Columnist Barb Henderson: Raft trip opens eyes to Colorado River splendor

Barb Henderson

Friday, July 23, 2004 | 9:18 a.m.

Barb Henderson is an outdoors enthusiast, freelance writer and producer/host of outdoors radio television programming. Her column appears Friday in the Sun.

Embark on an adventurous journey while you raft down the rapid-free waters of a scenic 12-mile stretch of the Colorado River through Black Canyon.

Should you decide to take this raft trip through Black Canyon, you can purchase your ticket at the Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures counter inside the Hacienda hotel-casino. Based in Boulder City, the rafting company is managed by Forever Resorts, an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service.

As the day's journey begins you'll board a bus for a ride down to the water's edge, where the raft will be waiting.

The excitement begins as you climb on board a large comfortable motor-assisted raft just below Hoover Dam, an area within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area that provides an enormous amount of beauty that will set a natural backdrop for your journey down river.

There are no rapids. This is not a whitewater raft trip. This rafting expedition offers a way to kick back and relax as you enjoy the gorgeous scenery while experienced guides navigate the large raft along the waters that flow through the steep canyon walls and unique rock formations.

Keep your eyes focused on those steep rugged hillsides, and you may get a glimpse of Desert Bighorn sheep and other critters as they venture down to the river's edge to quench their thirst.

Before you know it, the three-hour float trip will be over, as you enjoy the final portion of the trip drifting toward the Arizona side of the river to Willow Beach to catch your bus ride back to town.

Willow Beach is a popular marina for anglers, boaters and picnickers.

Remember to take along a camera, plenty of film, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, a hat and other outdoor necessities. The three-hour raft trip may not be for everyone during the hot summer months. You may chose to wait until the outside temperatures are cooler.

Special offers are available for local residents. Reservations are required. For more information and ticket prices call 294-1414 or visit blackcanyonadventures.com

SMA encourages Southern Nevada organizations that sponsor or support relevant outdoor activities to find out how they might participate. A limited amount of booth space is still available.

Attendees at the Festival in The Pines will be asked for a $2 donation per person and the donor will receive one drawing ticket. Festival proceeds will be used for SMA-sponsored projects within the Spring Mountains area. For more information and/or booth-space availability, call Pat or Bobbye Fitzgibbons at 382-2721.