Scorpions in Grand Canyon If you’re rafting through the Grand Canyon, you might encounter one of its most infamous desert dwellers—the scorpion. While their sting can be painful, serious health issues are rare. The key is knowing how to avoid them and what to do if you come across one. Where Do Scorpions Hide in…
How Rattlesnake Got It’s Name: A Grand Canyon Tale By Sharon Hester It was a warm and pleasant moonless July 2nd night at river mile 74, an unnamed camp back in 1981, when Kim Klapper (name changed) awoke. He had an urgent uncomfortable feeling, and knew he had to head quickly to the “Groover”. This…
What kind of critters will you see on a Grand Canyon rafting trip? There are a lot of critters in Grand Canyon! Both along the rims of Grand Canyon, and while you’re on a Grand Canyon rafting trip. If you’re the kind of person who feels better equipped to handle things when you know about…
Carrion Beetles in Grand Canyon by Sharon Hester Who knew that sitting on the groover (a river trip’s camp toilet) is one of the best places to observe nature on a river trip? Wildlife is most active during the cool early mornings and late evenings. That’s also often the exact times you might find yourself…
The American Dipper Cinclus_mexicanus By Sharon Hester She bobbed up and down, dancing, a small, roundish, grey fluff of a bird. Each movement carefully planned, flying short distances between boulders scattered about the melodious brook. Taking a small calculating step or two with a bob between every step, her perky dance moves were captivating. And then a quick white flash, she winked at me! Was I imagining this? Suddenly it happened again, sparkling like a diamond, a bit of bling contrasting with…
Chuckwallas in Grand Canyon by Sharon Hester. Featured Image by Sam Rodar “We saw a gila monster!” This statement is occasionally heard on river trips in Grand Canyon, but what was seen is most certainly a common chuckwalla, which is in the iguana family of lizards. Although, gila monsters have been sighted in the Diamond…
Grand Canyon Birding Tips by our in-house birder, Sharon Hester We have quite a few guests each year travel with us who are interested in birding while on their rafting adventure. The most common wildlife you’ll see in the canyon are birds. We thought it would be helpful to share just a few Grand Canyon birding…
Life of the Harvester Ant by Sharon Hester When you are on a Grand Canyon raft adventure with Arizona Raft Adventures, you will meet the Red Harvester Ant within hours of your departure. The Red Harvester Ant, Pogonomyrmex Californicus, is one of the most numerous and common insects you spot at your stops and at…
