Arizona Raft Adventures
Arizona Raft Adventures
5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
Arizona Raft Adventures is a family run business operating 6-16 day rafting trips, as a licensed rafting tour operator within Grand Canyon National Park since 1974. Our adventures are both motorized and non-motorized (paddle or oar rafts). We believe that a trip down the mighty Colorado River, through the Grand Canyon is the trip of a lifetime, composed not only of exciting whitewater and world class scenery, but also lots of exploring and hiking in the many wondrous side canyons. Our adventures provide the time to experience it all, so come play with us in Grand Canyon!
Flagstaff, Arizona
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
334 reviews
Excellent
320
Very good
10
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Teresa J
36 contributions
Jul 2021
We rafted the upper Colorado River for 6 days/5 nights with AZRA and would highly recommend them. They were great at communicating everything that we would need for a successful trip, including suggestions for getting in shape for the climb out of the canyon at the Bright Angel Trail. The guides were super - friendly, knowledgeable, excellent boat handlers, and awesome cooks. The food was fresh and delicious. We spent part of the day on the water and part on hikes or hanging around the camps. A highlight was playing in the blue waters of the Little Colorado River. It was an amazing experience.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks you 254teresaj for your review of your upper canyon rafting adventure with us, as well as for submitting some great photos of your adventure! We are happy your party had such a wonderful time and enjoyed our guide, the food and your side canyon activities and hikes!
Written August 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SAB
1 contribution
Jul 2022
Wow, what an awesome experience it was to be in this majestic and remote place. I highly recommend the full 2-week trip to be able to truly decompress and let the peace and beauty of the canyon slow down your brain. Lots of hikes, hanging out in side canyons with beautiful waterfalls, and checking out other unique features of the Grand Canyon added even more to the fun.
AZRA was just stellar. The guides were competent, knowledgeable, joyful, goofy and full of fun, friendly and kind, and just all around impressive people. They each brought something unique that added a richness and depth to the experience. As previously reviewed, the food was excellent and abundant. Pads, sleeping bags, and tents were comfortable. I'm in pretty good shape so handled the hikes just fine (except as noted below), but they were generally steep and rugged, although not long. We had three people in their 70s on our trip who managed all of the hikes with a little help from the guides.
Unfortunately on day 10, I was not being careful, slipped off a ledge while hiking, hit my head on a rock, and had to be evacuated out of the canyon. I can't say enough about the impressive care that AZRA provided, both in the canyon and following my evacuation to the rim. The guides had clearly received excellent training in how to respond to an emergency, and the responding AZRA manager on the rim genuinely cared about my well being and was available for anything I needed.
AZRA was just stellar. The guides were competent, knowledgeable, joyful, goofy and full of fun, friendly and kind, and just all around impressive people. They each brought something unique that added a richness and depth to the experience. As previously reviewed, the food was excellent and abundant. Pads, sleeping bags, and tents were comfortable. I'm in pretty good shape so handled the hikes just fine (except as noted below), but they were generally steep and rugged, although not long. We had three people in their 70s on our trip who managed all of the hikes with a little help from the guides.
Unfortunately on day 10, I was not being careful, slipped off a ledge while hiking, hit my head on a rock, and had to be evacuated out of the canyon. I can't say enough about the impressive care that AZRA provided, both in the canyon and following my evacuation to the rim. The guides had clearly received excellent training in how to respond to an emergency, and the responding AZRA manager on the rim genuinely cared about my well being and was available for anything I needed.
Written July 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks U7548CJsallyb for taking the time post trip to write a review about your Full Classic Adventure. We are sorry to hear that you had to cut it short by 4 days because of your fall, but happy you are fully recovered. Our guides and staff are well trained for emergencies, they must deal with the unpredictable nature of the canyon and one never knows what situations may occur. We are happy to hear you had such a great trip and agree the longer in the canyon the better!
Written July 12, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen S
Des Moines, IA4 contributions
Sep 2020
I just completed the 10-day motorized raft trip of the Grand Canyon. The trip started as a "bucket list" item and quickly became much more meaningful than a check mark. Our guides created an atmosphere of community, kindness, and fun. We came from all over the country and most of us didn't know each other but quickly became a cohesive community. Our guides were Omar and Kelli and they were outstanding. They are knowledgable, passionate, and skilled raft guides (and they can cook some great meals).
Written September 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J4181WQkarens We are so pleased you had such a meaningful "bucket list" adventure! Yes everyone quickly becomes quite a team on the river, one of the many surprises of being on a multi-day rafting expedition in the backcountry! Thanks for choosing AzRA as your outfitter of choice and for doing a review of your 10 day motor adventure on Tripadvisor!
Written October 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John C
8 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
I was on a private self-support trip kayak trip on the Colorado in the Grand Canyon. We were 7 very accomplished kayakers on a 14 day trip. We put in the same day as an AZRA trip. We tend to keep to ourselves when we boat, but we had the good fortune to paddle alongside AZRA when both groups were in the mood. All of us on our trip are/were past outdoor & river guides (2 currently guide on the ID Salmon and Snake rivers). 5 of us are old. We’ve seen a lot of commercial trips, and we observe them from a very unique perspective. Everyone on our trip agreed that if we were to take a commercial ride, we’d choose AZRA. Very cool and obviously competent guides. Their choices for campsites and hikes were first-rate, and their demeanor with their guests as well as with other groups (like us) was easy going and joyful. If I had to go commercial- these are the people with whom I’d choose to spend my time.
Written May 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you F5937ZYjohnc for taking the time to review your experience with one of our trips and guides while you were on your kayak trip in Grand Canyon. We appreciate your observations and comments about your interactions and observations. And we are glad you had a wonderful time in the canyon boating on your private trip!
Written June 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
K T
1 contribution
May 2024 • Friends
Truly a fabulous two week trip. I kayaked with three friends and our spouses rode the rafts. All the guides were excellent and fun to be around. Our kayak guide adapted to our style and made our trip safer, easier and more fun. The Trip Leader set a great tone for the trip and made excellent choices regarding side hikes and campsites that were well matched to our group’s interests. Previously I had made this trip as a private boater eight times, and this was my first commercial trip. It is so hard to get a private permit any more we opted to pay the for a commercial trip and it was money well spent. I would gladly go again.
Written June 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello KT, Thanks so much for your review of TA. We greatly appreciate you taking the time out of your day to comment and inform others about your experience with us on your 2-week Classic Adventure. We are glad to hear you had such a wonderful experience and we hope you can make the trip again one day too!
Written June 24, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charlie B
Chattanooga, TN10 contributions
Sep 2020
A 15 day 226 mile guided raft trip on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Excellent guides, superb food, and a spectacular location. The guides were very competent at navigating the big rapids on the river. They also knew about the history and geology of the canyon. We hiked to beautiful locations along the canyon. This was a trip of a lifetim.
Written October 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks charliebreeding838 for rafting with us on your 226 mile journey through the Grand Canyon! We are very pleased you enjoyed your your guides and the hikes on your trip of a lifetime on your 15 day Classic Adventure. Thanks for your review!
Written October 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fritsl B
tennessee4 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
This company is rad. We joined a 14 day row trip charter and added on duckies (inflatable kayaks). The operation and communications are totally dialed in. We felt completely prepared and like we knew exactly what to expect. The respect for Grand Canyon and the institutions and tribes that are part of its ecosystem really earned our respect, which deepened as we heard the guides describe how much they appreciate working with AzRA. As you’d expect, that appreciation means that the guides are amazing - skilled, personable, knowledgeable and willing to share how and why Grand Canyon is so special to them. The food was incredible, the rafting and rowing and paddling and hiking were incredible. I just cannot say enough good things. We hope to be back!!
Written July 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Fritsl B for taking the time to review your groups chartered 14 day Grand Canyon Classic rafting adventure with us! We are so glad you enjoyed all the aspects of your expedition! We hope to see you back soon too! Adventure awaits!
Written July 30, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Whitney N
2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
AZRA organization is super organized, well trained wonderful guides - ALL of them, and wonderful food.
{I came on this trip very last minute (24 hours due to someone else unable to). I highly recommend going with at least one other person you know well. (Nothing to do with the organization - just a personal tip for those thinking going solo. If you love to raft, than go for it or if you are an extrovert). I went with 6 other couples I didn’t know. }
The attention to detail for gluten free was a relief. They are able to accommodate different food situations and did so with respect and openness.
I can’t say enough for our Team leader, Matt and the entire crew, including volunteers.
Thank you all!!
Whitney
{I came on this trip very last minute (24 hours due to someone else unable to). I highly recommend going with at least one other person you know well. (Nothing to do with the organization - just a personal tip for those thinking going solo. If you love to raft, than go for it or if you are an extrovert). I went with 6 other couples I didn’t know. }
The attention to detail for gluten free was a relief. They are able to accommodate different food situations and did so with respect and openness.
I can’t say enough for our Team leader, Matt and the entire crew, including volunteers.
Thank you all!!
Whitney
Written July 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Whitney N. Thanks for reviewing your experience with AzRA on your rafting adventure and your tips about solo travel on the river. We are glad you were satisfied with the accommodations made to our meals for a gluten free diet. We are happy you had a wonderful trip and enjoyed your guides and food!
Written July 12, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Humphrey M
Ireland4 contributions
Aug 2022
They got this. The organisation, subtle details, the logistics, the food, the friendliness of the staff, the pre-trip advice, the food, the knowledge of the trip staff, did I mention the food and staff? I have been on countless trips and expeditions and it is easy to spot early in the process when an organisation is limping along or seriously on top of things. AZRA is ahead of the game.
I was on 14 day kayaking trip with AZRA raft support they were excellent. The regular and well spaced pre trip advice the online group page, the blue and white bags and the all important burlap sacks, the pre departure meeting, bus loading, trip stops traveling to the river, everything waiting for you to connect with at Lees Ferry, the spacing of information over the first few days so that you are not overloaded, the excellent menu and classy preparation, the kitchen and cleanliness systems, the individual rock and wave knowledge of every rapid and side canyon, the geological, ecological and cultural knowledge of everywhere, the flexibility and responsiveness of decision making, the reminders to be there and connect with the place and people, the relaxed nature of evenings and mornings, the line for loading and unloading rafts, the sleeping bags, liners, floor sheets, tents, free insulated mug, advice about bringing a sarong, the free pee bottle and the excellent packed lunch when we arrived at the end point. I could go on but why not just go yourself.
I was on 14 day kayaking trip with AZRA raft support they were excellent. The regular and well spaced pre trip advice the online group page, the blue and white bags and the all important burlap sacks, the pre departure meeting, bus loading, trip stops traveling to the river, everything waiting for you to connect with at Lees Ferry, the spacing of information over the first few days so that you are not overloaded, the excellent menu and classy preparation, the kitchen and cleanliness systems, the individual rock and wave knowledge of every rapid and side canyon, the geological, ecological and cultural knowledge of everywhere, the flexibility and responsiveness of decision making, the reminders to be there and connect with the place and people, the relaxed nature of evenings and mornings, the line for loading and unloading rafts, the sleeping bags, liners, floor sheets, tents, free insulated mug, advice about bringing a sarong, the free pee bottle and the excellent packed lunch when we arrived at the end point. I could go on but why not just go yourself.
Written October 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you 682humphreym for your extensive review of your adventure with us this late August! We appreciate you noticing the effort and detail our staff goes to into creating a successful and organized expedition. Thanks for the kind words we are happy to hear you had a grand trip!
Written October 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John C
7 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
I had one of the most positive experiences with this company that I've ever had in my life. From beginning to end, everything was perfect. The preparation that they gave us in terms of providing information about what to expect and how to prepare for the trip was thorough, the meeting and brief training the night before was also excellent. Once we got on the river, the guides were absolutely amazing. Each of them was a perfect host. You're on a raft with a guide for six to eight hours each day, and they have to entertain, educated, and converse, and they were all outstanding. Each of them had such a deep knowledge of the river and its history, and a real love and reverence of the place that I always felt like I was in good hands. Truly, these people did such a great job. They cooked us amazing food every day, they took us over some really serious rapids, and they instilled us with a real love and respect for the Canyon. To the guides: Joy, John O, Seneca, Tyler, Garth and Jerry, I thank you from the bottom of the heart for an amazing experience.
If you're going to raft the Grand Canyon, definitely go with AZRA.
If you're going to raft the Grand Canyon, definitely go with AZRA.
Written September 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow Z7919WOjohnc thanks for your amazing review of your Classic Adventure trip. We are very happy you found AzRA prepared you well from beginning to end of trip and that you found your guides and AzRA staff to be excellent! Thanks for taking time to post a review for others and for sharing some great photos!
Written September 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wondering how noisy the motors are in the quiet stretches of the river. Thanks!
Written June 18, 2021
Hi there D_Otter50, sorry for the late reply we dont check TA that regularly. AzRA uses environmentally friendly quiet technology 4 stroke 30 HP outboards. They burn cleaner and are much quieter than the old 2 stroke outboard motors. You can speak and hear normal tones of voice when the motor is running. It is also in the back of the boat with raft rubber around the motor so the sound is really dampened at the normal low RPM they are run at most of the time. Occasionally they may be reved up to pass another group or say in a rapid, but rapids are louder than the motor. Most folks find them pleasantly quieter than they had expected.
Written October 13, 2021
Hello, We run rafting expeditions in the Grand Canyon National Park, any trip in the park is a mulit-day expedition. Our rafting adventures are 6-16 days long. You can not do a short trip of less than 4 days in the GCNP You can raft on the Colorado River on a one day trip up near Page AZ or the other direction towards Vegas, call Rivers and Oceans for details.
Written June 21, 2019
I will be in the flagstaff area around the 13/14/15 of August 2018 , does ARA do one day whitewater rafting trips?
Thank you
Written July 19, 2018
HI there, Sorry we are sold out of Grand Canyon expeditions this year.
Written July 19, 2018
We would like to do 2 or 3 hour river trip near Flag staff. We are in our 60s and we'll have our granddaughter also. Could you recommend a business. We will be in FlagstaffArizona may. 26-31. Mary Morris-Taylor
Written April 12, 2018
HI Mary, We run rafting expeditions in the Grand Canyon National Park, any trip in the park is a mulit day expedition. Our rafting adventures are 6-16 days long. You can not do a short trip of less than 4 days in the GCNP You can raft a FULL day up near Page AZ or the other direction towards Vegas, call Rivers and Oceans for details.
Written April 13, 2018
what month is the best time to go? I don't want to go in 100 degree heat. but want to feel I can swim and not be cold going through rapids.
Written January 18, 2017
Hello outdoortravelfun,
The only months that you will probably not see 100 degree heat in the commercial rafting season are April and Oct. You will probably have some of those temps even in May and Sept, and for sure will June-July. Rafting the river is still very doable even in the hottest months as the river is very cold, so the rafting portion is fun in that heat, in that it is more fun to be splashed. With cooler temps you may not look forward to getting wet in rapids much. Whatever time you go, it is a great trip hot or cold. So right now for 2017, the problem will be finding an expedition, as AzRA and most other outfitter are almost completely full. 2018 is getting full as well. You should contact AzRA for more information as to availability.
Written January 18, 2017
I'm registered for an All Paddle trip next may - have signed up for the entire river but I have to shorten it - I'm not sure what trip you did, but would you have a recommendation of upper versus lower?
Written November 5, 2016
Hi Ajbreault, You have gotten some very good responses to your question here on TA, the posters are all correct, it is very hard to pick a half and there may me various reasons to pick one over another. Going the whole way is always best if you can do it, because you miss nothing that way! Please contact AzRA directly 800 786 7238 or email for help determining which half might be best for you?
Written November 7, 2016
Hi Dixie880, Thanks for asking, AzRA is almost completely booked for 2016, we have 3 spaces on a July 12 motor adventure and 1 space on each of our paddle trip in July and August. It is always worth contacting us to be added to a wait list for any dates that might open up, as cancellations do occur regularly. Be aware that 2017 is getting full as well, so if you want to go down the river it is best to book soon. Thanks for your interest!
Written April 15, 2016
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