Take A Virtual Whitewater Rafting Trip Through The Grand Canyon

By Dennis Lambert
Published: Friday, March 14, 2014 - 2:57pm
Updated: Friday, January 18, 2019 - 12:54pm
(Photo courtesy of Google Maps)
Google launched its virtual trip on March 13, 2014.

Want to feel like you're on a whitewater rafting trip through the Grand Canyon without getting wet? Now you can.

Google has taken its all-seeing eyes down the Colorado, through the Canyon, in a partnership with the advocacy group American Rivers. They showcase views of nearly 300 miles of whitewater rapids, towering red canyon walls and geologic history. The images, captured from Lees Ferry south of Page to Pearce Ferry at Lake Mead, went live Thursday.

Google said the 360-degree views also aim to educate people on water conservation. Federal officials and environmentalists have been raising alarms recently about demand outstripping supply on the river which serves about 40 million people in seven Western states, including Arizona.

Grand Canyon National Park limits the number of people who can raft the river each year, but now you can take the trip virtually.