Much has changed when it comes to running rivers since Major John Wesley Powell first floated the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. What do you think he'd say of today's voyages down the iconic river?
Where it took the one-armed major and his men three months to navigate the Green River from Wyoming down to the confluence with the Colorado at present-day Canyonlands National Park and on south through the Grand Canyon, today you can float the Colorado through the canyon in two weeks or less. More so, the crafts used today have more give and can take more than then wooden boats the major went with.
What follows are two videos of rafters navigating the infamous Lava Falls, one shot with a hand-held camera in August 2006, the other with a high-def camera just last month. Aside from the quality of the footage, the videos reflect two very different approaches to tackling the Colorado River. One, by muscle-powered rafts, the other by motor-propelled rafts that hint at the industrialization of running the Colorado.
Comments
Steven M. Bumgardner
Videographer/Producer
Require is a strong word, but Arizona Fish & Game, working on chub restoration (http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/research_humpback_chub.shtml), was using motorized rafts to electro-shock non-native fish. Their "patrol" area around the mouth of the Little Colorado goes a couple of miles downstream, and then "requires" that they return back upstream through a few small rapids back to their basecamp.
I'm definitely not an advocate for motorized recreation, and I think the term 'motor sports' is an oxymoron. I was shocked to see so many motorized boats on the Grand Canyon. I had no idea. But by day 7 of my trip, in a place as immense as the Grand Canyon, with millions of visitors coming to the park each year, I started realizing that a little outboard motor stuck on the back of a raft was a very powerful and practical tool, and I wouldn't hold my breath thinking that it might someday go away.
BTW, Superintendent Martin floated down the Colorado River this spring, in a motorized boat.
Interesting comments! As a "guest" to the Canyon who was on the Wilderness River motorized trip (Steve's video), and as a person from Oregon who is environmentally conscious, I'm disappointed to hear cristicism of what was a marvelous, and environmentally responsible trip. Yes, we've paddled ourselves, (and kayaked) down the DeShutes, the Snake, the Rogue, etc., but we chose a motorized trip down the Colorado. Time was the biggest factor in that decision, and the thrill of experiencing more of the Canyon, and to have the opportunity to enjoy more back trails...in the time we had.
What would John Wesley Powell think? I believe he would have used the latest and safest means available to see and experience as much of the Canyon as humanly possible. I think he would have felt as we did; humbled and privileged to be within this great place for a short time. Perhaps he would have resisted the regulations, but thousands of people today appreciate the necessity of those.
I was in awe of the high standards and precedents set, and the respect our guides and group had for the land, and for every other person on the river. How often did I hear our "captain" holler out to other rafters (motorized or otherwise), "Need anything?" ... "Doing OK?" ... "Ice? Sure."
Yes, the motors were a quiet churning, but I hardly call that industrialized. More like "industrious," as was one guest on our trip who was 76. Her spirit longed to see and do what oar rafters and kayakers do, and the motorized trip allowed her to do so. I live in Eugene, the "green" capital of Oregon. I'm tired of people who condemn those who respectfully choose other options. That makes us no less committed to doing our part in keeping the Canyon pristine. Broaden your thinking...there is more than one right way! And Steve, Mark and I send thanks for all your good work...and friendship! Kudos to Wilderness River Adventures, too!
Judy Dippel
I don't think oars vs. motors is the real conflict, both means of transport have an impact. The conflict is love vs. stewardship. The point is to get people out there enjoying our parks and still minimize the impact, regardless of their preferred method of travel or use of the parks facilities. The NPS needs to set responsible limits. I think overall they've done good job at most of the parks I've visited. There will always be conflict over what is considered reasonable/responsible use.
By the way, I was on an oar-powered raft trip in 1993 in the canyon. When a motorized raft went by us, I knew everyone on that raft would've switched places with me in a heartbeat.
I am wondering if anyone knows of a website or blog that people can contact if they are interested in rowing on a private trip which may have some space available.
Excellent question, Anonymous. If anyone does know, please pass word on to the Traveler. It would be a great addition to our content.