Answers to questions about whitewater raft trips on the Colorado River
Find out what you need to know before you go whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon with Arizona River Runners
What kind of adventure vacation trips are available?
At Arizona River Runners, we have a wide variety of rafting trip adventures ranging from our 3-day Escape, our 6, 7 and 8-day motorized adventures and our 13-day oar powered trips. Click here for details on each Arizona vacation adventure rafting trip, or to Take the Scenic Route virtual tour.
When is the best time to go on a white water raft trip in the Grand Canyon?
The simplest answer is that most people book their Colorado River rafting trip during the peak periods of the summer, (June-August). If you have flexibility in scheduling your family vacation adventure and want to take advantage of the great Arizona weather, Arizona River Runners suggests booking your Grand Canyon rafting trip from May to early June or in September.
What's the difference between motor rafts and oar-powered boats?
Arizona River Runners offers two modes of transportation and each has its unique advantages. Our motorized trips are our most popular. Our guest have told us that they like the comfort of the motor trip, the safety of its size and strength and the opportunity it provides to socialize with the greatest number of people at one time. Oar-powered trips are for those who want to experience their river rafting adventure up close and personal. Click here for more details on Motorized rafts vs Oar Powered boats
Do you need any river rafting experience?
For most of our guests, this is their first experience on a river rafting trip. Arizona River Runners provides all the equipment and expertise; you just come along for the fun.
How far in advance must I make reservations?
One myth is that reservations must be made years in advance. The larger your group or more restricted your time period, the more it pays to plan ahead. For the most part, we will be taking reservations right up to the start of the season so it pays to give us a call.
How can I make a reservation?
To check availability and to make a reservation you will need to call us at 800-477-7238. Click here for more information about Deposits, Payments and Cancellation Policy.
What's the food like?
In a word, delicious! There is something special about eating out under a western sky with freshly prepared food. Prior to every trip a lot of time is spent planning and organizing menus. Scheduled deliveries ensure that only the freshest, high quality food is packed and thanks to our ability to carry ice, this allows us to keep fresh fruits, vegetables, steaks, chicken as well as your favorite desserts, throughout even our longest trips. You will delight in the quality of our food.
Are there bugs or snakes?
Being a desert environment, mosquitoes and flying insects are virtually nonexistent. Snakes and scorpions are seldom seen. If you're lucky you might have your camera ready when a Desert Big Horn Sheep or Great Blue Heron happens by.
Are there rafting opportunities for people with disabilities?
Partaking in a trip through the Grand Canyon should not be a dream for a few. At Arizona River Runners we are committed to making the Grand Canyon accessible to everyone, including those with mobility or sensory impairments. Ultimately, your safety and well-being are the key ingredients to making your outing a successful one. We have experience helping persons with disabilities in both our regular scheduled trips and trips that are custom-designed for people with disabilities. Call our office at 800-477-7238 and let us see if we can help make your trip a reality.
What are your age requirements for whitewater rafting trips?
As young as 8 on our 3, 6, 7 & 8-day motor trips, 12 for our oar powered trips and as old as eight-plus, limited only by your desire for adventure!
Is it dangerous?
Our experience has taught us that rafting trips are a safe vacation, however, like any outdoor activity, you should be aware of the different risks involved. Our first priority is your safety and our outstanding record proves it.
What do I need to bring?
Once you have reserved your trip we will send you a complete information packet full of useful information including a detailed packing list.
You can now shop online for all your river gear at our retail partner Red Rock Outfitters.
What if I can't swim?
It is not necessary to know how to swim and everyone must wear Coast Guard approved lifejackets, provided by ARR, AT ALL TIMES while on the river.
What about Trip Cancellation Insurance?
For travel insurance, we recommend you contact one of these companies:
Travel Guard Insurance 800-826-1300
Access America Travel Insurance 800-284-8300
Travel Insured International Travel Insurance 800-243-3174
What is the Colorado River rated?
Most rivers are rated on the International Scale of 1 to 6 with a 6 being impassable. The Colorado River is one of three rivers in the world rated on a 1 to 10 scale, individually by rapid. This system of rating is due to the high volume of water that we see in the Grand Canyon, known as a pool-drop system.
What is the CRMP and how could it affect future rafting trips on the Colorado River?
CRMP stands for Colorado River Management Plan.
The National Park Service re-writes a plan every 10 years that determines the use of the
Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park. Your future access on the Colorado will be determined
by this plan. We recommend you review the latest information found on the Grand Canyon River Outfitters
Association site. Click here to sign up for free Grand Canyon news update service and then you can better
decide how you can participate in this process.
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