Sunday, November 2, 2009, Travel Section, Explore Arizona
Written by Bruce Farr
Special to The Republic

Extreme vacations...as gung-ho as some of us might be to risk our necks heli-skiing from a mountaintop or swimming with the sharks in a Pacific island lagoon, it's often the price tag that stops us dead in our tracks. Even in these pocketbook-challenged times, a little research reveals there are plenty of extreme sports activities to be found close to home, where they might not be as taxing on our bank accounts as they are on our stamina. Following is a smattering of ideas:

Canyon sweet

Extreme vacationers have hit the great outdoors with such enthusiasm that they've actually created a new action verb - "canyoning." The sport involves a variety of skills - hiking, climbing and rappelling among them - to navigate some of the most arduous terrain on the planet. Avid "canyoneers" scramble through canyon waterfalls, clamber up limestone walls, rappel down rocky cliffs and plunge into pools of icy water - all on purpose! Arizonans can canyon to the hearts' content as nearby as Coconino National Forest, the Grand Canyon and Tonto National Forest. Todds Hiking Guide offers a comprehensive list with hike descriptions, required skills and photos; see www.toddshikingguide.com and click "Hikes."

Excitement up to the "rafters"

Looking for a vacation on the extreme side that's fit for the entire family? Consider an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure. There are plenty of them available right on our own native Arizona turf. One company, Moki Mac River Expeditions, Inc., is run by the Quist brothers who inherited the business from their father four decades ago. They offer excursions in several western states, but a handful of packages based in the Grand Canyon are among the most popular. One schedule includes an eight-day motorized trip using 35-foot pontoon rafts carrying up to 12 passengers each and running 280 miles from Lees Ferry to Lake Mead. Annie Quist, the owners' sister, said a six-day excursion on the Grand Canyon is available for $1,850. "With common sense, we've rafted with people of all ages," she noted. "Children under 12 probably aren't good candidates for these trips." Call 800-284-7280 or email info@mokimac.com.