Family Rafting Trips

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.

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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

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

There's nothing better than getting some mid-week good news. Outside Magazine did a great article listing "50 Great Family Adventures" and that's right, Arizona River Runners got on the list for our 6-Day motor trip down "The Heart" of the Grand Canyon. We feel extremely honored to be featured on this list with all the other great companies. Avital Andrews, the writer, did a great job of inspiring parents to show their kids the world we all live in and enjoy. I've posted the link below if you'd like to take a look. It's also worth your time to explore some of the other trips listed. They look pretty interesting and creative.

http://bit.ly/YYwq9

Check out of our trip dates for this year at www.raftarizona.com or follow us on twitter @RaftArizona

Hello world, my name is Kyle, and I just started working at the Phoenix office of Arizona River Runners, though I've been taking trips down the Colorado River with ARR since I was a young kid. Sometimes I would go with my family, sometimes with my friends and later in my life I began working on the trips as a Swamper (assistant guide). Many times I've gotten the question, "what is there to do on a raft all day?".  First, you need to know that Arizona River Runners provides trips with thrilling whitewater and accesible hikes that lead you through canyons that might be expected in the Amazon, but are really just a couple miles off the river. These things are happening all the time down there, but there will be times when you're sitting on our 35ft S-Rig raft in the middle of mile deep canyon with flat water all around. Have no fear! Our guides are not only extremely knowledgable in geology, anthropology, botany and southwestern history, but they are also natural born (or maybe they figured it out) entertainers.

Our charming guides are hard at work to keep you safe and well fed, as well as sharing with you captivating anecdotes of daring adventurers and even the occasional cheesy dad joke (sympathy laughs recommended). If you have never heard the stories of John Wesley Powell or the adventures of a wild and wonderful eighty year old woman who wore leopard print and a helmet as she led people through the whitewater, then you're in for a trip! The Colorado River has so many nuances and history behind its grandeur that you can miss it, if not for our experienced and wise Grand Canyon guides to enlighten you on what makes the Grand Canyon so grand.

Post your own guide stories on our Facebook wall at www.facebook.com/ArizonaRiverRunners

Thinking about what to do this summer? Wanting some adventure? What about a Grand Canyon rafting trip? Not sure? Why not? Are these some of the things holding you back...

Out of shape, sun sensitivity, can't swim, no time, need a critter sitter, never pitched a tent before, never camped before, traveling solo, it's expensive? I sunburn easily, my wife won't - go my husband won't go, I don't like cold water, physical challenges/limitations, food restrictions, allergic to nuts, lactose intolerant. I'm too old, the kids won't want to come, can't sleep without my own pillow, scared of heights…

These are a few minor stumbling blocks that should not keep you from a river rafting adventure in the Grand Canyon. If you have a concern or questions... contact us at Arizona River Runners and we can reveiw your particular situation and help you to decide if your dreams of rafting in the Grand Canyon can still come true. Don't give up your "bucket list" if you don't have to. A lot of things are easily solved. We can work together to find the perfect Colorado River trip for you. Many people who thought they couldn't, or shouldn't raft the Grand Canyon have had their wish come true with Arizona River Runners. Call us - don't miss out - together we can make your dream come true too!

Arizona River Runners 1-800-477-7238, for your white water rafting adventure!

The Grand Canyon radiates both exhilaration and tranquility. Truly it is one of the most incredible geological wonders on earth. While white water rafting through the Canyon, you get the most breath-taking views. The Grand Canyon is home to some of the biggest white water in North America and exclusive off river hikes and landscapes. A river rafting trip is the only way to explore some of these amazing waterfalls, hikes, cool pools,  grottos and scenic wonders.

Arizona River Runners offers white water rafting trips to those who seek adventure in the heart of nature, who dream to experience this unparalleled thrill. We combine incredible Grand Canyon river trips with off river excursions, giving rafters time for exploring hidden gems within the Canyon.

Let the Grand Canyon captivate you with its beauty, history, flora and fauna. Let Arizona River Runners take you on a white water rafting trip that will enthrall you with excitement and serentiy!

Call 1.800.477.7238 for your Grand Canyon river trip!

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.

Thinking about taking a Grand Canyon raft trip? No sure who to book with? Here are a few quotes from our rafters last season...

"Trip hikes were great and challenging, food and accommodations from Arizona River Runners were excellent! I could go on and on….

The whole experience is amazing!

Everyone was excellent, can’t be beat!

Every part of the trip was wonderful!

Thank you all for a great trip – big thanks to Frank, our guide, he was awesome!

We’ll be back!

This has been the grandest adventure of my life!

It was the best trip ever!

Great Guides!

Sleeping under the stars and being without technology – Awesome & Refreshing!

WE LOVED IT!!!"

Don't wait, call Arizona River Runners for your Grand Canyon rafting trip! 1.800.477.7238

Searching for an exciting family Colorado River rafting trip? You have come to the right place. Arizona River Runners is your family white water rafting expert in Arizona. 

Our family rafting trips are exhilarating, safe, and our experienced, professional, caring guides will ensure you have the time of your life!

If you are planning some quality family time, then what better place than Arizona River Runners to take your family on a white water vacation adventure they will never forget?  White water rafting through the Grand Canyon with your entire family is the best! Contact Arizona River Runners for your 2013 family rafting trip everyone will love!

Arizona River Runners 1.800.477.RAFT, that's 1.800.477.7238.

You need a vacation, want to get away! You've worked hard, you deserve it. Now it's time to plan your R & R. Spoil yourself in a grand way - take a white water rafting trip through the Grand Canyon.

Go where there are no phones, no computers, just the rushing waters of the Colorado River, the excitment of the rapids, delicious food, making new friends.

Take a camping trip along the bank of the Mighty Colorado. Sleep under a blanket of stars, wake to the freshest breakfast. See pictographs of ancient tribes, swim in the turqoise blue waters of the Little Colorado.  Emmerse yourself in this incomparable experience.

Grand Canyon rafting tours are for those who love adventure, seek thrills, and respect nature. On white water rafting trips you will experience all the Canyon and River have to offer. The most incredible whitewater in North America, up to Class X rapids!

Arizona River Runners has the white water rafting trip for you, from 3 to 13 days, you can go with the flow and experience this river rafting adventure. The time is now, take a break, get away!

Let the Grand Canyon enchant you; spoil yourself and your senses with a white water rafting trip. Call Arizona River Runners today - 1-800-477- RAFT (7238).

Phil Marty (freelance photographer/travel writer) of Phil Marty Photography ran an item on Arizona River Runners in the Chicago Tribune January 14, 2013!

"Here are some of the more interesting deals, websites and other travel tidbits that came across our desk recently..."  Read More...

We have our new website up and running...have you checked it out? It's full of information, photos and more!

Arizona River Runners for your Grand Canyon rafting trip! Book a trip that departs before May 20th and save 10%! Call 1.800.477.7238.

When booking your white water vacation, you may be thinking, "Do I need cancellation or travel  insurance?"  Some people will need insurance, and at Arizona River Runners, we do recommend trip cancellation insurance.

The amount you invest in a travel insurance policy when booking a vacation, it is only a very small percentage of the overall trip cost, but is worth so much more. There are a number of benefits that will protect your safety, as well as all that money you have spent in order to make your dream vacation come true. By investing in a policy, you will save hundreds, possibly even thousands of dollars, if you were to experience a travel disruption such as lost baggage, flight changes, or even medical emergencies.

Trip Cancellation Insurance is highly recommended. Our cancellation policy can be reviewed here.

Here are a few companies that provide insurance. Arizona River Runners is not affiliated with any travel insurance company. For your reference see links below:

Travel Guard Insurance 800-826-1300

Access America Travel Insurance 800-284-8300

Travel Insured International Travel Insurance 800-243-3174

For more information on white water vacations and travel insurance, call Arizona River Runners at 1.800.477.72387.

At Arizona River Runners we would like to wish everyone a very Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year!

Thank you to all who traveled the Canyon with us in 2012, we hope to see you soon.

If you haven't taken a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon for a while - or ever, call us we'd love to have you on a whitewater trip in 2013! 1.800.477.7238.

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
 

From our family at Arizona River Runners we wish you and yours the Merriest Christmas!

May you enjoy family and friends happily and safely this Christmas season!

When making your list for holiday shopping a Grand Canyon raft trip should top it. Imagine giving a “grand” gift, something out of the ordinary, something extraordinary. Give the gift of adventure - a white water rafting trip in the Grand Canyon! This holiday season forget the sweater, the new golf clubs or the cruise. Don’t give something that will be the wrong size, forgotten or exchanged. You want to give something they will never forget.

With a Grand Canyon raft trip you can’t miss. It gives you quality time with family and friends, it promotes togetherness and brings old friends together. One outfitter operating in the Canyon, Arizona River Runners, had a rafter who had this to say about their whitewater trip, “The best part was the time spent with my mom and meeting new people from all walks of life; we had a family from Germany on our trip. This was the first time my mom and I experienced white water rafting and camping out! I had a lot of anxiety about the trip but once we got started, it was great! I would recommend to everyone of any age or background.” ....

It will start the New Year with something to look forward to, something plan for. You can prepare with loved ones for the trip throughout the winter, call friends and talk about what to pack, where to meet, what you’ll be doing and eating. You can look up the Colorado River on a map and find where it flows through the Grand Canyon, where the big rapids are, and where the Little Colorado River is. Imagine sleeping on the sandy shores of the Colorado River, listening to the river sounds as they lull you to sleep.  What a way to start the New Year! ....

Choose a whitewater trip with Arizona River Runners, they do all of the work for guests, providing the most incredible Grand Canyon experience out there – from gourmet meals in camp to top quality gear and equipment and the most experienced, knowledgeable  and entertaining  guides on the river.  Call them to do your holiday shopping today - 1.800.477.7238.

This article on Arizona River Runners and holiday shppoing can be read in its entirety here: Pressbox.com.uk! 

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