Grand Canyon National Park

Backpacked from the North Rim to the South Rim. It was an incredible experience!

Thunder River is an actual short river within the Grand Canyon. Unlike most rivers it is a tributary of a creek- Tapeats Creek—which flows into the Colorado River within the Grand Canyon—at about Mile 135 from the North Rim side. It is mainly accessible by boat/ raft and hike up from the river—the way that I got there—although I guess that you could hike there from North Rim. The amazing part of Thunder River is that it is a spring that emerges from the side of the canyon wall—gushing out into a large and beautiful waterfall. The water is crystal clear and cold. It then flows as Thunder River about half a mile into Tapeats Creek in Tapeats Canyon. Tapeats Canyon is downriver from South Rim/ Bright Angel trail about 45 river miles by raft.
I hiked to Thunder River during a Colorado River raft trip in 1998 that started at South Rim, entered the canyon via Bright Angel Trail, and became a raft trip when we met rafts that had come down from Lee’s Ferry at Pipe Creek. Six days later we explored Tapeats Canyon/ Creek and Thunder River. We then hiked across Surprise Valley to visit The Patio with its aqua colored water, similar to Havasu Creek and Falls, another day further downriver.
I highly recommend a Colorado River raft trip—doing it oar powered—the natural way. Being part of a paddle raft crew is even more exciting and strenuous. My trip was an outfitter- led one by Canyon Explorations, which I recommend. We had large inflatable oar boats, which are like floating pick up trucks, a smaller paddle raft, and inflatable kayaks. The thrill quotient rises as the raft gets smaller. The side hikes are an amazing surprise—there is lots to see besides the river. The trip is so much more than just thrilling rapids—there are plenty of those too!!

On our way to California, the second stop along the way was the Grand Canyon in Arizona. We stayed two night’s at this hotel right next to the park. When we had arived it was already dark. But, we just couldnt wait to see one of the worlds wonder’s face to face. So, we drove up to a spot were we could get out and check it out. Then my three buddies that were w/ me got the bright idia of climbing half way down it at night. I know think it’s becouse we had watched “300” six times in theater’s at this point and thought we were spartans!! lol. I for one not being able to see the hand infront of my face decided to stay up top to be a spectator!! I dont know if it was cause I was majorly baked that night or what. But, I saw the stairway to heaven in the stars that night!! After seeing the stars at the Grand Canyon anywere else is a major dissapointment. But, we had fun during our three days there. We caught a bat and kept him as a pet. His name was “bat”. We let him go before we left. Got to party w/ these kewl south africans that were there. and got to witness a Grand Canyon Sun-rise!! It was def. worth the wait in the dark to see the grand canyon for the first time at sun rise at that!!

and I’ve been back a bunch of times, north and south rims. I haven’t gone down into the canyon, but I would like to ride a mule down someday.

I imagine this place to be so big that it feels like you’re on a different planet. at least that’s what I’ve been told by somebody who went there many years ago. A natural wonder of the world – I’ve gotta see it with my own eyes!