A 6 minute introduction to this podcast series that tells what one needs to know about non-commercial Colorado River trips through Grand Canyon National Park. Updated 2011.

The extremely cold Colorado River water is one of the prime reasons for Grand Canyon’s life jacket regulation. Simply, if you are on your boat and it is not tied to the shore you will wear a properly fitted life jacket 100% of the time. At 47 degrees even in flat water you have about 5 to 10 minutes of muscle activity to rescue yourself. In ten minutes your muscles stop working and your chances of rescue are very poor. Updated 2011.

Because there are now so many of us, this video gives some low impact camping tips for Colorado River Trips within Grand Canyon National Park. (updated 2011)

Personal Hygiene and River Illness How does one keep from getting sick when boating on the river for days at a time? Here are some simple tips that can help keep you healthy. Setting Up the Kitchen Learn some time-tested techniques for setting up a River Kitchen - the center of every successful trip. Food and Hydration Food is your body's primary source of fuel and salts (electrolytes) while experiencing the heat within the Grand Canyon. Eat a salty snack every time you take a drink. Updated 2011.

Learn the single greatest cause of accidents in the Grand Canyon Backcounty. What do you do if it is an emergency and you need help? Updated 2011.

What do you do when you encounter rattlesnakes and scorpions on a river or backpack trip through Grand Canyon National Park? Also, how to deal with pesky critters in the backcountry and in camp. Updated 2011.

What sensitive locations along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park are restricted to all visitors - be they boaters or hikers? Updated 2011.

What areas along the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park are reserved for day use only ? This clips shows the locations and describes their special features. Updated 2011.

This video summarizes the reasons why a trip down the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park is a unique experience and how preparation really pays off. Updated 2011.

Updated by NPS in 2011. Includes Pearce Ferry Rapid and take-out ramp. Updated information to help plan river trip through the "lower end" of the canyon between Diamond Creek and Lake Mead. Noncommercial trips that launch from Diamond Creek and takeout at Lake Mead typically are 2 to 5 days in length. Permits for these whitewater trips are available to the public starting one year in advance and are distributed on a first-come first-served basis. Learn more here: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/whitewater-rafting.htm

In early February, 2010, five volunteers from Grand Canyon’s private boating community worked side-by-side with Grand Canyon National Park staff to improve the private boater camp at Lees Ferry. Crews defined camping pads, constructed trail and built fencing to define the parking area. The goal of the work was reduce human impacts to the area’s riparian vegetation and to enlarge the camp to accommodate two groups at a time. The project also was an opportunity for members of the private boating community to get to know park staff in an informal environment. http://www.nps.gov/grca/naturescience/cynsk-v17.htm