Megan Banker is a travel and adventure influencer and can be found at @wanderingwithmegan
After seven years of applying for a permit for a private trip, I finally got the chance to do it commercially—this time on a 7 Day Motor rafting trip with Arizona River Runners. And spoiler: it blew my expectations out of the water.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Why Choose a 7-Day Motor Trip?
You’ll cover more ground. The full stretch is over 187 miles. A motor rig lets you see it all in a single week—no rowing required.
Beginner-friendly. You don’t need rafting experience. ARR guides are pros who handle everything and make the trip feel seamless.
Comfortable but remote. This isn’t luxury glamping, but it’s pretty dang close. Think: comfy cots, gourmet meals, and gorgeous campsites.
Zero logistics stress. ARR handles it all—from pre-trip checklists to fresh coffee before sunrise. Not having to handle the logistics makes the cost 1000% worth in after years of being “the planner” in my friend group.
How to Get There
Arizona River Runners partners with a hotel in Henderson, NV for your pre-trip stay. You can drive to the launch or opt into a scenic charter flight from Las Vegas to Page, AZ. The flight soaring over the canyon is totally worth it.
Boat Life
ARR’s 35-foot motorized rafts are stable, spacious, and surprisingly chill. You’re welcome to rotate seats throughout the day, stash your essentials in a dry bag, and spend your time floating, chatting, or just zoning out and staring in awe at canyon walls. I definitely snuck in some boat naps, too. We saw wildlife, desert plants and really cool rocks (of course).
Daily Adventures (aka “Side Quests”)
We stopped nearly every day for short hikes, waterfalls, swimming holes, and historic sites. Personal favorites included:
Elves Chasm- A fairytale-worthy waterfall and swimming hole
Havasu Creek- A full-circle moment for me after a previous Havasupai trip. The contrast of the gatorade blue water and the sandy canyon walls is such a unique image.
Redwall Cavern & Nankoweap Granaries- Iconic Grand Canyon landmarks worth of being on the cover of National Geographic a few times.
Bring sandals with traction, a dry bag, and a sense of adventure. The hikes were never more than a mile and some had some elevation gain but guests always had the option to opt out or only go part of the way. The guides were incredibly supportive!
Camp Life
ARR provides a cot, tent, tarp, and sleeping kit. I cowboy camped under the stars every night (and bought a cot for home the second I got back). Camp life is communal and comforting—with down time, incredible meals, and 5:30am wakeups to the sound of “HOOOOT COFFFFEEEE!”
I went in mid May when the temps were cool and it was very comfortable sleeping without a tent. There weren’t really any bugs or critters though I did watch some bats flying around at night which was cool!
Hygiene & The Groover
We didn’t have showers or plumbing but plenty of systems to stay clean(ish). Think: river dips, baby wipes, a 4-bucket dish system, and a portable toilet setup called The Groover. It’s a metal box with the best bathroom views of your life and a must-have river experience. I promise it’s not as bad as it seems and it’s totally worth getting to experience the canyon.
The Food (Yes, It Deserves Its Own Section)
Three hot meals a day, endless snacks, and campfire desserts that would rival restaurant kitchens. ARR crushed it. Special diets were accommodated, and the snack box never ran dry.
What to Pack (And What Not To)
Must-brings:
Boat clothes + camp clothes
Sarong (trust me)
Carabiners, body lotion, rain gear, and a headlamp
Leave behind:
Extra “just in case” clothes or toiletries, more than two pairs of shoes.
You’ll wear the same three things. Everything will be sandy. You’ll be fine.
Connection, Culture, and Community
I went solo and left with a little river family. From the guides to the guests, everyone showed up ready with a sense of adventure. Without cell service or distractions, the canyon creates space for connection—with nature, others, and yourself.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever dreamed of rafting the Grand Canyon—book this trip! You don’t have to be hardcore, experienced or even outdoorsy. You just have to show up, be open, and let the river do its thing.
I can’t wait to do it again!