Hance Rapid

Hance Rapid is one of Grand Canyon's most hazardous rapids, where the Colorado River drops the height of a three-story building. River runners consider it the "boniest" rapid because side streams choke the river with boulders during flash floods, forcing boatmen to maneuver in fast water around ragged rocks through massive waves and terrifying drops. Modern rubber rafts and controlled water releases from Glen Canyon Dam may have lessened some of its force, but it remains treacherous whitewater that commands respect from seasoned guides and novice paddlers alike. The rapid is named after John Hance, the South Rim's first white settler, who improved a Havasupai trail to the rapids to reach some of his mining claims and later became known for guiding tourists down the trail while entertaining them with tall tales of Grand Canyon.

Arizona · United States