7 Reasons We Miss Grand Canyon Rafting in Winter

Come October and November, the leaves fall, the temperatures drop, and we begin to really miss Grand Canyon and river season. Whether it’s the ice scraping, the sweater wearing, or just an addiction to summer-time warm weather, we find as we get deeper into winter we start to think about the Grand Canyon rafting trips we could be taking. Would you trade snow for sand and a sarong for a scarf?

Does any of this resonate with you?

1) We just can’t let go of our river sandals!

When the weather starts to turn, it can be difficult to retire that favorite pair of Chacos or Tevas for the season—especially once it’s perfectly broken in from the summer months of adventure! Our sandals hold onto our memories of hiking in ancient side canyons, jumping into waterfalls, and bounding across our rubber rafts. When winter comes, it’s the “fashion faux pas” of pairing sandals with socks ends up being something we really miss. (For the truly dedicated, toe socks to accommodate our that big Chacos toe strap is a must. Been there, done that!)

2) There’s nothing like the brightness of a bathing suit

Ever come across your swimsuit in the dead of winter? Seeing the tropical colors and prints can bring a rush of nostalgic emotions about the last time you wore it. Finding this item tucked away in a drawer is sure to make you miss the Grand Canyon rafting trip where you practically lived in that suit. Where else can you get away with wearing your favorite yellow polka dot bikini for an entire week?

3) Swapping sand for snow just isn’t cutting it

Shoveling snow and finding it packed into the wrists of our gloves, in the cuffs of our pant legs, in our pockets, and in basically any other crevice in our warm weather gear makes us miss dusting sand from every crack and crevice on our summer rafting adventures. During the snowy winter months, we bet you’d trade snow shoveling in your parka and snow boots for the heat and the sand of the canyon. Or at least we do here in Flagstaff – we average +/-100 inches per year!

4) Cold morning air can’t compete with cold water in the summer heat

Climbing into our freezing cold cars at 7 a.m. reminds us of having to dunk our skin and clothes in cold water before sitting down on the sun-warmed raft. Fortunately, our warm feelings of gratitude for the river guide that splashed water on our seats before we sat down help us endure the freezing cold winter temps. Think hot, feel hot.

5) Scarves remind us of sarongs

Swirling a scarf around your neck to keep comfy and warm feels an awful lot like wrapping a sarong around your body to keep the harsh rays of sun at bay. Whether lounging on a sandy beach with your sarong as a towel or wrapping yourself up for a bit of fancy dress, sarong > scarf.

6) Our favorite lip balms evoke sense memories of summer

Protecting the lips from getting chapped can be a year-round endeavor. But if you’ve ever pulled out your lip balm and thought back to applying it constantly while on the river, you might be a river rat. It really is amazing how cold, dry winter wind can have the same effect as sun, sand, and heat of Grand Canyon in the summer.

7) Wintertime grilling just isn’t the same

Grilling in winter just isn’t nearly as tasty (if you’re brave enough to try!). Somehow standing under the overhang, tending to the grill, and being served a luscious salmon with mango salsa on the river just tastes … better. Those grill marks look and taste perfect in Grand Canyon. Darn you summer, come back already!

Rafting in Grand Canyon really is the ultimate summer time vacation. That’s why we start to miss our Grand Canyon rafting trips as soon as we step off the boat. If you miss Grand Canyon the way we do, there is a remedy: Book a rafting trip for next year!