Grand Canyon Colorado

A what you ask??? A braincation! You've heard of staycations, why not a braincation? Urban Dictionary defines it as "a vacation for your brain to escape stress." It is just what the over-worked brain needs whether it's from digital overload, scholastic distress, or everyday stress. Take a braincation with Arizona River Runners on a Grand Canyon River Trip!

BRAINCATION  - the Arizona River Runners way...

B is for the Brilliant stars that fill the night sky.

R  is for the wild Rapids of the mighty Colorado.

A  is for Awe-inspiring Arizona white water rafting.

I is for Incredibly delicious, fresh food.

N is for Nature's many gifts on a Grand Canyon River trip.

C  is for Camping along the shores of the Colorado  River. 

A  is for Amazing vistas and sights.

T  is for Terrific guides - ARR has the best.

I is for the Invaluable friendships you'll make.

O is for the Outdoor activities on a Grand Canyon raft trip- and there are many.

N is for Native American history and Canyon folklore. 

Call Arizona River Runners for your braincation - 1-800-477-7238!

Why do people go white water rafting through the Grand Canyon? Here is an article that will shed some light on it, and will help you choose a whitewater trip with Arizona River Runners. 

"There were 25 of us who came together to do this trip of a lifetime. Our group was comprised of fathers and sons, fathers and daughters, good friends, husbands and wives, solo travelers and colleagues. And though we hailed from different places and backgrounds, we all had one thing in common – a shared desire to do the mother of all rafting trips through one of the most heralded natural wonders in the world. Each of us, however, had our own personal motivations for wanting to embark on this amazing experience. So, what is it that drives people to explore the Grand Canyon from the seat of a raft?"

Read the complete article about Deborah Stone's Colorado River adventures on Way Beyond Borders.

Call Arizona River Runners for your river rafting adventure this summer! 1-800-477-7238.

For over twenty years National Park Service (NPS) personnel and commercial river guides have joined together on Co-operative Resource trips in Grand Canyon National Park.  These trips began as volunteer opportunities for river guides to give back to the valuable natural resources of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon, and a way for guides to interact with and get to know the NPS employees that actively manage the resources.  According to Mark Pillar of Arizona River Runners, the long-time Colorado River outfitter began participating in Co-operative Resource trips in 1991, donating their facilities and equipment year after year and drawing in guides from other river outfitters.  Pillar says, “Over the years, these trips continued and evolved to give each outfitter a chance to outfit and actually pay their guides to participate.  Although the funding and acronyms may have changed, the spirit of the trips remained the same – Grand Canyon outfitters and guides working alongside NPS personnel for the greater good of the Grand Canyon River Corridor.”

Maintaining a pristine river corridor is an ongoing effort in the Grand Canyon.  Grand Canyon rafting guides actively work on a daily basis to minimize their passenger impacts during the rafting season, but with the help of NPS, they are given the opportunity to give back to the resource by actively managing the impacts that occur over time by commercial and private boaters.  Work on Co-operative Resource trips may involve improvement of river trails, campsite and archaeological site stabilization, social trail obliteration, invasive plant removal or archaeological site monitoring.  Joining with NPS personnel on these restorative missions fosters camaraderie, understanding and the chance to interact one-on-one to manage the Grand Canyon’s natural resources.

In February of 2012, Arizona River Runners completed a 19 day Co-operative Resource trip focused on archaeological monitoring over 226 river miles from Lee’s Ferry to Diamond Creek.  Six Arizona River Runners guides ran the boats and logistically supported a crew of 7 NPS archaeologists and an NPS hydrologist.  Over 170 archaeological sites were monitored over the course of the trip.  Planning for the trip began months ahead of time in order to create an itinerary that would allow the archaeologists to meet their goals efficiently, as well as mapping out the logistics of food and gear required for the cold weather trip.

As a participant in the Colorado River trip, Pillar says, “This trip has given our staff a firsthand knowledge and insight regarding specific areas in the Canyon along the river corridor, and how these sites pertain to Native Americans.”  He points out there are hundreds of sites throughout the Canyon that have historical and present day ties to the Hopi, Navajo, Paiute, Zuni, Havasupai and Hualapai tribes, and visiting the sites with NPS archaeologists gave the river guides a deeper understanding of the physical and cultural sensitivity of these sites within the Grand Canyon.  “The cooperation and sharing of skills and information gave archaeologists and guides alike a great appreciation for each other and the commitment to the Canyon that each group possesses,” explains Pillar.  “This Co-operative trip was a complete success, thanks to NPS personnel and the guides!” 

For information on Grand Canyon rafting trips, call Arizona River Runners at 1-800-477-RAFT (7238).

National Geographic Traveler México features Arizona River Runners in the May Edition, on the cover and 14 page spread of gorgeous photos and travel tails. The writer (and photgrapher) Alfredo Martínez Fernández, says "Este es uno de esos viajes que cambian tu vida." (This is one of those trips that change your life). The article is full of beautiful photos depicting white water rafting, off river hiking, camping on the sandy beach, ARR guides setting up lunch, and the indescribable beauty of the Canyon.

Señor Fernández took our 7 Day Grand Canyon rafting trip and was simply amazed. He writes "Con un sonido ensordecedor el agua inundó la balsa, una ola de más de cuatro metros de altura nos tragó; con la adrenalina pulsando nos sujetamos a los straps de la embarcación, mientras Elk, nuestro guía la manejaba, parecíamos insignificantes ante los rápidos del Río Colorado y los gigantescos acantilados y farallones de roca que se levantaban sobre muestras cabezas, silenciosos guardianes del tiempo." (With a deafening sound the water flooded the raft, the next wave four meters high swallowed us; with adrenaline pressing us to hold on to the straps of the boat, with Elk our guide handling it,  we seemed insignificant before/humbled by the rapids of the Colorado River and the gigantic cliffs and outcrops of rock..., silent guardians of time.)

Take the time and read the incredible account of this writer's experience and his photos, you will be awestruck!

For more information on Arizona white water rafting, call Arizona River Runners at 1.800.477.7238.

You are about to launch on your Grand Canyon rafting trip, now is the time to take off your watch. As Stevie Winwood said so poetically "Time is a river, rolling into nowhere..."* So let it go, and just roll with the river, lose yourself in the moments - and there are many.  

People going on a Colorado River trip ask this a lot! So let me answer it for you...Yes, yes and yes!  Why you ask - let me count the ways!

1. You will get wet on the River.

2. It will help keep you dry.

3. It will help keep you warm.

4. It may rain, especially in July & August.

5. You will get wet.

Now that I've said my piece, let me explain in greater detail. It's not primarily for rain. The temperature of the water on a Grand Canyon rafting trip is about 55 degrees F. That is cold. If you are wearing cotton shorts, tee shirt, etc, these will get wet and take awhile to dry, now you're cold and uncomfortable (remember - you're still on the river going through rapids, just getting wetter). 

It does come in handy when there is rain. If you're caught in a rainstorm, rain gear is a great piece of clothing to have. It keeps you dry and happy! On the boats or in camp, rain gear is a must for Canyon River rafting. 

Get the 2-piece suit: jacket with hood and pants. You keep your rain gear in your day bag so you have access to it at all times.

More questions? Give Arizona River Runners a call at 1-800-477-7238!

We have found that the major factors to consider when choosing your whitewater trip include:

1. Length of Trip
2. Type of Raft
3. Cost
4. Weather
5. Water

Length of Trip

How long do you want to go white water rafting? How long is your vacation time? How much of the Canyon  do you want to raft and explore? These are all questions you must ask yourself. Then decide on how long you want your Colorado River adventure to be.

Arizona River Runners has a wide variety of trip lengths and type; from 3 - 13 days!

Type of Raft

We have two types of rafts - motor and oar powered. Our motorized rafts are custom made, with the new Evinrude E-TEC two-stroke engines that produce fewer reportable emissions than any other brand of engine. The raft is 35' and sits 14 comfortably and 2 crew members. Two boats travel together, so there are 28 rafters plus 4 crew on at motor trip. Average speed: 8 miles an hour.

Oar rafts are rowed by ARR guides, and travel about 4 miles an hour. The oar boats are 18' and have 4 rafters and a guide per boat. There are usually 6 oar rafts, 20 to 24 guest and 6 crew per whitewater trip.

Cost

Our Grand Canyon rafting packages are all inclusive. We have "bundled" transportation, food, camping gear and equipment to fit your budget. All you need to bring are your personal clothes, toiletries, camera, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure! In fact one rafter stated, "Before I took the trip I thought it was a little expensive, but after taking the trip I think it’s a bargain.” (Remember all your food, drinks, snacks and equipment are provided!)

Weather

Here is a great temperature chart for the floor of the Canyon. As you can see April and May are cooler (with the possibility of a late winter storm), late May-July are mainly sunny, August-September are sunny, but with a chance of a summer thunderstorm. Truthfully, the weather is seldom an issue for guests on their Colorado River adventures.

Water

The water in Grand Canyon is released from Glen Canyon Dam on Lake Powell, 15 miles above our Lee’s Ferry launch point.  The dam provides us with consistent water flow and cold water. Water is released from the dam at about 50 degrees, and rarely varies; the cold water provides a beach like cooling effect near the river for comfortable sleeping. We seldom worry about the water releases.  Current laws require for a yearly allocation of water to be released for the downstream states and this provides us good rafting water even in a drought year.

For more information on white water rafting call Arizona River Runners at 1-800-477-RAFT (7238)

Looking for a summer vacation for the whole family? Look no further - Arizona River Runners has a family rafting trip just for you! Grand Canyon rafting is our specialty. Our  white water rafting trips for the family are thrilling, safe, and with our multi-talented, seasoned, professional, caring guides you have are bound to have the time of your life!

Our Colorado River trips vary in length from 3, 6, 7, & 8 day motor powered to 6, 8 & 13 day oar powered whitewater trips; with side canyon hikes, swimming in cool pools and camping under star studded skies. The 6 day oar powered trip involves a hike out of the Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail, giving you the "upper" canyon tour. The 8 day oar powered trip has a hike into the Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail to start your vacation.

The time spent on the river provides you with quality time to spend with your family too. Enjoy their companionship, talk to each other. This is a perfect opportunity to have your kids “unplug” - from texting, videos, Wii, PlayStation, all those electronic wonder toys. They need down time too. There is off river time - hiking, dining, setting up camp, playing in waterfalls and side streams. Our rafting trips are great ways for families to strengthen bonds, reconnect - be together and have fun. We provide the setting and adventure – you create and make the memories. Arizona River Runners has run white water rafting trips with groups of children from age 8 to teenagers, baby-boomers and grandparents and each person found the trip unique, exciting and fun. 

For your family rafting trip this summer call Arizona River Runners at 1-800-477-74238.

White water rafting through the Grand Canyon is wonderful on so many levels. Sights, sounds, food, friendship....but there is one thing that is truly "grand" - stargazing!

On a Grand Canyon family vacation the nights provide a special show. The natural darkness that the Grand Canyon provides lets you see the stars at their most glorious. When the last rafter has gone to bed, silence is all around and you are blanketed by a night sky bursting with stars, stars so bright you just want to reach out and touch them. The night sky in the Grand Canyon is indescribable! And at certain times of the year you may be fortunate enough to see a meteor shower.

The Grand Canyon is the perfect location not only for stargazing but to behold a meteor shower. Each time a comet swings by the sun, it produces large amounts of small particles, which will eventually spread out along the entire orbit of the comet to form a meteoroid "stream." Depending on where the Earth's orbit and the comet's orbit intersect, meteors appear to fall from a particular place in the sky for a few days, maybe within the neighborhood of a constellation, thus giving the meteor shower its name.

There are a number of meteor showers in the year; the Lyrids in late April, Eta Aquarids in early May, Delta Aquarids in late July and the Perseids in mid-August. Depending on the moon, you can see from 15-100s of meteors per hour. To see a meteor shower is awe-inspiring!

The Perseids are considered by most to be the year’s best shower and can peak at 50 or more meteors per hour in the dark sky. The Perseids can strengthen in number as the late night deepens into midnight, and typically produce the most meteors in the wee hours just before dawn. These meteors are often bright and frequently leave lasting trains. Starting at mid to late evening on the nights of August 11 and 12, and August 12 and 13, watch for the Perseid meteors to streak across this summer night sky from late night until dawn, with only a little impediment from the waning crescent moon.

Arizona River Runners offers a number of river rafting adventures to see these meteor showers. There is no better way to take in an event of this magnitude than camping on the banks of the Colorado River. Call us at 1-800-477-7238 for your Colorado River adventure and indulge your love of the night sky! 

With minimal effort on your part you can be "uber" green on a Colorado River trip with Arizona River Runners. It is very simple and super easy to do your part to help save our planet.

Once you hit the river you are encouraged to minimize the footprint that you leave in the Canyon. Your presence should be undetectable by rafters that come after you, just as you should see no traces or evidence of rafters that have been on a whitewater trip before you. Off river hikes and side streams will remain natural and clean in every sense. The methods used to cook the meals at camp do no damage to the beach, or to any other part of camp. There is no burning indigenous wood at any time. Trash is collected and separated so that it can be tossed or be recycled back in Flagstaff.

Everything (yes EVERYTHING) brought into the canyon is taken out. No trace is left behind - zip, nada, nothing! Many of the foods served are organic and raised in a humane way. The incredible "cowboy"coffee is shade-grown and organic as well. The salmon that is for dinner is wild. Even better, if you have a fisherman on your whitewater trip, then your trout will be VERY fresh! 

We are inspired to work with the techniques that are in place naturally. Mother Nature can cleanse all. The river corridor has a huge volume of water; which we use to wash dishes, hands and clothes with.

We must remember the Colorado River is home to many fishes and plants; wildlife lives along the river bank and up the Canyon walls - from the tiny, annoying ants to the majestic big-horn sheep, they co-exist in this environment. We are the visitors and are responsible for our actions and how these actions affect their home. 

Be green, its good for everyone! Go on a “green” Grand Canyon rafting trip with Arizona River Runners - it's fun and fascinating ! Call 1-800-477-4238 for your "green" Colorado River adventure.

The Bar 10 Ranch is a real working cattle ranch on the Arizona Strip. The ranch experience gives rafters on our 3 day Grand Canyon rafting trip an opportunity to see a different part of the Canyon. Arizona River Runners guests see ranch hands in action during their visit - doing everything needed to keep the ranch operating smoothly and also providing musical entertainment and dancing for guests. The Bar 10 produces their own all-natural, grass fed, melt-in-your-mouth beef. The current ranching operations run approximately 1,000 head of cattle.

In the early years was common to add an airstrip for ease of getting to and from town, which was over an hour away. It was about this same time white water rafting in the Canyon became a popular tourist activity. It wasn’t long before hundreds of people were going down the river through the Grand Canyon, just a short distance from the Bar 10. Patriarch Tony Heaton recognized a business opportunity in the Colorado River; by the time river rafters got to a point near his Bar 10 Ranch they had already been on the river for six or seven days - the length of time most people go for a vacation. Tony offered rafting companies the option to end their trip a few days earlier, and use his airstrip to catch flights back to Las Vegas. He quickly organized teams of mules, and he and his four young sons were soon bringing awestruck tourists up from the river to his ranch on mules, then in a converted school bus to the airstrip back to Las Vegas. Soon, Tony brought rafters to the Canyon for the shorter trips the outfitters offered. It was about 1983 that Tony decided to build the lodge to heighten the river runners’ ranch experience.

In the mid 80's the Heatons set aside the mules in favor of helicopters and quickly saw the numbers of visitors to the Bar 10 Ranch increase. Today the ranch sees over 13,000 guests a year, with Grand Canyon raft trips from April to October. Guests are treated to delicious country-style buffet meals using the ranch's own all-natural grass fed beef. The Bar 10 crew provides evening entertainment, and ranch activities include horseback riding, skeet shooting, hiking, and relaxing with amazing views. ATV rides and helicopter tours are also available (for an additional fee). The one thing that never changes is the genuine, friendly, western hospitality.

Take a 3 day river rafting trip with Arizona River Runners and experience the Bar 10 Ranch and all it has to offer. 1-800-477-7238.

No one can tell you what to expect from a Grand Canyon raft trip better than someone who’s actually taken one.  Not one of the pros who lives day to day on the river every season, but someone maybe just like you, who has wanted to try a white water rafting trip for years and finally gets there.  After thoroughly researching all the rafting trip options, Dan Watson and his wife decided to book their Grand Canyon rafting adventure with Arizona River Runners.  Dan explains that ARR had the right trip available for them, “We initially thought about 3-4 days, but the more we looked into it the more we wanted a longer trip, and ARR had the trip for us!”  In hindsight, he says that he would definitely recommend a minimum of 6 days/5 nights, so participants can see the majority of the amazing Grand Canyon.

One of the things that Dan and Mary Lou thought added the most to their experience in the Canyon was the many side hikes that are available.  “I strongly recommend that anyone on a Grand Canyon raft trip take all the hikes they offer.  You see so much more and experience what the Canyon is all about on the hikes,” Dan says.  The Watsons especially enjoyed the magical Elves Chasm, Havasu Creek and swimming in the Little Colorado, as well as the excitement of Hermit and Lava rapids.  Looking back on their trip, Dan shares their special appreciation of the ARR guides, saying, “My wife is a two time cancer survivor and would not have gone all the way on a couple of the more difficult hikes if it hadn’t been for the encouragement of the guides.  There were a lot of scrambling type hikes, but the guides were GREAT.  When my wife or anyone, for that matter, needed a hand they were right there to help.”  He concludes, “She was so thankful for both their encouragement and their help.  ARR’s guides wanted to ensure she enjoyed the experience to the fullest and they did.”

Dan recalls that the guides were also interesting and fun to be around. “Kelly was a great storyteller, about other whitewater trips and happenings and told great jokes!” he says.  “Troy and Kelly were great with their knowledge of the river, history, geology and animals.  Tyler was amazing with all his knowledge!”

Dan and Mary Lou hadn’t expected the food to be very good on the trip, and were pleasantly surprised by how fresh, healthy and delicious the meals were.  Dan shares an example of how the rafting company caters to their guests, recalling, “It was my wife’s 65^th birthday the last night of the trip and I had mentioned it to the office staff.  They must have made a note of it because they baked a cake for her – in a Dutch oven – it was delicious, and just a great celebration with the whole group!”

So what advice would this first time rafter give to someone considering a Grand Canyon white water rafting trip?  He recommends doing some physical training and practice hikes in advance for conditioning.  That way, you can be sure to be ready to take advantage of all the incredible hidden side-canyon hikes within the Canyon.  In terms of packing, Dan recommends following Arizona River Runners’ excellent guidelines, bringing closed-toe water shoes that work for side hikes, layer your clothing, and good quality rain gear.  “Be prepared to get SOAKING wet!” he exclaims. “And bring a waterproof camera so you can get pictures while on the raft.”

Crossing an item off of your bucket list is a major accomplishment, and when asked if Dan and Mary Lou waited too long to take their incredible journey, Dan responds, “No and yes.  “No” in that we’re so glad we did it when we did; but “yes” because if we had done it earlier in life we would have taken the trip again!”  So it seems that based on these rafters’ experience, it’s never too soon (or too late) to take the plunge and experience a whitewater trip in the Canyon for the adventure of a lifetime.

Starting to plan your summer vacation? Not sure what you want to do? Where to go? Take a poll of what each family member would like to do, or get out of the vacation. Is it to kick back and relax? Looking for excitement? Soak up the sun? Experience something new? Take a look at this mini video of our 3 Day Family Rafting trip. This is sure to tickle your fancy!

Our 3 Day Family Rafting Trip has something for everyone...It starts with a plane ride from Las Vegas to the Bar 10 Ranch on the Arizona Strip. At the ranch there's horseback riding, skeet shooting, great food, evening entertainment and then you can sleep out under the stars, or even in a covered wagon! After and early breakfast it's down to the river by helicopter! 

The day is filled with rafting down the Colorado River; you stop for off river hikes to petroglyphs, lunch a hike or two, and then set up camp for the evening. By this time, you have met the others in your group, and are one big happy family! Dinner is a creation by the guides - from Dutch oven lasagna to grilled steaks or pork chops. There may even be some brownies for dessert.

Bed down under the stars - so many you can't begin to imagine - you may even catch a glimpse of a shooting star or two! Wake to the smell of hot "cowboy" coffee and a delicious breakfast. then back on the river for more rafting excitement.

The last leg of this river rafting adventure is a jet boat ride to Lake Mead where a charter bus meets you to take you back to Las Vegas.

For your family rafting trip call Arizona River Runners at 1-800-477-RAFT! (7238)

A Grand Canyon River trip has many parts, next to safety, the most important is the guides. Our guides are dedicated to making your whitewater trip all you dreamed it could be...and to the Canyon itself!

"During August 9-14 of 2011, my family took one of your Colorado River trips. Our guides were Brock, Tyler, and Evan. I would like to compliment these guides and Arizona River Runners for an enjoyable and professionally run trip. Every aspect of the trip was excellent, including the logistics, safety, comfort, food, and sanitation. My strongest memory from the trip was how much these guides loved and appreciated this beautiful area and how willing they were to share their enthusiasm. This is what made the trip special for us.

Based on this experience, I enthusiastically recommend Arizona River Runners. If I am lucky enough to travel to this beautiful part of the world again, I will not consider another company."
 

For your Grand Canyon raft trip call Arizona River Runners at 1-800-477-7238 - we have the best guides!

Jeff
Menlo Park, CA
Aug 9-14, 6 Day Grand Canyon River Trip
Most Impressed By: The Guides
 

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.