Before Grand Canyon Whitewater welcomed its first guests in 2011, Diamond River Adventures had spent decades introducing travelers to the Colorado River. Behind the company was the Diamond family, whose work connected life in Page, Arizona, with the growing tradition of commercial rafting in Grand Canyon.

Bill Diamond’s path to the river began with a camera. In 1958, he moved his family to Page to work as a photographer documenting construction of Glen Canyon Dam. His work brought him to the area, and the Colorado River gave him a reason to stay.

As commercial rafting grew, Bill partnered with the Sanderson family in 1967. In 1978, he established Diamond River Adventures as a separate company. Bill, his wife Patricia, known as Pat, and their children helped build and run the family business.

The family’s involvement extended from the office to the boats. Their daughter Leslie spent summers guiding in Grand Canyon while working year-round for Diamond River Adventures. A later tribute in Boatman’s Quarterly Review remembered her love of river life and the family’s longstanding place in the river-running community.

After Diamond’s final season in 2010, Grand Canyon Whitewater took over their contract and the 2011 season opened a new chapter under owners who already had decades of experience in Grand Canyon operating Arizona River Runners.

Some familiar faces came along for that first season. Diamond guides joined GCW, bringing their experience and knowledge of the canyon with them.

That connection is an important part of our story. We’re grateful to the Diamond family and the guides who helped build the company that came before us, and proud to continue sharing Grand Canyon from the river.

If you traveled with Diamond River Adventures, we’d love to hear your memories or see a favorite photo from your trip.