muscle fatigue often experienced toward the end of your hike.
If you're a local, you can have a family member/friend pick you up at the South Rim and drive you home when you're done hiking out. Otherwise it is recommended that you stay this night at the South Rim. Which will cost an addiitonal $85 to $360 depending upon what rooms are available.
Please contact Rivers & Oceans at info@rivers-oceans.com or 800-473-4576 for more details.
Trip Cost: $612 per person (normally $1,007 per person)
Trip Dates: July 12-14
Trip Details: You will have to be present at the Holiday Inn Express on Lucky Lane in Flagstaff the night of July 11, 2009 for a 6:00pm orientation meeting where you will receive your river equipment. On July 12, 2009 you will board a bus at the Holiday Inn Express at 6:00am for the 2 hour drive to Lee's Ferry, river mile 0 of the Grand Canyon.
You will spend the next 2 1/2 days rafting the first 88 miles of the canyon. In this section, you will hike to Native American ruins, stop at the famous Little Colorado, and run the full range of rapids on the Grand Canyon scale of 1 to 10.
On July 14, 2009 you will arrive at Phantom Ranch, river mile 88, early in the morning to begin your 9.5 mile hike out of the Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail. This hike takes about 4 to 8 hours depending upon your level and the outfitter's hiking guide will stay with the slowest member of the hiking party. The outiftter will provide you with hearty snacks, water, and electrolytes for the hike out.
If you regularly engage in some sort of physical labor or aerobic exercise at work or play, this hike is possible for you. However, physical conditioning and consistent exercise prior to your trip is essential. Be sure to concentrate on strengthening your leg muscles, calves, and quads to avoid extreme muscle fatigue often experienced toward the end of your hike.
If you're a local, you can have a family member/friend pick you up at the South Rim and drive you home when you're done hiking out. Otherwise it is recommended that you stay this night at the South Rim. Which will cost an addiitonal $85 to $360 depending upon what rooms are available.
Please contact Rivers & Oceans at info@rivers-oceans.com or 800-473-4576 for more details.
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