Sixteen commercial river outfitters provide rafting trips through the Grand Canyon. They serve approximately 14,000 people annually. In addition, approximately 6,000 people take private trips each year. photo by Michael Stoner

River Runners

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Tyler Jones has run the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon approximately 90 times. In the early nineties he had his first experience with a physically challenged passenger. The 30-year-old man had multiple sclerosis (MS) and was fulfilling his dream of rafting through the Grand Canyon. Jones's fondest memory of the trip was taking a short hike into Havasu Canyon with this man.

This experience was Jones's stepping stone toward a 1999 river trip he directed for a group that included several passengers with varying disabilities.

"This was the best group I have ever taken down the river," guide Leslie Diamond said following the adventure. "On August 27-September 7, 1999, we traveled for 12 days and 11 nights, 226 miles down the Colorado River. We started in Marble Canyon, Ariz., and finished in Diamond Creek. With 26 of us, many times it was difficult to distinguish among the assistants and those with disabilities."

All participants were willing to give this trip a shot, to open and expand their horizons to new experiences. They had to be confident not only in themselves but also in the abilities of others.

The trip's activities and adventures were limitless. Participants slept under the stars, swam under waterfalls, played horseshoes, took mud baths, and much more. Using the inflatable kayaks (duckies) was popular. These boats enabled users to experience the water on a more intimate level-to feel the river and appreciate its size and power.

The complete "River Runners" article and photos will appear in the June SPORTS 'N SPOKES.

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