You are here

Home » Man Enters Guilty Plea To Leading Illegal Packrafting Trip In Grand Canyon

Man Enters Guilty Plea To Leading Illegal Packrafting Trip In Grand Canyon

Share

Published Date

July 15, 2023

Packrafts confiscated by the park/NPS

Twice Samuel H. Edwards ran an illegal packrafting trip on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park, and twice he's been convicted of doing so, according to the National Park Service.

Most recently Edwards, from Washington, Utah, entered a guilty plea on May 15 to misdemeanor charges of leading a trip in the fall of 2020 without a permit and entering a restricted area. He was fined $2,500, placed on two years' probation, and banned from all national parks, monuments, and federal recreation areas during that time.

According to the plea agreement, Edwards and another person used packrafts to travel about 100 miles on the river inside the park, and also entered Thunder River Cave without a required permit.

The court documents didn't have any details of his previous conviction, and no further information was available Friday.

Packrafting, or River Assisted Backcountry Travel (RABT), differs from traditional river rafting in that it is utilizing the river for short distances in order to access another route or trail. Hikers typically will have a backcountry permit and use the river to connect portions of their itinerary via the Colorado River. Edwards utilized approximately 100 miles of the river, a park release said.

A backcountry permit with the specific RABT designation is required in order to lead or conduct a packrafting trip, per the Grand Canyon Superintendent’s Compendium.

Unpermitted packrafting trips can lead to dangerous situations for participants, as the park has no knowledge of their whereabouts if something goes wrong. In 2022, there were 338 search and rescue missions and 11 fatalities in Grand Canyon National Park.

Related Stories:

PEER: National Park Service Should Accelerate Plan To Eliminate Plastics
4th Annual Threatened And Endangered Parks | National Parks And The Mines Next Door
4th Annual Threatened And Endangered Parks: Steep Lodging Rates Price Out Some Visitors

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by A. Johnson on July 15, 2023 - 3:44pm.

In 2022, there were 338 search and rescue missions and 11 fatalities in Grand Canyon National Park.

 

Did any of those rescue missions involve packrafters?


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.