- Overcoming Barriers Together: We work with experienced volunteers, come up with creative solutions, and use specialized equipment to help make the backcountry accessible to travelers with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.
- Different Options Adaptive trips are available as both a 3-day escape and longer 9-day trips for those looking to experience the full length of the canyon.
- Apply for Upcoming Seasons: Interested in joining an adaptive trip? You or a loved one can learn more and apply directly through Ability360. We’d love to have you along for the adventure!
Over the years, Arizona River Runners has partnered with various organizations to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to raft the Grand Canyon. Recently, we’ve teamed up with Ability360 – a fantastic non-profit organization out of Phoenix, Arizona, that helps people with disabilities find employment, home care, and recreation.
“Wilderness, by definition, is not accessible,” said Gus LaZear, Vice President of Operations with Ability360. It takes a lot of hard work, creative thinking, capable volunteers, and extra gear to make these trips possible. By working together, we have been able to accommodate folks who are deaf, blind, in wheelchairs, experiencing PTSD, have intellectual disabilities, and more.
In 2022, we ran an 11 day full canyon disability trip from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek. The following year, we introduced a 3 day Escape trip. In 2024, we expanded the Escape to 4 days, giving participants even more time to experience the canyon. Our goal is to run one trip per season, and we’re already planning more adaptive rafting trips in the future!
A local Phoenix TV station did a great story about our 2023 trip. You can see photos from some of our trips below.
We’re so thankful for the expertise of the Ability360 staff, who help us make Grand Canyon river trips accessible to more people! If you are interested in participating in one of these trips, reach out to Ability360 directly via their signup page.
