Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit
Required for all overnight camping below the rim.
“Descend a mile into Earth to camp beside the Colorado River at the bottom of one of the Seven Natural Wonders.”
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GC Backcountry Quick Facts
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Booking Method
- Lottery
- Demand Level
- High
- Cost
- $10 + $10/night/person
- Max Group Size
- 11 people
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. Two billion years of Earth's geological history are exposed in its layered walls. Camping below the rim lets you experience the canyon in a way day hikers never will: sunset painting the walls, stars filling the slot of sky above, morning light creeping down rock layers older than complex life.
The Route
The Bright Angel Trail is the most popular corridor route. It drops 4,380 feet in 9.5 miles from the South Rim to the Colorado River at Bright Angel Campground. Phantom Ranch, the only lodging below the rim, is nearby.
The classic rim-to-rim crosses 21 miles from South to North Rim (or vice versa). Most do it as a 2-3 night trip, camping at Indian Garden/Havasupai Gardens and Cottonwood campgrounds.
Key Landmarks
Havasupai Gardens
Halfway point. Water, shade, campground. Formerly Indian Garden.
Plateau Point
Side trip with river views. No camping.
Bright Angel Campground
Bottom of the canyon. By the Colorado River.
Ribbon Falls
North Kaibab side trip. Worth the detour.
The Feeling
You drop below the rim and the world changes. Each step down is a journey through time. By evening you're at the river, 5,000 feet below where you started. The canyon walls glow orange, then purple. The stars come out. You're at the bottom of one of Earth's great wonders.
Permit Details
Pro Tips
- •Apply on the 1st of the month
- •Spring and fall are ideal
When to Go
Conditions
Ideal temps at rim. Warm at bottom. Some water sources may be off.
Crowd Level
HighAdvantages
- +Perfect temperatures
- +Wildflowers
- +Good water levels
Challenges
- !Popular permit period
- !Variable weather at rim
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Fit hikers prepared for steep terrain and extreme temperature swings.
Recommended Experience
Should be comfortable with steep descents/ascents. Understand canyon hydration needs.
Not Recommended For
Those with knee issues. Summer hikers without heat experience.
How to Get This Permit
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.
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
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GC Backcountry FAQ
How do I get a GC Backcountry?
GC Backcountry is obtained through a lottery system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to get a GC Backcountry?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the GC Backcountry?
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 happens if I can't get a GC Backcountry?
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 and sunset from rim viewpoints. Midday light in the inner gorge.
Best Light
Evening light paints the walls gold and red.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays. North Kaibab side is generally quieter than South.
Classic Shots
- 📍Bright Angel Trail switchbacks
- 📍Colorado River from Plateau Point
- 📍Inner gorge sunrise
Can't Get a GC Backcountry Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Day Hike to Havasupai Gardens
Easier AlternativeHike partway down, turn around. No permit needed for day use.
Tradeoffs
Miss the river and camping experience. Still get canyon immersion.
Other Grand Canyon Permits
Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list
Don't miss your chance at GC Backcountry
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