re: Rafting the Colorado River

I've done Lee's Ferry to Diamond Creek several times on a self-guided trip. We averaged 16 days depending upon flow rate. Its truly a one of a kind experience from the Glen Canyon Dam ~215 miles though the heart of the Grand Canyon. Unparalleled beauty with some Class V waters thrown in.

Before 2006 they had the wait list for permits that was in excess of 25 years, but you could pick up permits from NPS if someone on the wait list didn't or couldn't use theirs. Now they have a weighted lottery that works differently but everyone says its better. I've not tried it.


If you want to do a self guided trip (IMO the only way to get the true canyon experience), I'd recommend trying to find someone whose done it before to be the trip leader. Some of the commercial operations can help get you started. There are a lot of moving parts like filing a float plan with NPS, knowing designated campsites and your ability to time your float to make your planned campsite. There is also the take-out at Diamond Creek which is located on the Hualipi reservation. You have to have permission from the tribal counsel to enter and access the river. Usually in the form of a fee. Also shuttling vehicles from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek can be fun too. Planning meals is a challenge since there are no ice machines on the river. We used dry ice to keep food frozen longer but by day 12 you're usually eating things from boxes or cans only.

They have guided trips also on non-motor rafts or dorys which are a great option. You still get the quiet beauty of the canyon with a small group (not 40 people you don't know crammed onto a motor raft). The upside is the guide service will know the river and handle the logistics. You get to sit back and enjoy the trip. If you're a first timer or haven't done expedition type river trips, a semi guided trip is the way to go.

Either way, if you have the opportunity, its something you'll be glad you did.