Do I need a permit to backpack Grand Canyon Backcountry?
Yes. You need a permit to backpack Grand Canyon Backcountry in Grand Canyon National Park, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served. The permit is the Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit.
Lottery permit
What the Grand Canyon Backcountry permit costs and covers
- Fee
- $10 + $10/night/person
- Group size limit
- 11 people
What the rules require
- Backcountry permit required for all overnight stays below the rim
- Permits distributed through Recreation.gov monthly lottery (4 months in advance)
- Eleven 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
- Campfires prohibited throughout the backcountry
- Large 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
- Pack out all trash and toilet paper — NPS prohibits burning or burying either
- Drone use is prohibited in Grand Canyon and in all national parks
Published rules for the Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit, quoted as written.
Getting one
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates go back into the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.
Common questions about the Grand Canyon Backcountry permit
Do I need a permit to backpack Grand Canyon Backcountry?
Yes. You need a permit to backpack Grand Canyon Backcountry in Grand Canyon National Park, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served. The permit is the Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit.
How much does a Grand Canyon Backcountry permit cost?
$10 + $10/night/person.
How many people can be on one Grand Canyon Backcountry permit?
11 people.
What if I lose the Grand Canyon Backcountry lottery?
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates return to the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit for those cancellations and sends an alert when one appears.