
Want To Run The River At The Grand Canyon In 2026? Apply Now!
The National Park Service (NPS) began accepting applications for noncommercial river trip permits to raft the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park on Saturday, February 1, 2025. These permits allow individuals to embark on self-guided river trips in 2026, with available launch dates assigned through a weighted lottery system.
A total of 450 permits will be issued for river trips lasting 12 to 25 days. Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older and have sufficient technical whitewater experience. Noncommercial river trips must be self-guided, ensuring that participants are responsible for their own safety and navigation through the canyon’s challenging rapids.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online at the weighted lottery website and will be accepted through noon Mountain Standard Time on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Each February, the NPS holds a main lottery to allocate launch dates for the following year’s river trips. Additional follow-up lotteries are conducted throughout the year to fill any canceled or unassigned launch slots, with notifications sent via email.
Interested individuals are encouraged to create or update an account on the weighted lottery website to receive notifications about available permits. Only one recreational river trip per person is allowed each year, whether commercial or noncommercial.
For those seeking a professionally guided river trip, permits are not required. Instead, they should contact a licensed commercial outfitter. A list of authorized river concessioners is available here.
Responsible Recreation
Rafting through the Grand Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it also comes with responsibilities. Participants must follow Leave No Trace principles, properly dispose of waste, and respect wildlife to preserve the canyon’s pristine environment. Due to the remote and rugged conditions, preparation and self-sufficiency are crucial for a safe journey.
For more information about the 2026 Main Lottery, visit the Grand Canyon National Park website, call the River Permits Office at 1-800-959-9164 or 928-638-7884, or email the park through this link.
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Gallery Credit: Stacker
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