How do you like to plan your recreational activities and summer vacations? While some people enjoy going to water parks or signing up for popular outdoor concerts, others find themselves raring for beautiful sights and exciting adventures. Whitewater rafting and kayaking have been popular outdoor traditions in the States for years and show little sign of slowing down as more people try to find a balance between healthy exercise and spending time with their loved ones. Arizona and Colorado are home to some of the most beautiful and expansive mountain ranges and rivers in the United States, offering rafting trips in the Grand Canyon as well as camping and hiking expeditions. If you and your family are looking for the next great vacation to forever be cemented in memory, keep reading!
Americans And Recreation
America is home to an incredible range of scenery, weather and outdoor activities. More than half of all Americans view outdoor recreation as an important and ongoing part of their everyday lives, with the most popular activities being fishing, camping, hiking, kayaking, bird watching and swimming. A recent survey found 28% of Americans are either participating in or wanting to participate in whitewater rafting and kayaking more often due to mix of scenery, invigorating energy and physical health benefits.
Whitewater Rafting And Kayaking
A study found almost 13 million regular kayaking participants in the year 2012 alone, a noticeable increase from the previous years. Families have been turning more and more to whitewater rafting and kayaking for their dual physical and emotional health benefits and many companies have been scrabbling to meet the demand for rafting equipment, water vests and updated tours. The average 155-pound person can burn 350 calories while whitewater rafting, while the average 180-pound person can burn over 400, making rafting ideal for both tourists and those looking to bolster their health.
History Of The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon has a history more extensive than the United States itself! Ongoing observations by geologists have found that the Colorado River broke away from the Grand Canyon around five million years ago, constructed of a type of metamorphic rock that’s well over one billion years old. The Paiute tribe calls the canyon ‘Kaibib’, which translates to ‘mountain lying down’ — the beautiful and creamy white Kaibab limestone is a memorable and iconic landmark many travel miles to see themselves. Although the Grand Canyon is considered one of America’s most spectacular landmarks, it’s actually not the biggest gorge! While being a mile deep and nearly 300 miles long, the biggest canyon in the world goes to Tsangpo Canyon in Tibet. Nonetheless, the visual splendor and wealth of activities the Grand Canyon can offer your family alone is not to be underestimated.
Creating The Ideal Vacation
If you’re thinking about a way to shake up your usual routine, start off by picking a prime state ideal for fun activities, good weather and soaking in the great outdoors. If you’re looking for rafting trips in the grand canyon then you should consider gathering your boating supplies and heading to Colorado — while the canyon is only ten miles wide, it serves as both a great hiking opportunity as well as a source of memorable and exciting Colorado river rafting adventures. If you have kids, Arizona is home to many organizations that offer fun swimming and rafting activities for them to enjoy. Next time your schedule is freed up, consider signing up for adventure tours and shake up your normal routine with rafting trips in the Grand Canyon!