THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2016
29
HELIOS DEBUTS AT GLEN CANYON DAM
First electric raft on Colorado River honors parks services’ centennial Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!
T
he National Parks Service will celebrate its Centennial on August 25, focusing on the achievements of the past 100 years as well as looking forward to the future. Arizona boasts 22 national parks managed under the organization’s watchful eye. And for those living in the Valley, there is perhaps no more popular place to escape the heat and bustle of our big city than by visiting the park attractions in Northern Arizona. “The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations,” says Scott Seyler, co-founder of Northern Arizona rafting outfitter Colorado River Discovery. It is among the most popular outdoor attractions for local Valley residents, per Trip Advisor, providing smooth-water half and full-day float trips perfect for the
entire family. “As such, they cooperate with local partners—like us—to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.” For the past 10 years, Colorado River Discovery in Page has provided rafting trips along the river from March to November, in partnership with the National Parks Service. It focuses on making every effort to respect the surrounding land, as well as teaching locals along with national and international visitors about the importance of the natural resource. “Colorado River Discovery has incorporated environmentally responsible practices at every level of our business since day one,” says Seyler. “For example, over the past decade, we’ve reduced our fuel consumption by 20%. We also employ a ‘Smart Green Systems’ program company wide, which is focused on education, creative recycling and re-use
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programs on-site and other small steps that combine to make a big difference to the future of the Colorado River.” But, as the Centennial approached, he and his team were motivated to do more. As such, Seyler and Colorado River Discovery will launch Helios, a 100% electric raft and the first of its kind in the region, on August 19. “The raft is named in homage to the God of the Sun in Greek Mythology and is the culmination of nearly a decade of research and development. It produces zero emissions, exponentially reducing waste products that could pollute the environment or disrupt the climate. It will also greatly reduce noise pollution of the Colorado River,” says Seyler. According to Seyler, Helios is powered by Torqeedo’s Deep Blue propulsion system. “Torqeedo has given Colorado River Discovery the ability to be leaders in the alternative motor propulsion field within the National Parks of the United States, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity,” says Seyler, noting Helios is the first system to be used with more than two battery packs in the country. Colorado River Discovery will offer weekly rafting trips for up to eight guests per trip on Helios, starting at $125. Each
trip will begin with a ride down the 2-mile Glen Canyon Dam access tunnel. With the dam soaring 700 feet above, guests board Helios and begin their journey downstream along one of the most dramatic stretches of river in the United States. During the journey, an experienced guide will share the area’s story of soaring sandstone cliffs, crystal blue-green waters, abundant wildlife, native cultures, and will even make a stop to view ancient petroglyphs left by Ancestral Puebloan peoples. The outfitters have also partnered with Grand Canyon Helicopters on a combination tour featuring both the Helios experience as well as a private helicopter and photography tour of the nearby Tower Butte, a towering 5,000 feet above sea level, as well as a personalized tour past Antelope Canyon, the Navajo Nation and Lake Powell. The 360-degree panoramic view from Tower Butte is absolutely breathtaking and features natural wonders including Glen Canyon, Lake Powell, Kaiparowits Plateau and both the Grand and the Vermillion Cliffs as far as the eye can see. For more information, call 888-522-6644 or visit raftthecanyon.com.
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