Are you a resident of Colorado or someone who’s visiting the state and wondering what adventures can be had? Well, look no further than Arizona’s Echo Canyon and its rafting-worthy waters.

The place has a rather interesting history, being the path that Mormons historically took when finding their way to Salt Lake City. If you have ever wanted to feel like an adventurer, you definitely don’t want to miss out on the expeditions to be had at the Echo Canyon River. Let’s explore what it has to offer.‌

What Makes Echo Canyon River Special?

Traveling through Arizona, your eyes will soon be used to the arid desert landscape. Thus, it comes as a surprise to many to discover a stunning river that meanders its way through the canyon. It almost looks unreal when you first lay eyes on it. 

Nevertheless, the Echo Canyon River is very real, and countless people have visited it over the last 40 years to enjoy the many activities possible. From hiking trails to full-day rafting, there’s something for everyone here. 

The river is undoubtedly the star of the park. After all, hiking in the Arizona weather isn’t something a lot of people readily choose when you can experience white-water rafting with the family. 

What Rafting Activities Await at the Echo Canyon River?

There are several types of rafting activities that you can try. It’s normal to be a little worried about how safe rafting can be, but Echo Canyon River Expeditions states that there are options even for kids as young as four.

Depending on the intensity of the experience you are looking for, there’s something for everyone. You have relaxing, laid-back river rafting for those who want to take in the sights. At the same time, you can also opt for the ‘maximum thrill expeditions’. These will have you covering 20 miles on a full-day trip with over 4 hours on the boat. 

According to Echo Canyon River Expeditions, you will need to be a good swimmer, and the minimum recommended age is around thirteen. 

You can paddle right under the Royal Gorge Bridge, which sits almost a thousand feet over you. Fair warning: the more exciting rafting expeditions will involve legitimate rapids that range between classes III and V. These rapids aren’t to be taken lightly. These extreme expeditions aren’t really targeted at people who might be physically weak. 

If you have never gone rafting before, it’s probably a good idea to try gentler options until you are more experienced. 

After all, you aren’t going to be having much fun if you feel completely out of your element and freaked out about falling overboard. You can have quite a lot of fun with the more relaxed rafting options as well.

What Should You Know About Rafting? 

If you are visiting a spot that is known for its rafting adventures, it’s probably a good idea to read up on the subject. The first thing to understand about rafting is going to be the different difficulty classes. There are essentially five classes, with Class I being easy with small waves and Class V being particularly tough and featuring violent rapids. 

Next, take the time to familiarize yourself with basic paddling techniques and how to follow the guide’s commands. It can take some time to execute maneuvers perfectly. Considering that you will be paddling with other rafters as well, coordination will be important. 

It goes without saying that you need to be an excellent swimmer. No matter how good they are, you should never put 100% of your trust in safety measures. There might come a moment when you aren’t able to rely on life vests or other devices. Being able to not just swim but also tackle tough currents will be critical. 

This is why it’s so important to not throw yourself into the tough classes right away. Paddling and swimming in strong currents and waves is not easy. It can be quite draining and will easily tire out the inexperienced rafter. Be sensible and don’t take unnecessary risks as much as possible. 

To ‘Raft’ things up, Arizona’s Echo Canyon River should definitely be on your must-visit list if the thought of rafting adventures excites you. It makes for one of the best family getaways, especially during the hot summer months. 

Who knows? You might discover that you have a natural talent for paddling through tough rapids. Rafting is one of those experiences that puts you right up close to the powerful forces of nature. It can be a truly addictive experience for most adrenaline seekers.

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