Arizona River Runners

At Arizona River Runners we get the question "what do your guides do in the winter? What do they do when they aren't guiding a whitewater trip?" Well here is what one river guide did this off season...Read Kelly's story.

"I started out as a river guide while I was still in college.  White water rafting was a really fun way to fill my summer and save up some money to be able to make it through another winter in school!  Once I graduated, I joined the ranks of true seasonal workers.  I love having a seasonal job because it allows me a lot of creativity when I answer that typical college graduate question, “now what?”  I have all summer to dream up a way to spend October through March.  I have a job waiting for me every April and each winter can hold different plans from the last.  I let my creativity run wild, dream up where I’d like to try living, what type of work I can find, what playing and traveling I want to squeeze in and can afford, and I go forth!

My boyfriend Tyler and I met our first year working at Arizona River Runners in 2008.  We have been dating, and running the river ever since.  Last winter I graduated from Northern Arizona University in December.  We strapped our backpacks on and headed for Taiwan, Thailand, India, and Nepal for the next three months.  We spent most of our savings just in time to come back to our wonderful job guiding river trips. 

This year I was ready for a challenge, a job, and an experience.  And the universe quenched my thirst.  Through a simple internet search I found a listing for an internship that made my ears perk up.  To make a long story short, Tyler and got the 2 internship positions and we’re now working for a nonprofit organization called Citizenship Counts.  But, we don’t sit in an office and commute to work each morning.  We sit in an RV, Tyler sits on a bicycle seat for 50 miles at a time, and this is our office as we are interns on a cross-country journey. 

Dr. John Eckstein and his wife Diane Eckstein are board members of Citizenship Counts who decided to raise awareness and funds for this fairly young organization they’d like to really see take flight.  They wanted help; they needed “guides” if you will, so they hired us.  John is biking and walking a total of 3500 miles along the way.  Tyler leads him on a 50 mile bike ride about every other day.  We’re the logistics people.  We plan the route, the stops, RV parks to stay in, where to safely ride 50 miles on a bike every other day, we capture video and photos of the journey, and we cook dinner for our newfound road family. 

There is a team in the Phoenix office of Citizenship Counts which deals with the really tough planning.  They coordinate with schools, United States Customs and Immigration Services, and the district court systems to plan naturalization ceremonies that students attend in culmination to studying about good citizenship.

We began in San Diego and we’ll end in New York City June 6^th.  We will bear witness to 12 naturalization ceremonies, and maybe by the end I’ll be able to watch one without getting all weepy.  We are learning more about being good guides as we help John and Diane realize their dream of this journey.  And we, ourselves, are thrilled by this US adventure.  We’ve soaked up the salty San Diego sunshine, we’ve felt small in the vast magnificence of Carlsbad Caverns, we’ve watched pigs race, and a chick hatch from its shell (not simultaneously) at a Texas rodeo! And we’ve already been privileged to watch over a hundred people’s American dream become reality.  

We’ve got just over 2 months left on the road.  We will fly back to Arizona June 9^th and be at Arizona River Runners warehouse June 11^th for our first whitewater trip of the 2012 season.  This is a heck of an adventure but it’s impossible not to always look forward to another season in the white water rafting in the Canyon!"

Above photo: Kelly and Tyler with President Bush at Texas A & M for a naturalization ceremony

Call Arizona River Runners and book a white water rafting trip with Kelly as your guide!

It's that time of year - summer is almost upon us and that much-awaited vacation is yet to be booked! Here are a few simple steps to help you decide what to do...where to go...

First check with the members of your family and see what they would like to do...what they want to get out of the vacation. Do they want the bustle of a city? The quiet of the beach? What about experiencing nature - exploring, learning, laughing in an environment completely different?

Whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon lets families enjoy the great outdoors, reconnect and see sights unimaginable. Our  family vacations are just that - grand! 

Call Arizona River Runners and talk to Shirley or Pam or Judy, they will help you with all your vacation planning, from when you can go to length and type of rafting trip. Once you've made your decision, you will receive an information packet including, what we provide, what we suggest you bring, frequently asked questions, a packing list, logistics and other helpful information for your trip.

Now is the time to prepare for your family rafting trip. Let everyone share in the moments leading up to departure. Go shopping together, pack together, this builds the anticipation and excitement. Remember to set an "unplug" time - to turn off all electrical gadgets - cell phones, computers, iPods, i Pads, etc and do it together - maybe the night before you hit the river is an opportune time.

Your Grand Canyon family vacation finally is here - you're on the river! Our incredible guides want to make sure your river trip is all you dreamed of, they are here to answer questions, enlighten you, guide you on off river hikes, take a photo or two of you, create delicious meals...You'll camp on sandy beaches, swim in the aqua blue of the Little Colorado, explore off river petroglyphs and more. All rafters bond into one huge family, helping each other, laughing together, just being!

"River time" is an amazing time to relax, take in the vastness of the Canyon, enjoy the peaceful, flowing of the river and its nuances. Make memories that will last and last...of the Canyon and your family.

Developing a team mentality in the workplace is a major objective in today’s business world, and taking the time to work specifically on teambuilding outside of the office is an effective way to see real changes.  Andrew Carnegie said, “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives.  It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.”  This is something that experienced Colorado River rafting guides have observed for years and know for a fact.

White water rafting trips are becoming a popular way for corporate groups to naturally bond and grow together. Co-workers unite in powerful ways on a whitewater trip in the Grand Canyon, spending time together sharing outdoor experiences in a close group. There’s no greater experience than spending days, or a week together, conquering North America’s biggest whitewater rapids of the Colorado River. The inspiring setting, which holds a place in many people’s hearts creates natural enthusiasm, relaxation and a powerful shared sense of accomplishment.

Participants’ communication skills are sure to improve on a Grand Canyon rafting trip.  Effective communication is often challenging in the office, with the constant distractions of email, meetings and ringing phones.  In the Grand Canyon, there is time for co-workers to disengage from their normal daily responsibilities and truly connect on a more basic level.  On the river they have the chance to simply share in new experiences by day, and then hear each person’s input on the day’s adventures.  Gathering together in camp each evening for a great meal after a fantastic day of outdoor activities in itself is a powerful relationship building experience.  Moira Winter of Arizona River Runners says, “We have been amazed over the years at how we see people’s relationships grow over the course of one of our whitewater trips.  Even co-workers who think they know each other from spending time in the office together every day discover a whole new dynamic on the river. We’ve found that corporate groups bond in a really special way out here.” 

Arizona River Runners offers a range of Grand Canyon rafting adventures that bring corporate teams together.  The Colorado River outfitter’s experienced guides and crew work with teambuilding facilitators to create an excursion tailored to specific goals and objectives.  Daily itineraries can include easy to challenging hikes to side canyon streams, swims in refreshing pools under hidden waterfalls, and spectacular lunch settings.  Once in camp spirited games and facilitated team building exercises can be arranged, and there is always time to just sit by the river and connect while relaxing in a majestic natural setting.

If your company group is looking for a truly unique and powerful team building experience, white water rafting in the Grand Canyon could be the answer to better communications, increased productivity and a lot more smiles around the office. Your company provides the facilitator and exercises; Arizona River Runners provides all of the equipment, gear, food and river expertise so that participants can get the most out of their team building adventure. No rafting or camping experience required.  All people need to do is show up with a sense of adventure and be ready for fun. The guides and the Canyon will do the rest! Developing a team mentality in the workplace is a major objective in today’s business world, and taking the time to work specifically on teambuilding outside of the office is an effective way to see real changes.  Andrew Carnegie said, “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.”  This is something that experienced Colorado River rafting guides have observed for years and know for a fact.

White water rafting trips are becoming a popular way for corporate groups to naturally bond and grow together. Co-workers unite in powerful ways on a whitewater trip in the Grand Canyon, spending time together sharing outdoor experiences in a close group. There’s no greater experience than spending days, or a week together, conquering North America’s biggest whitewater rapids of the Colorado River. The inspiring setting, which holds a place in many people’s hearts creates natural enthusiasm, relaxation and a powerful shared sense of accomplishment.

Participants’ communication skills are sure to improve on a Grand Canyon rafting trip.  Effective communication is often challenging in the office, with the constant distractions of email, meetings and ringing phones.  In the Grand Canyon, there is time for co-workers to disengage from their normal daily responsibilities and truly connect on a more basic level.  On the river they have the chance to simply share in new experiences by day, and then hear each person’s input on the day’s adventures.  Gathering together in camp each evening for a great meal after a fantastic day of outdoor activities in itself is a powerful relationship building experience.  Moira Winter of Arizona River Runners says, “We have been amazed over the years at how we see people’s relationships grow over the course of one of our whitewater trips.  Even co-workers who think they know each other from spending time in the office together every day discover a whole new dynamic on the river. We’ve found that corporate groups bond in a really special way out here.” 

Arizona River Runners offers a range of Grand Canyon rafting adventures that bring corporate teams together.  The Colorado River outfitter’s experienced guides and crew work with teambuilding facilitators to create an excursion tailored to specific goals and objectives.  Daily itineraries can include easy to challenging hikes to side canyon streams, swims in refreshing pools under hidden waterfalls, and spectacular lunch settings.  Once in camp spirited games and facilitated team building exercises can be arranged, and there is always time to just sit by the river and connect while relaxing in a majestic natural setting.

If your company group is looking for a truly unique and powerful team building experience, white water rafting in the Grand Canyon could be the answer to better communications, increased productivity and a lot more smiles around the office.  Your company provides the facilitator and exercises; Arizona River Runners provides all of the equipment, gear, food and river expertise so that participants can get the most out of their team building adventure.  No rafting or camping experience required.  All people need to do is show up with a sense of adventure and be ready for fun.  The guides and the Canyon will do the rest!

At Arizona River Runners we cater to those who want to have FUN - individuals, families, groups, seniors, juniors - any and all who are looking for adventure.

We offer unique white water rafting trips that include side canyon hikes, sumptuous meals on the banks of the Mighty Colorado River, history of the Grand Canyon, spectacular vistas, swimming in the cold waters of the Canyon, new friendships and FUN!

Our whitewater trips vary in length from 3 to 13 days. We have a trip for everyone! If you only have a week's vacation, our 6 or 7 day trips would fit your schedule. If you only want a "taste" of white water rafting, the 3 day trip might be more what you're looking for. Those of you who want to follow in the footsteps of Major John Wesley Powell and take a more leisurely tour, the 13 day oar powered adventure would be for you. Make no mistake - this is the granddaddy of whitewater trips - it maybe longer, but not necessarily calmer!

Escape civilization and join us exploring this thrilling Canyon and its ever changing river! Call Arizona River Runners - the official outfitter of FUN! 1-800-477-7238.

Here is what some of our past guests felt about their whitewater trip with Arizona River Runners.

"TJ, Sarah & Dan should be the measuring stone to use for your crews. I just can’t say enough good things about those three!!

Everyone was great! This is the best trip I’ve ever been on!

Thank you for the trip, the presentation of the Canyon - and for sharing it - affordably!

Realized looking down from the South Rim Park is a joke in the big scheme!"

For your affordable and thrilling Colorado River adventures through the Grand Canyon, give us a call - we'd love to have you on one of our whitewater trips! Arizona River Runners 1-800-477-RAFT!!!

You're thinking "savings on a Grand Canyon raft trip?" We can assure you there are savings to be had. In fact, you can save up to 10% if you take your river rafting adventure before May 15th this year with Arizona River Runners.

We have a few 7 Day Grand Canyon rafting trips with spaces available, a 6 Day river rafting trip and an 8  Day Colorado River adventure with spaces available.

These are fantastic trips with great savings! Imagine shooting the rapids of the Mighty Colorado, taking off-river hikes to where few have ever been, swimming in the turquoise blue waters of the Little Colorado, seeing vistas that are indescribable. It's all waiting for you!

All you have to do is call Arizona River Runners at 1-800-477-7238 and book you river rafting adventure. Our knowledgeable and experienced reservation agents are waiting to help you book your vacation of a lifetime! 

River Guide Thea Lander has been guiding ARR whitewater trips since the summer of 2011 - say hello to Thea..

"Growing up in Germany, I had never seen the Grand Canyon until I was 16 years old.  Needless to say I was blown away by its "grandness".  I moved to Flagstaff in 2008 and at that time my older sister was working as a hiking guide in the Canyon; I started hiking with her on a regular basis just for fun. In 2009, I was able to guide my first GRand Canyon river trip - and that was it for me!

Being in the Grand Canyon is a life changing experience.  I have become a more positive, open-minded and appreciative person.  The Colorado River gives me a feeling of excitement and at the same time tranquility and freedom.  The Grand Canyon and the wonderful people I have met on river trips have changed my outlook on life, I hope to be inspired by the Canyon for the rest of my life."

Besides white water rafting and hiking in the Grand Canyon, Thea has a degree in Social Work. She enjoys any type of outdoor activity from skiing to exploring trails around Flagstaff and Sedona. She loves running all rivers and is currently honing her kayaking skills. 

Are you looking for a Colorado River rafting trip for the whole family? Well look no further, Arizona River Runners white water rafting trips are exhilarating, safe, and our professional, experienced guides will make sure you and your family have the time of your life! We offer a variety of family rafting trips that your entire family will not only enjoy, but benefit from as well.

Arizona River Runners 3 Day Grand Canyon raft trip gives you an insight to ranch life and a taste of Arizona whitewater rafting. Call 1-800-477-7238 for information on all our whitewater trips!

"The crew were professional and Tom's guiding hand kept everyone informed and on the same page. I'll never look at the flood the same way. At the same time we got to experience some real "white water" up close and personal. We'll definitely be back ."

Jon and Tammy
Westford, VT
August 26-29 2011

3 Day Grand Canyon Raft Trip
 

Meet Arizona River Runners guide Joe Pollack. Joe has been guiding folks on whitewater trips with Arizona River Runners since 1994! Enjoy his story!

"I have been fascinated by the Grand Canyon since first visiting in the eaarly 90's and have been hooked by rafting the Colorado River since 1994.  I've had the privilege to be a participant on many different types of trips--archeological, geological, trails and vegetative work trips, biological survey trips, as well as commercial trips for fun--and find it amazing to see something new on every single adventure down through "The Big Ditch."  I am pleased to be able to represent Arizona River Runners and share with folks any of the human and natural history to which I've been exposed.  Come on down!!"

Here are a few thoughts and feelings from rafters on their Arizona river rafting vacation. 
 

"Loved every minute – Thank you! Thank you!

Have become even more cognizant about the environment, also the importance of hand washing!

Cold watermelon and homemade ice cream were great surprises!

For city people, the stars are as rare as the Canyon itself!

We’d do it again in a heartbeat!

Our entire experience was absolutely wonderful and one we will cherish forever!

Fifth trip – just keep coming back!

Arizona River Runners invites you to take a Grand Canyon rafting trip - and let us tell your story!

There are a few sayings on the river..."go with the flow," "river time," "river world," "take it as it comes..." When you're thinking about whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon, don't over think it! Sure there are things you absolutely need to know, but then just "go with the flow" 

You need to know what to pack, and transportation to and from the launch point, but do you really need to know how many hikes you go on? Or how long are you on the raft? Why not make it a surprise? Every day can hold something different, something special. Guides will decide where and when to camp, it just depends on the time of day, where you are, the weather, the swimming, etc.

So take it easy, take it slow, and enjoy this one of a kind family rafting trip. Your kids will be happy, you'll be happy. And you never know what's just around the bend when you're on a river rafting trip with Arizona River Runners!

Call now and book your "surprise" vacation! 1-800-477-7238.

It's never too late to take a Grand Canyon rafting trip with Arizona River Runners. Check out this article on BoomerCafe.com, and see why.

Whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon is an amazing experience, one that should be had by all, and even more than once! (But never more than once a year :))

For your summer vacation this year, give us a call, 1-800-477-7238, we'll get you going Grand Canyon whitewater rafting - Arizona River Runners style!

Meet Arizona River Runners guide Chelsea Atwater, she's been "running" the Colorado River for over 6 years now with ARR. 

"My first Grand Canyon river trip was in 2002.  As often happens, that trip forever changed my life.  I've been devoted to working in the Canyon ever since.  Every year I fall more and more in love with the Colorado and it's Canyon.  Each trip is a new and exciting experience!  There is so much to learn, so much to do and see.  I love the people I work with - and I love the people I work for!  I feel so lucky!  In my time off I’m obsessed with rock climbing!  I also love traveling and exploring other rivers and other kinds of boating.  Just remember – "go with the flow!"

One of the most common questions we get asked is "What about the bathroom on a Colorado River trip?" There is nothing to worry about when you go on a Grand Canyon family vacation with Arizona River Runners. We provide you with a safe and clean place to go to the bathroom. The toilet is the first thing that is set up in camp and the last thing loaded back on the boat when its time to leave, and it's just like the one you have at home! There is even a special "key" for your privacy. (Our guides will give you the lowdown of everything to guarantee a fantastic Grand Canyon rafting trip.)

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