I just booked a father and daughter on one of GCW's raft trips. I was really excited about reserving a trip for them. It reminded me of the first time I ventured through the Grand Canyon on a Colorado River Trip. It was just me and my dad; I loved it. After that, we were able to go on several whitewater vacations as a father daughter team. Regardless of what point I was at in my life, a rafting trip was always a place where my dad and I had a chance to connect with each other and with the peaceful nature of the Grand Canyon.

The first trip we did together, I was 7 years old. Mornings came a little too early, my dad would pack all my stuff up and only wake me when he was ready to pack my sleeping bag and then the smell of maple syrup, pancakes and bacon would help entice me out of bed. The rapids were so much fun, I felt safe because my dad was there, and I would ride right up front on the raft with him next to me.

Over the years, the Grand Canyon rafting trip began to be “our” vacation we tried to do every year. One year, we were even able to get two of my 12-year old girlfriends and their dads to join us for a hike-in rafting tour. The hike was a definite accomplishment for all of us together. As I grew up, nightly chats while sitting by the river in the evening became so important to us.

Colorado river trips have a way of bringing people together. Grand Canyon is one of the best family vacation destinations. You will always be grateful for the adventure you shared and the way your family connected on a Grand Canyon white water rafting trip.