Arizona River Runners Wants You to Know...

The Arizona Office of Tourism has announced the 2011 Arizona Official State Visitor's Guide will now be available to consumers at no charge. This informative guide provides a wealth of information to visitors, and residents alike. Information on Arizona's history, golf courses, arts and culture, resorts and spas, dining and shopping, and so much more. It has information on camping and recreation, fun family adventures, including Grand Canyon rafting vacations ! It encourages and entertains readers to discover what this great state has to offer as a premier vacation destination. Get a copy today for your wonderful Arizona vacation.

To obtain a complimentary copy of The Arizona Office of Tourism's Official State Visitor's Guide log on to www.Arizonaguide.com, or call the Arizona Office of Tourism at 866-298-3312.

(From Arizona Highways "A New Guide to the Grand Canyon State")

Experience the vacation adventure of a lifetime on an Arizona River Runners rafting trip. Since 1970 we have provided complete Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trips. Whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon offers a unique view of one of the most popular natural wonders of the world. Arizona River Runners has grown to be one of the most innovative, and well-respected outfitters operating in the Grand Canyon. Call us at 1-800-477-7238, we'd love to see you venture down the Colorado!

Arizona River Runners 13 Day Oar Trip

This 13 Day adventure travels 225 miles through the Grand Canyon in our oar powered rafts; it is our longest trip whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon. The trip starts in Marble Canyon, AZ or Las Vegas, NV if you use our optional transportation package.

The 13 Day Grand Canyon Oar trip offers the most intimate river experience. Our oar-powered boats take 4 passengers at a time on the ultimate river rafting experience, combined with abundant time for side-canyon exploration and bonding with the natural grandeur of the canyon. This is the closest thing to reliving the pioneering trip of John Wesley Powell. (It doesn't get any better than this!)

You "shoot" through famous rapids such as House Rock, Hance, Horn, Hermit, Crystal, and Lava Falls. Some off river explorations might include Redwall Cavern, Elves Chasm, Deer Creek Falls, The Little Colorado, and Havasau Creek among other breath-taking excursions. Late afternoon you set up camp, relax and share stories with your new friends about each day’s adventures. As the sun sets over the mighty walls of the Canyon, you are ready for a good night’s rest under the starry sky

Your trip ends on the 13th morning at Diamond Creek with transportation to nearby Peach Springs, AZ. You can arrange your own transportation from there or our optional ground transportation will return you to Las Vegas, NV.

For rates and dates on Arizona River Runners 13 Day Oar trip or any of our many other Colorado River trips, call us at 800-477-7238.

Arizona River Runners 3 Day Escape

Our 3 Day Escape has become a favorite for those who are looking for a shorter but exciting river rafting adventure. Your Colorado River trip begins in Las Vegas, NV with a scenic flight to the Bar-10 Ranch on the Arizona Strip (north rim of the Grand Canyon). At the ranch to can go horseback riding, take an ATV tour, or just relax in the peaceful setting and take in the beautiful sights.

The next morning you will be helicoptered down to the Canyon floor where you will explore the lower section of the Canyon for the next day and a half. Whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon is indescribable - the water, the views, the canyon walls. You "shoot" the rapids, travel calm waters and go on off river hikes. The food on the trip is delicious and filling! Our guides have drinks, treats and fruit on the raft for snacking during the day. In the evening, the sky is filled with stars, you will fall asleep trying to count them all!

On the afternoon of the third day, after a 45 minute speed boat ride, you go to Lake Mead and then back to Las Vegas via air-conditioned motor coach.

Maybe after the 3 Day rafting trip, you'll be ready for one of our 6 Day family rafting trips!

Call Arizona River Runners at 1-800-313-0017 for your adventure of a lifetime!

How (NOT What) To Pack for Your Arizona River Runners Raft Trip

When you make your reservation for a Grand Canyon raft trip with Arizona River Runners they will help you to get ready for your upcoming adventure. You can ask lots of questions and people (yes, live humans) will talk with you and make sure you understand things so that you can pack what you need.

I'm not going to address WHAT to pack right now but, instead, HOW to pack.

Here's the deal...you are coming from point A, maybe in a car, maybe on a plane, maybe with extra days before or after your Colorado River trip. That's all up to you. Let's focus here on your rafting needs. If you are flying to Las Vegas before your trip make sure you carry on your river duffel bag on the plane. DO NOT CHECK IT. It can be a real last minute challenge to find all your river gear if the airline happens to lose your bag.

ARR will provide you with 2 waterproof dry bags for your raft trip. One smaller dry bag (7" diameter x 14" deep), is for you to keep with you during the daytime. You will pack sunscreen, camera, rain gear...things that you will have access to all day long. Bring a couple of carabiners too. They make it easy to clip and un-clip your bag to the boat straps and to use in camp to keep your stuff together. The other larger dry bag will hold your duffel bag with everything else of yours, including all of your sleeping stuff, which Arizona River Runners provides. The large dry bag will be wrapped up and stowed away all day long. You will have access to this at camp each night.

You may leave home with other, major luggage pieces but when you head for the river......do yourself a favor. (1) Pack light, and (2) bring your personal things in a soft duffel kind of bag no larger than 24" x 12" x 12"(no rigid suitcases please). Just slide the whole thing into your dry bag and you're good to go. I've even seen people use black trash bags instead of luggage. It's not a bad way to go

One, final thought....on any trip that you FLY (not all raft trips do this but many do) back to where you started your Grand Canyon adventure, you will need ID. Just like any other air carrier, ID is required. So stash that with your duffel bag and it will be ready and waiting.

Like most things, getting situated may be challenging but you will get the hang of it pretty quickly. Arizona River Runners is here to help you with your Grand Canyon rafting adventure. Like I said earlier, a real, live human being will answer all your questions about whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon. Call us, were waiting for you! 1-800-477-7238.

"Into the Wild" of the Grand Canyon ~ Arizona River Runners

Have you seen the movie "Into the Wild" directed by Sean Penn? It came out a few years ago and is a true story about a young man that graduates from college, chooses to shirk his parental connections and expectations, and strike out to explore life. Part of his exploring takes place on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon which is quite entertaining.

Here's the really fun part. This kid meets an old hippy couple and travels with them for a while. The "old hippy guy" just happens to be a Grand Canyon/Flagstaff guy. He was initially working as support for the filming in the Grand Canyon and they realized he was perfect for the part of the hippy dude. So, they talked him into playing the part and he was actually very good. I doubt they had to put makeup on him or change his clothing because the part he plays is exactly the way he is in real life.....a genuine old hippy dude.....a real throwback to the 70's. He probably didn't even need any acting lessons or coaching for this part.

If you haven't seen "Into the Wild" definitely go rent it, stream it, etc. Even without knowing Brian Dierker personally, you will enjoy the movie. It's about life's choices and risks, and being present in your own existence.

Do you ever just want to go "into the wild?" Hike in the Grand Canyon? Raft the Colorado River? Experience nature in its truest form? Arizona River Runners has been around since 1970, and we can take you there. Whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon is an experience you will never forget, but will want to do over and over! Call us at 1-800-477-7238 for your Arizona rafting vacation!

Sleeping on Your Arizona River Runners Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

Are you an experienced camper? Have you ever slept in a sleeping bag before? Have you pitched a tent? Do you know what a rain fly is? Do you enjoy your pillow-top mattress at home?

When you go on a motorized Grand Canyon rafting trip with Arizona River Runners you do not have to be an experienced camper. Arizona River Runners’ guides will show you how to put up your tent, and that will also include the rain fly. No, you will not have a pillow-top mattress but ARR will provide you a sleeping bag, a pillow, a sheet and a cot. You will not be sleeping on the ground. Your cot will be your new friend. It serves as a couch (when you have friends over). It can also be a card table for....well....cards and other board games, wagering and gambling. Your cot offers you additional seating if you have guests visiting your campsite and...(drum roll please), it is the best seat in the house for viewing the night sky. Stretch out comfortably on your cot and gaze into the heavens. The stars will astound you. You can drift off to sleep under a starry, starry sky.

You won't be sleeping on the ground on your Colorado River trip. You will be in incredible wilderness whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon! But you will have lots of creature comforts, as opposed to just plain creatures! Cots are your friend.

For more information on your whitewater rafting trip call Arizona River Runners at 1-800-477-7238, we'd love to talk to you!

Cots are used only on our motorized rafting trips. For oar-powered trips self-inflating sleeping bags are provided.

Gift the Grand Canyon ~ Whitewater Rafting with Arizona River Runners

Here's a thought for holiday giving. Make reservations with Arizona River Runners for a trip of a lifetime. Reserve dates on the Arizona River Runners launch calendar for a Grand Canyon Rafting trip next summer. If it's something you and yours have always wanted to do, this would definitely be a gift that will get used. To actually do this, just call the office (800.477.7238), pick your dates and put down a deposit. It's just that easy, and it's easy to adjust your dates later if you need to.

Just imagine what excitement there will be when the gift of rafting the Grand Canyon is opened. Imagine the faces of your family or friends when they find out they will be whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon in the summer! I'm sure the people in the ARR office can send you something to help you with your gifting. Tell them you got the idea from this blog!

Sing with me......"Santa Claus is coming to town....Santa Claus is coming to town".

Call 800-477-7238 now!

Selecting Your Grand Canyon Rafting Trip with Arizona River Runners

The Grand Canyon is one of the most powerful and awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. Every year, thousands of people experience whitewater rafting through the grand Canyon, and explore the it’s natural beauty and wildlife. For most it’s the adventure of a lifetime, but before you head out on the water, Arizona River Runners feels there are a few important things to consider.

First of all, unlike many other rivers, the Colorado River has a fairly consistent water flow throughout the year and from year to year. The Colorado River through Grand Canyon is controlled by Glen Canyon Dam; the water is released from Lake Powell consistently based on seasonal electric demand to provide power to much of the Southwest. This means you do not need to be concerned with trying to time your trip during the spring run-off like other river systems.

Taking some time to learn about all the different trip options can help ensure that you have an experience that matches your personal tastes and expectations. With over 277 miles of canyon to explore, having a few of the facts can help make your decision a bit easier.

Arizona River Runners' rafting trips can range anywhere from 3 to 13 days depending on how much of the Canyon you’d like to experience. We have a variety of watercraft options ranging from motorized rafts to human-powered oar boats. 70% of the travel on the Colorado River is done in motorized rafts that move at a speed of 8-10 mph and allow a person to experience the heart of the Canyon and the biggest white water in North America in a week’s vacation time. Choosing oar-powered or paddle boats can extend your vacation to nearly two weeks and some trips require a hike in or out of the Canyon, allowing you to experience half the canyon in about a week.

All trips allow time for hiking and side-canyon exploring. Outfitters also organize and arrange their trips differently. Arizona River Runners, for example, provides a “trip host” in additional to the full river crew, for all their 3-day trips. The host meets the group on day one and stays with them to the end of the trip handling all transportation details so passengers can just kick back and enjoy the adventure.

All professional outfitters are regulated as Concessioners by the National Park Service. ARR offers Colorado River trips from April through October. If you’re excited about lots of off-river hiking, you might consider booking your trip for the spring or fall months when the weather can be cooler. April and early May trips also lend themselves to great viewing of the spring bloom in the Canyon. Most people experience the Canyon during the summer months and enjoy the equalizing balance between the hot, dry Arizona climate and the chilly, refreshing Colorado River water splashing on your skin.

In general, it’s best to book your trip as soon as possible as the National Park Service does limit the number of Grand Canyon rafting trips available each year and historically demand exceeds supply. You should particularly consider booking in advance if you have a large group or plan to travel during the prime time of June to mid-August. Researching and planning out your trip is an important step ensuring a safe and memorable adventure that meets your personal wants and needs.

If you have any questions, please call us at 1-800-477-7238, we'd love to talk to about our trips!

America Outdoors and Grand Canyon Rafting with Arizona River Runners

Arizona River Runners is a member of America Outdoors Association. This is a national organization made up of companies and people that do private business on public lands. Land designated as National Parks, Bureau of Land Reclamation and National Forest for examples. Arizona River Runners provides all-inclusive rafting trips within Grand Canyon National Park.

America Outdoors Association (AO) serves individual companies' interests in many ways. They provide awareness of issues on the federal level. AO has a lobbyist in Washington with outfitters' interests in mind. AO holds an annual convention where people who do similar business can network. This convention has learning opportunities through seminars and demonstrations. There is also a large market where equipment and services that are relevant to this industry are on display. Relevant products and wares are available for order. Insurance companies and computer companies are present and willing to explain, teach and show the new concepts and ideas coming to market that are useful on many levels of our businesses, including whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon.

Some AO members are ranchers, horse people, hunters, hikers and, of course....river runners. Some do business in a boat, astride a horse, or on a 4-wheel vehicle. There is a wide diversity within the group. They are naturalists and outdoors people by nature who are trying to make a successful business of their love of nature.

All these businesses explore, appreciate and want to preserve the great natural wonders that we have. AO helps individual companies to balance the demands of running a safe and profitable business with the preservation and appreciation of nature.

Our public lands are important to us and they must be preserved and protected. They are not to be closed off to us, but access should be with the utmost respect and reverence for their condition and continued well being.

Parks should not be set aside like your Mom's fancy dishes. They are to be respectfully enjoyed, appreciated and loved. AO help us at Arizona River Runners and you to do those things.

Arizona River Runners is proud to be a member of AO, and support organizations that protect our environment. We are nature lovers, adventurists and we love people.

For our Grand Canyon rafting packages call us at 1-800-477-7238. We would love to take you on a guided river rafting tour through the Grand Canyon.

Plan a Family Rafting Vacation with Your Adult Children and Arizona River Runners

Your kids can be adventurous travel companions who are willing to try new things, and are hungry for physical activity and education. Arizona River Runners has a variety of family rafting trips with adventure written all over!

Remember when the kids were little, and family vacations sometimes seemed like more of a hassle than the fun and relaxing holidays they were supposed to be? First you had to pack for you, then for the kids, then load them into the car with a big bag of distractions, and bear the repeated annoyances of “are we there yet?” only to arrive at Lego Land or Disney World to wait hours in line and spend buckets of money on bottled water and Mickey ears.

Now that the kids are more grown up, things might seem a little easier. Don’t think that just because the kids are all adults means you have to give up those fun-filled family vacations. The empty nest syndrome can be rough for a lot of parents, but leaving the nest can be just as hard sometimes. It might surprise you that most kids would be happy to relish in old times, and spend some quality time traveling with their parents.

Besides, now that they’re older, your kids can be adventurous travel companions who are willing to try new things, and are hungry for physical activity and education. Why not bring them out on a Colorado River trip? Rafting through the Grand Canyon with outfitters like Arizona River Runners provide tons of boat-rocking rapids to help keep the excitement up, along with lots of fascinating information on the Canyon’s history and ecology. Arizona River Runners has family rafting trips with adventure written all over!

Along the way, you’ll get to experience the Canyon both on the water and off with a variety of side canyon hikes, hidden waterfalls and cool swimming spots. The Canyon is known for its unique environment and breathtaking geography, so you’ll be sure to find something fun to explore. Don’t worry, you’ll have some down time each day with delicious full course meals provided by the Arizona River Runners’ crew.

Your Grand Canyon rafting trip doesn’t even have to mark a milestone like a graduation or a job promotion; bringing your adult kids out on a river trip can simply be an opportunity to share in an exciting experience with a loved one. Kicking back at the campsite is the perfect opportunity to catch up and stay connected with your kids. You’ll be able to recount stories and share experiences with one another while enjoying the beautiful setting of the Grand Canyon.

You’ll also be surrounded by other people who share in similar interests, so your Colorado River trip can be a great opportunity for both you and your children to make some new friends. Our guides, especially, have some incredible stories about their own experiences whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon, and they’re always happy to share.

Now that the family is together for the holiday - go online and take a look at our trips! You will be pleasantly surprised at our all-inclusive rates. Book your "grown-up" family rafting trip with Arizona River Runners, it will be the adventure of a lifetime -an unforgettable adventure! You’ll travel over one hundred plus river miles down the Colorado River and have the opportunity to share in the experience of a lifetime with your kids, all while rafting, swimming, hiking, and camping in one of the most amazing “Natural Wonders of the World.” It’s the family vacation they’ll never forget, and best of all – there are no lines! Call us now at 1-800-477-7238!

Are You Fit For a Grand Canyon Raft Trip with Arizona River Runners?

Just how fit do you need to be, to enjoy a Grand Canyon raft trip? Good question? Ask yourself....can I get up out of bed (a cot)? Can I make my way across uneven surfaces? Can I sit for long periods of time? Can I walk or hike when the urge strikes? Can I walk in soft sand? These are the kinds of things that you MUST be able to do in order to enjoy whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon.

You do NOT have to hike miles in the blazing sun, or survive on dehydrated food. You do NOT have to be an elite athlete or have highly developed survival skills. You do NOT have to be able to start a fire with flint stone either.

With Arizona River Runners, a Colorado River trip is easier than you expect. Getting on and off the rafts, I think, can be a challenge. It's do-able for everyone, it's just that some achieve this feat with more grace (and dignity) than others. Hiking is available and greatly encouraged. ARR guides will explain what to expect on a hike. They will encourage you to participate and they will help you along the way.

There are awesome sights to see that are off the river corridor. Some spots are a short scramble from the raft, and other hiking destinations are more of a trek. Some might be "challenging" for you but those are the ones that test your mettle, and those are also the ones that you will brag about when you get home.

Rafting through the Grand Canyon is a wilderness experience. It is not a week at The Ritz. You will be camping on the shores of the Colorado River. This takes some effort on your part. You must carry your stuff to your campsite and set up your home-sweet-home each night. In the morning, you will pack up your campsite and carry it all back to the raft.

There is a physically challenging element to all of this, but there is always help available from your fellow rafters and your crew. Your time in the midst of the beauty of the Grand Canyon won't be strenuous but it will be demanding. It will also be captivating, mesmerizing, humbling, astounding, hilarious and soulful.

You do NOT need to be the perfect specimen of health and fitness to enjoy a Grand Canyon rafting trip. You DO need the desire to appreciate the splendor of the great outdoors at its finest. Be sure to let Arizona River Runners know about your medical conditions that may affect your participation on the river. There's lots that we can do to safeguard you and make your time in the Grand Canyon......GRAND!

Call us at 1-800-477-7238 for your Grand Canyon rafting adventure! We promise a spectacular time!

Don't Let Sleep Apnea Keep You from Rafting the Grand Canyon with Arizona River Runners

Lately it seems, that Sleep Apnea has become more recognized. More of us are dealing with it than ever before. Sleep Apnea does not eliminate your chance of a Colorado River trip with Arizona River Runners. We make it possible for you to use your CPAP at your campsite. You can sleep under the stars. You can camp along the rushing waters or nestle into the rocks. Choose your campsite without worrying about Sleep Apnea symptoms. We can adapt your CPAP machine so that you can have it wherever you choose to camp. Pack it all up the next day and get on down the river. Others have done it before you and many more will do so here-to-forward. You don't want to miss out whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon!

So, grab your CPAP and head for the Grand Canyon. Get yourself on a raft and go for the gusto!

Call Arizona River Runners at 1-800-477-7238 and book your Arizona rafting trip today!

"Right to Risk" in the Grand Canyon ~ Arizona river Runners

Here's a MUST SEE!

"RIGHT TO RISK" can be viewed as a DVD now. It chronicles the adventures of eight individuals, all of whom live with significant disabilities, on a 15 day, 225-mile whitewater rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. "RIGHT TO RISK" is an excellent testimony to the universal theme.....At the heart of one's ability to enjoy life is the right to make choices, to develop and pursue life goals, and to participate fully.

There's never a dry eye in the house when this film is presented. I have been fortunate to be involved as support for a few of these Grand Canyon rafting trips. I do know that the guides and crew battle to be included on these rafting trips. It is a life-changing experience for all. Everybody comes away humbled and empowered at the same time.

Check out the web site www.righttorisk.org. There's lots of great information on the site, but be sure to take a look at the trailer.

Nature is a fine maestro. The Colorado River as it flows through the Grand Canyon provides an ultimate life lesson. You should enroll. You need to enroll. You want to enroll. Arizona River Runners can help you. It's easy. It's exciting. It's available to you now.

Call Arizona River Runners for your ultimate life lesson. Take a Colorado River trip with us. There’s never a better time to book than right now. 1-800-477-7238

A Day on the Job with an Arizona River Runner Guide

If you had chosen the career of a river guide, you just might think that you have the best job in the world. So, what makes the job of a Grand Canyon river guide so much better than your Average Joe’s everyday gig? You will probably need to spend a week in the Canyon with one of river guide to find out. After taking part in an Arizona River Runners’ rafting adventure on the Colorado River you’ll have no problem understanding why river guides love to go to work everyday. Compare a day in their “office” to a day in yours:

Guides in the Grand Canyon start their day with coffee and breakfast in the majestic setting of one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world. They’re not fighting traffic, and it’s easy to see how starting your day floating through the morning calm of this breathtaking river feeds your soul instead of draining it. You get a sense of your part in the natural world, and how inspiring that world really is.

No fluorescent lighting for river guides, and forget about staring at the glare of a computer screen or those tired old memos from the boss posted on your cubicle walls throughout the day. These guides enjoy the ever changing scenery, experienced from the Colorado River vantage point that many people will never see.

No ringing phones, overflowing inboxes, expense reports and sorting e-mail spam. There’s a rhythm to the days, but rafting trips are far from routine. Every bend in the river brings a fresh perspective and the chance to experience something new all over again – you might be facing the adrenaline pumping rush of whitewater rapids, or the chance to float lazily for a while and take in the scenery of afternoon clouds contrasting against the blue sky and Canyon walls.

Been doing the same ol’, same ol’ on the job for years? Colorado River trips are fantastic learning experiences. Arizona River Runners guides come from a wide variety of backgrounds, all with a passion for the river that has allowed them to soak up a wealth of knowledge and some pretty incredible stories that they will share throughout the trip. Ask them questions and take in as much as you can. From learning to read river conditions and practicing environmentally responsible camping techniques to Grand Canyon history and folklore, these river guides will keep you informed every step of the way.

On a Grand Canyon rafting trip, you’ll experience teamwork and bond with the others on your trip in a way you’ll probably never see in the office. The river serves up challenges and rewards throughout the days to enjoy with your new “co-workers”. No gossip in the breakroom, no competition for the big promotion. These trips develop teams led by some of the most knowledgeable guides in the business, successfully navigating the challenges of some of the biggest whitewater in the North America. You just might develop a new definition for the word “success” after sharing some time in their workplace.

It’s time for you to go whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon! Call Arizona River Runners at 1-800-477-7238, 2011 trips are still available at 2010 prices – but not for long!

Grand Canyon Rafting with Arizona River Runners - "Git 'Er Done

One of the things I do at Arizona River Runners is read all the questionnaires that our guests fill out and return to us after their Grand Canyon rafting trip. It's really quite fun. It's actually a LOT of fun on a couple of different levels. First, and foremost is that it is apparent that people have had a wonderful time with ARR. Most times the experience exceeded all expectations. Secondly, their mind set has often shifted a bit.

Some very common responses are: "It was a trip of a lifetime." "Thank you for time spent with my family." "I've changed how I look at my "stuff" in my regular life." "I didn't want to go back to work." "I was sad to leave the river." "I can't explain what this meant to me." "It's been on my bucket list for a long time." "I wish I hadn't waited so long to actually go." "I was amazed how our group bonded, we became like family." "I've traveled all over the world and this was, by far, the best trip I've done." "I would recommend this trip to everyone."

I am not making these comments up. These are what I read from you over and over again. Sometimes they are even more soulful and fundamental. Your experience will be unique to you.

Have you been thinking about going on a Grand Canyon Rafting adventure? Have you wanted an Arizona Rafting vacation for a long time? It's time to "git 'er done."

Whether you travel alone, with your family or a gaggle of friends, whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon is an awesome experience that is well worth your effort to make it happen.

Right now, at Arizona River Runners, we are taking reservations for Summer of 2011 at 2010 prices. Dates are filling in but there is still room for you! This could be "your best trip ever" too.

Call us and let's "git 'er done."

Arizona River Runners 1-800-477-4238