GRAND CANYON — The National Park Service has begun accepting applications for non-commercial river travel permits to raft the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park, setting a specific start date within 2025.

A total of 482 permits will be available for river trips of 12 to 25 days. Eligible individuals can apply online at the Weighted Lottery website (https://gcariverpermits.nps.gov). Applications will be accepted online until February 26th at noon (MST).

The main draw is held in February each year to allocate departure dates for the following year's river excursion. Public announcements regarding this drawing will be made by both email and news release. In addition to the main lottery held each year, follow-up lotteries will be held as needed throughout the remainder of the year to reallocate canceled and/or unallocated release dates. Publication of these follow-up drawings will be made via email.

You can visit the Weighted Sweepstakes website year-round to create or modify your account and sign up to receive email notifications. Individuals interested in prospective nonprofit river permits are encouraged to create an account. Lottery applications will only be accepted through the Weighted Lottery website during the Lottery acceptance period.

You must be 18 years of age or older to apply for a river permit. Non-commercial river trips must be self-guided and technical whitewater experience is required on each trip. Individuals may participate in up to one recreational river trip (commercial or non-commercial) per year.

Individuals interested in a professionally guided river trip should request a space on a commercial trip rather than applying for a lottery. Please visit below for a list of commercial companies offering guided trips. https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/river-concessioners.htm.

For more information on the 2025 Major Sweepstakes, visit the Grand Canyon National Park website or contact the River Permit Office at 1-800-959-9164 or 928-638-7884 or by email.