Arizona River Runners

A Grand Canyon river trip provides a rare opportunity to be a guest in a living plant and wildlife community.  Home to over 1,500 plant species, 300 types of birds, and 80 different mammals, this is the perfect place to study biological diversity and see the challenge of survival in this harsh environment.  You may get to see a mule deer or desert bighorn sheep watering along the river or even have an opportunity to see some rare and exotic animals like the great blue heron, a golden eagle, peregrine falcon or the endangered California condor. 

Animals aren’t the only thing to study while in the Canyon and your guides will be able to point-out and explain the amazing ever-changing geology which you will experience throughout the trip.  Nearly forty identified rock layers help tell the history of the Canyon’s walls.  The majority of rocks were originally deposited as sediments and lava that were eventually metamorphosed.  Magma that filled in between the rocks cooled and crystallized into granite, and mountain building and erosion changed these formations once again. Your family will be able to study the Grand Canyon’s incredible past and have the unique opportunity to see marine and terrestrial fossils while on your Colorado River trip.

At Arizona River Runners we love sharing the history of the Canyon with you, but we have our adventurous side too. Our family rafting trips takes you through some of the biggest whitewater rapids in North America on a wet and wild ride down the Colorado River.  Each day you’ll have the opportunity to explore, relax and swim in some of the unique water-rich side canyons, caves, waterfalls and springs abounding with plant-life.

Since Arizona River Runners provides all of the equipment and expertise necessary to make your Arizona rafting trip a success, your family can easily enjoy this experience even if you have never rafted or camped before.  If you’re looking for a unique, educational and adventurous summer excursion for the whole family, you have  come to the right place.  Let our guides provide you with the “Edu-venture of a lifetime” in one of the most amazing Natural Wonders of the World!   

Call Arizona River Runners today! 1-800-477-7238

Life at home has never been greener, as we take advantage of tax incentives for lowering energy usage, get around in hybrid vehicles, purchase products made out of recycled materials, and consider lessening our everyday footprint on the environment. We consider riding a bike to work instead of driving, urge others not to print out our emails, and take a re-usable (BPA free) water bottle to work or the gym. But how often do we set out to take a green vacation?

One of the best places to head on an environmentally friendly trip is one of the most spectacular outdoor destinations in the world – the Grand Canyon.  Those fortunate enough to work in this revered place truly understand the concept of protecting the incredible natural beauty and delicate balance of the Canyon.  Colorado River outfitters, Arizona River Runners, have long been practicing the principles of environmental stewardship and take their responsibility seriously. Arizona River Runners has been leading rafting excursions on the Colorado River since 1970, hosting guests on life changing 3 to 13 day trips that embody becoming “one with nature.” 

Arizona River Runners promotes the “Leave No Trace” principles on their Colorado River trips, ensuring that the Grand Canyon will be unchanged by their presence.  These practices include “packing in/packing out” (and yes, that means everything); leaving rocks, plants and other natural objects as they were found; staying on trails and proper campsite selection to minimize environmental impact; specified washing and campfire procedures; and respecting wildlife.

Arizona River Runners also supports and participates in the Grand Canyon Conservation Fund, which was established in 1988 and managed by a group of Grand Canyon National Park’s licensed river outfitters. Each year, roughly eighty percent of all professionally outfitted river trip passengers donate $1 per day of their river trip to the Grand Canyon Conservation Fund.  Funds are awarded as grants to non-profit conservation groups and to provide outdoor experiences to those facing physical or socioeconomic challenges.

Arizona River Runners proactively replaced all motors for the company’s motorized Colorado River trips with the new Evinrude E-TEC two-stroke engines. We are is the only licensed concessionaire operating in the Grand Canyon using the newly designed engines that are cleaner burning, more environmentally friendly and assembled in the United States.

While taking in the beauty of the Grand Canyon and unplugging from the stress of everyday life, Arizona River Runners’ guests are fed hearty meals featuring locally grown produce and ingredients from natural food suppliers, as well as natural hormone-free and steroid-free meats and seafood.  Guides proactively recycle everything used on Grand Canyon rafting trips as well, so environmentally conscious guests never have to worry that they are taking a vacation from their home recycling practices.

In short, if you are committed to the environment, consider getting out and experiencing the best that nature has to offer whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon.  Escape the everyday and get up close to the beauty that will truly inspire you to go green for good.

Once is not enough - Arizona River Runners offers river rafting adventures from 3 to 13 days. Each trip offers something special, adventurous, exciting. For your Grand Canyon river trip, call us - we can help you choose and plan your Grand Canyon raft trip!

"I first saw one of your rafts crossing under me in 1992 as I hiked the Bright Angel Trail at Phantom Ranch. I looked you up and booked a whitewater trip the next year. I was so impressed I knew I'd do the trip again. I'm just sorry it took me until 2011. This trip was better than I had imagined and T.J, Sarah, Mac and Sarah were the icing on the cake. Thanks!"

Bill
New Smyrna Beach, FL
June 21-28 2011
8 Day Grand Canyon River Trip

Congratulations to the great state of Arizona - 100 Years of Statehood!

This state is as diverse as the US itself; from mountain ranges to deserts to mesas to canyons.
From trails and lakes, rivers and ruins, to the big cities - we've got it all!

Come and see this wonderful state we call home!

Happy Birthday from Arizona River Runners!

Its amazing where people find love, in Paris, at the grocery store, even on a Colorado River Trip!

A Grand Canyon river trip with Arizona River Runners seems to work its magic on people from all walks of life.  The Grand Canyon has an effect on visitors from all over the world, even if they only walk from their car to the rim to snap some photos.  Imagine how immersing yourself for days in the depths of that awe inspiring natural wonder could work its way into your psyche.  The simple decision to take a vacation could truly change your life. 

For Moira Winter, seizing the opportunity to take a Grand Canyon rafting trip in her early 20’s led her on a path she never would have imagined as she prepared to climb into a raft for the first time over 30 years ago. “Did I just pay all this money and I’m going to die?” she thought.  Winter was no newcomer to travel and adventure, but had to convince herself that she was prepared for a different kind of experience. “The guides go down the river, come back, do it again and again and again,” she reasoned.  “So it must be okay.”  Winter says she experienced “an adventure beyond anything I expected or could have hoped for” and from that adventure, made the river her home.  She happened to marry that guide, Arizona River Runners owner Bruce Winter, and ran the river with him for years. The couple incorporated the inspiring energy of the Grand Canyon into their everyday lives as they raised a family, and today their two grown daughters work the river as well.

Happy Valentine's Day from Arizona River Runners!

Arizona River Runners' Guide Bianca Aiken tells us her feelings when hiking the Grand Canyon.

I have hiked down to the Colorado River from the rim well over fifty times. I'm not bragging, it's not an impressive feat, it's just time in the Grand Canyon which is always a blessing. I have hiked out of Grand Canyon enough to notice a trend, there's a certain anxiety that overcomes me with the inevitable butt kicking effect of those last thousand vertical feet. No matter the season, (fit in the summer, out of shape in the winter), it is always an effort. I persevere - one step after the other. I call them "zen steps" where I meditate, let each step just flow like water and my mind float somewhere above. I breathe easy, take little sips of water and it seems my heart beat slows to the rhythm of each footfall.

There are times I partially close my eyes and breathe deep, still walking, and it never fails, as the rim becomes closer and closer, as my journey begins its ending, a bittersweet wave floods my heart. I 'm never ready to walk back into "rim world."At the top I start planning the next trip to the Canyon. I feel a peace that comes with good hard exercise. I wonder what would happen if I just turned around and went back home. I think about the mac & cheese, or the burgers and fries; and I always turn back to the vastness of our glorious Canyon. While tourists excitably push around to get their memories, I give thanks and blessings for being humbled once again by this beautiful wonder.

So when you are on your Grand Canyon raft trip, look up, see the cliffs, the horizon, the birds floating on the currents. Take advantage of the off river hikes offered. This is an amazing place, with niches and secrets, beauty and adventure.

Call Arizona River Runners. We have Grand Canyon raft trips with hikes in and out of the Canyon, letting you experince it all! 1-800-477-7238.

Since your whitewater trip is earlier in the season there are a few additional items of clothing you might want to pack for your river rafting adventure. Even though the weather is usually very enjoyable there is the slightest possibility of a storm moving in. If this happens, these additional items will come in handy. We strongly suggest you bring them, and then be glad when you don't have to use them!

• Polypropylene or Capilene long underwear (tops and bottoms) - you can get these pretty much anywhere, major retailers, camping and sporting goods stores.
• Wool hat - just an old ski cap will do, even just something to keep your head and ears warm.
• Wool or polypropylene socks - it is important to look after your feet on a Grand Canyon rafting trip.
• Gloves - wool gloves are fine, you might want to bring a pair of water resistant/waterproof gloves, again major retailers, sporting and camping stores should carry these for under $25.
• A pair of fleece pants is a good idea too, along with your fleece jacket/hoodie.

Layer your clothing - it can be cool in the mornings, but warm in the afternoons. Long underwear followed by light shirt, fleece pants, fleece sweater or warm jacket and good quality rain gear for the last layer. With the addition of the hat and gloves, you'll be right as rain!

If you have more questions about your whitewater trip, we do send out a packet with a complete packing list, etc. If you need additional information, please call Arizona River Runners at 1-800-477-7238, or email info@raftarizona.com.

Pack smart, pack light, pack for fun and adventure - and have great river rafting adventure!

Have you dreamed about "shooting the rapids" of the Colorado River? Or hiking in one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World? Maybe camping along the rushing waters of the Mighty Colorado? Arizona River Runners has a summer vacation (or summer holiday) just for you - whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon. These river trips provide you with the best of everything ~ rafting, camping and hiking! 

There's nothing like waking up along the bank of the Colorado River with the sounds of the water crashing over the rocks and the birds singing, seeing first light as it hits the canyon walls, or catching a whiff of delicious, fresh coffee as it wafts through the air. The peacefulness and quiet of the morning then gives way to the excitement of another day on the river.

Hiking within in the Canyon is unbelievable. The hidden hikes our guides take you on are breathtaking - and these hikes are accessible only from the river's edge. You hike to vantage points few people experience. Hiking in the Grand Canyon means awe-inspiring vistas, towering Canyon walls, slot canyons, waterfalls and the bright aqua blue of the Little Colorado.

White water rafting through the Grand Canyon is a journey for the mind, body and soul. Experience thrilling class 1-10 rapids of Colorado River whitewater, relaxing floats on calm waters, soul stirring scenery and amazing geologic formations. The thrills, chills and spills are never-ending!

So what are you waiting for? Now is the time to book your Grand Canyon family vacation. Call Arizona River Runners and take the adventure of a lifetime! 1-800-477-7238.

This vacation is certified “paper-free” – well, except for the one paper that’s provide for you – toilet paper.  Whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon will take you as far away from the weight of your papers as you can imagine; to the very remote floor of the Canyon and the Colorado River. Whether it’s just a 3-day escape or a full 13-day Grand Canyon adventure, your days will be a perfect blend of exploration, excitement, relaxation and just taking in the stunning beauty of your surroundings. A whitewater rafting trip provides a welcome break from the stresses of everyday life for guests of all ages, and the opportunity to get past the papers and truly reconnect with family and the natural world. One river outfitter that provides “grand” family rafting trips is Arizona River Runners, helping you get back to basics.

Another benefit of a Grand Canyon family vacation is rediscovering some of the things that tend to get lost when we are stuck under a pile of papers or wrapped up in the lightning pace of technology.  The forgotten art of storytelling is enjoyed on the river, as well as sharing the joy of music, games and laughter around the camp.  You can relax and truly enjoy your food with family and friends, while your river guides do all of the work for you.  Once the focus shifts from the daily to-do lists, tasks and worries that those papers in our lives represent, you’ll be amazed at the little things that you begin to notice – from the rich aroma of coffee brewing in the morning, to the glow of sunset on the Canyon walls.  In the Grand Canyon, there are countless discoveries to be made and sights to take in as you travel the river and learn from your guides.

You can forget about bills, magazines, junk mail, and the infamous “to do list” because chances are that a Colorado River trip will make you feel like a kid again.  You can clamber over rocks and splash under waterfalls on beautiful side Canyon hikes, and experience the exhilaration of conquering the rapids as you feel the spray on your face.  Each day you can enjoy miles of flat water on the river, eat hearty meals and decadent desserts in camp, and fall asleep under a blanket of stars each night, counting them just like a kid!  Wear the same clothes a few times – everyone does, and we encourage it!  

Make your escape from the paper trail today, and follow a path less traveled on a Colorado River trip with Arizona River Runners. Call now for your Grand Canyon rafting adventure! 1-800-477-7238

Arizona River Runners announced that it has proactively replaced all motors for the company’s motorized Colorado River trips with the new Evinrude E-TEC two-stroke engines. The river outfitter is theonlylicensed concessionaire operating in the Grand Canyon using the newly designed engines that are cleaner burning, more environmentally friendly and assembled in the United States.

The E-TEC two-stroke technology from Evinrude has produced the only outboard motor to win the EPA Clean Air Excellence Award, and it produces fewer reportable emissions than any other brand of engine. The engines require no oil changes and use all of the oil in the fuel mix, eliminating potential oil residue in the air or water. Additionally, the engine has 195 fewer parts which reduces the engine weight, operating costs and requires less maintenance.  

Bruce Winter, co-owner of Arizona River Runners, says the company made the choice because of their on-going commitment to preserving the environment of the river in the Grand Canyon. “Because the new Evinrude engines produce very little smoke and less noise and vibration, we can provide a more enjoyable experience for our guests,” said Winter. “Using cleaner and quieter technology also has less of an impact on wildlife.” 

Evinrude states that the engine is one of the quietest because of its “acoustically tuned intake and exhaust and 3-dimensional foam lining.”

According to Jon Stoner, Operations Administrator for Arizona River Runners, the company approached the National Parks Service last year to obtain permission to test the new engines. Stoner says, “The results of testing the new engines were lower emissions, better EPA standards and lower sound decibels.  In accordance with the Commercial Operating Regulations, Arizona River Runners implemented best management practices to initiate the test and secure National Park Service approval to implement the Evinrude E-TEC engines on the river.”

Arizona River Runners has been providing Grand Canyon rafting trips on the Colorado River since 1970, hosting guests on memorable three, six, seven, eight and 13-day adventures.  The company practices the principles of environmental stewardship and takes its responsibility for preserving the Grand Canyon environment seriously. 

Arizona River Runners promotes the “Leave No Trace” principles on their whitewater trips to minimize environmental impact, ensuring that the Grand Canyon will be unchanged by their presence. These practices include “pack it in/pack it out” (and yes, that means everything); leaving rocks, plants and other natural objects as they were found; staying on trails and proper campsite selection; specified washing and camp procedures; and respecting wildlife.