Glen Canyon Float Trip
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By Cathy Severson
The descent to the Colorado River through Glen Canyon began with a two mile long tunnel ride. A burst of sunlight pierced the bus as we exited the darkness. Our eyes quickly adjusted to the brightness, and we were able to first see the dam towering above us. It’s a bit unnerving to be at the base of a dam that soars over seven hundred feet. In fact, Glen Canyon Dam is the second tallest dam in the United States, after Hoover Dam.
Fears were quickly diverted as we donned hard hats to make the sort walk to our pontoon boats that lay ready for us. The five boats quickly consumed the hundred people who were eager for the fifteen mile float trip down the river.
My husband and I had been rafting in Costa Rica, so were prepared for rapids. This was not that kind of boat trip. In fact, the large river looked more like a lake of glass before the pontoon cut through it.
The cliffs of Glen Canyon, with the bright red sandstone soon became to center of attention. Our young guide, a local college student provided ongoing commentary about the geography, floral, fauna, and history of the dam, river and surrounding area.
After an hour ride downstream, we parked the boat to take a short walk to view ancient petroglyphs. As we waited for everyone to return to the boat, children and a couple of crazy adults splashed in the forty-seven degree water. That may sound nice for a hot Arizona day, but it was cold under even the hottest of circumstances. Because the water comes from the bottom of Lake Powell, it makes spring runoff in the Rockies feel like bath water.
We resumed our ride and when another hour passed, we stopped for the packed lunches we received on the bus. A nice lunch of sandwiches, chips and fruit, it’s amazing how hungry you can get even when you’re not doing much but sightseeing.
Once lunch was complete and more people played in the freezing water, we resumed our final leg of the trip. We were lucky the day was overcast and even a few sprinkles cooled the rays of the sun as it pierced through the canyon walls.
The float trip ended at Leeds Ferry; both an ending and beginning for treks down the Colorado River. We enjoyed the day, but disappointed there weren’t ANY rapids or action. This is definitely the tour for people who just want to take a leisurely trip down the river. All the people connected to the trip were friendly, professional and efficient.
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