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Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit permit area in Grand Canyon National Park - backcountry hiking destination
Cancellations all season · lottery when it opens

Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit

Grand Canyon National Park · Arizona

Required for all overnight camping below the rim.

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Closures on GC Backcountry

Open now

  • Bright Angel Trail from the Bright Angel Trailhead to the River Resthouse
  • Plateau Point Trail to Plateau Point
  • South Kaibab Trail from the South Kaibab Trailhead to the Tip-Off
  • Tonto Trail between the Tip-Off to Havasupai Gardens

Closed after the August 29 flash flood

  • South Kaibab Trail below Tip-Off Point

    “South Kaibab Trail below Tip-Off Point.”

  • River Trail east of the River Resthouse

    “The River Trail east of the River Resthouse to the South Kaibab Trail junction.”

  • Black Bridge and Silver Bridge over the Colorado River

    “Black Bridge and Silver Bridge spanning the Colorado River.”

  • Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground

    “The entirety of Phantom Ranch, including Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen, and Phantom Ranch cabins.”

  • North Kaibab Trail and Cottonwood Campground

    “The entirety of the North Kaibab Trail. From the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch, including Cottonwood Campgroud. This closure is a result of significant flash flooding to the Bright Angel Canyon on 8/29.”

Grand Canyon National Park. Read the closure notice

When it opens

Every day
We alert you the moment a cancellation opens.You book it on the agency's site.
5 months
Lottery opens the 16th of the month, five months before your entry dateYou apply on the agency's site.

After the draw, your alert keeps catching cancellations.

Source: nps.gov

70% of the openings our scanner caught on GC Backcountry were gone within 10 minutes.

GC Backcountry dates: cancellations and the lottery

route distance, loop
16.5mi
elevation gain
4,460ft
max group size
11people

Plan the Grand Canyon Backcountry, camp by camp

The loop is 16.5 miles from South Kaibab Trailhead, and it drops from 7,260 ft to 2,480 ft at Bright Angel Campground. There are 2 places to camp on the loop. Part of the loop is closed right now.

Closed after the August 29 flash flood
16.5 mi loop

More of this route is closed. See the closure notice.

Autumn cottonwoods at Bright Angel Campground

Bright Angel Campground

CampClosed

Closed after the August 29 flash flood.

Mile 7 of 16.5

Elevation 2,480 ft

Capacity: 30 small group sites, 2 large group sites

Riverside camping with toilets and a piped water tap near Phantom Ranch. The tap runs off the Transcanyon Waterline and NPS turns it off when the line breaks, so check the park's live water status before you descend

Grand Canyon Backcountry, stop by stop from South Kaibab Trailhead

How to get a GC Backcountry permit

As of September 2026, GC Backcountry in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona requires a permit issued via lottery. GC Backcountry is a high-demand permit, rating 8/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled GC Backcountry permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The GC Backcountry route covers 16.5 miles with 4,460 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous.

Type
Overnight
Location
Northern Arizona, AZ

  1. Step 1: Check for cancellations

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

  2. Step 2: Set up PermitSnag alerts

    Get notified when cancellations happen. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.

  3. Step 3: 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.

Book at Recreation.gov
Learn more:
Cancellation huntingLottery strategiesRecreation.gov tips

GC Backcountry pro tips

  1. Set a cancellation alert for your use area. The monthly lottery closes at 5 pm MST on the 1st
  2. Spring and fall are ideal

More on GC Backcountry: Live availability activityWhen GC Backcountry permits open upGrand Canyon Backcountry permit itineraryGrand Canyon Backcountry lottery datesDo I need a Grand Canyon Backcountry permit?Estimate your lottery oddsBoost your odds with a pool

How much a GC Backcountry permit costs

GC Backcountry permit fee: $10 + $10/night/person.

The GC Backcountry hike

Distance
16.5 miles
Elevation Gain
4,460 ft
Route Type
Loop
Duration
Set by your itinerary — NPS publishes no recommended length for this loop
Difficulty
Strenuous
Elevation Range
2,480 - 7,260 ft

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.

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 most popular route combines the South Kaibab Trail's dramatic ridgeline descent with the shaded Bright Angel Trail ascent.

The journey from rim to river covers over 4,800 feet of elevation loss, passing through distinct life zones from ponderosa pine forest to Sonoran desert. At the bottom, the Inner Gorge's black Vishnu schist represents some of Earth's oldest exposed rock.

Bright Angel Campground provides the quintessential Grand Canyon overnight experience, with the Colorado River's constant murmur and walls that seem to extend to infinity. The challenging ascent rewards hikers with a deepened appreciation for the canyon's immense scale. Do not assume corridor water: every tap down there runs off the Transcanyon Waterline, and NPS turns them off at the campgrounds and resthouses when it breaks. The live per-location status is on the park's Key Hiking Messages page. Read it the morning you start.

The route

The classic rim-to-river journey begins at South Kaibab Trailhead, descending the exposed ridgeline with panoramic views into the abyss. The trail drops 4,860 feet in just 6.3 miles, passing through rock layers from the Permian to the Precambrian. At the bottom, the Black Bridge carries you over the Colorado to Bright Angel Campground, beside Bright Angel Creek. The ascent via Bright Angel Trail is gentler and has the only shade of the three corridor trails, climbing past Havasupai Gardens (Indian Garden) before emerging at the rim.

Why it matters

The Grand Canyon represents one of the most complete geologic records on Earth, with exposed rock layers spanning nearly half the planet's history. Backpacking to the river provides an intimate experience of this natural wonder that day visitors can only imagine.

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. Looking up at night reveals a ribbon of stars framed by impossibly high walls, a perspective few ever witness.

GC Backcountry hike highlights

  1. It gets hotter as you descend: NPS puts summer highs at Phantom Ranch around 30°F above the rims, about 5.5°F per 1,000 feet
  2. South Kaibab descent on exposed ridgeline with no water or shade
  3. River crossing via suspension bridges at Phantom Ranch
  4. Bright Angel ascent, the only corridor climb with taps on it, every one of them waterline-dependent
  5. Wildlife including bighorn sheep, condors, and mule deer
  6. Mule trains sharing corridor trails: hikers yield to mules

How hard the GC Backcountry hike is

  • Physical DemandFitness and endurance required4/5
  • Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
  • Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential3/5
  • NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
  • CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5

Best for: Fit hikers with backpacking experience who can handle sustained steep terrain with significant elevation change. Good for ambitious beginners who have trained adequately.

Recommended experience: Should have completed day hikes with 3,000+ feet elevation gain. Prior backpacking experience helpful but not essential. Heat acclimatization strongly recommended.

Not recommended for: Those with knee or joint problems, anyone uncomfortable with exposure, hikers who cannot carry 25+ lb pack up 4,800 feet of elevation. Not suitable in summer for those unaccustomed to extreme heat.

Trailhead information

South Kaibab Trailhead

Primary

7,260 ft elevation

Primary descent route for rim-to-river hikers, offering the most dramatic views

  • Restrooms
  • Water on site
  • Moderate

Before you rely on this water

At the trailhead only. There is no water anywhere on the South Kaibab Trail. Fill everything here, because the next tap is at the bottom and it runs off the Transcanyon Waterline. NPS listed the South Kaibab Trailhead as water ON and Bright Angel Campground as water OFF due to pipeline break on August 9, 2026; check the live status on Key Hiking Messages.

Parking

NO private vehicle parking. Must use free park shuttle from Visitor Center.

Getting There

Take shuttle from Grand Canyon Village. First shuttle typically 1 hour before sunrise.

Nearest Services

Grand Canyon Village (3 miles): general store, restaurants, lodging

Trailhead information

Bright Angel Trailhead

Alternate

6,860 ft elevation

Standard ascent route with shade and the corridor's only trailside taps, more gradual than South Kaibab

  • Restrooms
  • Water on site

Before you rely on this water

Fed by the Transcanyon Waterline. NPS publishes a live per-location status on its Key Hiking Messages page because, in the park's words, these statuses are current but can change suddenly due to breaks in the waterline. Check it the morning you start, and carry treatment regardless.

Parking

Limited parking near trailhead. Overflow at Maswik Lodge lot.

Getting There

Located in Grand Canyon Village, walkable from most lodges

Nearest Services

Grand Canyon Village: immediate access to all services

When to hike GC Backcountry

Best time to visit

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer sees extreme heat in the Inner Gorge that can be life-threatening. Winter hiking is possible but requires preparation for snow and ice on upper trails.

Weather Forecast

Trailhead (2,480 ft)

⚠️

Backcountry Tips

  • Today: Expect 17°F colder at summit. Layer up.
  • Today: Freezing temps at elevation. Bring insulation even if warm below.
  • Tomorrow: Expect 17°F colder at summit. Layer up.

Today

❄️

59°

48°

40%

Wed

☁️

71°

50°

Thu

☀️

78°

56°

Fri

☀️

78°

62°

Sat

☀️

79°

64°

Sun

☀️

81°

66°

Mon

🌧️

72°

63°

View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.

GC Backcountry photography guide

Golden Hour

Sunrise from Ooh Aah Point offers spectacular light on the layered walls. The inner gorge at Phantom Ranch catches soft morning light that penetrates the narrow canyon.

Best Light

The South Kaibab descent is best photographed in morning light when the sun illuminates the eastern walls. Evening light at Havasupai Gardens creates warm tones on the surrounding buttes.

Beat the Crowds

Start your descent at first light to photograph the upper trail before crowds arrive. The Inner Gorge near Phantom Ranch sees fewer visitors at dawn and dusk when temperatures are extreme.

Classic Shots

  1. Panoramic views from Ooh Aah Point at sunrise
  2. The Colorado River from Skeleton Point
  3. Black Bridge spanning the Colorado River
  4. Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Creek
  5. Looking up at the rim from Plateau Point
  6. Night sky from the Inner Gorge

GC Backcountry rules, gear and safety

Gear checklist

Required
  • Water, plus electrolyte replacement: NPS warns hikers can lose one to two quarts an hour to sweat
  • Electrolyte supplements (hyponatremia is a serious risk)
  • Headlamp for early starts/late finishes
  • Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sun shirt)

Recommended gear

  • Trekking poles for steep descents and ascents
  • Water filter as backup (creek water at Bright Angel)
  • Lightweight camp shoes for campground
  • Warm layers for cold canyon bottom nights
  • Gaiters for loose trail sections

Rules & regulations

  1. 01Backcountry permit required for all overnight stays below the rim
  2. 02Permits distributed through Recreation.gov monthly lottery (4 months in advance)
  3. 03Eleven people is the park-wide ceiling for one campground or use area. Sites come in two sizes everywhere (1-6 and 7-11), and the small ones are more numerous
  4. 04Campfires prohibited throughout the backcountry
  5. 05Large metal boxes are provided, and mandatory, at every site in Havasupai Gardens, Bright Angel and Cottonwood. Everywhere else you must bring your own critter-proof container
  6. 06Pack out all trash and toilet paper: NPS prohibits burning or burying either
  7. 07Drone use is prohibited in Grand Canyon and in all national parks

Hazards & considerations

  • Extreme heat: NPS warns summer daytime highs can potentially top 120°F and urges special caution
  • Hyponatremia from over-drinking water without electrolytes
  • Steep, exposed trail sections with significant drop-offs
  • Flash flooding in side canyons during monsoon season
  • Rockfall in narrow sections
  • Limited cell service and rescue access in Inner Gorge

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for GC Backcountry.

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.

Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for GC Backcountry · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides

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GC Backcountry FAQ

How do I get a GC Backcountry permit?

PermitSnag alerts you the moment a GC Backcountry cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. GC Backcountry permits use a lottery system.

When is the best time to visit GC Backcountry?

Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays 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. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.

GC Backcountry trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

No active conditions reported

Sign in to report trail conditions.

Questions(2)

What temperature swings should a Grand Canyon backcountry permit trip plan for between rim and river?

0 votes·1 answer·Jun 18

How does the Grand Canyon backcountry permit lottery on Recreation.gov work, and what does a permit cost?

0 votes·1 answer·Jan 26

Trip Reports(1)

Write Report
Grand Canyon corridor in early March: lottery timing and a rim-to-river loop

Grand Canyon corridor in early March: lottery timing and a rim-to-river loop

GC Backcountry

5.0
Mar 2-5, 2026

Alternatives to a GC Backcountry permit

  • Easier AlternativeNo permit needed

    South Rim Day Hikes

    Day hikes to Cedar Ridge or Skeleton Point provide canyon immersion without overnight permits.

    Tradeoffs

    No permit required but misses the river experience. Still strenuous with significant elevation change.

  • Same AreaNo permit needed

    Phantom Ranch Lodging

    Historic lodge at canyon bottom offers cabins and dorm beds. It has its own lottery, separate from camping permits.

    Tradeoffs

    More comfortable but extremely competitive lottery. Meals included.

  • Similar ExperiencePermit required

    North Kaibab Trail

    Rim-to-rim traverse from North Rim offers different perspectives and cooler temperatures.

    Tradeoffs

    Longer approach (14 miles one way) but less crowded. North Rim only open May-October.

Plan the full trip, not just the permit

Build your full itinerary start to finish

Add your dates and get a day-by-day plan: what needs a permit, what gear to bring, and one link to share with your whole group to coordinate every step.

Plan a trip here

No permit needed to start

Two ways to land it

Track cancellations or run a lottery pool

Core feature

Fast Lane tracking

We check GC Backcountry for cancellations 24/7 and alert you when a spot opens so you can book before it's gone.

Set a free cancellation alert
Pro or $19 alert

Lottery pool

Apply with a crew. Each person multiplies your combined odds. We coordinate invites, deadlines, and outcomes.

See plans to start a pool

Most crews do both: get alerts for cancellations, and pool for the lottery.

Lottery concierge

Your next shot at GC Backcountry

Missed the draw or skipped it? Set an alert and we tell you the moment a GC Backcountry cancellation opens. We remind you about the lottery dates too.

Get cancellation alertsSee every lottery date we track

Better odds with a crew

GC Backcountry permits are drawn by lottery. Every friend who applies adds another entry, so a crew gets more shots at the same permit than any one of you alone.

One of you runs the pool (Pro or a $19 alert). Everyone else joins free.

Start a poolHow pools work

Know the moment you win

Auto win-detection tells you the moment your GC Backcountry application wins, so you never have to check Recreation.gov. It reads the result email you forward us, so it takes a one-time setup in your inbox (about two minutes, and we walk you through it). Auto win-detection is on Pro or a $19 permit alert.

Turn on auto win-detection
Apply now on Recreation.gov

Opens the official lottery. You submit your entry. We never automate or store your Recreation.gov login.

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