Granite Narrows, Grand Canyon Colorado River

The Colorado River is home to the Grand Canyon National Park's Granite Narrows, a tight section of unrelenting rapids and whirling water that has enticed many a rafter to challenge themselves. It is one section that no one should miss, surrounded by towering and ominous cliff faces in all their glory.

The Granite Narrows in the Grand Canyon National Park are unofficially considered to me amongst the narrow along the Colorado River. With rapids running at speeds in excess of one hundred and thirty five miles per hour, it is not something for the faint of heart.

The run downstream begins near Surprise Valley and the many lava dome formations that are scattered throughout the river. It is here that the narrows suddenly appear around a tight corner, whitewaters that toss and turn, making even the most able raft very difficult to control. As the speed increases, this short stretch of about forty feet becomes in one sense less obstructed by rocks. Depths plunge to two hundred and fifty feet, and there is not much opportunity to escape the rivers' grasp. So, the only safe way out to is to let the ride run its course and hold on for dear life.

In 1979 I returned to the Canyon to study the landslides in and around Surprise Valley, which I felt may be connected to the old lava dams a short distance downstream. This shows an exfoliation A-tent in the Esplanade Sandstone above Surprise Valley.

This ancient channel is straddled by debris from many landslides. Bedrock boulders and dust rise up along the sides, creating an untidy array of dirt and rocks. In fact, it is truly unique because the distance between the canyon walls is less than seventy-five feet, making it exceedingly challenging. However, there are very few ways to see this part of the river. Hiking there is difficult and aerial views are restricted due to dangerous air turbulent that rock most of the canyon.