The Colorado River The Sights To See Along
May 24, 2015
The Colorado River The Sights To See Along
Not only a vital source of water for
the Southwest, the Colorado River
serves the United States as a place
of natural and manmade wonders,
including the awe-inspiring Grand
Canyon and Hoover Dam.
Visited by millions of tourists every
year, the Colorado River offers any
number of adventures, from
helicopter tours over Tower Butte to
whitewater rafting at Lee’s Ferry.
Take a moment to explore seven of
the best sights to see along, on, and
above the Colorado River.
at Nankoweap The Granaries
As one of the largest side canyons along the
Colorado River, Nankoweap is home to a true
marvel of a sight in the form of the granaries
constructed by the ancient Anasazi people to
preserve their food from rot and infestation.
of Lake Powell The Rock Formations
Best seen from the sky, the differential erosion of rocks, minerals, and soil by the
Colorado River over millions of years formed the iconic landscape we see along
Lake Powell today. Popular sights include Glen Canyon and Tower Butte.
Glenwood Canyon The Majestic
Featuring gorgeous
evergreens and crisp,
clean water, Glenwood
Canyon is a popular spot
along the Colorado
River, and arguably one
of the most scenic
landscapes along the
Interstate Highway
System. On Interstate 70,
you can access the
canyon by foot from four
different rest areas,
making it a perfect route
for road trips.
of Laughlin The Tranquil Waters
The family-friendly town of Laughlin is located directly along
the Colorado River, making it a prime location for water-
activity enthusiasts. Laughlin is also known for its casinos,
and the River Walk, which curves along the Colorado River
and serves as the ultimate pedestrian thoroughfare, linking
a string of popular casinos and restaurants.
at Lee’s Ferry Fishing and Boating
Truly experience the Colorado River and take in its glorious
sights with a day of fishing or rafting at Lee’s Ferry. As the
Grand Canyon National Park’s northernmost point, it serves as
the perfect starting place for exploring the river.
of Lake Mead The Desert Ecosystems
Unlike anywhere else in the world –
visit Lake Mead National Recreation
Area to explore the Mohave Desert,
the Sonoran Desert, and the Great
Basin Desert, which make up 3 of the
4 desert ecosystems found in the
United States. It should also be
noted, Lake Mead is the America’s
largest man-made reservoir.
Hoover Dam The Historic
On the border of Nevada and Arizona, in the Black
Canyon of the Colorado, the impressive magnitude of
the dam’s infrastructure draws in millions of visitors
each year. With a base that’s 660 feet thick and runs
1243 feet in length along the canyon walls, one
cannot truly appreciate its size without seeing it in
person.
Memorial Bridge Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman
Also known as the Hoover Dam Bypass
Bridge, this marvel of a structure, which
carries Route 93 over the Colorado River,
features the widest concrete arch in the
Western Hemisphere and is also the highest
concrete arch bridge in the world.
Flying over 600,000 passengers a year
over the historic Grand Canyon,
Papillon is not only one of the largest
sightseeing companies, but also one
of the safest.
As a member of The Tour Operators
Program of Safety (TOPS), Papillon
makes exceptional safety practices a
standout feature of their business and
reputation.
Learn more about all of Papillon’s
sightseeing adventures, in the air
and on the water, by visiting
www.papillon.com.