We always get great questions from our guests as they plan their Grand Canyon river trip. Here are some of the frequently asked questions and our answers to help get you started preparing for your next adventure.
1. How does the bathroom situation work?
This is our most frequently asked question! Everyone wants to know how going #1 and #2 works on the river. Due to the dry climate and National Park Service regulations, all urine must go into the main channel of the Colorado River — this involves either wading in, squatting/standing at the river’s edge, or using a pee bucket at camp.
Once you get to camp, your guides will set up the camp toilet. This toilet functions similarly to a regular toilet, but it doesn’t flush, and it’s outdoors with a great view of the canyon. Don’t worry; your guides will give a bathroom orientation once you reach the river and tell you everything you need to know. Ladies may also want to check out our feminine hygiene tips.
2. When is the best time to raft the Grand Canyon?
This is one of our most frequently asked questions, and thankfully, it has an easy answer: Go when you have the time, and we have the space! Our season runs April through September which coincides with the ideal time to raft in the Grand Canyon. Water levels aren’t affected by spring runoff since they are regulated by the Glen Canyon Dam, resulting in great rafting throughout the season! Weather-wise, each month has its unique pros and cons, so the best time of year varies depending on who you ask. Many of us here at the office have noticed our favorite time of year keeps changing the more trips we go on!
3. What is a typical day like on the river?
Each day will have a similar flow; while this may sound like several days of the same thing, we promise you won’t be bored! Each day is so different! You’ll typically spend 4-6 hours on the rafts, stopping for lunch and side hikes on the way to camp. While on the rafts, you can watch out for wildlife, and maybe spot a bighorn sheep jumping up the canyon walls! Each canyon section is unique; the walls will change around you as different layers emerge. The side hikes and stops along the way are just as varied: standing under a waterfall, checking out a side canyon, hiking to an overlook of the river, or splashing in a crystal blue side stream!
These are just some of the things you will see, but what truly makes up a Grand Canyon river trip is intangible and hard to explain without experiencing it. We commonly hear this is the best trip people have ever done, in part due to what photos and words can’t capture.
4. How do I reserve a trip?
Reserving a trip is easy! Most trips can be booked online or by calling one of our river reservationists. For deposit details and cancellation information, review our Reservation Policies. If you aren’t ready to book when you call us, ask us to place a complimentary hold. We will hold the spots you are interested in and send trip-specific information to review. We also strongly encourage guests to research Trip Insurance at this time since no one books intending to cancel, but it happens all the time for unexpected reasons.
5. How far in advance do I have to book?
A common myth is that you have to reserve years in advance. While it’s true that some trips fill up quickly, we can often accommodate bookings just a few months or even weeks in advance. Typically, the smaller and more flexible your group is, the longer you can wait to book. The larger your group and more restricted your dates, the earlier you want to reserve. Here are a few more things to consider when deciding how early to book your trip.
6. What do I need to bring?
We will provide all the camping and rafting gear for your Grand Canyon adventure. After booking your trip, you’ll receive our recommended packing list. You may already own most of the items you’ll need, but you might need to buy some specialty gear, like rain gear and river footwear. If you’d like to see the packing list before booking, let us know! Just be sure to specify which trip you are interested in, as the packing list does vary by trip type.
7. Am I too old for a Grand Canyon river trip?
Many of our guests are retirement age or older, but it’s important to research the physical nature of river trips before booking. From getting on and off the rafts to walking to the toilet, each aspect of the trip offers its own unique challenges. While we don’t have an age cutoff, all guests must be capable of the Physical Nature of a Trip and meet our Essential Eligibility Criteria. We have had guests into their 80’s who are in better shape than we are! The more you prepare and put into this trip, the more you will get out of it! We even have a training program you can follow to help.
8. Which Grand Canyon rafting company is the best?
We may be biased, but ARR is the best! Here are just a few reasons to choose us:
1. We are a small, multi-generational family business. The owners, Bruce and Bill, have owned the company for close to 40 years and are former Grand Canyon guides themselves! They are well-loved by employees and respected in the outdoor industry, recently winning an Industry Achievement Award. Our team of river reservationists is small but mighty. Only five of us answer the phones, and there is no phone tree, which means you can easily talk to a real human and we have fast response times. We are encouraged to go on river trips every year, so we can best answer your unique questions.
2. A huge highlight of the trip is our guides! Once you reach the river our guides will navigate rapids, lead hikes, tell stories, cook dinner, and share their knowledge of the canyon and its history. They work incredibly hard and are an integral part of a Grand Canyon rafting trip. You may even see them mentioned by name in reviews and poems!
3. We love our motor rafts! The ARR S-Rig offers the most comfortable, accessible, and ergonomically correct seating. You’ll have a backrest for support and can spend your time gazing out at the canyon walls or holding tight during rapids!
All rafting outfitters are regulated by the National Park Service, which means we operate similarly, but Arizona River Runners stands out in our customer experience from beginning to end. We love the Grand Canyon and are excited to share it with you!
9. What am I not asking?
This is a tricky question to answer! Each guest has different needs depending on their unique situation. Sometimes, we hear this after a ton of great packing questions. In that case, we will usually talk about how great a sarong is and why you should bring it on your river trip! Other times, for a family of 5 deciding on trip dates we might look up the group dynamics to see if there are any other kids booked. The best way to ask this question is by calling us!