Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit wilderness permit area in Grand Canyon National Park - backcountry hiking destination
LotteryOvernightHigh Demand

Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit

Grand Canyon National Park

Required for all overnight camping below the rim.

“Descend through two billion years of Earth's history to camp beside the Colorado River at the bottom of one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders.”

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Demand
High
8/10
Method
Lottery
Cost
$10 + $10/night/person

GC Backcountry Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodLottery
Demand LevelHigh8/10
Cost$10 + $10/night/person
Max Group Size11 people

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeOvernight
Booking MethodLottery
Demand Level8/10
LocationNPS

Pro Tips

  • •Apply on the 1st of the month
  • •Spring and fall are ideal

What to Expect

Route Details

Distance
21 miles
Elevation Gain
4,860 ft
Route Type
Loop
Duration
2-4 days
Difficulty
Strenuous
Elevation Range
2,480 - 7,260 ft

Highlights

  • •Dramatic temperature inversions—30-40°F difference between rim and river
  • •South Kaibab descent on exposed ridgeline
  • •River crossing via suspension bridges
  • •Wildlife including bighorn sheep and condors

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures.

Hazards & Considerations

  • !Extreme heat—summer temperatures exceed 120°F
  • !Hyponatremia from over-drinking
  • !Steep, exposed trail sections
  • !Flash flooding in monsoon season

How to Get This Permit

1

Create a Recreation.gov account

Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.

2

If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations

Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.

3

Set up PermitSnag alerts

Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

Apply at Recreation.gov

When to Go

Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall

Conditions

Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.

Crowd Level

Moderate

Advantages

  • +Longest days
  • +Warmest temperatures
  • +Reliable trail conditions

Challenges

  • !Peak demand for permits
  • !Book accommodations early
  • !Weather varies

Difficulty Assessment

Physical Demand4/5

Fitness and endurance required

Technical Skill2/5

Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills

Exposure Risk3/5

Steep dropoffs and fall potential

Navigation1/5

Route finding and trail clarity

Commitment4/5

Difficulty of bailing out mid-route

Best For

Fit hikers with backpacking experience who can handle sustained steep terrain with significant elevation change.

Recommended Experience

Should have completed day hikes with 3,000+ feet elevation gain. Prior backpacking helpful.

Not Recommended For

Those with knee problems, anyone uncomfortable with exposure, hikers unable to carry 25+ lb packs up 4,800 feet.

About This Permit

A Grand Canyon backcountry permit unlocks one of Earth's most profound wilderness experiences—descending through two billion years of geologic history to camp beside the mighty Colorado River.

The Experience

Why It Matters

The Grand Canyon represents one of the most complete geologic records on Earth. Backpacking to the river provides an intimate experience that day visitors can only imagine.

The Route

The classic rim-to-river journey begins at South Kaibab Trailhead, descending the exposed ridgeline. The trail drops 4,860 feet in 6.3 miles, passing through rock layers from the Permian to the Precambrian. The ascent via Bright Angel Trail offers water and shade.

The Feeling

As you descend, the rim becomes a distant memory and the canyon walls close in, their layered colors shifting from white to red to black. At Phantom Ranch, the Colorado River's constant roar becomes your soundtrack.

Rules & Regulations

  • •Permit required for all overnight stays
  • •Permits distributed through Recreation.gov monthly lottery
  • •Maximum group size of 11
  • •Campfires prohibited
  • •Food stored in provided ammo cans

Gear Checklist

Required

  • Minimum 4 liters water capacity
  • Electrolyte supplements
  • Headlamp
  • Sturdy hiking boots
  • Sun protection

Key Landmarks

↑
4,860ft
Gain
↓
4,860ft
Loss
⛰️
7,260ft
High
📏
16.3mi
Distance
📐
5.1%
Avg Grade
Click on a marker to view details•8 landmarks

Landmarks (8)

Lottery Statistics

Competitive

estimated success rate

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Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for GC Backcountry.

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🐻

Food Storage

Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.

Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →

GC Backcountry FAQ

How do I get a GC Backcountry permit?

GC Backcountry permits are obtained through a lottery system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.

When is the best time to visit GC Backcountry?

Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the GC Backcountry permit?

This permit has a demand score of 8/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.

What if I can't get a GC Backcountry permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

Photography Guide

Golden Hour

Sunrise from Ooh Aah Point offers spectacular light on the layered walls.

Best Light

Morning light illuminates the eastern walls. Evening light at Havasupai Gardens creates warm tones.

Beat the Crowds

Start your descent at first light to photograph the upper trail before crowds arrive.

Classic Shots

  • 📍Panoramic views from Ooh Aah Point
  • 📍Colorado River from Skeleton Point
  • 📍Black Bridge spanning the river
  • 📍Night sky from the Inner Gorge

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