Rafting the Grand Canyon

Arizona River Runners' Guide Bianca Aiken tells us her feelings when hiking the Grand Canyon.

I have hiked down to the Colorado River from the rim well over fifty times. I'm not bragging, it's not an impressive feat, it's just time in the Grand Canyon which is always a blessing. I have hiked out of Grand Canyon enough to notice a trend, there's a certain anxiety that overcomes me with the inevitable butt kicking effect of those last thousand vertical feet. No matter the season, (fit in the summer, out of shape in the winter), it is always an effort. I persevere - one step after the other. I call them "zen steps" where I meditate, let each step just flow like water and my mind float somewhere above. I breathe easy, take little sips of water and it seems my heart beat slows to the rhythm of each footfall.

There are times I partially close my eyes and breathe deep, still walking, and it never fails, as the rim becomes closer and closer, as my journey begins its ending, a bittersweet wave floods my heart. I 'm never ready to walk back into "rim world."At the top I start planning the next trip to the Canyon. I feel a peace that comes with good hard exercise. I wonder what would happen if I just turned around and went back home. I think about the mac & cheese, or the burgers and fries; and I always turn back to the vastness of our glorious Canyon. While tourists excitably push around to get their memories, I give thanks and blessings for being humbled once again by this beautiful wonder.

So when you are on your Grand Canyon raft trip, look up, see the cliffs, the horizon, the birds floating on the currents. Take advantage of the off river hikes offered. This is an amazing place, with niches and secrets, beauty and adventure.

Call Arizona River Runners. We have Grand Canyon raft trips with hikes in and out of the Canyon, letting you experince it all! 1-800-477-7238.