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!

Coffee in the Grand Canyon on an Arizona River Runners' Rafting Trip

Do you typically start your day with a steaming hot cup of coffee? Being on a Grand Canyon rafting trip with Arizona River Runners won't interfere with this. Each and every morning the first thing to be prepared in the kitchen is coffee. You can roll out of your sleeping bag and crawl to the kitchen in your pj's if you'd like. The coffee is brewed fresh first thing each morning. Add your favorites...milk, sugar, honey, hot chocolate mix (my personal favorite), sweetener, whatever way you like. You've got choices how you'd like to start your day. If you prefer hot tea, that's available too, even just juice!

So, if you are a dedicated coffee drinker, you have nothing to worry about on your Grand Canyon raft trip. Arizona River Runners has you covered. We want you to be happy. We know you'll be happy rafting with ARR.

Our Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trips take you on the adventure of a lifetime. Call us and we’ll take you on a wild and fun family rafting trip this summer! 1-800-477-7238

Arizona River Runners ~ Year Round in the Grand Canyon

There are people rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon right now. Right now and all winter long, there are all kinds of activities going on. Some trips are scientists doing research. Everything in, beside, beneath, over and around the river corridor gets studied. There are bald eagles, condors, humpback chub, trout, tamarisks, rocks and waters, just to name a few things that are studied and recorded. Some teams go down there during the winter season to build trails or to rebuild the ones that are already being used. The flora and fauna are worked on.

Some rafters are down there just for fun. It's an awesome environment to spend your fall and/or winter in.

The water temperature is pretty constant at 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The air temperature is what has changed. It's obviously much cooler. The angle of the sun's rays is different. There are fewer hours of direct sunshine deep in the canyon, on the river. Winter rafters dress and pack very differently from summertime rafters. Lots of fleece is in order for trips this time of year.

Grand Canyon National Park is accessible year round. Be prepared for cold days, cold water and even colder nights.

Thinking about a Grand Canyon rafting vacation? Call Arizona River Runners, 1-800-477-7238, we can help you plan your family rafting trip. We have a variety of Grand Canyon rafting packages, one is sure to fulfill your wishes!

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!

The Grand Canyon – From the River’s View Whitewater Rafting with Arizona River Runners

In the midst of our busy lives and bucket lists, there are people in a hurry even while on holiday. Are you one of them? Take time to really slow down, relax and unplug.... Go with the “flow” and "experience" the Grand Canyon from the bottom...looking up! Many people plan to "do" the Grand Canyon...most are surprised by what the Grand Canyon does to them!

For your summer holidays this year come to the Grand Canyon and experience a vacation adventure of a lifetime on a Grand Canyon Colorado River rafting trip. Since 1970 Arizona River Runners has provided complete Grand Canyon white water rafting trips. They have wonderful Grand Canyon tour guides for your Arizona family vacation, bringing your river trip to life and take you on a safe and enjoyable vacation adventure that will become one of your most memorable. The river guides border on culinary geniuses too!

Arizona River Runners has grown to be one of the most innovative, progressive and well-respected outfitters operating in the Grand Canyon. They operate customized state-of-the-art rafts, provide all the camping and rafting gear you will need for your river experience.

There are a wide variety of trips available from a 3-day Escape, to 6, 7 and 8-day motorized adventures and 6, 8, 13-day oar powered trips. Arizona River Runners is very serious about protecting the environment of one of the most beautiful and unique places in world. Their dedication is evident through the time invested in their people, the care taken in educating visitors about the Colorado River corridor and their passion for preserving this opportunity for future generations to enjoy.

Whitewater rafting on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon offers a unique view of one of the most popular natural wonders of the world. It offers you a chance to experience the true spirit of the Canyon, gain a new perspective on life, and connect with many other like-minded people who appreciate this unique outdoor environment. Spending time in the Canyon gives individuals the chance to be kids again, to laugh and appreciate the small things in life, in a very Grand Place.

See the Canyon from the view of the Colorado River; looking up, the incredible vistas up close, the Big Horn Sheep, the deer and so much more! Camping under a blanket of stars at night, stars are so bright you think you can reach out and touch them. Everyday there are new sights and sounds to experience, every night camping in a different location with breathtaking views! If this excites you and you want a summer holiday to remember, book your trip now. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience the Grand Canyon on a whitewater rafting trip!

Call Arizona River Runners for your summer vacation of 2011! 1-800-477-7238.

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!

Arizona River Runners and The Bar 10 Ranch Celebrate 25 Years of Adventure!

This summer, Arizona River Runners is celebrating 25 years of flying river-rafting guests to the Bar 10 Ranch, a working cattle ranch on the Arizona Strip. Sharing the ranch experience with rafting guests provides visitors the opportunity to see a different part of the Canyon during their journey. Five generations of the Heaton family have been ranching on their property, located on a distinctive, narrow piece of land on the north side of the Grand Canyon, since the early 1970’s.

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 beef (Bar10Beef.com) on their 10,000 deeded acres, with grazing rights to 225,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management and Arizona State lands. The current ranching operations run approximately 1,000 head of cattle.

“Back in the day” it was common to add an airstrip for ease of “commuting” to and from town, which was over an hour away. It was about this same time rafting the Colorado River became a popular tourist activity. It wasn’t long before hundreds of people were floating down the river through the Grand Canyon, just a short distance from the Bar 10. When cattle prices fell, and interest rates soared, 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 – just below the climactic Lava Falls Rapid, 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. Tony and Ruby transported all the lumber, brick, windows, and other materials over the eighty miles of dirt road in a cattle truck.

All six Heaton children labored beside their parents, with unyielding commitment, energy and enthusiasm.

Later they added covered wagons to provide additional, private sleeping, and were surprised by their popularity with guests. In 1985, the Heatons set aside the mules in favor of helicopters and quickly saw the numbers of visitors to the Bar 10 Ranch increase to 6,000 per season.

Today the ranch sees over 13,000 guests a year, with rafting season from April into October. In addition to river guests, they welcome individuals, families, and groups. Guests are treated to delicious country-style buffet meals, using their own all-natural grass fed beef (Bar10Beef.com). The Bar 10 crew provides evening entertainment, and ranch activities include horseback riding, skeet shooting, hiking, and relaxing. ATV rides and helicopter tours are also available.

The one thing that never changes is the genuine, friendly, western hospitality.

To read more on the Heatons and the Bar 10 Ranch visit http://www.bar10.com/aboutus.amp.

For more information on lodging and activities visit http://www.bar10.com/

To book your rafting trip with Arizona River Runners and experience the Bar 10 Ranch and all it has to offer call 1-800-477-7238.

Zee Ziploc Ees Zee Best!

Ziploc loc bags are quite possibly your best friend on a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

Why, you ask? Let me count the reasons:

1. Wrap up dirty, mucky sandals or shoes.
2. Corral wet clothes.
3. Pack away a stinky, worn outfit.
4. Keep your wallet dry in the bottom of your bag. You’re going to need it to get home.
5. Shampoo and other gooey lotions and potions have boundaries is a baggie.
6. Keep your toothbrush and toothpaste together. This is extremely handy.
7. Tissues do much better in a bag.
8. Put your “flying home” clothes is a bag of their own.
9. Toiletries pack well in a simple ziploc baggie.
10. Use a ziploc as your own personal trash receptacle in your campsite. Dispose of it in the morning.
11. A ziploc bag with some ice makes a great ice pack for “boo-boos”
12. Here’s the biggy…stash you camera(s) in a ziploc, it protects them from water and the sand!

These are just of the few ways to use baggies. There are plenty more. Remember for your trip, use them while packing, and then throw in a dozen more assorted sizes too. They don’t take up any room at all, and you’ll be glad you have them along!

Arizona River Runners is more than happy to assist you with all your packing needs. If you have any other queries call us at 1-800-477-7238.

Meteor Showers Over the Grand Canyon and Whitewater Rafting with Arizona River Runners

If this is how clear the sky is in the morning, just imagine it at night!

Stargazing in the Grand Canyon is well – grand! The complete absence of light (except for the moon at times) enables you to see the stars at their most glorious. When the last camper has gone to bed, and all is quiet you are blanketed by a night sky bursting with stars, stars so bright you want to reach out and touch them. The night sky in the Canyon is indescribable; at certain times of the year you may even see meteor showers.

The Grand Canyon is the perfect location not only for stargazing, but to behold a meteor shower as well. Small fragments of cosmic debris entering the earth’s atmosphere at extremely high speeds produce meteor showers. 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, thereby giving the meteor shower its name.

Perseid meteors will appear to "rain" into the atmosphere from the constellation Perseus, which rises in the northeast around 10 p.m. in mid-August. At its peak, the shower could produce up to 100 meteors per hour. This year's shower should peak on the night of August 12 and the morning of the 13^th. The thin, crescent moon will be out of the way early, setting the stage for a potentially spectacular show. (There is the possibility of seeing meteors any time from July 23 - August 22 as well). The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Perseus. For best viewing, look to the northeast after midnight.

Arizona River Runners offers a number of rafting trips during this “meteor peak season.” To see a meteor shower is awe-inspiring! And what better way to experience a meteor shower than camping out on the banks of the Colorado River on a rafting trip? Call us at 1-800-477-7238 for your adventure of a lifetime and indulge your love of the night sky!

Arizona River Runners April Photo Contest Winner

July 2009
Originally uploaded by njsue

Thank you njsue for this great picture! It truly is worth a thousand words! Here is what njsue said about their river trip.
"That's my boy! We loved EVERYTHING about our trip. Our guides Erica, Mac, Brian and Dillon totally rock!! We can't wait to come back - and would never ever run the river with anyone but ARR!!"

Don't forget to post your photos/videos on our flickr photo contest of your May rafting trip. We name a winner every month! Just go to http://www.flickr.com/groups/1338167@N23/ and post away!

Grand Canyon Rafting Trips with Arizona River Runners

If you are planning a river trip or are going on one, you may be asking yourself: "What's the water like on a rafting trip?" The stretch of water in the Colorado River that runs through the Grand Canyon is typically about 50 degrees all the time. So, you have to ask yourself..."Why is it so chilly?" Here's why. The water comes from deep in Lake Powell through Glen Canyon Dam. The flumes are about 400 or so feet down from the surface of Lake Powell and the water has not seen the sunlight in a long, long time ~ that's why it is so cold. The National Park Service (they are in charge since this is in Grand Canyon National Park) wants the water temperature to be the most favorable for the indigenous wildlife and fish. We humans might prefer water temperatures at 80 degrees (or warmer) but we are not at the top of this particular food chain.

Want to raft this fresh, pristine water? Call us at 800-477-7238 about our family rafting trips for your summer vacation! Arizona River Runnershas been offering Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trips since 1970

Multigenerational Grand Canyon Rafting Adventure with Arizona River Runners

Multigenerational vacations are a growing trend in the travel industry, and families worldwide are seeking opportunities to spend precious time together. Extended families are looking for adventures that incorporate ways to spend time bonding, learning opportunities that can be shared, unforgettable sights and a level of comfort suitable to all ages.

One family who joined together for their “adventure of a lifetime” is the Sommervilles, who embarked on a Colorado River rafting trip with Arizona River Runners last summer, as a 70^th birthday celebration for grandfather Ronald (Rags). The Sommervilles’ group included family from South Africa, the UK and the US, ranging from age 8 to 70. As well as being a chance for this far-flung family to reconnect and spend time together, Rags recalls the trip as “an education in the deepest and best sense of the word” that he truly treasures sharing with his children and grandchildren.

The Sommerville crew embarked on a 7-day adventure through the Grand Canyon with experienced Arizona River Runners guides who handled the details and kept the trip well organized. “The guides established a sense of trust through a subtle strength and the ability to handle everything that came their way,” says Rags. “Because of that, we had complete relaxation and peace so we could enjoy the experience of this great event.” Rags’ wife, Merle, loved the fact that the guides were careful and kept everyone safe, but didn’t “fuss”, allowing everyone to partake fully in the challenges of the trip. The family jumped off of waterfalls, navigated exhilarating rapids, slept under the stars on camp beds, and had the opportunity to do something different every day.

The setting for this multi-generational trip couldn’t have been better. The Grand Canyon is a place that has a lasting impact on visitors of all ages, offering up views of towering canyon walls, Indian ruins, seldom-seen wildlife, and gorgeous river vistas. Nature abounds in the Canyon, and the Sommervilles all learned a great deal about Canyon wildlife, history and geography from their guides and by simply observing and interacting with that incredible landscape. Those who have experienced the Canyon know that there is a magic about the Grand Canyon that is a treasure to be shared with loved ones, as age differences seem to melt away.

The exhilarating challenges of life in the Canyon offer bonding opportunities for rafting guests, and the Sommervilles appreciated the chance to reap the rewards on the river with family members. Of course, delicious, abundant freshly-cooked meals and the opportunity to make new friends along the way were welcomed benefits of the trip as well. Rags counts the trip as an unforgettable experience and says, “Not one thing could have been changed for the better – Arizona River Runners did a wonderful job.” Merle admits to wishing the family was taking the trip again this year.

As families take the time to plan their summer breaks, considering multi-generational trips reminds us of the wonderful opportunities to create lasting memories for our children and grandchildren, while enjoying an experience that appeals to all ages.

Arizona River Runners offers a variety of Colorado River rafting experiences, from 3-day getaways to 13-day oar powered trips. Operating since 1970 as an authorized concessioner of Grand Canyon National Parks, Arizona River Runners is one of the most innovative, progressive and well-respected outfitters in the Grand Canyon today.

Call Arizona River Runners at 1-800-477-7238 to book your family rafting adventure!

Arizona River Runner Salutes Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park was picked as one of TripAdvisor's Travelers Choice 2010 Top 10 Outdoor & Adventure Destinations in the United States. The Grand Canyon is amazing, awe-inspiring, breathtaking! There is so much to see and do at there, beyond looking at it. Take a whitewater rafting trip through it with Arizona River Runners; hike down; do the Skywalk; take a "mule train" or yes, just gaze over the rim… this is one natural wonder you have to see in person to believe. No one can describe what it's like, it's beyond believable. Call 800-477-7238 for your Arizona Family Rafting Trip and see the Grand Canyon from an entirely different perspective!

Rafting the Grand Canyon is What the Trip is All About, But That’s Not All….

It is true; rafting is what you do on a Colorado River Rafting Trip with Arizona River Runners. But that isn’t all! You will be “entertained” for your entire journey. From the time you get to the Canyon (or even before, such as the helicopter ride on our 3 Day Escape), you will not be bored or wanting for something to do! Each trip is unique on its own, filled with exciting and fun things.

Our 3-Day Escape provides you with a scenic flight to the Bar-10 Ranch on the North Rim of the Canyon. Here you can spend the night at the Ranch or in a covered wagon! In the morning you are helicoptered to the Canyon floor. Rafting and hiking, not to mention eating, follows for the next day and a half.

Our longer trips involve more intense rafting, and there are some with a “hike-in” or “hike-out” before or after your rafting adventure! The longer trips provide more opportunities for additional off-river time to take in the spectacular vistas and side stream hikes, to explore along the side stream corridor.

During the evenings our guides feed (yeah!) and entertain you. On clear nights, stargazing is a favorite pastime of our rafters. Where you sleep is a vision – look up and take in all the stars, you’ll never see anything like it again!

Give us a call (800-477-7238) and we’ll be more than happy to talk to you about all that goes on our rafting trips!

6 Day Grand Canyon Whitewater Rafting Trip with Arizona River Runners

Here is what Katie M. of Cleveland Tennessee had to say about her 6 Day Grand Canyon Adventure:

"I found it (the trip) far more enjoyable than I had imagined. There are not enough words to describe those guys (the guides). They are on point and then they took it to the next level!"

Regarding the food, "This section of the trip far exceeded my expectations...quite the culinary geniuses!"

Kaite M. Cleveland, TN. August 28th, 2009

Grand Canyon River Outfitters Support Conservation Fund

Arizona River Runners is one of the fourteen licensed Grand Canyon National Park’s river outfitters that have managed the Grand Canyon Conservation Fund, a non-profit enterprise established in 1988. Each year, approximately eighty percent of all passengers on professionally outfitted Grand Canyon river trips donate $1 per day of their river trip to the Grand Canyon Conservation Fund. This money is then awarded in the form of grants to non-profit conservation groups, as well as groups working to provide outdoor experiences for those with physical and socioeconomic challenges. Organizations like the Grand Canyon Trust are working hard to protect the Canyon and its natural beauty, while other groups like River of Dreams help provide river trip scholarship assistance to the disabled. Grand Canyon Youth’s mission is to give teens an experiential education along the rivers and canyons of the Southwest while promoting environmental awareness, community involvement, personal growth, and teamwork among people with diverse backgrounds and the Peregrine Fund is committed to the reintroduction and protection of the California Condor through their efforts at their Vermillion Cliffs site in Northern Arizona.

Managed by volunteers for over 20 years, the Grand Canyon Conservation Fund makes sure that 100 percent of donations go directly to the effort of protecting and conserving the Grand Canyon and providing access to those who would otherwise not be able to share in the Grand Canyon river experience. In the past 13 years, the involved river outfitters have raised over $1,000,000 in donations which has been awarded to these and other non-profit organizations in the form of grants. A lot of care and attention goes into choosing the groups to receive these funds and each individual grant generally ranges anywhere from $5,000- $20,000.

One of the most exciting new projects that the GCCF is becoming involved in is the potential of a Grand Canyon River Heritage Museum to be located at the South Rim. Participating outfitters are currently working with the Grand Canyon Association to determine the feasibility of converting the historic laundry building, located within walking distance to the rim, into this new proposed museum which will tell the history of rafting the Grand Canyon.

All of the non-profit public interest organizations involved with the Grand Canyon Conservation Fund are working hard in an effort to continue to spread awareness, education and conservation in the Canyon. Anyone can help make a difference and all donations are fully tax deductible as charitable giving. Each person to donate as little as $1 is helping to preserve one of the world’s natural wonders and is giving people an opportunity to experience that which they might otherwise never be able to.

Please visit http://gcroa.org/Pages/gccfund.htm for more information or to make a donation.

What to Expect on Your Arizona River Runners Colorado River Rafting Trip

Whether you’ve just booked your first rafting trip or you’re still in the process of thinking about it, you’re probably wondering what to expect on an Arizona River Runners trip. Here are some tips to prepare you for the adventure of a lifetime.

We ask that all of our guest arrive in Las Vegas one day prior to their trip. We suggest you stay at the Desert Rose Resort and take advantage of the special rates, luggage storage, and parking that are offered. You’ll get to choose from a comfortable one or two bedroom suite with a private patio and balcony, fully equipped kitchen, and relaxing living and dining area. Try to get to bed early, though, because you’ve got a busy day ahead.

On day one of your adventure, we’ll wake up early and fly out to Marble Canyon, Arizona after breakfast. Here, a river guide will meet you and help you pack up your gear before heading out to the launch point at Lee’s Ferry. Then get ready to hit the river where the real fun begins!
During days 1 through 5, you will be traveling 190 river miles on your river journey through the canyon. Be prepared to see the uniquely beautiful plants, animals, and awe-inspiring geologic formations the Canyon has to offer.

Our skilled and knowledgeable guides will take you on an exciting ride down the Colorado River where you can expect to get wet from the spray of the rapids. Because the river water is always cold, you will want to have your rain gear packed and ready. You’ll also get a chance to swim in many of the side-canyon streams.

Each day, you will explore the canyon with mid-morning and mid-afternoon stops or hikes. These on-land adventures are optional, but you’ll enjoy the trip more if you prepare with a little walking or light exercise and take part in exploring the natural wildlife and beauty within the canyon. The Grand Canyon is a very friendly place to camp and most trips will thrill to the sight of Desert Big Horn Sheep and a variety of exotic canyon birds!

Also during your trip, you can expect nutritious and expertly prepared meals ranging from eggs or pancakes in the morning to salads, steaks, and international foods served at dinner – and don’t forget dessert! Remember you’ll be spending a fun and action-packed day out on the river, so you’ll really work up an appetite. With every meal you’ll get a chance to relax and share stories and experiences with others. You’ll get to know your river crew and make new friends with the other guests.

Arizona River Runners is dedicated to making this an amazing experience for all involved. Our guests have said that “the guides were truly phenomenal,” and “The rapids, hikes, stories, meals, and company were experiences we will remember forever!”

Join us for an incredible vacation! Check out our Hiker's Special, unique trips starting in April! Call 1-800-477-7238 for reservations!

What is the Weather Like for Grand Canyon Rafting Trips on the Colorado River?

We are constantly asked from passengers what the weather will be like on their upcoming rafting trip. Here’s a good average chart:

WEATHER - Temperatures can vary, but the following chart shows average temperatures and precipitation for the months of March through October. The humidity is usually very low. Water temperatures average about 50-60 degrees all summer long. Since water temperatures are cold, you will probably wear your rain gear when running rapids. This is especially true early in the morning, on cloudy days or on early season trips.

Inner Grand Canyon

Average Temperatures and Precipitation

TEMP MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT

Average High 71 82 92 101 106 103 97 84

Average Low 48 56 63 72 78 75 69 58

Precipitation 0.79 0.47 0.36 0.30 0.84 1.40 0.97 0.65 total inches per month

Need more information? Arizona River Runners can provide you with weather information - Simply CONTACT US and we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions as you plan your Arizona rafting trip! Check out our trips this season, they are filling up fast!!

http://www.raftarizona.com/trip-information/

Arizona River Runners Featured in LA Times, Chicago Tribune, Men's Journal and RyanAir and SkyWest Magazines

Arizona River Runners is featured in the latest publications around the world. Check this out:

"Book It Now" feature in the February issue of Men's Journal... pick-up a copy on your news stand today.

Flying anywhere? Sky West Magazine and RyanAir Magazine both feature Arizona River Runners.

Chicago Tribune features Arizona River Runners in their Travel deals: The cruise edition

LA Times also features Arizona River Runners:

ARIZONA

A hike and river ride

The "7-Day Motor Powered Trip" by Arizona River Runners kicks off with a 7 1/2 -mile hike from the Grand Canyon's South Rim down to the Colorado River. From there, it's a 138-mile adventure over the water (sometimes calm, sometimes white) with stops to examine spring wildflowers, hike to memorable overlooks, check out side canyons, find hidden waterfalls and marvel at Native American ruins.

Dates: April 8-14

Price: $1,695, including all river and hiking guidance, a 10% early season discount for trips launching before May 15 and transportation to and from nearby Peach Springs, Ariz. Pre- and post-trip transit to Las Vegas is available for $65.

Info: Arizona River Runners, Phoenix; (800) 477-7238, www.raftarizona.com