🏔 Wilderness
Grand Canyon Backcountry
About This Permit
The Grand Canyon backcountry permit covers all below-rim overnight camping across both rims, including the iconic South Kaibab to North Kaibab corridor spanning 23 miles and 10,000 feet of vertical relief. Extreme summer heat and scarce water sources make trip timing critical. Permits use a monthly Early Access Lottery on recreation.gov — applications for a given month are due by 5pm MST on the 1st of the month four months prior.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I book a Grand Canyon backcountry permit?
Grand Canyon uses a monthly Early Access Lottery on recreation.gov. Applications for a given month's start dates are due by 5pm MST on the 1st of the month four months prior (e.g., applications for May start dates are due by 5pm MST on January 1). After the early-access month, remaining availability and cancellations may appear on recreation.gov for general booking. The most popular Corridor campsites fill immediately during the lottery.
What's the difference between Corridor and Threshold zones?
The Corridor zone (Bright Angel, South Kaibab, North Kaibab trails and their campsites) is the most popular and most competitive. The Threshold and Primitive zones cover less-traveled routes with more availability but require greater self-sufficiency.
Can I still get a permit after the lottery month?
Yes — some space may appear after the lottery month as remaining availability and cancellations surface on recreation.gov. Policies can differ by campground and zone. PermitAlert monitors recreation.gov every 60 seconds and will alert you when inventory opens.
Key Facts
- State
- AZ
- Season
- Year-round (spring/fall optimal; summer canyon temps exceed 110°F)
- Quota
- Site-specific; Bright Angel and Indian Garden campsites most competitive
- Trailhead
- South Kaibab, Bright Angel, North Kaibab, Hermit Creek, Grandview
- Entry Point
- Grand Canyon Backcountry Information Center (South Rim)
- Difficulty
- 4/5(Very hard)
Get an SMS the moment a cancellation opens — we scan every 60 seconds.
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