The Grand Canyon has everything for all types of folks: very popular for couples, friends, solo travelers and especially families. Often coined as an adventure of a lifetime, there is much to gain from a Grand Canyon family vacation. Being away from technology for days at a time is a very liberating experience. Additionally, it is not uncommon for larger groups to come together and experience the Grand Canyon as a way to boost camaraderie and teamwork among other things. But for the family, rafting benefits are endless. Families who visit the Grand Canyon for a whitewater river rafting trip say that the experience is incredibly beneficial and almost difficult to explain. Among other things, this experience strengthens family ties, brings them closer together, develops trust and opens the mind. This results in memory etching vacation that is arguably impossible to be reproduced elsewhere.
I remember a story a guide shared with me. There was a family made up of 3 generations, Grandparents, their kids, and grandkids. The first 2 days of their 7-day raft trip the guide noticed that the young grandchildren ages 10, 12 and 14 were moody and complaining that they felt isolated and unhappy about being away from their comforts: iPods, iPhones and video games. Each day that followed, the guide noticed something magical happening: there was a sort of transformation happening as the children’s mood was changing. They were smiling more, becoming more active and engaged with their family and getting to know their grandparents in a way they never had before. By the end of their trip, the guide noticed the children crying because they would have to be separated from their grandparents with whom they became very close on this amazing adventure. This was a special experience that the guide mentioned happens all the time while in the canyon.
It is recommended to avoid hiking in the early to late afternoon during the summertime as the temperatures can reach and exceed 115 degrees. This hike should be attempted only by those who are physically fit and hiking up and down during the same day or close to 20 miles is not recommended.
Each day while rafting through the Grand Canyon you will enjoy deliciously prepared meals by your talented guides giving you plenty of nutrition and energy for an action packed day to remember. You will navigate through multiple rapids making your way down river to the next stop or attraction which will often include a nice hike in order to get there. Side canyon hikes can be as short as 5 minutes, or as long as up to an hour depending on the location of the attraction. While on the raft and in between rapids, you will get to enjoy each other’s company and meet others on your raft that you will get to know. It is recommended that you introduce yourself to your fellow travel mates as soon as possible. This helps form a bond and unity among your group and will help make your trip more memorable and enjoyable. While completely unconnected from the world, rest assured that your guides will be carrying satellite phones. In the case of an emergency, the trip leader can make a call for help and anyone needing special attention can be helicopter rescued.
Special Clients Need Special Care Because families going on whitewater river rafting trips are often composed of adult parents, grandparents, and younger children. The varied age can become challenging when trying to satisfy every generation's needs. At Advantage Grand Canyon, we are specialists and know the itineraries of each and every outfitter that offers whitewater rafting trips. We can often find availability to satisfy everyone's preferences/needs.
On the other hand, finding a Grand Canyon raft trip is about taking into consideration your designated travel window, route and raft preferences as well as any special needs. Safety comes first, as often times there are elderly in their 70's as well as children as young as 8 years old on these Colorado river trips. For children (8-10 years old) with a short temperament, we recommend shorter duration western canyon river trips as the trips do not require any strenuous hiking via the Bright Angel Trail. For children 12 and above, they can partake in most non-motor oar raft trips which are longer in length and can last between 5-18 days in length. Taking your family to enjoy the sights, sounds and rapids of the Grand Canyon is one sure way to strengthen the family bond. Whitewater river rafting trips with your family and loved ones will be an unparalleled experience, and finding the right trip is something that we at Advantage Grand Canyon are experts at doing.
