The Ultimate Grand Canyon Rafting Trip
Park Junkie joins Jonny Zion and a band of brazen boatmen to explore 280 miles of the Colorado River, right through the heart of Grand Canyon National Park.
The journey took 17 days and provided an intimate introduction to the Grand Canyon’s most remote and rarely explored points of interest.
Water levels were high, as the 22/23 winter was the snowiest on record in many of the mountains whose runoff feed the Colorado, so our crew was blessed with a continuous 18,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) for the canyon’s entire length.
The rapids were big & a few were downright scary. While the canyon allowed safe passage on this voyage, we were not completely spared carnage, as Lava Falls struck with a quick but jarring uppercut that provided enough excitement for the entire journey.
We ran with 7 boats, an 18’ dory & a collection of rafts, all of which were outfitted by Brian Gillespe at Jordan River Boat Works, headquartered in Francis, Utah. Check out his lineup of boats & accessories via his Instagram page: @jordanriverboatworks
Enjoy the film, and if you’d like to learn more about the world’s Grandest Canyon, check out my guide to the park, right here at parkjunkie.com/parks/grand-ca...
Please be aware, public access to the Grand Canyon is currently under threat. Entrenched bureaucrats have teamed up with corporate interests to restrict access to the park’s entire northwestern rim, requiring rec dot gov reservations and permits to enter a remote and rarely visited section of the park known as Toroweap.
Toroweap is a beautiful area, and offers the adventurous traveler the most spectacular of Grand Canyon views. It lies at the end of a 60-mile, one-way dirt road, and receives little traffic.
Concerned citizens can write their elected officials to protest this move, and can use forms I have provided in the links below.
Those who would like to send a message to their elected representatives in the House and the Senate can now visit the Democracy IO link below, which provides a quick, painless method by which you can find and message your reps in a matter of seconds.
Just go to the link below, as well as the Google Doc linked below that, copy the FLREA Letter to Reps in Google Docs, then paste that into the comment section in the Democracy IO link. This takes less than two minutes, and you'll rest well, knowing that you took action to affect change for the benefit of future generations of our people.
Democracy.io: democracy.io/#!/
Googel Doc - FLREA - Letter to Reps: docs.google.com/document/d/1Z...
Here is Matt Stoller's November article on the Rec.gov arrangement: mattstoller.substack.com/p/wh...
Thanks for your efforts.
Be sure to check out the most comprehensive National Park guide ever conceived by the human mind, cruise on over to: parkjunkie.com/national-park-...
Also, don't neglect the opportunity to stay up to date on Park Junkie's blog: parkjunkie.com/
Oh yeah, I just created a new Substack account dedicated to Public Land Access Issues: The Park Junkie Public Land Press - publiclandpress.substack.com/...
And if you'd like to support our efforts to maintain public awareness of issues that affect our enjoyment of our public lands, consider grabbing some Park Junkie gear for yourself & don't forget your public-land-loving friends, family and associates: park-junkie.myspreadshop.com/
Thanks for the support, but most importantly, don't forget to support the future generations of our people, who will inherit our great lands. Let's make sure that these lands belong to them, and not a major corporate interest
Пікірлер: 221
Yea, holy cow Todd, you outdid yourself with this video! Best Grand Canyon film I've ever seen with beautiful sights and exciting adventures! Great Job Junkie!!
@dontatme7
Жыл бұрын
Yes, this Grand Canyon video will do well for years to come in terms of viewership
@NandkumarTekam-uv3wb
11 ай бұрын
@@dontatme7l1
We’re so glad to see you posting a video. We were getting concerned that something had happened to you. Keep the faith, baby!!
Hello Park Junkie. Well this was certainly worth the wait. Stellar job by all and the post production, and camera work was some of the best I've ever seen. I'm glad it all went well for all of you. Oh, and thanks for that Park Junkie moment, because "it's always something." Lol.
This is easily one of the best outdoor adventure vlogs I've ever seen. Deserves an actual premiere in theater. What a journey!
this is definitely the most best documentary of the grand canyon i’ve ever seen. nice work guys
AWSOME ! Through you I take all the hikes & boat trips. Thank You ! 👍👍👍😊
I so enjoyed this! I was lucky enough to float the canyon in 1988. It was absolutely wonderful!! This brought back some wonderful memories! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. 35 years ago… I’m sure things have changed somewhat but WOW! A trip if a lifetime!!
DUDE! Where you been hiding lately? Missed seeing you around. I absolutely love the GC! I consider it my "spiritual place". I feel a deep connection to the GC. Most people have no idea what the GC is like. One has to hike the trails, ride the Colorado River, smell the air, or sit on a rock and be at peace with yourself and the canyon. Fantastic.
Wow, this is as if I'm there with you guys!!!! You captured it all. I was fortunate enough to visit the Grand Canyon on April 22,2023 southside it was on my bucket list to do it when I turned 66 and drive the route 66 with two friends of mine which also turned 66. Watching this was the icing on the cake. Thank you for recording your adventure. As it was a great adventure to watch!!!!!!! Amazing
My mom was a River guide for Can Ex in the late 80s/early 90s. She did countless trips down the Grand Canyon which I heard all about as a kid. Finally when I was 13 she got me down in a trip and it was quite literally the adventure of a lifetime. Even now at almost 47 I still remember almost the entirety of this trip! I remember seeing the big rapids and sitting my butt on the sand refusing to get on the boat, until the coolest guide named Larry chilled me out and I went for it. I will remember this trip for the rest of my life and recommend everyone put it on their bucket list!
@AstralHiGH
10 ай бұрын
you went on one trip even tho she went on countless ?? sounds selfish af of her lol i wouldve taken you on many bud
Again, another fantastic video and adventure. You do an incredible job in taking us along!
Todd, Hands Down BEST VIDEO by you! Incredible detail on every aspect especially the side trips. Johnny and you in the same boat made it an epic voyage. 😎 Thks for the hard work putting this Vid together. Loved it!
Wow, will someone give PJ an award, any will do! “Ultimate Grand Canyon Rafting” is other level outdoor-adventure videos. Great editing, wonderful commentary, cute/novel segments (lil’ rafter), and perfect soundtrack! Fun!
Great adventure Park Junkie. One thing about you is that you always surprise, whether it's quality, the message, or the adventure itself. Your really doin it!
Wow- my favorite part was the patio! I'm sitting here with a broken ankle at home trying not to look as you guys are scrambling around on the wet rocks, lol. Thank you so much for taking us on this adventure! Johnny Zion is a champ for sure.
Did a Grand Canyon river rafting trip with a company called AZRA. Was just a spectacular adventure. Crystal and Lava falls were really monstrous that July 38 years ago. Swam up to Moonie Falls. Stood under the water fall. Swam back to the Colorado river. Experiences of a lifetime for sure. This is a great video. Thanks.
what a great video vlog🎉 thx Park Junkie i doubt i’ll ever go down theCO river so thx from all of us who can’t make it! that Johnny must be super STRONG-
Watching from Georgia USA & was absolutely thrilled with the gorgeous scenery of the GC & you guys working your way thru those rapids! FABULOUS video Man--Thx!😊
Hey, Park Junkie! 👋 I finally found some time to sit and watch! What a fantastic trip! The video shows so much beauty, and the fun and wild trip really shows. I absolutely loved watching 👀 Thanks for sharing this wonderful trip with all of us 😊 The food they prepared for you all looked amazing 👏 😀
I did this trip in 2022 with CanEx, loved reliving it with this video. So cool to see one of our guides, Thirsty, at the beginning.
Beautiful, Amazing and Wild 🤟😂,,, what a trip! Really enjoyed every minute 👍🏻
That was an epic trip! Thanks for sharing 👍 😊
The music was perfectly timed for the exhilarating rapids and the slow river moments. Beautiful rocks, beautiful skies.
Even better in a canoe. Great video.
Wow, it’s heartening to see Vasey’s so improved last summer! In winter 2021 it was so reduced from its normal flow that it was sad to see. Hopefully this year’s snowpack will also yield a good flow from the spring.
Academy award for outdoor vids
I had the pleasure of being on this trip with Todd (I'm the captain of the Green and Tan Dory) and this trip was great and well represented in this video. I've seen a few comments showing concern for him and a desire to see more content so I figured I'd respond. Todd is alive and well, so no need to worry. He's currently on a long trip, with Johnny by his side, in Baja Mexico exploring the wilderness and local culture that area has to offer. I don't know for sure, but it seems likely he'll have some reports and videos from that trip in a month or two.
Awesome! Spectacular! Fabulous! This is on my bucket list. The ultimate trip beyond what I've done in my home state of CO. And the history and hikes, views... I'm in love! Thank you for sharing!!!
Watching 👀 from Brazil 🇧🇷
@BearPlane747
Жыл бұрын
I'm curious, and I mean this question as politely as possible, why do people from Brazil always say they are from Brazil, in youtube comments? Hope you enjoyed the video by the way! Park Junkie is a hidden jem on youtube!
Thank you for helping me to kill the boredom at work for two hours! This was awesome!
Awesome video! I know this must have taken hours and hours to edit and put it all together. Really nice how it turned out. Makes me feel like I'm there with you enjoying these beautiful sights. Thanks!
This was just stunning and gripping to watch. Loved this so much.
Watching from s.e. Kansas...... great great great !!!
Howdy from Arizona Park Junkie! Enjoy rollin' on the River!!! 👍😊❤️
omg!Omg!!OMG!!! THIS IS #1 ON MY BUCKET LIST!!! Having had two strokes & water levels in the canyon I'm afraid I will never get to ride the rapids!!! Thank you so much for making this video, posting it and sharing your adventure!
Loved your video! I watched it because my son is rafting the Grand Canyon right now with a group of 16. He's a white water raft guide in Montana. With their season over, they decided to take on the Colorado. After watching your video, I'm so jealous of the fun they must be having!
Some of the best videography I have ever seen of the Grand Canyon. I never knew there were so many water features. Wish you had made full intros as you certainly went with the right group for adventure. Kudos to your captain.
Thank you! Your videos are truly great! Music, content, LOVE them! You're the best!
Wow, what a trip! Beautiful!
Stellar trip and thanks for taking us along. Great job! Have a good season.
Fantastic video. Held my breath like my ride down river. Many memories from the trip of a lifetime. Can't believe you swam Lava.
@michaelhill56
11 ай бұрын
He didn't swim Lava, he was hanging onto the boat...
This place is even more beautiful than i thought wow, i envy you guys this trip looks awesome and the food even better . But i think what i love the most out of this video is the camaraderie with your crew . Just good old times together.
Thank you for showing us your trip. Looks like a lot of fun!
Just finished the video. Amazing! The guy from Jordan River Boatworks mentioned the Selway. That’s just up river from our hometown. The Selway and Lochsa will speed up your heart rate.
I did this trip in 2014 with 5 boats, 8 private boaters. I’m really glad I did it, but I’m one and done. I was really lucky to be with 5 highly skilled boaters who had all been on 20+ trips down this river. We had superb equipment, fantastic food, and perfect weather. But 23 days of really primitive camping and very long days on the water, very strenuous setting up, breaking down camp every day, loading and unloading the boats….. a bit much for this Car Camper/Glamper. But if you get the chance, do it. It’s spectacular is so many ways. And it changed me - in so many ways. I’m eternally grateful to those 7 great people who kept me safe and delivered me to the Takeout near Lake Meade in one piece. Bonus Points: my best friend since we were 6 was with us. How often do you get to laugh and scream with your best bud for 23 days? I loved the rapids! And my hubs met me at the takeout; he had a fabulous suite at the Mirage Hotel in Vegas 2 hours away waiting for me. PS: this is a fantastic video - very well-done. Thanks for sharing.
Than you for allowing me to live vicariously through you. Excellent video!!
This is the best one yet- course I live in Flagstaff part-time. Thanks for all the excursions!
Great video. So comprehensive. We've got a trip permit planned for July 2024 and I was definitely taking notes. Appreciate all the narration and hikes you all did. Absolutely incredible scenery. Can't wait. Cheers!
Wow what a great video, I was just in Colorado and I’ve never seen the water level in the rivers higher. Also great editing and music as usual!
Thanks for a breathtaking view of Grand Canyon.
Awesome trip you had,I enjoyed the beauty of the canyon.Thankyou!!!!
Love the video, well done! Been there, done that, 1988. Thanks for the memories!
Outstanding Video of the Grand Canyon. Excellent photography, editing & music. The scenery, geology spectacular. Thanks
Awesome video. My kids & I really enjoyed it!
Thank YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING AND SHARING THIS VIDEO ❤❤❤
Fantastic !
Watching from UK with my 11 year old looks so much fun
So amazing Colorado rafting first to and see view 👍👍
Wow The scenery is really cool❤❤❤
This is the sickest video we've ever seen! Love seeing the gorgeous Grand Canyon shots and your exciting river escapades. Thanks for using Cataract Oars!
Tremendous video! Thanks!!
Best Video I’ve seen of the outdoors!! 🎉
Yes the video was amazing , great job.
This was amazing and loved every minute of this video. Thanks so much for capturing the beauty of this amazing canyon and giving us all the details and side trips. I hated to see the trip end.
Mind Blown! What an amazing flow of images.
Beaver falls was absolutely the most beautiful spot , oh my goodness the water colour wow.
"50 years ago, this 4th of July, I hiked down Tanner to the river. The sole on my left boot failed, and during the night, the river rose, sweeping away a canteen. All rookie mistakes (it was my 3rd canyon hike). The heat was brutal, and hiking out would have been most difficult. Luckily, a raft stopped to collect firewood (you don't do that anymore) and offered us a ride to Phantom Ranch, where the hike out would be easier." The finest people I ever met. The best time of my life.
Awesome video! And I remember watching you 1 year ago in Yellowstone with the floods. We were able to get into the southern entrance to the park just a couple days after it opened. Thanks for the all the info you share!
Definitely award winning video! You need to enter this epic video in a film festival! Like Sundance! Thank you... enjoyed so much!
Outstanding video…Top notch quality! Thank you, Sir!
Great way to wake up watching this. Awesome dude.
Thrilling intro!! 😮
This looks like so much fun!! After watching you all I’d trust you all to guide us through. Looks like a great time.
Great video, loved all the scenery and action!
This looks amazing, I need to do this one day, absolutely stunning. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Really enjoyed this! Thanks!
This legit makes me so emotional! Can’t wait to experience this one day. I’ve been lucky enough to paddle lees ferry many times, but never into the canyon ❤
Kickass!! I'm doing this trip this July.....can't wait. Timmy C Arizona
Nicely done Todd!!! 👍👍
Thank you!
Nice Johnny!!!! You made him break all 3 rules!!!!
This is certainly a dream come true...
Very beautiful landscape
Wow such an adventure!! Very exciting stuff and such beautiful falls. Who’d ever thought. Loved this video. Had me the second you went overboard like WHAT HAPPENED???? Thanks so much!❤
Fabulous, exciting vlog ❤️
Excellent film
I am so missing one of my favorite you tubers!! Please come back with more adventures! Hope you are well ❤️
Great video thank you
holy gear !! epic trip. Well done.
That was an awesome video! It was almost like being there! Thanks!
Always wanted to do this and camp on the way down.. Wow what an adventure this was for you all!
AMAZING!! Thank you! I felt like I was there with you guys and DEFINITELY want to go myself one day!! ❤
Amazing
Amazing footage!!!
I’ve missed you! So glad your catching the waves and the fish, I mean pictures. I have wanted to do this Colorado River since I was a teenager. You hit the lottery 💕.
Omg. Beautiful. Beautiful buenos días 😀❤️
it looks like a combination of RAFTING and RODEO. well done
I miss you two!!!
Great video.😍
Wow! Just WOW!!! The 100 mile views of the distant canyon walls, mountains and river are so lifelike they're giving me the gift of feeling [a.k.a. the feels" for real reels] that I'm there with you fine people, enjoying the stone thrones and so so many more special spots seldom seen on ANY Grand Canyon footage films...it's like Christams every few minutes! I am diabled and walk with a cane, I missed out on my chance to raft the GC when I was a twenty something, and I'm embarrassed to say, later in life...when I was a forty something I did sort of get to raft the GC but I was flown in on a private jet, then helicoptered from rim to river for a couple of hours of high speed motorized rafting. It was cool [literally 20 degrees cooler in the micro climate at river's ultra lower elevation...thx Mother Nature, lol] but a 3 hour tour [Gillian, don't get lost!] was waaay too short and methinks, maybe that helicopter/motorized outfit could be one of the evil corporations you've listed and are asking everyone to help put these greedy corporations back in thier place aaand do your part to STOP their greedy harmful tactics, "we the fine people" are being asked by Park Junky to wrtie to our Reps in Washington D.C.! We must be the FORCE to STOP the bad acting Corporations & Bad Government sectors from harming our precious Grand Canyon! I'll do it, everyone please "Just do it!" & follow PJ's links in KZread video's description and start the letter writing campaign to save this ncredible place for enternity. *stepping off soapbox* ;) I'm going to watch this fine work of art over a dozen times! It's that good imho and there're so many fresh scenes, as well as primo shots of all the right iconic places, it's replenishing my brain memory banks that've been missing their Grand Canyon sights and sounds! Fill me up Park Junky, I'm hooked on your stuff, haha! ;) Thank you!