Participants must be a minimum 10 years of age for the San Juan, Verde, Lees Ferry, Diamond Down and land- based expeditions, and 15 years of age for Grand Canyon and Cataract Canyon expeditions.

The following are the physical and mental eligibility criteria to participate on a Grand Canyon Youth river expedition.

Participants must have the ability to:

  • Manage all personal care and mobility independently, or with the assistance of a companion.
  • Wear a Type V Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (maximum chest size of 56 inches). Wearing leg straps may be required to ensure proper fit. Where required, properly wear a helmet.
  • Independently board and disembark a boat four to ten times each day. This may require stepping into the boat, and then maneuvering your body over and across tubes and objects into a seated position.
  • Remain seated and balanced while in a whitewater craft while holding on with at least one hand.
  • Independently navigate shoreline terrain, including safely maneuvering around and across boulders, rocks, and slippery and uneven surfaces, under low branches, and around vegetation. This includes the ability to maintain your balance near precipitous ledges or cliffs.
  • Independently maneuver in whitewater or swift currents while wearing a PFD. This includes being an active participant in your own rescue, including having the ability to:

    (a) hold your breath while underwater, and regain control of your breathing when being submitted to repeated submersion under waves or currents;

    (b) orient yourself to new “in-river” surroundings;

    (c) reposition yourself in the water to different swimming positions, i.e. turn face away from waves, breathe between waves;

    (d) swim aggressively to a boat or to shore in whitewater;

    (e) receive a rescue rope, paddle, or human assistance, and possibly let go of the same;

    (f) get out from under an overturned boat.

  • Maneuver 100 yards in flat water while wearing a PFD.
  • Assist another passenger who has fallen out of the boat by pulling them back in.
  • Comprehend and follow instructions given by guides in all situations, including during stressful or dangerous situations, and effectively communicate with guides and other participants.
  • If taking prescription medications, have the ability to maintain proper dosage by medicating independently, or with the assistance of an adult.
  • Carry personal dry bags and other personal gear (as heavy as 20-30 pounds) uphill from the boats, independently, or with assistance.
  • Remain adequately fed, hydrated, and properly dressed so as to avoid environmental injuries such as hypothermia, heat-related illness, sunburn, and frostbite.
  • Sleep outdoors without artificial light.

In addition, participants must:

  • Not have an orthopedic injury that is less than six weeks past full healing, in a non-removable cast, and/or which cannot be weight bearing.
  • Not have a psychiatric condition that has the potential to render yourself or others unsafe.
  • For some Grand Canyon expeditions, the ability to hike for at least 7 miles while carrying a backpack weighing at least 25 lbs.

The above criteria, if not met, can disqualify a person from participating in a GCY expedition. These safety criteria exist for all participants. The criteria is not meant to discriminate against any physical or mental disability; it is applied uniformly to all potential trip participants, regardless of the presence or absence of a disability. There may be additional issues not listed here that may preclude participation in a GCY trip, including menu restrictions that GCY cannot safely accommodate. GCY is committed to making reasonable modifications to any trip for any persons so long as they do not fundamentally alter the nature of the trip. These criteria can be expanded as deemed necessary by staff or the medical or legal professionals assisting GCY. GCY reserves the right to exercise final authority over which individuals can or cannot join a trip.

The following paragraphs further inform all potential participants of the expectations to promote a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on a trip. There may be requirements, whether physical or mental, that are not specifically “essential eligibility criteria”, they are explained here to help participants understand the reality of being on a wilderness expedition. Our primary goal is to minimize risks associated with adventure trips in wilderness. The trip involves physical exertion and exposure to the elements, including cold water and the potential for heat, sun, wind, rain and snow. We have experience accommodating a wide range of physical abilities and/or health conditions. However, individuals with physical/mental limitations or ailments that interfere with the realistic encounters on wilderness river expeditions can endanger themselves, other participants, and the guides. GCY advises you to consult a doctor regarding medical or health conditions that could impact your ability to participate in this outdoor adventure.

It is important that each trip participant take an active role in their own safety. All participants will encounter unfamiliar and dynamic wilderness conditions. It is critical to pay attention at all times, be aware of surroundings, and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Even a non-threatening injury in a wilderness setting can become a major emergency, and can endanger the entire group. Swimming or hiking alone is not allowed. Using common sense, and following the explicit instruction of your guides is essential.

River trips, particularly those involving whitewater, are inherently risky. The risk of a trip is part of what makes it an exciting adventure. It is important to stay calm as a non-voluntary swimmer. The odds of becoming a non-voluntary swimmer change with the classification of a rapid, boat selection and environmental factors. Swimming in whitewater is more difficult and physically challenging than swimming in flat water. Swimming in cold water can cause a gasping effect on your respiratory system. Swimming in cold water quickly saps energy and decreases muscle function. While guides are highly trained and will do their best in a rescue situation, a successful rescue is greatly improved by a swimmer who actively participates and follows directions under stress.