The Backcountry Information Center provides information, permits, and trip planning assistance for those looking to explore Grand Canyon on day and overnight hikes. 

Hours of Operation / Contact

Open Daily: 8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm (closed 12 pm to 1:00 pm)

Email: grca_bic@nps.gov

Phone: For information inquiries, you can call: 928-638-7875 between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday, except on federal holidays. This telephone number is for information only, not for requesting a permit.

Mailing address:
Grand Canyon National Park
Permits Office
1824 S. Thompson St., Suite 201
Flagstaff AZ, 86001

Backcountry permits can also be requested and obtained in advance through the park's website > 

Day hikes do not require permits of any kind, but any overnight trip within the backcountry (below the rim or above) WILL require a permit. You can get further information and try for a "day-of" permit in person at the Backcountry Information Center.

South Rim Backcountry Information Center staff enjoy interacting with visitors in person and helping them plan for a safe backcountry experience. 

To get a last minute, in-person permit for a corridor campsite, wait times are typically 2-3 days after arriving in the park  Be aware most remote backcountry sites are already at capacity. You can check with the Backcountry Information Center for last minute availability via email or phone.

Parking

Parking Lot D, located at the Backcountry Information Center, accommodates cars, trucks, campers, and large RVs for day visits or extended parking for overnight hikers.Lot D provides 150 standard parking spaces and 30 sized for RVs or buses. It is a short walk to the edge of Grand Canyon, Bright Angel Trailhead, and the Hermit Road (Red Route) shuttle stop. 

Hikers' Express Shuttle Bus Service

An early morning bus with service from Grand Canyon Village — to South Kaibab Trailhead

To ride the Hikers' Express Shuttle to the South Kaibab Trailhead, be at the Backcountry Information Center shuttle stop at:

• 7 am, 8 am in April and October
• 6 am, 7 am, in May and September
• 5 am, 6 am in June, July, August
• 8 am and 9 am in December, January, February
• 8 am, 9 am in March and November

Village (Blue) Route - Spring Schedule

March 1, through May 24, 2024
50 minutes round trip (without getting off the bus)

First bus is at 7 am, and the last bus is 9 pm

• 7:00 am to 10:30 am (every 15 minutes)
• 10:30 am to 7:30 pm (every 10 minutes)
• 7:30 PM to 9:00 pm (every 20 minutes)
• Visitors dining in Grand Canyon Village need to be at a bus stop no later than 8:30 pm

Backcountry Permits - Additional Information

Detailed information about backcountry permits and the application process may be found here >

On the North Rim, the Backcountry Information Office is located in the NPS administration building, and is open between May 15th and October 31st.