Who is the Best Grand Canyon River Trip Outfitter?
At a Glance: The best Grand Canyon rafting company is one that puts YOU…Read more
Blog
Grand Canyon Rafting For All Abilities
At a Glance: You can experience an accessible Grand Canyon rafting trip with Arizona…Read more
Guest Blog: What It’s Really Like to Raft the Grand Canyon with Arizona River Runners
Megan Banker is a travel and adventure influencer and can be found at @wanderingwithmegan…Read more
What if My Duffel Bag is a Different Size?
At a Glance: Make sure you bring a soft-sided duffel bag under 55 liters…Read more
A Tip . . . About the Tip
At a Glance: Tipping is an optional but common way to thank your Arizona…Read more
Hot Weather Tips
At a Glance: Staying cool in the summer heat is easy – just take…Read more
What Should I Wear on My Rafting Trip?
At a Glance: For river trips in the Grand Canyon, we recommend a “two-set”…Read more
What is the Food Like on a River Trip?
At a Glance: Guests are often surprised by the quality of meals our guides…Read more
What if I Have a CPAP Machine?
At a Glance: You can use your CPAP machine during a Grand Canyon rafting…Read more
Top 9 Questions About a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip
At a Glance: You might have more than a few questions when planning a…Read more
What Shoes Should I Bring on a Grand Canyon River Trip?
At a Glance: Footwear is one of the most important items you will bring…Read more
Tips for Bringing Glasses or Contacts on a Grand Canyon River Trip
At a Glance: We recommend bringing backup glasses and high-quality retention straps to ensure…Read more
Can I Fish In The Grand Canyon?
At a Glance: You’ll mainly be fishing for trout in the Colorado River. Any…Read more
How Does The Bathroom Work On A Grand Canyon River Trip?
At a Glance: Going to the bathroom on an Arizona River Runners Grand Canyon…Read more
Where Do I Sit?
At a Glance: Seating on an Arizona River Runners S-Rig is unassigned and designed…Read more
Coffee and Tea on the River
At a Glance: Don’t worry – we’ve got your coffee habit covered. We provide…Read more
Weather in the Grand Canyon: Planning
At a Glance: Arizona River Runners recommends following the packing list to ensure that…Read more
Women’s Grand Canyon Rafting Trip
At a Glance: Our 7-day all-women rafting trip offers a supportive environment to experience…Read more
Protect Your Hands and Skin: Essential Tips and Gear for a Grand Canyon Rafting Adventure
At a Glance: Lightweight, fingerless gloves are a recommended addition to your packing list…Read more
What Type of Camera Should I Bring?
At a Glance: To capture your Grand Canyon river trip safely, use a waterproof…Read more
The Grand Canyon Rocks! And Minerals! And Fossils!
Guest blog by James “Dr. J” Hagadorn, who has rafted with us for a…Read more
How to Charge Your Phone on a Grand Canyon River Trip
At a Glance: You can keep your devices charged on your river trip by…Read more
Sleeping in the Grand Canyon isn’t In-Tents 😉
At a Glance: Sleeping under the stars is the best way to experience the…Read more
Should I Book a 3 Day Escape or 6 Day Motor?
Having trouble deciding between our 3 Day Escape and 6 Day Motor trips? You…Read more
Should I Get Trip Insurance? (Yes!)
At a Glance: You should purchase travel insurance to protect your investment from unforeseen…Read more
Cold Weather Tips
At a Glance: For early or late-season river trips, avoid cotton and use synthetic…Read more
How to Bathe on a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip
At a Glance: Bathing on a Grand Canyon rafting trip can be tricky due…Read more
America the Beautiful – National Park Pass
A National Park entrance fee is required for each guest aged 16 and older…Read more
Where You’ll Sleep: Grand Canyon River Trip Cots
A good night’s sleep goes a long way on a Grand Canyon river trip!…Read more
Fun Questions and GC Trivia
Getting to know your fellow rafters sooner rather than later is a great way…Read more
Water and Drought in the Southwest
Will my Grand Canyon trip run even with the low water level in Lake…Read more
Do I Really Need a Sarong?
At a Glance: Sarongs are a favorite among both staff and guests on river…Read more
The Breakdown on Bags: Hiking Packs, Duffels, and Dry Bags
At a Glance: Arizona River Runners will provide the necessary dry bags for your…Read more
Do I Really Need Rain Gear?
At a Glance: You’ll need a high-quality, two-piece rain suit to stay protected from…Read more
BYOB: Alcohol on a River Trip
At a Glance: Arizona River Runners does not provide or sell alcohol, so guests…Read more
Colorado River Water Allocation
At a Glance: Arizona River Runners continues to provide world-class rafting in the Grand…Read more
Guest Blog – The Most Interesting Thing About Being Bored
Guest Blog by Olivia Tomlin, 17, who wrote this as her college entrance essay….Read more
What it is Really Like to Raft Grand Canyon with Your Family
For years, I’ve had the privilege of helping guests prepare for their Arizona River…Read more
Am I Going to be Bored on my Grand Canyon Trip?
One question we are commonly asked is “Will I be bored?” The short answer…Read more
Grand Canyon Wildlife
The Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is a rugged desert environment, and it…Read more
Where to Get Your River Gear
When it comes to outfitting any outdoor pursuit, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed…Read more
The Ultimate Graduation Gift
I have always valued experiences over things. There’s just something about spending time with…Read more
Grand Canyon Rapids
If you are looking for thrilling whitewater and scenic beauty the Grand Canyon doesn’t…Read more
How to Charter a Private Grand Canyon River Trip
Want to enjoy a private Grand Canyon river trip exclusively with your own group?…Read more
Guest Review: Exceptional Guides
Guest blog by ARR guest Nancy Dunlap Review of her May 4, 2025, 7…Read more
The Magic of Slot Canyons
I recently went on a tour of Antelope Canyon, a popular slot canyon in…Read more
What’s the Best Time of Year to Raft Grand Canyon?
At a Glance: The best time of year to raft the Grand Canyon is…Read more
From Grind to Grand: An Adventure That Pays Back
Let’s be honest, the world’s been a bit of a whirlwind lately. Vacations get…Read more
Why I Love Arizona River Runners
Which Grand Canyon rafting company is the best? It’s a common question, and we’re…Read more
When Your Kid Asks, “Do I Really Have to Go on This Trip?” Say Yes! – Guest Blog
By Arizona River Runners guest, Mia O. I was fortunate enough to get to…Read more
Staying Connected After A Trip of a Lifetime
Our guests often say that their river trip through the Grand Canyon is one…Read more
What Supplies Can I Buy in Page, Arizona?
This blog only applies to trips flying from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Page, Arizona,…Read more
Guide Training + Guide Olympics?!
We had a fantastic time at the 2025 guide training at our warehouse in…Read more
Make-A-Wish and Arizona River Runners!
By Emlen L., whose wish to go rafting in the Grand Canyon was granted…Read more
Alternatives to REI Adventure Trips
As news spreads about REI Adventures shutting down its experiences, we are thinking of…Read more
Only Have One Day?
Our shortest trip is our 3 Day Escape due to the remote and inaccessible…Read more
Navigating Nerves: Embracing Group Travel in the Grand Canyon
If this is your first time joining a group trip, you may be a…Read more
Leave No Trace: Protecting the Grand Canyon’s Natural Beauty
Leave No Trace (LNT) is a critically important part of traveling in the Grand…Read more
Bright Angel Trail Construction Update
The National Park Service (NPS) has various construction projects planned in the inner canyon…Read more
How to be River Ready
Here are a few general tips to help you be prepared and “river-ready.” Please…Read more
Going On A Guided Vacation – Why It Is The Way To Go!
Guided trips take the guesswork out of your vacation planning and add depth to…Read more
The River Grand: A Guest’s Poetic Reflection on Rafting the Grand Canyon
A guest sent us this poem after her weeklong trip through the canyon and…Read more
Thinking About Traveling Solo? Do It!
Nervous about going alone on a rafting trip? Don’t be! Part of the magic…Read more
Guest Blog: Anniversary Trip – We left the kids at home and reconnected with one another.
This summer, my husband and I had our 10-year wedding anniversary. We wanted to…Read more
Dive into the Grand Canyon Experience Today!
Thinking about a Grand Canyon river trip can be a daunting prospect for many,…Read more
Using a Female Urination Device on the River
At a Glance: While not essential, female urination devices (FUDs), can make bathroom breaks…Read more
Why a Multi-Day Grand Canyon Rafting Trip Beats a One-Day Visit
Arizona River Runners loves the chance to share the effects that the nearly inaccessible…Read more
Tech-Free Vacations Are on the Rise
Done with doom-scrolling? Tired of the constant pings and notifications? All set with the…Read more
Let Us Help You Plan the Ideal Trip!
Planning a vacation can be overwhelming! Even after you decide on a Grand Canyon…Read more
Why Age Shouldn’t Stop You From Joining Our River Trips
We often hear, “Am I too old for a river trip?” The truth is,…Read more
Tips on Planning a Group Rafting Trip Through the Grand Canyon
Rafting the Grand Canyon is a unique bucket list trip, and what better way…Read more
Tips to Get Ready for a River Trip – With a Sense of Humor!
We’ve noticed that Grand Canyon rafters tend to have a great sense of humor…Read more
Back to Civilization: A River Rat’s Poem
Your guides may read this poem during the last night on the river. It…Read more
River Code of Conduct
Arizona River Runners is dedicated to (1) providing a safety-focused, interpretive, multi-day Grand Canyon…Read more
Grand Canyon Reading List
The Grand Canyon is a source of inspiration for many – meaning there is…Read more
How Physically Demanding is a Whitewater Rafting Trip?
At a Glance: A Grand Canyon rafting trip with Arizona River Runners is a…Read more
Tribes Connected to the Grand Canyon
“We are still here. We are our ancestors. We will not be forgotten.” (Quote…Read more
Feminine Hygiene & Going to the Bathroom
The bathroom facilities rank at the top of our frequently asked questions, especially among…Read more
Hearing Aids on Your Grand Canyon River Trip (Guest Blog)
Guest Blog by Tessa Wix. Tessa (35-years-old, Sacramento, CA) rafted on an 11 Day…Read more
Do I Really Need to Book Years in Advance?
It is a common misconception that Grand Canyon river trips need to be booked…Read more
Hikers Specials: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Check up to the minute availability on our Hiker’s Special trips here! These trips…Read more
We Won the Leave No Trace Community Partner of the Year Award!
Arizona River Runners was awarded the Leave No Trace Community Partner of the Year…Read more
Coping with Depression or Anxiety on Your River Trip
If you are affected by depression or anxiety and planning to raft with us,…Read more
How to Enjoy Your Trip to the Fullest
For most, rafting the Grand Canyon is a long-awaited adventure and bucket list item….Read more
Are Hiking Poles Necessary on a Grand Canyon River Trip?
Hiking poles are popular among hikers these days, especially in canyon country, but they…Read more
Stars and Planets and Galaxies, Oh My!
The night sky at the Grand Canyon is not something that you will often…Read more
How We Manage Our Kitchen and Food in the Grand Canyon
We take great pride in the wonderful meals we provide on all of our…Read more
Packing Hacks
Don’t want to spend a small fortune on gear for your trip? We totally…Read more
Adventurous and Exciting, but Not Luxury and Gourmet
I’m just gonna go ahead and say it … a whitewater rafting trip in…Read more
How to Choose a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip
Picture this, you’re in charge of booking an epic vacation for your group; they…Read more
What is Phantom Ranch All About?
You may have heard about a mysterious lodge located at the bottom of the…Read more
Do I Really Need a Carabiner?
Carabiners are very handy on the river! We recommend bringing 1 – 2 as…Read more
Tips for Rafting with Kids
The Grand Canyon is a great place to connect with your kids away from…Read more
Sand or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Grand Canyon
Ask anyone who has been on the river to name things that are difficult…Read more
Update on the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Hi River Rats, Like everyone, we have been impacted by COVID-19. Along with all…Read more
What is the Grand Canyon Fund?
Wondering where your $1 a day donation goes? Here is some information about the…Read more
Industry Achievement Award
We are so happy to announce that our owners, Bruce Winter and Bill Gloeckler…Read more
Taco Salad – Our Most Requested “Secret” Recipe
We love to hear from guests after their trip! We frequently hear what an…Read more
Grand Canyon Rafting is a Fun Family Vacation for All Ages!
An Arizona River Runners rafting trip is one of the best family vacations out…Read more
Havasu Creek
At a Glance: ARR lower canyon and full canyon Grand Canyon rafting trips frequently…Read more
Arizona River Runners 50th Anniversary!
No one expected our 50th anniversary to be this crazy, but so it goes!…Read more
“Let Go or Be Dragged”
My mother-in-law has a magnet on her fridge that says “Let go or be…Read more
America Outdoors Conference
Check out the ARR|GCW office and warehouse staff at America Outdoors Conference! From left…Read more
This is an Expedition!
The journey through the majestic Colorado River corridor is unparalleled. Upon embarking on our…Read more
River Season Party
Arizona River Runners and Grand Canyon Whitewater held our end-of-the-season party at the Flagstaff Diablo Burger…Read more
Save The Confluence! We Need Your Help.
There is a very real and near threat to the serenity of the Little…Read more
What it Takes to Be a Grand Canyon Warrior
Senator John McCain: “Thank you Grand Canyon River Runners Association & American Legion – their…Read more