I realize I have been absent for the past few months; I needed to regroup and really think about what I am going to do with this little blog that I have been writing since 2013 or 2012 (so long I cannot even recall!). I think that with the way my life is going as a soon-to-be “empty nester” I will be focusing more on travel than local restaurants. That is not to say that food won’t enter into any of my conversations. But as I look forward, I would like to start ticking off those experiences and visiting those places that have been filling my “Dream Trip” folder. Along those lines, this is a post I have been wanting to write for a while as it truly was one of the highlights of my life. As always, please enjoy, and drop me a line if you have any questions! xoM
A few years ago, in early August, I checked off one of my bucket list items: rafting down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon with our children and a group of friends. We started on the south rim of the canyon in the town of Tusayan. We checked into the Thunderbird Lodge late in the afternoon, then enjoyed dinner at the historic El Tovar Hotel. Hubby and I prefer to stay at the Thunderbird Lodge over El Tovar (they are literally next to each other) because it offers the same amount comfort and closer proximity to the canyon, without the high cost of El Tovar (which IMHO frankly isn’t worth it). This certain topic may be a subject of debate, so feel free to reach out to me to discuss, but that is my honest opinion.
At sunrise the next morning, we hiked 7.5 miles down the Bright Angel Trail with 28 friends—some from childhood, others from newer chapters of life—to meet Hatch River Expeditions for a four-day rafting trip through the Lower Grand Canyon. We came from different places and times, but shared one goal: to disconnect from the noise and immerse ourselves in one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth: Arizona’s Grand Canyon (can you believe many think it is in Nevada!!!).
Bright Angel Trail is considered the easiest way down the canyon. There is water along the way at Indian Garden campground, and while it is slightly longer than the South Kaibab Trail (which I feel has better views), it is also a little less steep. Nevertheless, the steepness remains a big factor, so if you have bad knees, you should arrange for a mule ride down. Case in point, one of our crew members had to turn around a couple of miles in and did not make it to the rafts, which was very sad for all.
By the time we reached the bottom of the canyon, a Hatch crew of 4 guides was waiting with two of their signature motorized rafts. For the next 100+ miles, we took in the beauty of the canyon and the Colorado River. We braved Class 10 rapids that soaked us to the bone and left us grinning from ear to ear. We wandered up the surreal turquoise waters of Havasu Creek, where every bend looked like a postcard. And each night, we lay on cots beside the river, falling asleep under a canopy of stars so dense and bright it felt like the Milky Way had dropped closer to Earth just for us.
The guides—part river captains, part storytellers, part wilderness chefs—took care of every detail. They cooked incredible meals, navigated with skill and ease, and shared a deep knowledge of the canyon’s geology and history. Somehow, they also managed to remember all 29 of our names.
Things to Know Before You Go
There is no cell service or Wi-Fi. Be ready to unplug—and love every minute of it.
The trip begins with a 7.5-mile hike down the Bright Angel Trail, so good footwear, hydration, and a moderate level of fitness are essential.
The journey ends with a dramatic helicopter lift out of the canyon to a ranch in Utah, followed by a short flight to the airport in Tusayan—a finale almost as thrilling as the rapids themselves.
Hatch provides cots, sleeping bags, dry bags, water bottles, and most camping gear. What do you need?
Suggested Packing List
Optional but Useful: A waterproof journal, extra snacks, and a compact dry bag for personal items.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes for the descent, plus water shoes or sandals with straps (no flip-flops).
Clothing: Quick-dry shorts, long-sleeve sun shirts, a swimsuit, and a warm layer for evenings. You will be wet all day long. Literally.
Sun Protection: Wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses with a strap, reef-safe sunscreen, and a lightweight buff or bandana.
Other Essentials: Waterproof phone/camera case, headlamp, and a small daypack.
Comfort Items: Lip balm with SPF, hand salve, baby wipes, and a sarong or lightweight towel.
Reading List for the Canyon
- The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko – A gripping story of record-breaking speed runs and the history of river running in the Grand Canyon.
- Down the Great Unknown by Edward Dolnick – A vivid account of John Wesley Powell’s first expedition through the canyon.
- There’s This River by Christa Sadler – A collection of essays, reflections, and river tales.
- Grand Canyon: River at Risk by Kevin Fedarko and Peter McBride – A visual and narrative journey through the canyon’s environmental challenges.
Why You Should Go
There’s no better way to experience the Grand Canyon than from the Colorado River. The raw power of the rapids, the stillness of the side canyons, and the nights under a sky bursting with stars will stay with you forever.
If the Grand Canyon is on your bucket list, visit Hatch River Expeditions to learn more and book your trip—you won’t regret it. Our kids claimed it was the best family vacation ever, and we have taken them to some pretty great places. So, I would say that says it all!
