Grand Canyon Backcountry FAQ
Q: Do I need a Permit to dayhike in Grand Canyon National Park's backcountry?
A:

No. No permit is needed to dayhike in Grand Canyon National Park.

Q: Do I need a permit to stay overnight in the Grand Canyon Backcountry?
A:

Yes! A permit is required to stay overnight in the Grand Canyon Backcountry.

Q: How do I obtain a permit to stay overnight in Grand Canyon National Park?
A:

Click to learn more about our video: Hiking the Grand Canyon:  The Corridor TrailsFirst, request a Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit Reservation Form. To get a permit form you can do one of three things:

1. Mail a request to the Backcountry Office:

Backcountry Office
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

2. FAX your Backcountry Permit form request to the Backcountry Office at 928-638-2125. OR

3. Download a Backcountry Permit Request form in PDF format.
(Need Acrobat Reader? It's free. Get it HERE.)

Second, complete the permit request form. Be aware that demand for Grand Canyon Backcountry Permits is enormous. You need to know Grand Canyon use areas to complete the permit application. Use Areas are listed on these maps:

Third, Mail or FAX your completed permit request form, along with the appropriate Backcountry Use Fee, to the Backcountry Office (address above).

Q: How can I maximize the odds of getting the trip I want?
A:

Follow these tips to increase your odds of obtaining a permit:

  1. Do not plan your travel first! Get your permit with a broad request (such as, any day(s) in a month) - then book your airline and lodging reservations.
  2. Submit your permit request as early as possible. You may submit a permit request up to 4 months prior to the desired start date for your trip. Check our Permit Request Timetable for the earliest you can submit your backcountry permit application.
  3. Specify more than one possible itinerary. If possible, each alternate itinerary should put you in a different use area.
  4. Be flexible on dates. If your schedule permits, tell the rangers you will accept alternate dates and alternate trip lengths.
  5. Be flexible on trails. If possible, tell the rangers you will accept alternate trail choices.
Q: What if I have questions about my backcountry permit?
A:

You can write or call the Backcountry Office. Backcountry Rangers are available via telephone from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. Be prepared to try many times to get through - make sure you have your questions clear in your mind. Note - they won't make reservations over the phone.

Their phone number is: 928-638-7875.

Q: Is there a permit fee?
A: Yes. The fee for a Backcountry Use Permit fee is $10.00 plus $5.00 per person per night. For example, the fee for two people on a three night trip is $40.00

Q: What's the best time to hike the Canyon?
A: We recommend hiking the Grand Canyon during the cooler months of October through April. See our Weather Planner for more about Grand Canyon weather.
Q: What should I wear when hiking the Grand Canyon?
A: It depends on the season. Check The Desert Dressed Hiker for more info.
Q: How do I make reservations for Phantom Ranch?
A: For Phantom Ranch reservations, or more information about Phantom Ranch, call 303-297-2757
Q: How do I make reservations to stay in one of the lodges on the rim?
A: Make lodge reservations on-line here.
Q: What if I have a question that's not answered above?
A:
Use our handy "I have a question" form. Click here to ask your question
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