The small paddle boat makes for a fun trip but is often swamped by the large volume rapids that can become very challenging.

Once paddlers get on the river, they are shadowed by the steep cliff walls of the Grand Canyon for most of the journey.

The aqua marine coloured, calcium carbonate rich waters of Havasu Creek mix with the muddy waters of the Colorado River.

The Grand Canyon is 446km long and sinks to a depth of 1600m. And a trip through it along the Colorado River is one of the world’s great river trips. Commercial tours run from April to October. 

Even the large oar boats cop a pounding from the Colorado River’s rapids.

Afternoons off the river provide plenty of opportunities for exploring or relaxing around the campfire.

Rachael Alderman peers into the depths of Deer Creek canyon one of the most spectacular side trips on the canyon.

One of the many flat sections deep in the middle of the canyon offers plenty of time for contemplation.

The large volume rapids in the Grand Canyon ensure plenty of fun for rafters and kayakers alike. The water in the Colorado River is very cold, hence the drysuits. 

Afternoons off the river provide plenty of opportunities for exploring.

South Canyon campsite is typical of the spectacularly placed beach campsites throughout the canyon. 

Scott Williams lines his raft up at the top of another long rapid. These oar boats carry all the gear for the trip and generally weigh around a tonne fully loaded. Manoeuvring them in a rapid takes a great deal of strength and skill.