In just over one week, Joe and I are embarking on our greatest adventure yet- 24 days rafting down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon with our 14 best friends. The trip will be filled with whitewater, hiking, camping, and lots of laughing. Since we aren't running our trip through a rafting company we need to do a lot more prep work in advance. From permits to gear, safety measures to getting in shape, a successful self-guided rafting trip down the Colorado River involves thorough attention to detail. Here's how we prepared for the trip.
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Securing Your Permit
One of the first and most important steps for any trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is obtaining the necessary permits. The Grand Canyon section of the Colorado River is regulated by the National Park Service (NPS), and self-guided trips are awarded through a lottery system. Here’s what you need to know:
Application Process: The lottery for permits generally opens one year in advance. It’s essential to apply early as demand is high, especially for prime seasons (spring and fall).
Permit Fees: There is a non-refundable lottery application fee, and if you win a permit, you will be responsible for additional costs based on the size of your group and the length of your trip.
Group Size: Most self-guided rafting permits allow groups of 8 to 16 people. Choose your crew wisely—rafting for a month with the wrong group can be challenging!
Leave No Trace: The NPS follows strict environmental guidelines, and all permit holders are required to adhere to “Leave No Trace” principles. Be prepared to carry out all waste and leave the canyon pristine.
Deciding What to Wear
Summer in the Grand Canyon sees scorching 100+ degree temperatures and winter will see freezing weather and snow. So depending when your permit is for will make a big difference in what you bring. However, no matter what time of the year you go, temperatures can vary significantly from day to night. You need to balance bringing a variety of clothing for all weather you may encounter and packing light weight.
On the water, it's important to bring moisture-wicking long sleeve clothing (for sun protection), a wide brimmed hat, water shoes with a strap and rain gear. Although it's the desert and doesn't rain a lot, the rain gear is for on days where there will be whitewater (which is a lot!). The Colorado River is ALWAYS cold so water repelling outer layers is important. A dry suit is ideal but these are pricey. On the river you will also want to bring a small dry bag for daily items (sunscreen, camera, snacks, electrolytes) and a water bottle with a carabiner.
At camp, it still may be warm before the sun sets but when it gets dark it will get cold so bringing layers to adjust your temperature as needed is important. In the winter months you can expect freezing temperatures so dress accordingly.
See below for my full packing list including my detailed clothing list.
What to Bring
Below is my full packing list. Something to note, every group will divvy up group gear so you may look at my list and see "inverter" but not car battery and that's because someone else is in charge of bringing the battery. Adjust your packing list as needed. It's important to have regular group meetings and discuss group gear. Gear such as rafts, oars, dry bags etc. can all be rented from an outfitter. We went with Pro River Outfitters.
Download the list here:
Getting in Shape
Rowing an oar frame raft takes a lot of upper body strength. Two months ahead of the trip I started training. I've attached my training plan below. In addition to these workouts 3-days a week I kept up with my regular exercises, particularly cardio.
Mental Training
I wanted to have a good idea of what to expect on the water and make sure I was being as environmentally conscious as I could be. Here are some of the resources I used to learn about the trip:
Safety
Safety is paramount on a self-guided trip down the Colorado River, where you’ll be far from immediate help. One essential tool is a satellite communication device like a Garmin inReach. This device allows you to send emergency signals and communicate with rescuers, even in the most remote sections of the canyon. Make sure to learn how to properly use it before your trip. Additionally, basic medical training can be a lifesaver. Consider taking a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course so you’re prepared to handle injuries, illness, or other medical emergencies that could arise on the river. Knowing how to manage situations like dehydration, sprains, or hypothermia in the field will help ensure a safer journey for you and your crew.
Meal Planning
Food really makes or breaks a trip and planning for 16 people for 24 days with no refrigeration is a big deal. To take the stress out of meal planning we hired Pro Outfitters. After sending in our dietary and food preferences they sent us a menu a month ahead of the trip for us to look over. Our dinners ranged from lamb chops to fish tacos with hearty breakfasts and lunches and snacks. They not only do the meal planning but they also do the shopping, freezing, packing, and they'll help load our boats on launch day too! It's worth spending the money!
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