Rapid Rewards: A Utah Rafting Adventure

River rafting in Canyonlands National Park // © 2009 Marissa Tinloy

It started at a family gathering with an invitation from my grandpa; then, it really started on a morning in late June in the heart of Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah. Three generations of my family stood on the bank of a cool, rushing river. The sun rose over the red-rock cliffs as we were about to embark on a three-night, four-day rafting trip with the locally based and highly recommended Colorado River and Trail Expeditions (CRATE).

Our family had come from far and wide. Our gang ranged from age 16 to age 72. (Day one of the journey also happened to be my grandpa’s 72nd birthday.) We climbed aboard the two powerful pontoon boats that would be our home for the next four days as we covered 100 miles of river. Then we were off.

Cruising down the river was relaxing. We kicked back while guides Ben, McKenna and Sabrina filled us in on the history and geography of the landscape. We learned about how it had been preserved and what we could do to continue to protect it. Together, we witnessed the convergence of the Colorado and Green rivers, all of us amazed at the mixing of the two distinct shades of green.

Conventional knowledge might suggest that it would be nearly impossible to find one trip that fit the needs of — much less excited — multiple generations. In the case of this river-rafting trip, however, conventional knowledge was happily incorrect. From the start, our CRATE guides tailored the trip to meet our abilities and personalities. If any member of our family had initially held fears that our youngest or oldest would have difficulty, these were quickly assuaged. In their place emerged a sense of healthy adventure and a sense of safety in the hands of our capable guides. CRATE’s package excelled as a multigenerational trip because it combined the perfect portions of exhilaration and relaxation.

In the early afternoon, we stopped along the pristine shore for a leisurely lunch. Hauling two coolers off the boat, the CRATE crew assembled a mouthwatering spread. As we would soon discover, our epicurean guides continued to outdo themselves with every meal. (One evening, they even baked a birthday cake for my grandfather in a Dutch oven.)

We hit our first rapids on day two. As we approached the churning whitewater, we got a little nervous. As soon as we were swept up by the powerful swells though, we discovered that we loved the thrill. Our guides easily maneuvered every rapid in our path. Each time, we came out drenched, safe and cheering. Upholding his reputation as a true adventurer, my grandpa rode the waves, pumping his hands above his head as if we were on a roller-coaster. We’d sandwiched our youngest, Becky, in the middle of the raft but, like Grandpa, she too was shouting for more. The rapids, like the rest of the trip, were a success for everyone, both young and old.

At night, we played board games while our multitalented guides entertained us with music. Under the bright stars, listening to the soothing lullaby of the rushing river, we’d fall asleep each night, exhausted but content.

One of the most memorable of the many experiences of our trip was hiking into The Doll’s House. According to our guides, it’s one of the most remote places in the Lower 48. We climbed 1,200 feet, every member of the family in tow. When we reached the top, everyone began cheering — our voices making a wonderful echo. I think it will be a long time before any of us forgets the view from the top, or the togetherness we felt as a family at that moment.

800-253-7328, www.crateinc.com

More Family-Friendly Rafting Adventures

Echo
Rogue River, Oregon
With Class III rapids, the beautiful Siskiyou Mountains as a backdrop and a winding river path that travels 38 miles through southwestern Oregon, Echo’s popular Rogue River itinerary is something that adventurers of all ages are sure to enjoy. The three- to five-day trip, based on travel date and itinerary, welcomes youngsters age 7 and up; ages 10-12 are required during high water.
www.echotrips.com

O.A.R.S.
Snake River, Idaho and Oregon
Hell’s Canyon, home to the Snake River, is, ironically, quite heavenly for river rafting with family members of all ages. Forming the border between Idaho and Oregon, the Snake River makes a fun three- or five-day trip. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, prehistoric artifacts and the rushing Wild Sheep rapids. No standard age restrictions.
www.oars.com

ROW Adventures
Salmon River, Canyons, Idaho
This five-day, 60-mile rafting trip down the Salmon River in Idaho offers intermediate rapids, easy hiking, designated down time and an entertaining “River Jester” for kids. Historical Native American sites, preserved pioneer homesteads and white-sand beaches make the scenery of this trip unique. Children ages 5 and up are welcome; ages 8 and up are required during high water.
www.rowadventures.com