Having to wait 9 years to get a private party permit to float the Grand Canyon is absurd. I admit that there is a need for commercial outfitters, but they are allocated the majority of the permits for people willing to shell out 4 grand to go on a splash and giggle trip, usually with huge motorized catamarans. Not that there is anything wrong with that, except those willing to pay big bucks get instant access, while private parties have to keep applying year after year until their number comes up. I think if you want to use a commercial outfitter you should also have to wait with the rest of the noncommercial river rats.
I have been running rivers most of my life and would love to run Lava Falls before I perish, however I most likely will stick to other rivers where it is easier to draw a permit.
I have requested over a dozen backcountry permits for the Grand Canyon over the last five years and it’s not such a big hassle. Fax in request and a few days later I get my permit in the mail. If you choose to go at peak times you may or may not get in, but I’ve never been denied.
Now, try to get them on the phone and you better allocate about three hours of hitting redial before you’ll get through.