LOCALadk
26
Photography & Story by Eric Adsit
CANYONS WITHIN CANYONS
E P I C J O U R N E Y
Start a story off with one of the above e's, and any river runner worth their salt will know exactly what you're talking about. e
Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is one river trip that stands apart, with 225 miles of incredible scenery, high-volume rapids,
and sandy beaches to set up camp. It's a coveted trip, with a competitive lottery system for launch dates and a daunting list of logistical
challenges. For many, it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but with a little luck and a lot of planning, it can be done a number of times.
For many, spending 16 or more days locked in one of the deepest canyons in North America is a daunting task, especially in the
winter. It can be cold, with average highs in the low 50s and lows hovering right around freezing. But it's much easier to get a permit
in the winter. Best of all, the lack of oppressive heat makes the many hiking opportunities into side canyons much more enjoyable. It's
easy to forget the canyon is a hiking paradise when there is so much hype surrounding its whitewater sports. Although the Class 1-10
scale is found only in the Grand Canyon, nearly every camp and side canyon has something worth exploring. For me, that's what makes
a river trip in this place so compelling.
