I recently went on a tour of Antelope Canyon, a popular slot canyon in Arizona. Thousands of people visit this small slot canyon, roughly the length of a city block, every single day. The guides knew how to direct their groups so everyone could take photos without any other guests in their shot. I work with the logistics of our company, and I was impressed with the coordination it took to pull off that kind of tour. I’m glad that beautiful, natural spaces are gaining in popularity, but I often feel like I’m in the way of someone else’s Instagram reel instead of being able to soak in the moment IRL (in real life). The canyon was absolutely stunning, but it was hard to appreciate it fully as we shuffled through it in unison amongst several other groups with our cameras, trying inadequately to capture the beauty that surrounded us.
The experience reminded me just how magical Grand Canyon river trips are! Only about 25,000 people raft the Grand Canyon each year. Lees Ferry (where all Grand Canyon river trips begin) is bustling during the summer as 5-6 river trips prepare to set off each day, but once you leave the ferry, the groups spread out and rarely see each other. You might meet another group at a popular waterfall or pass them when they stop for lunch, but for the most part, you and your new “river family” will have the Grand Canyon all to yourself. It’s surreal.
Around every bend in the river, you’ll discover new rock formations. Throughout the trip, you’ll stop to hike up to places that are tough to get to other than on a river trip, like hidden waterfalls, ancient pictographs, or scenic lookouts. Sometimes, since words can’t describe the canyon’s beauty, sarcasm bubbles up. A friend of mine recently came on a trip, and occasionally he would say, “Here’s another ridiculously beautiful view – if you’re into that kind of thing.” The canyon doesn’t disappoint. It surprises you every minute.
Most Grand Canyon river trips will also stop to explore one slot canyon or another. Some are made of red rock, others of black stone. Some have seeps of water trickling out of cracks in the rock, making the walls come alive with moss and flowers. Sometimes we play in a swimming hole, sometimes we share stories or sing songs. Sometimes we let the silence wash over us as we hide in the cool shadows formed by the narrow stone walls that seem to dance around us like ribbons in the wind. For most of us, it’s a rare privilege to escape our daily grind and spend time in a beautifully remote place with a small group of people, and Grand Canyon river trips are full of these moments. If you’re into that kind of thing.
See some Grand Canyon slot canyons below
And some Antelope Canyon photos here
