Grand Canyon Family Vacations

Here are some comments from guests on our river rafting trips from many years ago. They posted these on our Facebook page and we felt they were worth repeating!

"The summer after I graduated the 5th grade, my family and I took a 6-day rafting trip with you guys. Out of every vacation I've been on, both before and since then, (and trust me, there's been many), this trip is the one that I remember the most vividly. I'm now a sophomore in high school and would absolutely love to go back after senior graduation. I can't thank you guys enough for providing once-in-a-lifetime memories that I will never forget! :D" (Taylor O.)

 

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! 

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)

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

 

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.

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.

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.)

What will you say about your Arizona rafting trip? Here are a few comments from rafters about their Grand Canyon raft trip!

"I came out relaxed from 7 days without TV or email.

Will use Arizona River Runners again!

Sleeping under the stars was surreal...

I loved Travis reading in the morning. It bonded us and inspired a tread of Spiritual awareness the Canyon sings!
I’ve quit wearing a watch.

“Great family vacation” I think my kids will remember this trip the most. Lots to do! (3 Day Escape)

Your crew was polite and friendly. All were respectful of the Canyon – and each took his or her job very seriously.

Marty, Zach, Ted and Keith were phenomenal. Between all four, our trip was fantastic!

And

An experience I will always treasure."

For your Grand Canyon family vacation, call Arizona River Runners, 1-800-477-7238!

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

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

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

Happy Valentine's Day from Arizona River Runners!

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

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

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

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

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

Phoenix Magazine February edition features Arizona River Runners on the front cover! Read about Arizona River Runners Grand Canyon family vacations on page 102 of the magazine. Our Colorado River trips are rated the "Best Sleepover" under "billions of stars with a view unadulterated by artificial lights."

It's true, the sky is filled to overflowing with brilliant stars at night; during the day the sky is an incredible shade of blue. The water of the Colorado River is crisp and cold; the Canyon walls are ever-changing. 

There is never a dull moment on a Grand Canyon rafting trip with us. There's hiking, swimming, and of course the excitement of the wild river rapids! In the evening there are games to play, our guides cook a delicious dinner and even entertain you. There's time to visit with family, friends and new river friends, and time to reflect and reminisce on the day's journey.

Check out the article in Phoenix Magazine. There are some incredible photos by Lauren Jordan.

For your family rafting trip call Arizona River Runners at 1-800-477-7238. We would love to have you on a  camping trip with us!

Do you ever feel that your life is in danger of being overtaken by all of the paper you have to deal with every day?  Even in the age of electronic, digital and social media paper is everywhere in our lives and usually causing stress.  What if you could take a vacation and forget all about the emails, the school supply lists, the homework, the bills, the magazines that make you feel so much less than perfect and the newspaper headlines that make you want to crawl back under the covers? 

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

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

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

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

Modern families are often spread out across the world, and family reunions are becoming increasingly more important to maintain family ties and to share experiences as a family.  In addition to the distance between family members, work and activities schedules can make it difficult to plan time together with extended family.  The perfect solution to this dilemma is to plan a “destination reunion” which allows families to combine their vacation and travel plans with other family members for a truly memorable trip.

 

According to Kelly Winter of Arizona River Runners, every summer many families eagerly choose to come from the far ends of the earth to participate in a Grand Canyon raft trip.  Winter says, “They reconnect with children, parents, past classmates and fraternity or sorority brothers and sisters. Even long-lost cousins have made their separate ways from far and away to reunite with a part of their past, right here, at Lees Ferry and go on a whitewater trip.”

 

If you’ve ever hosted a reunion, or even a holiday dinner for extended family you know that it can be stressful.  A destination reunion allows everyone involved to relax and enjoy the fun and the surroundings.  Whitewater trips are well-suited to family reunions, because they appeal to all ages and provide plenty of amazing experiences that become treasured family memories. Winter points out that Arizona River Runners provides guides and crew that do all of the work on the trips that range from 3-day getaways to 13 day river rafting adventures.  “Our staff makes all of the big decisions, choosing each day’s activities to suit the needs of the families, as well as setting up the camp kitchen and cooking amazingly delicious meals,” Winter explains. “Your responsibilities are lifted and you are free to engage with your family and friends. Your job on this family rafting trip is to have as much fun and excitement together as humanly possible!”

 

Of course, experiencing the Grand Canyon is one trip that many people have on their personal Bucket List, so planning a family reunion that incorporates the sought-after destination is a great way to convince family members to go Grand Canyon rafting.  While the thought of packing up the kids for a snowy drive to Omaha on Thanksgiving may not be enough to entice your son and his family to visit, who can turn down the idea of joining you on a river rafting adventure in the beautiful Grand Canyon?

 

There are many destinations to choose from when you’re considering a family reunion, but the Grand Canyon offers some unique benefits to families. Not only is the Canyon a stunning sight, it is rich with history and offers the opportunity for a variety of activities and exploration. On an Arizona rafting vacation families will experience the thrill of whitewater rapids together, set off on hidden hikes to see thundering waterfalls or ancient petroglyphs, and participate in games, storytelling and more in camp. Just looking up at the incredible show of stars each night together can bring new meaning to family ties. One of the priceless benefits of a Grand Canyon raft trip is that there are no distractions like cell phones, text messages, or emails from the office.  Families have the opportunity to focus on each other, creating new bonds and memories in a way they might never have experienced before; to slow down, relax, enjoy life, and one another.  

Arizona River Runners is featured in the December issue of Green Living Magazine; "Low-Impact Traveler."

"Historically, low-impact travel has referred to ecotourism and meant traveling to fragile rural or wilderness areas to learn about preservation, ecology and the indigenous people. Today, it’s viewed as incorporating sustainable practices to leave a smaller ‘footprint’ regardless of destination," states author Barbi Walker.

She then goes on to say "Arizona River Runners has been conducting whitewater trips down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon since 1970. This well-established company takes its stewardship to the Grand Canyon seriously—so much so that they proactively upgraded all motors on their riverboats with an award-winning, low-emission, outboard motor."

Please read the entire article here.

Our guides, guests, everyone associated with Arizona River Runners is deeply concerned about protecting the Grand Canyon. It is evident through training, educating passengers, and our passion in preserving the Canyon for future generations to enjoy!

For more information on our river rafting adventures and preservation policies, call 1-800-477-7238. We have the perfect Grand Canyon family vacation for you!

Here are some quotes from people who took an Arizona River Runners family rafting trip this year! Call 1-800-477-7238 for your Grand Canyon Family Vacation!


"Outstanding guides, wonderful experience. A must do for anyone’s Bucket List! Thank you!"

"Very adventurous and fun! Beautiful scenery and tons of fun! Loved it all! Thank you so much!"

"Most memorable part of trip: seeing the beauty of nature and being able to spend that time with my 18 yr old son!"

"Don’t change a thing!"

"Being with family!"

Passengers on ARR's Grand Canyon Family Vacations

Arizona River Runners has the best guides! And we're not the only ones that think so....Our guides will take you on an Arizona rafting trip you'll never forget!

"The guides truly amazed me. All three, Elk, Ethan, Evan were so knowledgeable and so truly shared their love of the Canyon.

I feel a stronger desire to see and be a part of all the National Parks."

Dan and Nancy
Chandler, AZ
Sept 4-10 2011
7 Day Grand Canyon Family Vacations

Don't wait to check a Grand Canyon raft trip off your "bucket list" - call Arizona River Runners to reserve your Grand Canyon family vacation!

"This has always been on my "bucket list." We'd been planning to go for several years now.

It was an experience I'll never forget and so grateful I got to do it. Many times I wanted to cry because the scenery was so beautiful - especially as I was helicoptered in, in the Front Seat!"

Belinda
Sabina, OH
August 27-29 2011
3 Day River Rafting Trip

This rafter gives a new meaning to "family rafting trips" - he went with his 70 year old father! Arizona River Runners loves families that take a Grand Canyon River Trip, calll us at 1-800-477-7238 for your 2012 vacation!

"This was an amazing trip! The combination of natural wonder with the camaraderie of the people made for a perfect combination. I did this trip with my 70 year old father. I spoke with him 5 weeks after the trip and he was still dreamy about it. Good Stuff!"

Jonathan
Beaverton, OR
August 13-19 2011
7 Day Colorado River Adventures