Science Research - Permits

Park-Specific Permit Conditions

We welcome your interest in Grand Canyon National Park, and look forward to working with you and learning more about your project through reports and personal contacts. We encourage you to work closely with park staff whenever opportunities allow. A National Park Service representative may accompany the permittee in the field to learn about your research and to ensure compliance with regulations.

All studies in Grand Canyon National Park, large or small, must have their own Research & Collecting Permit which is obtained through a proposal and review process that requires approximately 90 days. The permitting process is a critical component that enables Grand Canyon NP to understand ongoing research projects and incorporate this knowledge into our research database resulting in more informed management of valuable resources. This permit authorizes access to study sites by public roads, and by day hiking on open trails. The Research and Collecting Permit may also authorize limited collection of scientific specimens within the park.

MOST OF GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK IS MANAGED AS WILDERNESS. Management restrictions apply and affect approval of transportation means, field work timing and frequency, group size, and the use of mechanized or motorized tools. We ask that you limit your activities to the minimum necessary to meet the objectives of your approved proposal. With few exceptions, research use of aircraft, motor vehicles, motor boats, generators, or motor-powered devices of any kind are not allowed within areas managed as wilderness. However, if motor use or any potential activity outside or wilderness requirements is essential to your research, you are required to submit a detailed written justification including consideration of alternative methods or equipment in the SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND SPECIAL CONCERNS section of your study proposal in order for your activity to be considered for approval.

Responsibilities of Researchers

Various research projects may combine on field trips; however each project, permit, and associated permittees must be listed on the Access (or launch) Permit Application. Failure to report additional research projects and personnel may result in termination of the Access Permit and/or the Research & Collecting Permit of the P.I.(s) on the Permit. Additionally, photocopies of all associated Research & Collecting Permits must be carried during combined field trips.

The Research and Collecting permit authorizes only those specific activities that were approved following proposal review and are listed in your permit. Please read the finalized permit carefully! Activities not listed or authorized in your permit are not allowed. Field assistants working without direct supervision should have in their possession: Permit copy, letter from the P.I. and GRCA Research Office acknowledging their activities, and a full understanding of what the Permit allows. Rangers may ask to see your permit and are authorized to enforce all restrictions.

All Investigators and field trip assistants are responsible for compliance with the requirements and regulations of their Research & Collecting Permit. Failure on the part of the Investigators or assistants to adhere to park and permit policies may result in termination of their Permit and other penalties.

Other Required Permits

Other NPS and agency permits may still be required for your work. The Research Office should be your first point of contact for any further support services you may need. Access permits are required for:

1. All river launches (except day-trips upstream of Lees Ferry)
2. Aircraft use over park lands
3. Backcountry camping - above or below rim.
4. Cave trips
5. Educational trips, filming, etc.

To obtain and submit applications for these access permits, submit your completed application NO LESS THAN 45 DAYS in advance. Please contact the Research Office directly.

Deliverables

As part of your Research and Collecting Permit agreement, Grand Canyon National Park annually requires copies of field notes, data, reports, publications and/or other materials resulting from studies conducted in NPS areas. Additional deliverables may be required of studies involving NPS funding or participation.

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Research Guidelines (344kb PDF File) provide information on all aspects of research permitting in Grand Canyon National Park.

Research and Collecting Permit Application Form
A Research and Collecting Permit authorizes the permit holder to carry out activities described in a particular study plan and to collect scientific specimens, subject to specific permit stipulations. Holders of valid Research and Collecting Permits can request waivers of other fees associated with park entry and access permits needed to carry out their work. Your Research and Collecting Permit application can be submitted on-line at: http://science.nature.nps.gov/research/ac/apps/appInstructions

Research Access Permits are required for any studies involving backcountry camping, boating, aviation, or caving within the park. Access permits are specific to the destination, the means of transportation, and the date of the proposed trip. Applications for Research Access Permits should be submitted directly to the Park's Research Office. The Research Office only handles research-related requests. We do not process applications for commercial or recreational services. For other information about planning trips to the park, please visit the Grand Canyon National Park Official Park Information web site at: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/index.htm

 

Research River Launch Permit Application Form (69kb PDF File)
This is required for boating on the Colorado River downstream of Lees Ferry, Arizona. This permit also authorizes camping on sandbars within the river corridor. The Hualapai tribe requires permits for trips beginning or ending at Diamond Creek.

Please Note:The Research Office ONLY handles research-related requests. We do not process applications for commercial or recreational services. For information about recreational (non-research) river trips, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/whitewater-rafting.htm

Research Backcountry Permit Application Form (73kb PDF File)
A Backcountry Camping Permit is needed for overnight camping, except as authorized under a separate River Launch Permit. Researchers can also request use of developed campgrounds on the North and South Rims, and remote bunkhouses on a space-available basis. The number of Backcountry Camping Permits issued each night is limited. Corridor and rim campgrounds, bunkhouses, and other popular destinations are often fully booked several months in advance. Apply early. Contact the Research Coordinator for more details.

Please Note: The Research Office ONLY handles research-related requests. We do not process applications for commercial or recreational services. For information about recreational (non-research) backcountry trips, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm

 

Research Aviation Permit Application Form (98kb PDF File)
Aviation Permits are required for helicopter or airplane flights above or into Grand Canyon National Park. Aircraft use is discouraged when other alternatives are possible.

Research Cave Permit Application Form (90kb PDF File)
Cave Permits are required for entering any cave or mineshaft within Grand Canyon National Park. Contact the Research Coordinator for details.

Film Permits are required for any commercial (for profit) filming. For more information visit: http://www.nps.gov/grca/parkmgmt/filming.htm

 

Other Research Permit Requirements

Other agencies may also have permitting requirements that affect studies in Grand Canyon National Park. For example, visitor surveys and studies that could affect threatened or endangered species, historic structures, or archaeological sites typically require additional permits. The Research Office can provide general information about other permitting requirements following review of your proposal. Investigators proposing studies that extend into adjoining land management areas should also contact the respective tribe or agency for information about their permit requirements and fee schedules.

Other Information for Backcountry and River Travelers

• Suggested Personal Gear for River Trips (77kb PDF File)
• Backcountry Operations Checklist (65kb PDF File)