River Trips and Permits

A boatman rowing a blue inflatable raft through a brown, churning Colorado River rapid. Four passengers are in the boat, two in front, and two in back.
Whitewater rafting in Grand Canyon. NPS/Mark Lellouch

There are different river trip opportunities through Grand Canyon National Park.

1 Day Commercial River Trips - Half-day and full-day smooth water trips on the Colorado River.

2 to 5 Day Noncommercial River Trips - Noncommercial trips that launch from Diamond Creek and takeout at Lake Mead typically are 2 to 5 days in length. Permits for these whitewater trips are available to the public starting one year in advance and are distributed on a first-come first-served basis.

 

Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek River Trips (commercial and noncommercial) - Motorized and non-motorized whitewater rafting trips which launch from Lees Ferry and take-out at Diamond Creek vary greatly in length. Motor trips usually take a minimum of 7 days to reach Diamond Creek, but half trip options are available for those who wish to hike in or out at Phantom Ranch. Individuals can choose between commercial and noncommercial trips.

 
Looking down from a canyon wall at a muddy Colorado River with colorful vermilion cliffs on both sides of the narrow gorge.
Colorado River below Nankoweap Creek. (River Mile 53.3) NPS/M.Quinn
 

Additional river info can be found at the following webpages.

Last updated: November 5, 2020

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PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Phone:

928-638-7888

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