After waiting for 14 years on the old "get in line" permit application process, I was fortunate to get a permit for a 2008 launch down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. This expedition was shared amongst 7 other mates, and it still is one of the biggest highlights of my life. The whitewater was excellent, and at times quite scary, especially going through a flooded Lava Falls section! However the highlight of the trip was simply being there. The silence, solitude, and feeling very insignificant all made for a very memorable trip. Our group was solid and the food was exceptional. We used Canyon REO for our additional equipment, shuttle, and food services. By far, the key highlight of my paddling career. Fortunately now, the NPS has revamped the permit application process into a weighted lottery system in attempts to streamline the application process as well as to rid the system of the stragglers who tie up launches and never follow through with their intentions...which bogs the system. They have also increased the amount of launches per year as well. So what is a weighted lottery system?
Well in a nutshell, in your first year you will get a single draw, and each subsequent year thereafter up to 5 years, you will receive an additional draw. So, by year 5, and there after you will have 5 chances of getting a draw. That's the short and sweet of it. There are plenty of other questions which can be asked, so reference the NPS FAQ page, to learn more about what it is all about.How do I sign up?
Well, click here to go to the NPS secure profile / login page. Here you will need to make a profile (see picture below). Once you have created your profile, you will be sent an e-mail by the NPS granting you a password (which you can change later). Once you log in, you can change your profile, and access the process of purchasing a permit application, just like you would for any other form of online banking. You will be able to select 5 potential dates for when you would like to go. Once you have paid the $25 application fee, you are entered in for the draw. It is really that easy. Cancellation dates are made available during the draw year, however it does give you limited time to plan for such a trip. Good Luck!
