Lees Ferry

Go Rafting in the Grand Canyon This Winter for a National Park Adventure Without the Crowds

"This nearly 300-mile river expedition from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek can take up to 25 days, alternating calm floats past colorful, textured rock formations with adrenaline-pumping whitewater rapids. The river opens access to beaches and trails that lead to dramatic narrows, peaceful grottos, rushing waterfalls and thousands of archaeological sites—including ancestral Puebloan granaries at Nankoweap—that are otherwise nearly impossible to reach. Permits for non-commercial trips are distributed via an annual February lottery after the Park Service replaced a decades-long waitlist in 2006; roughly 250 openings are available each year and applying for winter dates improves your chances. Winter trips offer the quietest, most intimate experience because commercial and motorized vessels aren’t permitted, but they require serious cold-weather preparation: overnight temperatures often drop below freezing, daylight can be limited by the canyon walls, and boaters typically bring layered ski-style clothing, a heavy nylon dry suit (around $1,000), ice-fishing–style boots for shore work, and lots of moisturizer to prevent skin from cracking. For many, the solitude, remote scenery and access to unique cultural sites make the extra cost and chill a worthwhile trade-off." - Sarah L. Knapp Sarah L. Knapp Sarah L. Knapp is the founder of Mappy Hour, a community of urban-dwelling outdoor enthusiasts across the U.S. Her previous companies include offMetro, an award-winning green travel publication, and OutdoorFest, a 10-day outdoor adventure festival in New York City. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines