LotteryRiver AccessVery High Demand

Colorado River (Grand Canyon)

The ultimate river trip—225 miles through the heart of the Grand Canyon, past billion-year-old rock, world-class rapids, and hidden waterfalls only accessible by river.

“Raft through nearly two billion years of Earth's history, past 47 major rapids, hidden waterfalls, and ancient civilizations—accessible only by river.”

Get Availability Alerts

Be notified instantly when GC Rafting permits become available due to cancellations.

Join 2,000+ permit hunters using PermitSnag

Get Availability Alerts

Be notified instantly when GC Rafting permits become available.

Demand

Extremely High

10/10

Method

Lottery

Cost

$90/person + Hualapai permit fees

GC Rafting Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes

Booking MethodLottery

Demand LevelExtremely High10/10

Cost$90/person + Hualapai permit fees

Max Group Size16 people

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeRiver Access

Booking MethodLottery

Demand Level10/10

LocationWSR

What to Expect

Route Details

Distance

225 miles

Route Type

Point to Point

Duration

12-25 days

Difficulty

Expert

Elevation Range

1,320 - 3,100 ft

Highlights

•225 miles over 12-25 days through the world's most famous canyon
•47 major rapids rated on the Grand Canyon 1-10 scale (roughly equivalent to Class III-V)
•Side canyon hikes to waterfalls, ruins, and hidden swimming holes
•Complete wilderness—no resupply after Phantom Ranch (mile 87)
•Extreme temperature variations—100°F+ days, cold nights
•Must be fully self-supported—no hiring guides for private permits

Best Time to Visit

May-June and September-October offer best balance of weather and water conditions. Summer is hottest but has longest days. Winter (November-February) allows longer trips but requires cold-weather preparation.

Hazards & Considerations

!Class IV-V whitewater including Lava Falls, rated among most powerful in North America
!Extreme heat in summer—heat exhaustion common
!Flash floods in side canyons during monsoon season
!Remote location—helicopter extraction only in emergencies
!Cold water shock—river is dam-released and stays ~50°F year-round

How to Get This Permit

Create a Recreation.gov account

If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations

Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.

Set up PermitSnag alerts

Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

Apply at Recreation.gov

When to Go

Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall

Conditions

Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.

Crowd Level

Moderate

Advantages

+Longest days
+Warmest temperatures
+Reliable trail conditions

Challenges

!Peak demand for permits
!Book accommodations early
!Weather varies

Difficulty Assessment

Physical Demand3/5

Fitness and endurance required

Technical Skill5/5

Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills

Exposure Risk5/5

Steep dropoffs and fall potential

Navigation2/5

Route finding and trail clarity

Commitment5/5

Difficulty of bailing out mid-route

Best For

Experienced whitewater rafters/kayakers with multi-week expedition experience.

Recommended Experience

Should have extensive Class IV whitewater experience and multi-day river expedition skills. Self-support expertise essential.

Not Recommended For

First-time river runners or those without significant Class IV experience.

About This Permit

The Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is a 225-mile wilderness rafting expedition from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek, passing through nearly two billion years of geological history. The river features 47 major rapids, including world-famous Crystal and Lava Falls, plus side canyons with waterfalls and ancient ruins accessible only by river.

Private (non-commercial) permits are distributed via weighted lottery in February for the following year. Most trips take 12-16 days in summer or up to 25 days in winter.

The Experience

Why It Matters

The Grand Canyon river trip is considered by many to be the world's finest wilderness rafting experience. The 225-mile journey from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek is a pilgrimage through geological time—each passing layer exposing older and older rock until you're floating through formations nearly half as old as the Earth itself. It's a trip that changes people.

The Route

The journey begins at Lees Ferry, below Glen Canyon Dam. The first days introduce the canyon's rhythm: flat water, side hikes, rapids that build in intensity. By mile 33, Redwall Cavern opens—a natural amphitheater carved by ancient floods.

The Little Colorado junction at mile 61 brings the first splash of turquoise—when conditions are right, the tributary glows an almost unnatural blue against the brown Colorado. From here, the canyon deepens dramatically.

Crystal Rapid at mile 98 marks the transition to the inner gorge. Havasu Creek at mile 157 offers the trip's most famous side canyon—turquoise pools and travertine waterfalls accessible only by river. Then comes Lava Falls at mile 179, the river's final and most formidable challenge.

The final stretch to Diamond Creek at mile 225 passes through Hualapai tribal land, where the canyon slowly opens and the journey ends.

The Feeling

By day three, the rim is invisible. You're at the bottom of a world that existed before complex life, floating through the Vishnu Basement Rocks that formed 1.8 billion years ago. Lava Falls approaches and your stomach tightens—the biggest rapid on the river, a thundering maelstrom that demands respect. Then come the side canyons: Havasu Creek's turquoise waterfalls, Deer Creek's 180-foot veil of water, the massive cavern of Redwall that could hold thousands. By the time you climb out at Diamond Creek, you've lived an entire geological era.

Rules & Regulations

•Private permit required via weighted lottery (February for following year)
•Maximum group size: 16 people for standard trips, 8 for small group permits
•Summer trips (May-August): maximum 16 days for non-motorized boats
•Winter trips (November-February): maximum 25 days
•All human waste must be carried out
•Hualapai tribal permit required for Diamond Creek take-out (additional fee)
•No hiring professional guides for private permits

Gear Checklist

Required

Rafts/kayaks rated for Class IV-V whitewater
Human waste carry-out system
Fire pan and ash container
Sufficient food and water for entire trip (no resupply after mile 87)
First aid kit with emergency supplies
Repair equipment for boats

Key Landmarks

Lottery Statistics

Competitive

estimated success rate

Get detailed lottery statistics and tips in the PermitSnag app.

Want to see your odds?Get the app →

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for GC Rafting.

Want to access emergency info offline?Get the app →

🐻

Food Storage

Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.

Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →

GC Rafting FAQ

How do I get a GC Rafting permit?

GC Rafting permits are obtained through a lottery system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.

When is the best time to visit GC Rafting?

Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the GC Rafting permit?

This permit has a demand score of 10/10, making it extremely competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.

What if I can't get a GC Rafting permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

Photography Guide

Golden Hour

Sunset light on the inner canyon walls creates dramatic orange and red tones. Havasu Creek photographs best in midday when sunlight illuminates the turquoise water.

Best Light

Canyon light varies dramatically by section and time. Inner gorge needs midday sun to reach the bottom. Side canyons often photograph best when partially shaded.

Beat the Crowds

The permit system limits private launches. Winter trips (November-February) offer more solitude and 25-day trip options but colder conditions.

Classic Shots

📍Havasu Creek's turquoise waterfalls
📍Rafts running Lava Falls
📍Redwall Cavern's massive opening
📍Deer Creek Falls plunging to the river
📍Inner gorge Vishnu Schist formations
📍Little Colorado confluence (turquoise conditions)

Can't Get a GC Rafting Permit?

Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.

Commercial River Trip

Easier Alternative

Outfitters hold separate permit allocations. Book directly with licensed operators.

No permit needed

Tradeoffs

No lottery—just book and pay. Professional guides handle all logistics. Significant cost ($4,000-8,000+).

Diamond Creek to Pearce Ferry

Same Area

Lower Grand Canyon section (52 miles) with separate, easier-to-obtain permit system.

Permit required

Tradeoffs

Shorter trip, less competitive permits. Misses the classic upper canyon but still spectacular.

Desolation/Gray Canyons

Similar Experience

84-mile Green River trip through Utah canyon country with more accessible permit lottery.

Permit required

Tradeoffs

Different character but similar multi-day wilderness river experience. Much easier permits.

Other Colorado Rivers Permits

Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list

Lottery6/10

Lower GC

52-mile Lower Grand Canyon river trip from Diamond Creek to Pearce Ferry. Separa...

Lottery7/10

Desolation

Green River through Utah. 84 miles....

Lottery7/10

Gates of Lodore

Through Dinosaur National Monument....

Lottery8/10

Yampa

Last free-flowing river in Colorado system....

Reservation6/10

San Juan

Utah desert river through Monument Valley area....

Lottery8/10

Rogue

Oregon's premier wilderness river with lodges and rapids....