When Winter releases its hold in the United States, the melting snow and Spring rains fill rivers around the country, signaling the coming, for some, of the upcoming rafting season. Rafting trips can range from intense, to relaxing, depending on the river of choice, and it’s almost always a good idea to go with a guide if possible. Rivers abound in the United States, so start weighing the options for rafting trips to find the one that best suits your preference. Chances are, you will have the time of your life.
One of the most prized river rafting destinations in America is the Colorado River’s stretch through the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona. At the Grand Canyon, you will find some of the best whitewater rafting trips known to man. Also, near the eastern border of Grand Canyon National Park, you can find a calm stretch of river that is more ideal for family rafting trips. Extended Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trips can last more than a few days, with camping and a Grand Canyon lodge as your accommodations along the way. Planning well in advance to secure Grand Canyon river rafting trips is a must, as spots go quickly. If you happen to have extra time on your hands during a trip to Las Vegas, you might be interested to know that the Grand Canyon is relatively close. Mixing Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trips with a few days on the Vegas Strip is sure to be a most exciting vacation. Wherever there are mountains or a generally diverse topography, there are bound to be some great rapids to run. Out West, states like California, Utah, and Idaho are just some of the possible destinations where United States whitewater rafting trips are ideal. Idaho’s Snake River is considered by some to be the best in the country, next to the Colorado River at the Grand Canyon. In Colorado state, you can take a guided rafting trips down the Eagle River near Vail Ski Resort. Family rafting trips are ideal on the Eagle River, as some companies start down river, where the water is generally calmer.
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Northern Wisconsin is an outdoor lover’s dream, and guided rafting trips down the Peshtigo River can be extremely exhilarating, especially after a month full of rain. A tad further north, on the Wisconsin and Michigan border, the Menominee River can see you languidly drifting downstream with a Bald Eagle flying ahead, only to then present you with a series of intimidating rapids. Once you make it through, the feeling of accomplishment and utter joy is felt by everyone, usually culminating in a most celebratory moment of exuberance. There are few rushes as spectacular as those you experience on whitewater rafting trips. If you plan to take on a particularly rough stretch of river, guided rafting trips are highly recommended. It is also recommended that you keep your wits about you and pay attention to the river ahead. Knowing the river before you ride it is the best way to prepare yourself, and if you go with a guide, their understanding of the river usually runs deep. Before you embark on guided rafting trips, you will go through an orientation session, where you will learn all you need to know for what lies ahead. As long as you pay attention during the orientation, you should be ready to face any situation that arises.
Rafting trips can get expensive, depending on their length and location, but generally, for the thrill you experience, they are worth every penny. In terms of relaxation, a slow river rafting trip can be a great way to take in the natural surroundings, as well as native wildlife. When it comes to excitement, a faster trip downstream can be akin to a roller coaster ride. Many guided rafting trips in the United States involve at most, class 3 and 4 rapids, which while rough, are still ideal for beginners and intermediate level rafters. California’s South Fork American River, for example, is ideal for family rafting trips when you want a bit of everything. The more experienced rafter will appreciate the North Fork American River, which offers class 4 and 5 rapids. Near Californian cities like San Francisco and Sacramento, you can find some great rafting trips, and up near the Oregon border, the Klamath River has class 2 and 3 rapids. You might see deer, elk and even bear as you glide along, and there are great opportunities to fish or hike as well.
Back east, those planning rafting trips might head to West Virginia, where the New River Gorge National River Park has two of the country’s best rivers for rafting. The New and Gauley Rivers have parts that are mild and ideal for family rafting trips, while those looking for all out mayhem can find it here as well. In northwestern Maine, you can add guided rafting trips to your outdoor itinerary, and the Kennebec, Dead and Penobscot Rivers are good ones to start with. If your travel budget is a bit tight, but you still want that thrill that comes with river rafting, you can always keep an eye out for cheap river rafting trips. Great deals for trips to such beautiful destinations as Breckenridge, Colorado can be found, and with plenty of vacation packages offering rafting trips, you can find savings by booking everything together. The best time to find cheap river rafting trips is at the beginning and tail ends of the season, which basically means Spring and Fall. As long as your river rafting trip is just a one-day affair, it generally should be pretty well-priced. Try heading to places close to home to save money as well. Rafting any decent river can be a joy, and if you search out some of the less popular rafting areas, you can usually find cheap river rafting trips.