Overnight camping below the rim of Grand Canyon requires a Backcountry Permit. The permit application can be submitted via Fax, snail mail or in person starting on the 20th of the month 5 months prior to your desired hike month. Review the Permit Cost, How to Apply and additional information on the NPS website. There are two types of permits: Party or Group. A Party permit is for up to 6 hikers; a Group permit is for 7 to 11 hikers. There are limited number of Group campsites available in the corridor.
Review the Backcountry Trails and Use Areas to select the camping sites for your trip. The Management Zone for the Bright Angel, South Kaibab and North Kaibab trails is Corridor. The other Management Zones are Threshold, Wild, Primitive, and At Large. The Camping Type for Corridor trails is Campground. Other backcountry trails are At Large Camping, Designated Sites, and Camping.
Review the Backcountry Trails and Use Areas to select the camping sites for your trip. The Management Zone for the Bright Angel, South Kaibab and North Kaibab trails is Corridor. The other Management Zones are Threshold, Wild, Primitive, and At Large. The Camping Type for Corridor trails is Campground. Other backcountry trails are At Large Camping, Designated Sites, and Camping.
When selecting a trail, consider what John Annerino (photographer and author of Hiking The Grand Canyon, A Sierra Club Totebook) recommends: The following list has been compiled in sequential order—from easiest to most difficult—and has been included as a planning aid for those who want to increase their backcountry experience in increments, rather than in leaps and bounds:
- Bright Angel
- South Kaibab
- Hermit
- Grandview (Horseshoe Mesa loop)
- South Bass
- Tanner
- Boucher
- New Hance
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| Sample backcountry permit. |
The NPS site has information for displaying the permit on your pack while in transit to camp. When camping in the corridor these days, NPS has installed a permit box at each site in which the permit is displayed and kept dry. Fold the permit down the center so that the 11" sheet is inserted in the permit box with the name, dates and camps visible through the plexi-glass. The Rangers will love you when you do it that way.
HIGHLIGHTS OF PERMIT REGULATIONS
A full list of regulations is available at NPS.gov Backcountry Regulations, but here are the main points:
- Carry out your trash. Burning, burying or leaving trash or toilet paper is prohibited.
- Wood or charcoal fires of any type are prohibited. Sterno or fossil fuel backpack stoves are permitted.
- Use of biodegradable or any other type of soap in creeks or camping within 100 feet of any water source is prohibited.
- Feeding, touching, teasing or intentionally disturbing wildlife is prohibited.
- Leaving a trail or walkway to shortcut is strictly prohibited.
- Fishing requires a valid fishing license.
- Entry and/or exploration of any caves or mines must be approved in advance.
Leave No Trace
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Camp Area Updates
Each permit may have comments in the Camp Area Updates for the use area you requested. For a permit in the corridor:
This permit allows occupation of only ONE CAMPSITE. Food, trash and plastic items (including bags) must be stored in the metal ammo cans - squirrels and rodents will chew through tents and packs to get to food. Always carry a method to treat water. Do not cook on the tables or ammo cans - hot water burns occur every year. Campground is not designed for hammocks; bring alternative sleep system.
Warnings
- Watch and listen for rock falls and slides, especially during/after downpours and big winds.
- Do not stand at places where rocks have obviously fallen before.
Trail Etiquette
- Uphill hikers have the right of way. Give them room.
- When mules approach, step to the inside of the trail and stand still while mules pass, unless directed otherwise by the mule wrangler.
- Keep voices soft, especially during quiet hours.
HIKERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY. KNOW YOUR LIMITS!
PARK ENTRANCE FEE
The 2017 park entrance fee is $30.00 per vehicle (includes all its passengers). Free if you have a Senior Pass or Park Pass.
Note: No refunds are issued by GC; a credit is applied if cancellation made at least 3-days prior to the hike date, and the credit must be used within a year of the cancellation date or forfeit the money. I usually apply for a "party" permit for 1 hiker, and then add more hikers on the day of the hike at the Backcountry Office.