How to get a Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit

Yes, it can be done. I have gotten two backcountry permits this year for the corridor trails with an overnight at bright angel campground. I also got one for a non-corridor trail last year, so I know that it can be done. I tried many times to get a backcountry permit without success. I was getting frustrated as many of have trying to figure out the “secret sauce” of getting the permit. What I am about to show you came from researching blogs and forums of more experienced Grand Canyon hikers and a lot of trial and error.

The first thing that you need to know is that you are dealing with government employees and before you say anything negative about government personnel, know that I am a government employee. Most Federal, State and municipal employees are hardworking people who genuinely want to help you however, they generally operate in a constrained system with closely defined rules. So you need to make it as easy as possible for them to help you within those rules and they will help you gladly. You may see this as a problem but, if you can see it as an opportunity and use the rules to your advantage you can get the trail permit that you want!

How?

1. Make it as easy as possible for the Rangers to help you and remember you catch more flies with honey…
2. Use the campground designators that the Back Country office recognizes. If you are in the corridor trails the designators that you need are: Indian gardens CIG, Bright Angel Campground CBG and Cottonwood CCG. Put these in the spaces for camp location.
3. Do not get stuck on having a certain date. WHAT! If you are not flexible on your start date, your chances of getting a Backcountry permit are very slim. Here is how to increase your chances of getting that permit. On the top of the permit request form you are asked for the dates that you would like, fill that out with your dream dates. Right below that is a box named “Alternate Start Dates”, this is the range of dates that you’ll accept for your start date if you can’t the requested dates. This is your magic box if you have been unsuccessful at getting a Backcountry permit. I use the first of the month as my first start date and the last of the month as my last start date. There only so many spots for each day which are based on the amount of camp sites and people who are already in the canyon. Rangers fill the spaces as requested picked at random and then fill the reminder with the requesters with more flexible itineraries.  The more flexible your start date, the better chance you have at getting permit.
4. Here is the link to the Grand Canyon Backcountry office’s permit website. https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm. There is a lot of information about hiking below the rim, with links to download the permit form and how to submit it. Check out the Corridor Availability Report. It shows when the trails are busiest and other useful information.

If you follow these hints you will have a much better chance of getting a Backcountry Permit and get to camp in the Grand Canyon. Check out my post on my last Grand Canyon overnight hike.