Can you hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon without a permit?

Permits for all overnight backcountry use must be obtained through the Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park. A permit is not required for day hiking or day horseback riding in the canyon. Livestock use is limited to Corridor Trails only.



People Also Ask

Most visitors don't know that you can also drive to the bottom of the canyon! You do so by taking Diamond Creek Road. The route starts in Peach Springs, Arizona, a small town on the historic Route 66. In order to drive on this road to the Grand Canyon, you'll need a permit, as it's on Hualapai land.

MORE DETAILS

There are three ways to reach the canyon floor. You can do it by foot, following the many inner-canyon trails including the popular Kaibab or Bright Angel trails from the South Rim (note that Kaibab has a North Rim trailhead as well).

MORE DETAILS

There is something for everyone within the Grand Canyon, as long as YOU know your limitations! The Bright Angel Trail is a good one to start with. You can hike down to the 1 1/2 mile resthouse and turn around here or if you feel you are in better shape due to conditioning then you can go down to the 3 mile resthouse.

MORE DETAILS

Other domestic animals or pets are prohibited below the rim. Traps and nets are prohibited. A valid fishing license is required for all fishing. Because of their sensitive and sometimes dangerous nature, entry and/or exploration of any caves or mines must be approved in advance through Grand Canyon National Park.

MORE DETAILS

Nestled at the Bottom of Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch is the only lodging below the canyon rim, and can only be reached by mule, on foot, or by rafting the Colorado River. Have questions about the lottery process? Click here for the lottery schedule, additional information and/or FAQs regarding the Phantom Ranch Lottery.

MORE DETAILS

There's a town in the Grand Canyon Supai Village is located at the base of the Grand Canyon within the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Inaccessible by road and with a population of just 208, it is the most remote community in the lower 48 states, and is the only place where mail is still delivered by pack mule.

MORE DETAILS

Nearly five million people visit the canyon annually, but as we later learned, only about one percent of them hike all the way to the bottom, as we planned to do. Our chosen route was the South Kaibab trail. Created in the 1920s, the trail winds down 7.1 miles to our destination – Phantom Ranch – at the bottom.

MORE DETAILS

Guided day hiking - South Rim - $110 per person. Guided backpacking for 3 - 7 days - South Rim - $800 - $1500 per person. River rafting (motor) 1 day - West Rim - $375 per person.

MORE DETAILS

Staying Overnight Overnight hiker dormitories and cabins can be reserved and meals are available for purchase. Advance reservations for meals and lodging at Phantom Ranch are required. Reservations are made through Xanterra via an on-line lottery 15 months in advance.

MORE DETAILS

Using a Mule to Get to the Bottom of the Grand Canyon Over 600,000 people took a Grand Canyon riding since they were offered in 1887. A mule ride is a rewarding and unique adventure. It is an overnight ride that goes deep into the inner Canyon. Riders stay overnight at Phantom Ranch.

MORE DETAILS

Roughly 5.5 million tourists visit the Grand Canyon each year, but few realise that this vast abyss is home to a tiny village hidden 3,000ft in its depths: Supai, Arizona.

MORE DETAILS

Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Permits A backcountry permit costs $10 per group plus $8 per person per night below the rim, and a flat group rate of $8 per night above the rim. Check the park's website for backcountry permit request forms and instructions.

MORE DETAILS