What do you look for when you are on the hunt for the perfect family vacation? For my family, we look for an escape that will deliver us rested, refreshed, happy, and full of stories to talk about long after we get home.
No matter what your family’s vacation goals are, someone has to find it, plan it, and book it. More often than not that person is … you guessed it, Mom! I’m not complaining that the job falls on my shoulders. I actually love it because I get to ensure the vacation is up to my standards. (If I were to leave it to my husband we’d be sleeping on the ground under the stars.)
For this summer’s vacation, adventure was on our radar and since I planned the trip, we vacationed in style with Echo Canyon River Expeditions.
How Echo Canyon Lives Up to Mom’s Vacation Standards
Cozy Accommodations
Of utmost importance is a comfy bed -- I am way over the days of sharing sleeping space with the kids -- so a place equipped with enough beds for all of us is key. The Royal Gorge Cabins at Echo Canyon go way beyond that with two spacious and super comfortable king-sized bedrooms and even include a pull-out couch in case you need the extra space. The cozy cabin ambiance is enhanced with the indoor-outdoor fireplace, a quiet porch with an amazing view, and a spa-style bathroom with fluffy white towels and luxury bath products.
The welcoming Royal Gorge Cabins
Entertainment for Everyone
Finding a vacation activity that will entertain the adventurous teen and pops, as well as thrill the younger sibling, all without scaring the pants off momma bear (who has natural worrywart tendencies), can be a tricky accomplishment. Echo Canyon River Expeditions has everything worked out. Their river trips are pre-planned to fit every family; from a nice and easy, gentle float to a heart-pounding experience through the Royal Gorge, and even a Bighorn Sheep Canyon trip that fits somewhere in the middle. The trained guides are experts at keeping everyone safe while adding pizzazz and humor along the way - note the huge grins in the pictures below. Everything is taken care of, from the safety, the fun, and even the food. Full day trips include a fancy lunch complete with steaks grilled riverside so guests can fuel up for the second half of the day. 
White water adventures with Echo Canyon River Expeditions
Home Cooked Meals - Not Cooked by Mom
The cabin has all that is needed to make a quick meal for the family, but why would you want to cook when you have 8 Mile Bar & Grill on site? The food selection is extensive, ranging from artisan burgers, fresh salads, and a kid-pleasing children’s menu. The fun and funky setting is the perfect hangout for the family, complete with outdoor games like cornhole, ladder ball, and a sandy volleyball court. Mom and dad can relax by the fire with a cocktail while the kids play together in the yard. It’s the perfect setting for quality family time.
Great food, gorgeous views, and fun times at 8 Mile Bar & Grill
Bonus Feature - Proof that Mom Was There
Along with vacation planner, mom often also carries the title of event photographer. If it weren’t for a few awkward “family selfies,” you may never know mom was a part of the family vacation. Echo Canyon takes care of the photographer role for you. When you return to the 8 Mile General Store after your raft trip, the large TV screens begin flashing with images of your entire group smiling and laughing throughout the trip. A tablet shows all the videos taken from on board the raft. These images are gold! I’d highly advise you purchase the thumb drive (comes inside an adorable mini raft) to help keep these memories alive for many years to come.
River raft thumb drive filled with memories
Take a look at all that Echo Canyon River Expeditions has to offer. We enjoyed our trip with our teens, but Echo Canyon caters to families of all ages. Groups with children as young as four years old can enjoy a family rafting trip. Depending on river flow, excursions begin around Memorial Day and run through Labor Day. Visit raftecho.com for details or talk to an expert by calling 800-755-3246.
My family was invited as guests to experience Echo Canyon River Expeditions for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.
