A Mother-son Journey Through the Grand Canyon

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Patricia M. - North Carolina, United States | June 23, 2025

My phone rang. It was my 26-year-old son. “Mom, I’m thinking of going white water rafting in the Grand Canyon. Would you be interested in coming with me? I didn’t hesitate. I would’ve gone to the ends of the earth for the chance to spend a week—completely off the grid—with him. Those moments are rare as your kids grow up and life gets busy. So, yes.

And so it began.

From the first call to Western Expeditions, I was filled with questions: Am I too old? Will I be fit enough? Do I need to know how to camp? They were warm, welcoming, and wonderfully informative. They didn’t just answer my questions—they sparked excitement. Before I knew it, we were booked for a 7-day rafting trip down the Colorado River.

What followed was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The river was exhilarating. The rapids were everything you’d expect and more—thrilling, heart-pounding, unforgettable. And yes, I sat at the front of the raft (and was ridiculously proud of myself for it).

But it wasn’t just about the water.

It was the camping—something I’d never thought I’d enjoy—and the surprisingly gourmet meals served in the middle of nowhere. It was the cold, quiet mornings on the river, the awe-inspiring hikes through canyons, and the warm camaraderie among strangers who quickly became friends.

The “swampers” (our crew) were reassuring, kind, and full of heart. The trip leaders were experts who made us feel safe while giving us the gift of total immersion in nature and the incredible history of the Grand Canyon—those adventurers of yesterday who made it all possible today.

And the stars! No screens. No schedules. The real-time sound of the river and a sky that stretched forever.

But more than anything, it was about time with my son. Shared adventure. Quiet moments. Laughter. Connection.

I’ll never forget it.

If you’re even thinking about doing a Grand Canyon rafting trip, do it. And only do it with Western Expeditions. I came into it with doubts—about camping, about keeping up, about what it would be like. I left with memories I’ll carry forever.