Hidden deep within the Grand Canyon are secrets just waiting to be explored, like the beautiful but toxic waters of Pumpkin Spring.
Pumpkin Springs in the Grand Canyon
Geothermal attractions are some of the most fascinating natural attractions in the world – and no place more than Yellowstone which is home to more than half of the world’s geysers. But not all the geothermal attractions in the United States are found in Yellowstone, there are geothermal attractions in the Grand Canyon as well – such as the bizarre but toxic Pumpkin Springs.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most remarkable natural attractions in the world. The Colorado River has cut down through the eons of geological history. While at the Grand Canyon take the time to explore the Trail of Time and explore one billion years of geologic history at the canyon. But don’t miss the hidden Pumpkin Spring attraction.
The Grand Canyon’s Hidden Attraction Of Pumpkin Spring
One of the geothermal attractions in the Grand Canyon is Pumpkin Spring. It is one feature discovered by rafters exploring the Colorado River.
The Pumpkin Spring is named after its pumpkin-like color and shape. It gets its bright orange colors from the mineral and organic deposits that have accumulated on the flowstones.
The flowstone sort of resembles a huge pumpkin as it juts out from the canyon walls. It is round with streaks down the sides making people to muse that it looks like a pumpkin lost in the canyon.
Another of the hidden gems of the Grand Canyon is Havasu Falls which is located remotely on the Havasupai tribal lands outside the national park.
Location & Visiting Pumpkin Springs In The Grand Canyon
Pumpkin Spring is found at the bottom of the mighty Grand Canyon close to the banks of the Colorado River (near mile 212.9).
- Location: Near Mile 212.9 In The Grand Canyon
To get to the Pumpkin Spring, visitors need to take a boat along the Colorado River. It is a great spot to pull onto the shore and relax after a long day of rafting the whitewater of the Colorado River. It is a great spot to snap a few pictures of the canyon’s more unusual attractions. It is also noted as a great location for cliff jumping.
The spring water bubbles up in the pool and is surrounded by travertine.
No Swimming In The Pumpkin Springs
Unfortunately, no one can swim in the Pumpkin Spring – but not because it’s too hot (it only emerges at a temperature of 23°C).
The waters of the spring also include high levels of arsenic (1100 mg per 1 liter of water), in addition to other minerals like zinc, lead, and copper. The water temperature of the “pumpkin” is warm, not particularly hot.
- Minerals: Lead, Zinc, Copper, Very High Levels of Arsenic
- Swimming: No Suggested
- Drinking: Strictly Prohibited
This makes it one of the most poisonous waters in the Grand Canyon so don’t be tempted to bathe thinking the waters will have the characteristic healing properties of most hot water springs.
Limited exposure to the water is not fatal, but it is also very much not suggested (and definitely no ingesting of the water).
See Pumpkin Springs On a Week-Long Journey Down The Grand Canyon
Western River Expeditions offer 6 or 7-day rafting journeys down the Grand Canyon. On these tours, visitors raft some 188 miles of the Colorado River from Lees Ferry (one of the very few places of the river accessible by road) to Whitmore Wash.
Along the way visitors discover spellbinding sites including Vasey’s Paradise, Redwall Cavern, Deer Creek Falls, and the renowned Havasu Canyon. In Havasu Canyon, rafters enjoy countless tranquil pools.
- Season: April to September
- Rapids: 60+ class III-V
- Cost: From $3,345 Per Adult
Enjoy over 60 rapids, plenty of short walks, and a choice of more difficult hikes. The tour includes camping arrangements, all the equipment needed, and all meals needed. Discover remote waterfalls, pristine pools, green fern glens, ancient Anasazi ruins, and Pumpkin Springs.
There is nothing quite like the experience of spending a week drifting down the Grand Canyon.
The tour includes a helicopter tour at the end of the journey and a scenic flight to the starting point. The minimum age is 12 and visitors need to make a $750 deposit on the booking.
