A permit is required to camp in a location other than a developed campground on the North and South Rims. Visit the Backcountry Permit page to learn how to obtain a permit. Also, read the Backcountry Food Storage and Safe Drinking Water guidelines when planning a backcountry trip.
The backcountry is divided into use areas. Each use areas has an overnight capacity based upon the size of the area, the number of suitable and available campsites, its ecological sensitivity, its management zoning, and its use history. Use areas range in size from several hundred acres to several thousand acres. The table below lists the more popular use areas only. For additional areas not listed, contact the Backcountry Information Center.
Code
Use Area Name
Mgmt. Zone
Camping Type
AH9
Vishnu
Wild
At Large Camping
AJ9
Cheyava
Wild
At Large Camping
AK9
Clear Creek
Threshold
At Large Camping
AL9
Greenland Springs
Wild
At Large Camping
AP9
Phantom Creek
Wild
At Large Camping
AQ9
Trinity Creek
Wild
At Large Camping
AR9
Scorpion Ridge
Wild
At Large Camping
BE9
Hance Creek
Primitive
At Large Camping
BF5
Horseshoe Mesa
Threshold
Designated Sites
BG9
Cottonwood Creek
Primitive
At Large Camping
BH9
Grapevine
Primitive
At Large Camping
BJ9
Cremation
Primitive
At Large Camping
BL4
Horn Creek
Threshold
Designated Sites
BL5
Salt Creek
Threshold
Designated Sites
BL6
Cedar Spring
Threshold
Designated Sites
BL7
Monument Creek
Threshold
Designated Sites
BL8
Granite Rapids
Threshold
Designated Sites
BM7
Hermit Creek
Threshold
Designated Sites
BM8
Hermit Rapids
Threshold
Designated Sites
BN9
Boucher
Primitive
At Large Camping
CBG
Bright Angel
Corridor
Campground
CCG
Cottonwood
Corridor
Campground
CIG
Indian Garden
Corridor
Campground
NA0
Walhalla Plateau
Primitive
At Large Camping
NB9
Thompson Canyon
Wild
At Large Camping
NC9
Ken Patrick Primitive
At Large
Camping
ND9
Robbers Roost
Primitive
At Large Camping
NF9
Widforss
Threshold
At Large Camping
NG9
Outlet
Primitive
At Large Camping
NH1
Point Sublime
Threshold
Designated Sites
NJ0
Swamp Ridge
Primitive
At Large Camping
SC9
Eremita Mesa
Threshold
At Large Camping
Corridor Zone Recommended for hikers without previous experience at Grand Canyon. Maintained trails. Purified water stations. Paved roads to trailheads. Toilets, signs, emergency phones, and ranger stations. Use of private livestock (horses and mules only) allowed only when specified on permit.
Threshold Zone Recommended for experienced Grand Canyon hikers. Non-maintained trails. Scarce water sources. Dirt roads to trailheads. Pit toilets. Use of private livestock (horses and mules only) allowed with permit only on Whitmore Trail and on designated roads and trails on the rim.
Primitive Zone** Recommended for highly experienced Grand Canyon hikers with proven route-finding ability. Non-maintained trails and routes. 4-wheel-drive roads to trailheads. Occasional signs. No other developments. Use of private livestock (horses and mules only) allowed with permit only on the Ken Patrick Trail to Uncle Jim Trail to Uncle Jim Point and on designated roads on the rim.
Wild Zone** Recommended for highly experienced Grand Canyon hikers with extensive route finding ability. Indistinct to non-existent routes require advanced route finding ability. Water sources scarce to non-existent. No other development. Use of private livestock is not allowed.
** Primitive and Wild Zones are not recommended for use during summer months due to extreme high temperatures and the lack of reliable water sources.
Did You Know?
California condors, being curious, are attracted to human activity. If you see a condor, do not approach it or offer it food. As you enjoy your next Grand Canyon viewpoint, look for these massive scavengers soaring on their nine-foot (3m) wings over the canyon.
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