double clickUnkar Delta and Rapid - A Rich Grand Canyon Archaeological Site
Grand Canyon
6 or 7 Day Rafting Vacation
Unkar Delta and Rapid

Mile 72.5 - Unkar Delta and Rapid

Under the direction of archaeologist Douglas Schwartz, sites along the delta overlooking the rapid were excavated as well as dated showing settlement at two different times in 200 years from 950 to 1150 AD. At the height of occupation, the delta was home to several families who lived a seasonal and diverse lifestyle; gathering wild plants, practicing agriculture, and hunting wild game. The subterranean structures with their wall and room remnants, agricultural terraces, and pot sherd and lithic scatters; compose the largest archaeological site in close proximity to the river in the entire canyon.

The Rapids »

The rapids at Unkar are impressive as the delta on the right has pushed the river against the wall on the left, creating constriction of the river channel. Large and powerful waves often drench river runners in this rapid. Views from the bottom of the rapid looking to the North Rim are spectacular. With a keen eye (or binoculars) one can pick out Angel’s Window, a popular viewpoint from the top of the canyon.

Lower Gorge Grand Canyon

Lower Grand Canyon Mile by Mile »

The lower Grand Canyon, as traveled by Western's 3 or 4 day expedition begins at Whitmore Wash (mile 188) and finishes at Lake Mead (mile 277).

See Lower Grand Canyon