Permits & Reservations

Grand Canyon National Park is continuing to evaluate and adapt to changing COVID-19 guidance, and is adjusting operations as needed.

The information presented here is to help you plan a visit during 2021.

Visit this web page for the current list of what is open, and for park-wide updates >

 

On This Page Navigation

 

Entry Fees, Lodging and Campground Reservations

 

South Entrance Station on a busy day.

Advanced Reservations Not Required

You can pay the entrance fee:
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• At any one of the park's three entrance stations
  NOTE: North Rim and Desert View entrance stations are CLOSED (12/1/2020)
• Online at Recreation.gov
• At one of several locations in neighboring communities
• Or in the gateway community of Tusayan (South Rim)
  
  Learn more about entrance fee costs and park passes

Jump to:

Reservations for park Lodging
Reservations for tent and RV Campgrounds

 

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Winter hikers taking a rest on Bright Angel Trail

Backcountry Permits

Backcountry Permits are required for:

• Overnight hiking
• Overnight horseback riding
• Overnight cross-country ski trips
• Off-river overnight hikes by river trip members
• Overnight camping at rim sites other than developed campgrounds
• Overnight camping on the North Rim during the winter season
• Read more...

 

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Rafters on the Colorado River.

Non-commercial
Colorado River Trip Permits

River Permits are required for all non-commercial (private) river trips.

• Permits for 2-5 Day Trips that launch from Diamond Creek are available to the public starting 1 year in advance and are distributed on a first-come first-serve basis.
• Permits for 12-25 Day Trips that launch from Lees Ferry are made available to the public through a WEIGHTED LOTTERY.
• Learn more...

 

Two people getting married on the rim of Grand Canyon.

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Special Use Permits

Grand Canyon National Park is home to many beautiful landscapes which make it a popular place for weddings and special events.

Visit this webpage to learn how to schedule:

• Facilities
• Weddings, and family reunions
• Special events
• Group rim to rim activities
• First Amendment activities
• and to obtain permits for the scattering of cremation ashes

 

Commercial film crew working in the park

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Filming/Photography Permits

Generally filming permits are required and are issued for photography, filming, and associated sound recording when they involve props, models, professional crews, and casts or set dressings.

Permits are issued to ensure the protection of resources and to prevent significant disruption of normal visitor uses. Permits are also required for access to areas normally closed to the visiting public.
Read more....

The Use of Drones is Prohibited

Currently, the use of drones is prohibited in Grand Canyon and all National Parks. Detailed information about the policy is available here.

 

A commercial bus.

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Commercial Use Authorizations
(For Tour Operators)

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a permit that authorizes suitable commercial services for park visitors within Grand Canyon National Park. The term of a CUA may not exceed 2 years and no preferential right of renewal or similar provisions for renewal may be provided.

Grand Canyon National Park authorizes a variety of commercial services: transportation/ motor tours, bicycle tours, guided hikes and overnight backpacking and equipment rental/ delivery.

Visit this link to learn more...

 

Commercial river rafting.

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Requirements For
Commercial River Outfitters

Commercial River Operating Plan (449 kb PDF File - Updated November 2019)

Commercial River Operating Requirements (1.5 MB PDF File - Updated November 2019)

 

Botanist working in Grand Canyon National Park.

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Scientific Research Permits

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. More...