Do I need a permit to thru-hike Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim?
Yes. You need a permit to thru-hike Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim in Grand Canyon National Park, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served. The permit is the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Permit.
Lottery permit
What the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim permit costs and covers
- Fee
- $10 permit/lottery application + $15 per person per night below the rim ($4 above the rim)
- Group size limit
- 11 people
- Applications open
- The 16th of each month, four months before your start month
- Applications close
- 5 pm MST on the 1st of the following month
- Results
- Lottery runs late on the 2nd; the top 750 applicants get booking timeslots
- Season starts
- Year-round below the rim
- Season ends
- North Rim roads and services close December 1 - May 15
What the rules require
- A backcountry permit is required for all overnight camping below the rim and must be carried with you
- The trip leader must be 18 or older, and each person may submit only one lottery application per month
- Groups larger than eleven people may not camp in the same campground or use area
- Two nights maximum per campground per hike; from November 15 to February 28 that rises to four
- Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited; fossil-fuel backpacking stoves are fine
- Carry out all trash - burning, burying or leaving trash or toilet paper is prohibited
- Your permit is void if another group affiliated with yours camps in the same campground on the same night
- Pets are not allowed below the rim
- Camping within 200 feet of any water source is prohibited except at designated sites
- Leaving the trail to shortcut between switchbacks is prohibited
Published rules for the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim 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 Rim-to-Rim Permit and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.
Common questions about the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim permit
Do I need a permit to thru-hike Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim?
Yes. You need a permit to thru-hike Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim in Grand Canyon National Park, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served. The permit is the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Permit.
How much does a Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim permit cost?
$10 permit/lottery application + $15 per person per night below the rim ($4 above the rim).
When can I apply for a Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim permit?
The application window opens The 16th of each month, four months before your start month. It closes 5 pm MST on the 1st of the following month. Results: Lottery runs late on the 2nd; the top 750 applicants get booking timeslots.
How many people can be on one Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim permit?
11 people.
When is the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim permit season?
Season starts: Year-round below the rim. Season ends: North Rim roads and services close December 1 - May 15.
What if I lose the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim lottery?
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates return to the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Permit for those cancellations and sends an alert when one appears.