ARR Stories

I am currently reading a book called “THE STORY THAT STANDS LIKE A DAM” by Russell Martin. It’s the story of the Glen Canyon Dam, which is the dam that holds Lake Powell (reservoir). In this book there's  conflict between those who chose to reclaim the mighty Colorado River to promote western development and those who wanted to preserve the flow in it’s natural state. The preservationists desired to see and enjoy the Colorado River and it’s canyons in it’s purest form. An early Colorado River voyager and Midwestern industrialist, Julius Stone wrote “Here where the world is shut out, the spirit of the wilderness still abides and welcomes one into the full freedom and magic of the night and morning; uplifting and swaying the beholder with a sense of being that is delightful beyond compare.” He insisted that the river should not be used for mere profit, but that it had value in its ability to instill awe.

The dam was built and today provides water, power, and recreation for millions of people. Though there is still controversy, outfitters and passengers proclaim that the Grand Canyon has the same effect that Stone wrote about years ago. It’s hard for me to describe the change that I’ve seen in families and friends as they fulfill their long-standing bucket list trip. They come on a 3-13 day rafting vacation, sometimes nervous about camping or white water and most certainly unprepared for the transformation into freer, brighter, tanner (sometimes less kempt) river folk. They reluctantly leave and return to the “rim world” to find that they have a fresh demeanor; because they lived, hiked, rested, socialized (ate amazing food) and conquered the famous Grand Canyon.

www.raftarizona.com

www.facebook.com/ArizonaRiverRunners

www.twitter.com/RaftArizona

See it as it is, Leave it as it was! One of the great phrases you might hear on the Colorado River. See and enjoy the Grand Canyon how it is, but preserve it for future generations of explorers, families, vacationers, nature lovers, non-nature lovers or whoever may want to visit the Mighty Colorado River. This philosophy is  something that we, at Arizona River Runners, are compelled to teach to all of our river passengers. But there are some things you can take with you from the Grand Canyon.

Photos and Videos are a great way to take something home with you. After you get off of your trip, I suggest that you ease back into the world of technology, but after you have time to properly acclimate to the "Rim World", upload your photos or videos to the web and share with your friends. Here are a few suggestions when planning your trip.

1. Go-Pro's are perfect for our trips. Waterproof. Light and small. HD video or photo. These cameras can capture so much of the action while protecting the camera from damage. They are great to strap on to your head for a hike or strap to another area on the boat to capture your white water rafting reactions. They can even go under water (60m) to take pictures of the Humpback Chub fish located near the Little Colorado confluence.

2. Sometimes you need your nice camera. Nabbing the perfect shot of the Grand Canyon's vastness and beauty can be arduous at times. Every so often, maybe at camp before everyone wakes up or on a late day hike, you find the perfect angle and light. It's at these times that you'll want a camera with a quality lens and resolution. The down side to these cameras is their fragility. If you do decide to bring a camera that packs a little more punch consider buying a camera case, which allows you to take pictures through a waterproof bag. These range from $30-$200 depending on camera and level of protection. Arizona River Runners also provides a small personal dry bag for day use items. No matter how you do it, be sure to protect your cameras. 

3. Disposables. Waterproof and safe, every group should have a couple of these. Sometimes it may not be feasible to get to your nice camera, so having a disposable camera on hand to shoot those "all of a sudden" or spontaneous moments will prove to be worth the investment. Plus, it's a great way to get the trip kids to engage with nature and observe the science and art of this Natural Wonder of the World. 

4. Share your pictures with the other passengers. When you reserve your spot on a trip, you are asked to start a MyModule account which will link you up with the other passengers on the trip. This so you can keep in touch and have one place where you all can upload your river trip photos. 

So, whether you are currently booked with Arizona River Runners or you are pondering whether or not a Grand Canyon river trip is in the cards this year. Remember to consider what and how you might be capturing this season.

We are always uploading new images, videos, and articles to our Facebook and Twitter so keep connected!

Since 2004, Facebook, with its billion or so active members, has brought people together through life updates, picture and event sharing, messaging, friend finding and many other features. It has proved to be an indispensable tool in reconnecting long lost chums.  It helps us keep up to date on the happenings of our family and friends, but there comes a point when connecting online is just not enough. 

Years ago, I was working on a Grand Canyon rafting trip with Arizona River Runners and the group we had were all old college buddies. Twenty-five or so dentists, contractors, business owners, retirees, coming together and hanging out with their old friends, many of which hadn't seen each other in 30 years. It was highly entertaining, watching these adults transform their dynamic to become like jovial and unburdened college kids. They had mixers every night on the beach, reminiscing about when, "so-and-so thought it would be an great idea to..."  They sang their fight song after each major rapid. For 7 days they adventured through the heart of the Grand Canyon; taking on the whitewater, gaining a new appreciation for nature and seamlessly enjoying each other's company. This was the trip of a lifetime for them.

I can only imagine the new batch of stories they had when they returned home.  With all the social media connections we have with each other, ARR large group trips would be all that much easier to plan, execute, and archive. For years we have accommodated large groups and we love being a conduit for unforgettable reunions. So check out our trips and call us to start planning your 3-13 day friends and family river trip.

1-800-477-7238

www.raftarizona.com

www.facebook.com/ArizonaRiverRunners

It would be a very long blog if I told you every detail about every item needed for your Colorado River Whitewater trip. So, instead I'll just give you a couple of things to take away that I like to tell every passenger.

SHOES. I can't tell you how embarrassing it was the first (and only) time my sandals blew out (broke). I was wearing leather, trendy (in the early 2000's) flip flops. I was working as a crew member and enjoyed a little jump off a cliff into the deep Colorado River. As soon as I splashed into the water I knew that my troubles with my, slippery when wet, leather flips just got worse. I swam to the shore and put on my old converse all-stars (also a mistake) for the remainder of the trip. I was tan all over except for my awesome Chuck Taylor tan line. I like to pack flips that are made for the river; form fitting, rubber sole and webbing straps. Chaco and Keen are a couple of favorite brands and if you go to their websites you'll want to own a pair, but also only want to hang out with people who own them too.  Which brings me to the next fun footwear fact. When choosing shoes to take with you for your hikes in the canyon, remember that many hikes have a water feature to it. So, the best shoe is one that is light, sturdy, supportive and water friendly. 

LOOK LIKE A RIVER RAT. If you really want to fit in with the guides, one trick is to bring along an old, button down, light color, light material, long sleeve shirt. This is like the Swiss army knife of the River Rafting Fashion World (very exclusive). It's great to wear when its cold or sunny. Instead of re-applying sunscreen all the time to your arms, just roll down your sleeves. Or fellas if you want to look real good with your new river tan, roll up your sleeves (sun's out gun's out). You can even dunk it in the chilly water and use it as a neck cooler on a hot day. 

SUNSCREEN PLEASE. This is a must. But instead of applying it to your forehead, where it can run down into your eyes, wear a hat.

HATS. Love 'em, wear em'.

SUNGLASSES AND CHUMS. "Look at that California Condor flying above!"

Situation A: If "'Aw the Sun is too bright I can't see!"  Then "I need to get some polarized sunglasses"

Situation B: If "When I looked up to see the bird, my $300 Wayfarers fell into the deep Colorado River" Then "I need to get some Chums or as the people in the south call them, Croakies" (Preferably floating ones.)

FLEECE. My final tip is the fleece. Utilized and stylish, the fleece is great to wear under your rain gear on a splashy morning or around the camp party at night. I enjoy the fleece vest because of it's multiple layering options. 

If you'd like to ask any further questions or ask me about my thoughts on "river shorty shorts", you can ask on our Facebook, Twitter@RaftArizona, or call 1-800-477-7238

Here's a link to the complete packing list. http://www.raftarizona.com/more-trip-info/what-to-bring/

Here's the link to book your trip https://reservations.raftarizona.com/book/

This is Scott wearing all the right stuff. 

One of the best Grand Canyon trips I've ever experienced was during a very rainy monsoon season.  I was working as a crew member on this specific trip.  It was day 3 or so into a 6 day trip, when the threatening clouds turned into buckets of rain. Water blasted our faces by the strong up river wind. It got to the point where we needed to pull over and find shelter. We found a beach with a small rock cropping and we guided the passengers up a 50 yard path to a place where the stone canopied over a clearing, protecting the passangers from the rain and the sideways wind. The crew rushed back to the boats to keep them secure. As we huddled in the motor well of the raft, the rain turned to hail.  We could hear cheers and storm taunting like, "Is that all you got?" coming from the rock. Then, as the storm dissipated and the sky gave small patches of light, it became almost silent with the occasional roar of thunder shooting through the side canyons. Everything was calm and beautiful. The once dry canyon walls turned into waterfalls.

The crew and I walked back to the rock and found that the chatting and laughing passengers, had somehow found their six packs (of soda [maybe]). They looked at us and one of the more outgoing passengers joked, "Where have you guys been!?" We all gathered around that rock for the next hour, celebrating our victory over the storm. For some of the passengers it was their first time being out in the elements. The experience was not only invigorating for them, but weathering the storm fused the group together for the rest of the trip. 

Many times on a Grand Canyon river trip, the scenery although amazing and forever imprinted in your mind, takes a backseat to the time spent with fellow passengers. So go with your friends, spend some uninterrupted time with your family, or even go independently.  No matter what kind of group you go with, you are certain to leave with new buddies and new memories of your patchwork group of Colorado River adventurers. Share your own story on our Facebook. www.facebook.com/arizonariverrunnersor TripAdvisor

Never camped before? Not sure if it's your "cup of tea?" Here are a few thoughts from our 2012 rafters...you might just change your mind!

"Awesome experience, I don’t camp and was thrilled our guide suggested open air sleeping on cots. To stare up at the starry sky surrounded by the Canyon and rapids was magical!

My first camping experience and the company did an excellent job educating and providing an exceptional experience! 10+++!!!

Loved it! Thanks for the great memories! Would do it again in a heartbeat!

I tell everyone how great it was and that they should try to do it someday!

It was a fantastic trip! I wouldn't change a thing!

Wonderful trip! Arizona River Runners is great!

The feeling of accomplishment for two city girls when all was said and done – a truly life changing experience!"

To book your camping trip white water rafting through the Grand Canyon, call Arizona River Runners, we have the cot, tent, food, raft...everything for you!

Arizona River Runners 1.800.477.7238.

The Grand Canyon is a wonderous and beautiful place...truly yours to discover! Call Arizona River Runners for your Grand Canyon adventures! 1.800.477.7238

"I realize now that the Grand Canyon is really a Canyon of thousands of smaller canyons. These canyons were stunning!"

Bret
Henderson, NV
June 3 - 9, 2012
7 Day Grand Canyon Adventures with Arizona River Runners
 

Arizona River Runners guides are the best in the business! They are chefs, boatmen, guides and so much more. They make your Colorado River trip come to life!

"We had a expert team led by Lew, Walt, Jim, David, Gill, Chelsea & Rob, a great group of guides!
Lew was a great history & storyteller. Enjoyed his love of the Canyon.
Everyone was respectful of keeping our human print out of the Canyon.
The food was excellent, well prepared and delicious!
I loved the trip - I am thinking of sending my kids!"

Mary & Doug
Spencerville, ON
October 12 - 17, 2012
6 Day Oar Colorado River Trip - Upper Canyon

An added email from Doug & Mary....

I'm sending 5 of our favorites on the 6 day oar and hike out. Hope it's 
not too late.


We had an exceptional experience and we can't say enough about our guides.
Very knowledgeable, great sense of humor and all have a love of the 
canyon and the river.
I would do the trip again and have encouraged my young adult kids to 
consider it on their list of lifetime things to do.

Oar powered whitewater trips let rafters get closer to the river..We've been told it is a more personal experience. For your 2013 white water vacation call Arizona River Runners at 1.800.477.RAFT, 1.800.477.7238.

"The guides were great people - friendly,helpful. Our leader Lew was great with stories.
Meals were well done, loved the beef bourguignon; loved the quiet of the river, the scenery was great, loved the daily hikes, and we enjoyed the people - both guides and riders!"

Paul
Spencerville, ON
October 12 - 17, 2012

6 Day Oar Powered Whitewater Trip
 

Take a trip Colorado River rafting with Arizona River Runners...you'll love it! If you don't believe us, just as Sally!

"I read a previous customer's internet comments. She was 77 and I'm 76, she loved it and I felt more comfortable reading about her trip.  It was a wonderful experience. Frank was very helpful and friendly, Dave was wonderful. The girls knowledgeable and told great stories. My son had a great time too!"

Sally
Faiview Park, OH
September 12 - 14, 2012

3 Day Colorado River Rafting
 

Many people are curious about rafting in the Grand Canyon ... including what the food is like on a Colorado River trip. At Arizona River Runners we serve up some excellent grub! From grilled salmon and steaks to Dutch oven lasagna to Mexican Train Wreck Salad! 

This is what people had say about the food on their river trip....

"Food was first rate, good quality, fresh well prepared and tasty – I gained weight!

Are you kidding me? How could the food be better???!!!

I gained 4 pounds on the trip!

The food surpassed my expectations. THANK YOU FOR THE COFFEE!"

For more information on Colorado River trips call ARR at 1.800.477.RAFT!

Arizona River Runners tries to exceed people's needs, wishes, and dreams on their Colorado River trip. It seems we were able to do it on Margie and David's trip this year! For your Grand Canyon raft trip call Arizona River Runners at 1.800.477.7238.

"This whole trip met and exceeded all of our expectations. Other guests, boatmen and Frank were people we thoroughly enjoyed being with. No detail was missed. Great crew! Great Trip!"

Margie & David
Chestnut Hill, MA
September 12 - 14, 2012
3 Day Colorado River Trip
 

Sometimes the Canyon can be overwhelming, that's when you can just be in awe and thankful for its beauty and existence.

To raft through the Grand Canyon, call Arizona River Runners 1.800.477.7238, we'll get you there!

"What an AMAZING opportunity to be allowed to be a part of... it was art in every second of every moment of each day & night!  The ancient views of layers, contours, shapes, colors, shadows, silouette's, ancient spirits, sunrise, moonlight, and the ever present 360 degree view of the sky, moon, & stars overhead no matter where one is fortunate enough to be in this beautiful place!  Our most precious commodity on the Planet is WATER, and here it is ever present in our daily lives on the river... in the canyons, swimming in holes, and jumping through waterfalls!  Aieeeeee! One of my favorite moments was a hike back into several of the canyons when I was blessed to have solitude & ethos with this magnificent nature.  I am so grateful... & have told everyone... it's a 'bucket lister'!!!"

Joelle
Jackson, WY
Sept 22 - 29, 2012

8 Day Oar Whitewater Trip with Hike In
 

No more jewelry or electronics, knick-knacks or do-dads…give excitement, thrills and chills...a white water rafting trip with Arizona River Runners!

Our 2013 season starts with our Hiker's Specials in April, and continues on through October so you know there are trips galore to choose from. We offer 3, 6, 7 & 8 day motorized Grand Canyon rafting trips and 6, 8 & 13 day oar-powered whitewater trips. And our trips are all-inclusive - we provide all the food, drinks, snacks, camping equipemnt and rafting gear! All trips launching before May 20, 2013 receive our 10% Early Season Discount.

This holiday season give your someone special a gift that will knock their socks off, a gift that will take their breath away -  a Grand Canyon adventure! It's not too late, just pick up the phone and call - it's as simple as that. AIf you prefer to give a gift certificate we will email you one to wrap up!

Imagine the surprise and excitement when they realize they’ll be rafting in the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River! It’s more than a gift – it’s time with loved ones, time in nature (no cell phone, emails, electronic gadgets…), time to learn, time to meet new people, time for fun…

Now is the time - time to call Arizona River Runners and give the Gift of Excitement! 1.800.477.7238

Family rafting trips with Arizona River Runners provides some of the best times a family can spend together. There's quality bonding time on and off the river, and sharing new, exciting experiences.

"Guides Chris, Evan, Dan and Eric were great. Having been before you want to compare it, but it was a different experience, a good one - in a different way. Great to bring my family and see that they enjoyed it as much as I'd hoped they would! My daughter wants to come back as a W & R sometime in the near future. She said "Everything!" was a highlight!"

Glenn & Jennifer
Schenectady, NY
July 21 - 27, 2012

7 Day Grand Canyon Family Vacation with Arizona River Runners. 1.800.477.RAFT
 

Dr. Guthrie's poem continues here with his second day of his Grand Canyon Adventures with Arizona River Runners.

TWODAY ON THE RIVER

By Joseph Guthrie

Bronze canyon walls, rose straight from sandy loom with great pride,
as sojourners’ grasped one another for safety on this mighty ride.

Over rapids, and rocks and boulders their journey filled with surprise,
in moments of wondrous colour, under azure intensely blue skys.
These magnificent buttes, oh brightly coloured spires,
gave us serenity, tranquility, peace, and hope that ours
would not be the last generation so keenly inspired.

Yes, this place is sacred a storied history revealed,
my spirit touched, I’m humbled yet thrilled.

Mighty forces in a golden chasm through rock continues to pass
re-creating this garden, like Eden in this land of great mass.
Can any other force in nature unmasked,
paint on Earth’s canvas something this vast?

A voice speaking softly throughout history, with wisdom and courage
protect our land, this place our mother ship on her voyage.

There is no other strength that will ever prevail.
o’er the collective life found on these trails.
All mystics, and men and mortal’s who fail,
in all history, each and all despite their travail.

Always, the monuments will soar
and surely the river shall roar.

Joesph Guthrie
Gilbert, AZ
June 26 - July 3, 2012

Did you get the play on words?

For your Grand Canyon adventure call ARR at 1.800.477.7238

Arizona River Runners Grand Canyon rafting trips bring people together, let adults be kids, and takes them on a river rafting adventure!

Here are a few comments we received from rafters this year....

"Oar trips RULE!

Guides did more than expected.

Beyond all expectations. This trip was the best I’ve ever taken, just for being taken care of!

Very impressed by the equipment – first rate, all in terrific shape

It’s hard to imagine how it could have been any better…unless you could provide a hot shower. Bathing in the river was cold! But that goes with the territory!"

For your 2013 Grand canyon rafting trip call Arizona River Runners 1.800.477.7238.

Arizona River Runners offers a three day rafting - ranch combo! Stay at the Bar 10 Ranch the first night and on the banks of the Colorado River the second night of your white water rafting trip!

"The ranch experience was great: the short horse ride, ATV trip, entertainment and all the personnel were extremely friendly - especially Garth and his wife!
 

Frank was very helpful and attentive to everyone in the group - a really friendly "people person," and Chelsea shared lots of info on geology and history of early river runners.
 

Loved Travertine Grotto's waterfall and riding on the front of the raft through the rapids!"

Lynn
Northern California
Sept 15- 17, 2012

3 Day White Water Rafting Trip call Arizona River Runners 1.800.477.RAFT
 

There is so much to do and see on a Colorado River Trip with Arizona River Runners...breath-taking scenery, thrilling rapids, the guides and the people you meet - Wonderful!!!

"The whole trip was a highlight. I very much enjoyed meeting new people and making some great friends, seeing on of them conquer their fear of heights was one!
The guides were awesome! Jon, Dan, Tim and Alisa were the best. Jon had some great stories and an awesome raft driver. Don is a great boatman too! Tim was very funny and he even dressed up for the "Non-talent Talent Show." He made everyone laugh! Alisa was a great sport as she worked her way down the river.

This was such a great trip and I loved the time I got to spend with my Mom. She is a trooper, went on all but one hike. The hikes - amazing, each one and everyone!

Thank you so much!"

Robin
Sherwood, OR
August 31 - Sept 7, 2012

8 Day Colorado River Trip with Arizona River Runners
 

At Arizona River Runners our guides are incredible, our rafters love each and every one of them and so do we!

If you like to go white water rafting in the Grand Canyon with our fabulous guides call Arizona River Runners at 1.800.47.7238!

"The scenery was amazing. Linda loved going through the rapids. Jon and Dan did a great job giving the history and stories of the Canyon, very knowledgeable.

Mostly we rode with Jon and he was very skillful at maneuvering the rapids. Tim was very entertaining, and Alisa very helpful. The camaraderie with everyone was good!
Our guides couldn't have been any better!"

Jerry & Linda
Sayre, PA
Sept 8 - 13 , 2012

6 Days White Water Rafting