FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Listed below are answers to many of the frequently asked questions we receive. We encourage you to go through them, as you are likely to find answers to questions you didn’t even know you had.
The first set of links takes you directly to our outfitter, Arizona River Runners, who can best inform you of various trip logistics questions.
The dropdown list below that addresses questions unique to our Canyon Ministries trips.
And of course, if your question is not answered here, please feel free to contact us or Arizona River Runners for more information.
Does Canyon Ministries run non-motorized trips?
To do the amount of teaching we do, it is not practical to run either oar or paddle trips. Additionally, oar and paddle trips move about half the speed of a motorized trip, so the trips are normally 14 to 16 days. Most of the people who run the Colorado through the Grand Canyon do so on motorized rafts.
How, when, and where do I make my payment?
For trip reservations, fees are paid online directly to the outfitter, Arizona River Runners. The deposit is payable at the time of reservation, with the remainder due 120 days before the trip.
When and where do I meet the trip?
The times and locations listed below are for our “normal” trips. If you are on a charter or other special “by invitation only” trip (i.e. a Christian Leaders or Focus on the Family trip) please review your information packet for the trip itinerary. No matter which trip you are on, please allow ample time in your travel plans so that if difficulties should occur, you will still be on time.
4 day lower river trips:
We recommend you arrive in Las Vegas the night prior to the trip. We will meet in the lobby of the designated hotel at 9:45 a.m. The designated hotel will be announced by the rafting company around the first of the year. (Note, meeting at the hotel is the only option for these trips due to the remoteness of the Bar-10 Ranch.) At the end of the trip, you have the option to be dropped off at the airport or any of the hotels in the Las Vegas “strip” area. We suggest you make return flight reservations after 6:30 p.m. Booking information will be in your trip packet. Luggage storage is available while on the river for a nominal fee. Vehicles may be parked during your absence with the hotel’s permission.
7-9 day upper river trips:
Marble Canyon option: The trip will meet at Marble Canyon, AZ (about 2 1/2 hours north of Flagstaff, AZ, an hour south of Page, AZ and 6 hours east of Las Vegas, NV). We recommend you arrive in Marble Canyon the night prior to the trip and stay at the Marble Canyon Lodge (800 726-1789). Bookings typically do not open until the first of the year. We will meet on the first morning of the trip. Time and location can be found in your trip packet. There is ample parking at the lodge for your vehicle; ask the registration clerk where to park. You will be flown back to Marble Canyon around lunchtime on the last day.
Las Vegas option: You may choose the optional flight (at an additional cost) from Las Vegas to Marble Canyon. A bus will meet you early in the morning of the trip launch at the designated hotel. On the last day of the trip, you will be flown back to Boulder City Airport and bused to the McCarran International Airport or hotel. We suggest you make return flight reservations after 2:30 p.m. Booking information will be in your trip packet. Luggage storage is available while on the river for a nominal fee. Vehicles may be parked for the week with the hotel’s permission.
How do I get to Marble Canyon?
There is an optional flight available from Las Vegas to Marble Canyon early on the first day of the trip. You will be able to add this flight to your trip during the registration process.
Shuttle services can at times be more economical than flights, especially if you are a group of 4 or more. Listed below are companies that provide shuttle services to Marble Canyon.
Las Vegas, NV to Marble Canyon, AZ:
Bar 10 Transportation – 435-628-4010
Aztec Shuttle – 800-582-4139
Page, AZ to Marble Canyon, AZ:
End of Trails Shuttle – 928-355-2252
Flagstaff, AZ to Marble Canyon, AZ:
What about modesty?
As a Christian community, we want to ensure that none of us are stumbling blocks to others. 1 Corinthians 8:9 says, “But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.” This is especially true in the area of dress. Most people wear bathing suits and/or shorts and a T-shirt on the river. As we all know, these come in varying degrees of exposure. As you pack for the trip, please keep this in mind. For ladies, a comfortable 2-piece will be easier for you than a one-piece bathing suit when it comes to changing and bathroom use.
What about alcohol?
Canyon Ministries does not prohibit passengers from bringing their own alcohol, but we do not want to create a stumbling block for anyone. Should you choose to bring alcohol, you may not drink while on the river or during the day until in camp, and we request you imbibe only in the privacy of your own camp in case there are other passengers who are offended by it.
What about tipping our guides?
You will find that the river trip crew from Arizona River Runners works hard to make sure you have an enjoyable and safe trip. Oftentimes guests don’t realize the amount of work these guys do! Typically it is customary to tip the crew 8% – 10% of the cost of the trip. At the end of the trip, please give it to the lead boatman, who divides it among the ARR crew. Cash is preferred, but checks will work as well.
Still have questions?
We’re here to help!
