Running the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is one of the most sought after backcountry experiences available in North America, and indeed, even around the world. Each year, about 22,000 people experience the Grand Canyon’s world class whitewater and pristine natural environment by taking a river trip through this remarkable environment.

There are two principle means to accomplish such a trip. If you posses or have access to specialized equipment and have the river running skill and prowess necessary, you can apply for and receive a “private” river trip permit from the National Park Service that grants you the privilege of organizing and running your own trip. Such trips are referred to as “self-outfitted” river trips.

If you’re like the vast majority of folks, however, who have not mastered the art and skill of world class whitewater river running, you have the option of joining a group of likeminded participants on a trip run by a professional river outfitter licensed for this purpose by the National Park Service. These are the members of the Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association.

To protect the Grand Canyon’s natural environment and the river running experience itself, the National Park Service limits the number of people and trips allowed to enter the park at any one time and throughout the year. Because of intense public interest in these river trips, the demand for these public opportunities greatly exceeds the available supply.

Recreational use of the river is quantified using a system of “user-days.” One person on the river for a day is a user-day. Currently, the river’s allotment of recreational use is divided into two categories: professionally-outfitted and self-outfitted. If you choose to join a trip organized and guided by a professional outfitter, your user-days come from the professionally-outfitted category. If you organize and guide your own trip, your use falls within the self-outfitted use category and your user-days come from that allotment.

The fact is that the vast majority of the American public interested in experiencing the Grand Canyon by river is either not interested or not able undertake such a challenge without the assistance of an experienced professional outfitter. Such professional outfitters help average folks experience exciting and challenging new places. They provide a gateway for individuals interested in trying new activities and taking on new challenges that may lie outside of their normal comfort range.

Professional outfitters are highly skilled and have the experience, the specialized equipment, and the emergency medical training necessary to welcome and to guide less experienced folks through the canyon's exciting and challenging environment in a safe manner. The Grand Canyon’s outfitters are also regulated by the National Park Service and other government agencies to ensure the delivery of high quality services.

As the park’s licensed concessioners, the Grand Canyon river outfitters act as an extension of the National Park Service and help the park accomplish its twofold mission of resource protection and visitor enjoyment. Outfitters thus have a vested interest in providing the best possible experience, using modern equipment and techniques. Outfitters take great care of the resource and share with their clients interpretive information about the natural and cultural history of the canyon.