Hance Rapids, Grand Canyon Colorado River

The Colorado River's Hance Rapids lie straight in the center of the Grand Canyon National Park. This over seventy-five mile stretch is so perfidious that no one in their right state of mind will attempt them. Even the pioneering settlers chose to carry their boats the distance along the strewn debris from rock falls than attempt to lose their lives to it.

There are three rapids in the Colorado River that are infamous in nature, one of these being the Hance Rapids (Grand Canyon National Park). Their reputation precedes them, dating back to the time when prospectors and explorers lost many a life to their dangerous waters.

The rapids cover about 75 miles, fed by fifty-nine tributaries, which carry huge amounts of debris into this stretch. Not only are the rapids very fast and turbulent, but they are full of logs, rocks and other things that are quick to overturn any raft or boat. Even today, most people follow the example left by the pioneers, to just simply hike the distance, carrying the boat with them.

The Hance does have its dare devils though. There are those who have challenged it and survived, but park's officials will stop anyone who attempts it, if they find them, of course.

The rapid speed of the water is due in part to the undulating bedrock beneath its surface. It also drops steeply in the middle by about thirty feet, which for most would be a death sentence. However, the best way to explore the rapids is by hiking through Red Canyon to the cliffs and landslides that overlook it.

Recent boaters have tried many times, but most give up very quickly. There have been many attempts and few survivors, so it is safe to say that many a rafter prefers not to tempt fate or ignore what history has taught them.