Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

 Effective April 1, 2024, Grand Canyon National Park will increase the cost of overnight backcountry permits. Grand Canyon began charging for overnight backcountry permits in 1997 and last modified backcountry fees in 2022.

The cost recovery charge for overnight backcountry permits will increase for all permits that begin on or after April 1, 2024. The charge of $10 per backcountry permit remains the same; the nightly per person fee will be increased from $12 per person to $15 per person or stock animal camping below the rim in designated backcountry camping areas. This increase does not affect camping fees at Mather, Desert View, or the North Rim campgrounds.

All backcountry permit revenue pays actual costs for operating Grand Canyon's permit offices and Backcountry Information Centers. This adjustment for the backcountry permit operation is designed to eliminate a funding deficit and ensure the operation will recover the actual costs incurred.

For information about permits and overnight hiking in Grand Canyon National Park, please visit the park's website at or contact the Backcountry Information Center by email here or by phone at 1-928-638-7875. Phones are answered 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday except federal holidays.