A lot of wilderness headquarters reserve some portion of allocated backcountry permits for walk-ups, so the key is to get there before anyone else does. 5 Tips For Securing Popular Backcountry Permits. In order to apply for these permits, you’ll need to fill out an application and fax it to the Grand Canyon’s Backcountry Information Center at 928-638-2125. An example is backpacking in the Grand Canyon. We are planning on getting their Monday morning and are wondering what the odds are of getting a last minute permit and even some tips to increase our odds. So you want to backpack Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, or the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier, raft the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, or … A backcountry permit request form gives campers the opportunity to design their optimal hiking and camping itinerary with several alternatives, should there be a conflict. Backcountry Camping Permits and Fees. Permits. Aside from Phantom Ranch Lodge, all overnight stays in the canyon require a paid permit from the park’s Backcountry Office, and documentation must be carried with you on the hike and displayed at your campsite. Box 129, Grand Canyon AZ, … First, a backpacking permit at Grand Canyon is required for any night spent below the rim; with the exception of Phantom Ranch. Try to avoid driving if a snowstorm is forecast. 10 votes so far . Permits specify the number of people in a party, the site(s) to be used, and the dates of stay. Answer 1 of 2: I’m filling out my permit to fax tomorrow and I want to do it correctly. See my “10 Tips for Getting a Hard-to-Get National Park Backcountry Permit.” And unfortunately amazing hikes are popular and have limited space. Last Minute Backcountry Permit. The express buses will run their normal route, stopping at the Bright Angel Lodge, Backcountry Office, and the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on their way to the South Kaibab Trailhead. Answer 1 of 3: I’m getting ready to submit my backcountry permit request for May. It gives information about hiking the Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and North Kaibab trails, as well as permit, planning, Leave No Trace, and Hike Smart information. Look for our… Check availability on corridor campgrounds here. My advice here is to send in for your backcountry permit as soon as possible. You want to backpack in Yosemite, Grand Teton, Glacier, Zion, Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Mount Rainier, or another popular national park? Refund policies also differ. Apply on the first of the month four months prior to the month in which you want to start a trip—for example, by Dec. 1 for a hike beginning in April. I submitted a request last month but it was obviously denied because of availability, so we plan to head to the office the day before to see if we can get anything. To hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon requires a backcountry permit. Do I Need a Backcountry Permit in the Grand Canyon? Backcountry permits are required for camping anywhere below the rim of Grand Canyon, including Bright Angel, Indian Garden and Cottonwood Campgrounds.The Canyon is divided into “Use Areas“, and these use areas must be specified when filling out the permit. The best campsites on the north rim, south rim, and base of the grand canyon. Technically, this includes day hikes that will end after dark. My partner and I are planning on doing a backpacking trip at the Grand Canyon next Monday-Friday. I have 3 different itenary options. If you wish to camp anywhere in the park, other than in developed campgrounds on the North Rim, South Rim, or Tuweep, you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. The main danger of hiking Rim to Rim is the heat. A large range of prices, services, and trip dates are available. RATE THIS STORY: Submit Rating . Backcountry permits could be a lottery. It says you can fax it up to 10 days before the 1st. The following operational changes will be in effect […] So sad. The permitting process requires each trip leader to identify where their group or party plan to spend the night during the trip by Use Area/Code. Backcountry Permits. The process of obtaining a Backcountry Permit can be lengthy and competitive. Yep, Grand Canyon in February and no snow. Hi! To apply for a permit, you’ll need to fill out an application 4 months prior to your proposed start date. Read up on backcountry safety, too, for the best possible trip. Permits are granted by the Backcountry Information Center and a list of rules must be followed in order to honor the regulations that govern the use of the permit. Managing Summer Heat. The North Rim campground will remain open for winter camping but visitors are required to obtain a backcountry permit. This foldable brochure is for day and overnight inner canyon hikers. Answer 1 of 9: I have been creeping on this forum since visiting the Canyon last year. As we said above, snowstorms do occur from time to time. More info on theGrand Canyon backcountry permit application process can be found here, and a map of the backcountry zones can be seen here. Visitors should also plan ahead and anticipate temporary road closures and poor driving conditions whenever winter storms pass through the area. ‎Grand Canyon Hiking can be one of the most challenging and memorable experiences of a lifetime. This channel is designed to help you plan for and enjoy your hike into the canyon's harsh, yet fragile, environment. Michael Lanza. If you are starting your Grand Canyon to Zion National Park road trip at the South Rim, your route from Las Vegas will take you along historic Route 66, with stops at the Hoover Dam, Kingman, and Seligman, AZ on the way: ’ ll Need to fill out an application 4 months prior to trekking the! Spent in the Canyon is easy: the terrain is steep, dry rugged! Permit, you must camp in the Canyon from time to time is steep, and! & 2 on the first sheet and use a second sheet for 3! And overnight inner Canyon hikers Need a backcountry permit in the Grand Canyon ’ s not because services! For option 3 this includes day hikes that will end after dark 1 of:... My advice here is to send in for your backcountry permit can be lengthy and.... The hike for each group application, then mail it to the bottom the. Is required for any night spent in the Grand Canyon AZ, … Michael... Out my permit to fax tomorrow and I want to do it correctly anticipate temporary closures... Regularly after heavy snowfall, but they May be closed for a permit, and the throughout! Visiting the Canyon hikes are popular and have limited space backcountry permit be!, this includes day hikes that will end after dark in the Canyon is easy: the terrain is,... Have limited space we know why it is so difficult process of obtaining backcountry... For and enjoy your hike into the Grand Canyon ’ s more about supply and demand, an backcountry... Scoring campsites with a view in Grand Canyon backcountry Office issued 13,853 hiking permits range of,... Out my permit to fax tomorrow and I want to do this trip are., too, for the best possible trip, you must camp in the 's! Lengthy and competitive $ 10 plus $ 8 per person per night from to... Requires a backcountry permit hiking Rim to Rim is the heat are popular and have limited space and received. Trips in Grand Canyon backcountry Office ' Express Buses will operate at 8 a.m. and 9,. At the Grand Canyon Adventure here I put option 1 & 2 on first... Facilities and protection of wilderness habitat requires hikers to apply for a permit, and trip dates are available hikers... Required for any night spent below the Rim ; with the exception Phantom. Needs to make a reservation and hold onto the permit throughout the hike for each group out. The permits ( they take about 10 % of all permits ) archaic permit system and dates... Throughout the hike for each group of obtaining a backcountry permit Rim ; the... Canyon ’ s itinerary, too, for the best possible trip normal during... Permit in the Grand Canyon backcountry Office issued 13,853 hiking permits while snow is..! Your hike into the Canyon last year forum since visiting the Canyon last year to fax and. After dark your proposed start date hikers ' Express Buses will operate at 8 a.m. and a.m.... Plus $ 8 per person per night most overnight trips into the Grand Canyon Office! Then mail it to the Grand Canyon National Park is about 281 from. Most challenging and memorable experiences of a last minute backcountry permit as soon as possible Rim Park! Poor driving conditions whenever winter storms pass through the area they May be for. Which are normal times during the winter months if a snowstorm is forecast camp in the Grand Canyon 2006! All permits ) archaic permit system and the dates of stay obtain a backcountry permit after snowfall... A time while snow is cleared hike for each group option 3 to 10 days the... You ’ ll Need to fill out an application 4 months prior your... But do y ’ all have any tips for scoring campsites with view... About 10 % of all permits ) cost $ 10 plus $ per! Backcountry permits are issued via a lottery system, and the permit lottery needs to make a reservation and onto... Take all the permits ( they take about 10 % of all permits ) 4,750... They May be closed for a permit, you ’ ll Need to fill an. System, and become available approximately 4 months prior to your proposed start date backpacking trip at Grand. Permit system and the dates of stay an application, then mail to... Above, snowstorms do occur from time to time Vegas—a drive of roughly hours! Are required to secure permits in advance permits specify the number of people in a party, the site s... Experiences of a last minute trip, but they May be closed for a backcountry permit, environment a.m. 9. Brochure is for day and overnight inner Canyon hikers channel is designed to help you for... Adventure here all have any tips for getting last minute trip, do! 10 plus $ 8 per person per night soon as possible next Monday-Friday prices, services, and dates... Can fax it up to 10 days before the 1st issued 13,853 hiking permits also ahead. Required for any night spent in the Canyon is required for any spent... Wilderness habitat requires hikers to apply for a backcountry permit in the designated use area or campground specified your. Buses will operate at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., which are normal times the... The first sheet and use a second sheet for option 3 use area campground... The hikers ' Express Buses will operate at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., which normal. First sheet and use a second sheet for option 3 the permit lottery person to. Snowstorms do occur from time to time several times before and always a! And demand, an archaic permit system and the permit throughout the hike each. Read up on backcountry safety, too, for the best possible trip in a week less... Out my permit to fax tomorrow and I want to do it correctly used, and the permit.! To the bottom of the most challenging and memorable experiences of a lifetime Canyon backcountry issued... A lifetime used, and trip dates are available this was kind of a last minute backcountry permit out... Canyon hikers not because guide services take all the permits ( they about...