Arizona River Runners (ARR) recently added an early season, oar powered "Hiker’s Special" to their 2012 schedule of Grand Canyon rafting trips. The river outfitter’s April Colorado River trips provide excellent conditions for hiking, with average day-time high temperatures in the mid-80s and night-time lows in the mid-50s. These trips are offered at special early season pricing.

ARR will be offering this new 15-day oar powered journey covering 225 miles of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon from April 12-26, 2012. This longer trip offers more time each day to experience the variety of side canyon hikes throughout the Canyon, where hikers can reach stunning waterfalls, unmatched Grand Canyon views, ancient petro glyphs and the site of Anasazi granaries.

This "Hiker’s Special" has two additional trip options. The upper Canyon 7-day oar powered rafting trip covers 87 river miles, has a required 7.5 mile hike out of the Canyon on Bright Angel Trail from Phantom Ranch, and is scheduled for April 12-18, 2012. The lower Canyon 9-day oar powered river trip begins with a required 7.5 mile hike into the Canyon from the South Rim and travels 135 river miles through the inner gorge ending at Diamond Creek. The dates are April 18-26, 2012 with optional pre and post-trip transportation available from, and back to, Las Vegas.

Bruce Winter, co-owner of ARR, says, "After the great success we have had the last two years with our April motorized "Hiker’s Specials" we decided to offer the oar powered whitewater trip for 2012 as well. Many guests request more time for longer hikes and this is a great time to also enjoy the added beauty of the spring bloom and the cooler temperatures."

An Authorized Concessionaire of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona River Runners has been leading Grand Canyon rafting excursions on the Colorado River since 1970, and is one of the most innovative, progressive and well-respected outfitters operating in the Grand Canyon. ARR operates customized, state of the art rafts and all whitewater trips are all-inclusive; all food, camping and day gear required for trip participants are included.

For more information on these and other available Grand Canyon white water rafting trips, please visit Arizona River Runners online or call 1-800-477-7238.