ARIZONA
The Grand Canyon
Few paddling experiences come
close to matching the epic 297-mile Colorado River run from Lees Ferry
to Lake Mead. There's the monster whitewater (including Lava Falls,
called the fastest navigable rapid in North America), the mile-high
bisque- and red-hued rock walls, the tent-perfect beaches, and the
sheer, walloping Great American West feel of it all. About 22,000
people a year raft a portion of the Colorado's 277 Grand Canyon miles;
most travel with one of 16 outfitters licensed by the Park Service, but
those with strong river-running skills can arrange a private outing.
Good news on that front: As of 2006, noncommercial launch permits are
being awarded by lottery (800.959.9164, www.nps.gov/grca),
replacing the laughable 25-year waiting list. Motorized or oar-powered
rafts are the most common way to go, but purists say nothing beats the
grace and responsiveness of a wooden dory. Veteran outfitter OARS
offers 15- to 19-day full-canyon dory trips (from $4,535).