So, what do you look for in the vacation of a lifetime? Are you eager for some healthy exercise under the hot sun or are you more interested in beautiful sights you can capture in your camera? For all of the above and more, look no further than a Colorado river rafting trip. This long-standing tradition of America embodies the spirit and adventure of exploring the great outdoors while appreciating the timeless beauty nature has to offer. If you’re not sure where to start with your own Colorado river rafting adventures, take a look below at American recreational activities as well as some of the best ways to have fun in the legendary Colorado river.

History Of The Colorado River

Let’s look at some quick facts about the Colorado river! This is one of the largest principal rivers around, stretching across over nine different states at a whopping 1,450 mile length. While it’s very commonly used for rafting trips and sightseeing, it’s also a wealth of hydroelectric power as well as an incredibly vital source of agriculture for many centuries. History buffs certainly won’t be led astray as they sign up for educational tours! The Colorado River cuts through what’s known as a schist, a metamorphic rock that one billion years old. The Earth, for comparison, is estimated at only 4.5 billion years old!

The Splendor Of The Grand Canyon

Now how about the surrounding canyon? This visual splendor has been around for many thousands of years, widely considered one of the most spectacular canyons across the planet. Believe it or not, though, it’s far from the biggest! While stretching across the United States at a stunning 277 miles, at one mile deep, the largest canyon goes to the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon in Tibet. Nonetheless, this gorge’s beautiful limestone rock has been the subject of many a painting and photographic opportunity for the artistically inclined. The white limestone, known as Kaibib by the Paiute Indian tribe, attracts millions of people every year for its signature white, creamy appearance.

Popularity Of Rafting In America

A stunning 77% of Americans in recent surveys view outdoor recreation as a very important part of their lives, with 28% dedicating their time and money to dedicated whitewater rafting year after year. What makes this sport so memorable that people keep coming back to it? Part of it is the thorough exercise, as rafting makes good use of your upper body muscles and gets the blood pumping — the average 155 pound person can burn nearly 400 calories in a single rafting trip! A 2012 survey saw as many as 12 million Americans of all shapes and sizes turning to whitewater rafting in the hot months, up 11 million from the previous year. Now how about getting started on your adventure?

Signing Up For A Colorado River Rafting Trip

So, the Colorado River as well as the Grand Canyon are perfect for those looking to bolster their health, history buffs interested in learning more about the world and artists eager for new subjects to explore. Now where do you sign up? Grand Canyon adventure tours are affordable and accessible ways to get the most the area has to offer in one convenient package, while river expeditions are led by trained professionals to ensure you enjoy yourself along the river’s winding length. So what are you waiting for? A memorable vacation is as easy as signing up for a Colorado river rafting trip and being swept away, quite literally, in the fun!