In 2005, if you wanted to try white water rafting in the Grand Canyon, your name was added to a waiting list. The list was long.

In fact, it was one of the longest eco-tourism waiting lists in the nation. That changed in 2006, but it didn't always mean white water travelers would have a better chance of experiencing the thrill of white water rafting. The National Park Service switched to a lottery system.

The lottery is held every February. This lottery determines the assigned launch dates for noncommercial river trips occurring the next year. Follow-up lotteries are then held as needed throughout the remainder of the year to reassign cancelled and/or leftover river trips.

In other words, the lottery being held now for 436 permits for 12- to 25-day non-commercial trips on the river in 2012 will be awarded. It is one of only two ways to find yourself white water rafting on the Colorado River. The other way — which costs approximately the same or less as the lottery if you win — is to book one of the exclusive commercial tours.

White Water Rafting The Grand Canyon Begins March 15.

Beginning this week, TourGuy.com will be accepting reservations for white water rafting trips down the Colorado River. This is one of the most exciting adventure tours available as a one-day trip from Las Vegas.

After an early morning pickup from any Las Vegas Strip or Downtown hotel, you and your party will enjoy a scenic ride to the Peach Springs Lodge in Arizona before transferring to a base camp at the edge of the Colorado River at the Grand Canyon. By 9 a.m. you will be enjoying waterfalls, hidden canyons, and some of the best rapids on the Colorado River.

"I have traveled the world and this is one of my most favorite experiences," said B. Daniels (Florida) about the trip. "The water was freezing, but the Canyon was so magnificent that one forgot about the coldness of the water and instead, was overwhelmed by the surrounding beauty."

There are several stops along the river course to catch your breath and take exclusive photo opportunities; a boxed lunch is included. At the conclusion of the 40-mile river rafting tour, this adventure includes a 4,000-foot ascent from the river to the rim of the Grand Canyon in an A-Star helicopter.

For springtime visitors, tour operators recommend layered clothing and a light backpack to stow sunglasses, sunscreen, a waterproof camera (or dry bag to store your camera and cell phone), and good footwear. The operator offers rain slickers (for rent) on request. Rain slickers are optional.

Guests are returned to their hotels by approximately 7 p.m., allowing for plenty of time to enjoy the Las Vegas nightlife. Participants must be at least eight years old. It is important to book rafting tours as early as possible to ensure inclusion.

TourGuy.com is the fastest-growing tour operator in Las Vegas. It was founded last year by James Hoke, who has almost 20 years of experience in hospitality management and eco/adventure tourism. All tours from Las Vegas are approved only after careful inspection that operators meet all TourGuy.com safety and environmental standards.