© Jim Ryder

© Jim Ryder

© Jim Ryder

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Rafting on Colorado River, Arizona

So you’ve decided to take Colorado River rafting trip. First you should consider whether you wish to travel with a commercial outfitter or on your own.

Non-Commercial River Permit

Obtaining a Non-Commercial River Permit through the Grand Canyon National Park can be obtained by calling toll free 1-800-959-9164 or outside the U.S. at 520-638-7843. FAX number is (520) 638-7844. You may also write to:

Grand Canyon River Permits Office
Grand Canyon National Park
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

For any additional information regarding the permit, the fees and the application, please visit the Grand Canyon Official web site.

Commercial concessioners

The following commercial operators are National Park Service concessioners that currently run river trips and/or offer boat and equipment rentals on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon. Most of them operate April through October.

Commercial whitewater trips through Grand Canyon begin at Lees Ferry (just 6 miles from Marble Canyon, Arizona) and vary from 3 days to 3 weeks in length. Some companies offer partial trips ending at, or starting from, Phantom Ranch, which is accessible only by trail from Grand Canyon Village or the North Rim. Partial trips are also available from other points along the river.

Food, portable sanitation facilities, some or all necessary camping equipment and guide services are provided by the river companies. Rates can vary from $700 to $3000 depending on trip length and transportation costs. Reduced family, children, group, and off-season rates are sometimes available. Most offer private charter trips in addition to their regularly scheduled trips, some offer trips for people with disabilities. Since the number of visitors on the Colorado River is limited, you must make reservations for these trips well in advance. The larger your group or more restricted your time period is, the more it pays to plan ahead.

Click here for a list of commercial tour groups.

Official park information:

http://www.nps.gov/grca/