7 Reasons Winter Makes Us Miss Grand Canyon Rafting

7 Reasons Winter Makes Us Miss Grand Canyon Rafting

The leaves fall and the temperatures drop and we’re already missing river season. Whether due to ice scraping, wearing sweaters, or just an addiction to summer-time warm weather, these winter months cause us to miss Grand Canyon white water greatly. Would you trade snow for sand and a sarong for a scarf?

See if any of the following reasons resonate with you and that wonderful nostalgia created for anyone that’s been rafting in the Grand Canyon!

1) When the weather starts to turn, it can be difficult to retire that favorite pair of Chacos or Tevas for the season. Just perfectly broken in from the summer months of adventure and holding memories of hiking in ancient side canyons. So when winter comes, it’s not hard to imagine why the “fashion faux pas” of pairing Chacos with socks is worth the risk. Full dedication results when toe socks are worn to accommodate that big toe strap without looking weird. Ben there, done that!

2) Ever come across your swimsuit in the dead of winter? Seeing the tropical colors and prints can bring a rush of nostalgic emotions about the times those swimsuits were worn. Remember that rafting trip where you practically lived in your favorite yellow polka dot bikini for an entire week?

3) Shoveling snow that gets everywhere makes us miss dusting sand off from basically everywhere. During winter months in super snowy locations, we bet you’d trade snow shoveling in your parka and snow boots for the heat and the sand of the Canyon. Or at least we do here in Flagstaff – we average +/-100 inches per year!

4) Climbing into that freezing cold car at 7a.m. can give an extreme rush of longing for the days of having to cover your skin before sitting down on the raft. The warm feelings of gratitude for the thoughtful guide that splashed water on the pontoon before sitting down make the freezing cold temperatures much more endurable. Think hot, feel hot.

5) Swirling that scarf around the neck to keep comfy and warm brings back wonderful sarong memories. Whether it be the thoughts of lounging on a sandy beach with the sarong as the towel or wrapping up for a bit of fancy dress, sarong > scarf.

6) Protecting the lips from getting chapped can be a year-round endeavor. Ever pulled out your lip balm and thought back to the copious amounts applied while on the river? Amazing how cold, dry wind can have the same effects as sun, sand, and heat of Grand Canyon.

7) Grilling in winter just isn’t nearly as tasty (if you’re brave enough to try!). Somehow standing under the overhang, tending to the grill, and being served a luscious salmon with mango salsa on the river just tastes … better. Those grill marks look and taste perfect in Grand Canyon. Darn you summer, come back already!

Grand Canyon river rafting really is the ultimate summer time vacation. Book one in 2025 and have warm memories to fend off the winter time blues for next year. Or check in on 12/10 after 12p.m. to see our 2026 dates. We hope to see you soon!