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.

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.

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!

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!

Arizona River Runners ~ Grand Canyon Rafting Myth Busters!

Seems lots of people have some preconceived ideas about rafting in the Grand Canyon. I have to make reservations a year in advance. I have to hike into the Grand Canyon to get on the raft. I have to hike out of the Grand Canyon. I have to be super strong and agile. I need a bunch of special equipment…Arizona River Runners will bust these myths one at a time.

Q. Do I have to make reservations a year in advance?

A. Typically...no. If you have a bunch of people that want to go together, and you only have one time slot that works for your group, you should reserve your space as far in advance as possible. But if you are 1, 2, 3, or 4 people and you are somewhat flexible with your timing, you do not have to reserve a year ahead to get a spot. There are lots of openings throughout the entire season. The earlier you call Arizona River Runners about your trip reservation, the more choices you will have. As the year progresses, the schedule fills in and there are fewer openings for you to choose from. Some people have been known to jump on at the very last minute because they are filling a late cancellation. You never know what is available until you call.

Q. Do I have to hike in to get on the raft trip?

A. The majority of Arizona River Runners' trips do not involve hiking in or out. Most rafting trips launch at Lee's Ferry where you simply climb onto the boat and head downstream - no hiking. A few of our trips include hiking in or out of the canyon. Those that take these rafting trips will be accompanied by a hiking escort to ensure your safety.

Q. Do I have to be super strong and agile to enjoy rafting through the Grand Canyon?

A. You do not have to be the ultimate specimen of fitness to enjoy a Grand Canyon Raft trip. It can be challenging at times, but it does not require you to be unusually strong or agile. Everyday people go on these trips and have the time of their life...."a trip of a lifetime" is a common description. Even if you have specific medical, physical or dietary needs, ARR can easily deal with many of these things to keep you at your best and allow you to experience white water rafting in the Grand Canyon.

Q. Do I need a bunch of special equipment?

A. Nope! You bring your personal gear and Arizona River Runners provides all your camping and river gear: sleeping bag, pillow, sheet, tarp, tent, cot, paco pad, chair, travel mug, plate, utensils, life jacket, dry bags, all that stuff! Food and drinks are provided as well.

So... there are just a few myths busted! It's really easy to go on a Colorado River trip. Call Arizona River Runners (1-800-477-7238) and ask all the questions you want or need to about our family rafting trips. Don't hang up until you have it all figured out! Dates and rates for the 2011 season are on our website at www.raftarizona.com. Don’t hesitate, check out our Grand Canyon rafting adventures now!

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!

The Grand Canyon Association and Grand Canyon National Park has dedicated a new rim-based amphitheater and landmark feature at Mather Point on Grand Canyon's South Rim! The new amphitheater allows park visitors to view the Canyon's famous vistas from a beautiful location, while seated on native limestone. The amphitheater's setting, adjacent to the rim, seats approximately 50 to 80 people, providing space for ranger talks or viewing the Canyon's sunrise and sunsets in a peaceful spot.

The landmark feature, honoring the Native American tribes affiliated with Grand Canyon National Park, is also created from native limestone. This feature has a plaza with a meeting area for visitors walking to and from Mather Point. Stone slabs in the construction include etchings inspired by stories with input gathered from these tribes. The Grand Canyon Association and Grand Canyon National Park are thankful to the Salt River Project and their partners: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Arizona Public Service, NV Energy and Tucson Electric Power -- owners of the Navajo Generating Station -- for providing the funding to help construct these two key elements at Mather Point near the park's main visitor center -- the landmark feature and Mather Point Amphitheater. These areas will become a central part of the visitor experience for the nearly 4.5 million people from around the world who visit Grand Canyon National Park each year.

Arizona River Runners is dedicated to protecting the environment of the Grand Canyon, and supports organizations such as Native Voices on the Colorado River, Leave No Trace, Grand Canyon National Park Service, The Grand Canyon Association, Grand Canyon Trust, Friends of the River and many more.

For more information on Arizona Runners, our trips or the organizations we support, call 1-800-477-7238. We'd love to hear from you!

All Inclusive Family Rafting Trips with Arizona River Runners

What exactly does an all inclusive Grand Canyon Rafting trip mean to you!? When you travel with Arizona River Runners, all inclusive means just that. You get to the starting place and we will take care of you and return you to wherever you started. All you bring is yourself and your personal gear. We provide everything else!

Rafting through the Grand Canyon requires many things. Equipment, people, trucks and trailers. There are permits and licenses, boats and boat equipment, food, cooking supplies, camping gear, medical/first aid supplies, kitchen setup, the toilet (can't forget that), potable water, chairs, cots, tents, sleeping bags, sheets, pillows, life jackets, cushions and ropes. Not to mention the crew. There's a truck driver you never see and on the river you'll become good friends with a guide or two and their helpers.

Let us not neglect to mention the drinks, snacks, ice, books, games and gadgets to gaze at the stars. Arizona River Runners brings all those things and more. You can rest assured that you will be taken care of the entire time you spend with us.

You have choices as to where you want to start your Grand Canyon adventure. You have choices as to how long you'd like to spend on your river trip. You have choices as to when you'd like to enjoy this whole experience. You have choices as to what clothes and suntan lotion you should bring. You have choices as who you travel with; make it a family rafting trip, a solo trip, or go with a group of friends!

Basically, Arizona River Runners takes care of most everything. It's a very long list that has been fine-tuned through time (since 1970). We will get you there and back again - all in one piece and with a big smile on your face.

You bring yourself and your personal belongings. That's it. All inclusive. We make it easy, you make it fun.

For your all inclusive Colorado River trip, call Arizona River Runners at 1-800-477-7238. We make your whitewater rafting trip come alive!