In short
Grand Canyon backcountry: monthly lottery for the overnight permit. The next window runs from Monday, November 16, 2026 to Tuesday, December 1, 2026. Results on Wednesday, December 2, 2026. It comes back every month. Best season: spring and fall.
When does the next window open?
- Today
- Nov. 16, 2026 Lottery opens for the overnight permitTime doesn't matter: it's a lottery
- Dec. 1, 2026 Lottery applications close
- Dec. 2, 2026 Lottery results
- Jan. 1, 2027 Leftover spots, at 8 am Arizona time
- Spring and fall Best season
How reliable these dates are: confirmed by the organizer.
What do you book and at what price?
| What you book | The overnight permit |
| Price | $10 per permit, then $15 per person per night below the rimPrice taken from the source, with its year. |
What are the 3 routes like? from OpenStreetMap
Move your finger or mouse along a curve to read the km and the altitude. Approximate curves, from a terrain model.
Bright Angel Trail
12.6 km+1,416 m gain752 m → 2,083 m
Altitude by distanceMin 752 m · max 2,083 m
South Kaibab Trail
10.4 km+1,481 m gain751 m → 2,196 m
Altitude by distanceMin 751 m · max 2,196 m
North Kaibab Trail
23.1 km+2,024 m gain752 m → 2,511 m
Altitude by distanceMin 752 m · max 2,511 m
4 huts, lodges and campsites within 400 m of the route, shown on the 3D map. Length measured along the OpenStreetMap track, one way; elevation gain and altitudes from a terrain model. Approximate figures, check them against the official guide. Tracks © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Grand Canyon backcountry on the 3D map Follow the route in 3D, then explore the 62 other trails and races on the map. Open the 3D mapHow do you apply for the lottery, step by step?
- Choose your campgrounds and nightsBright Angel, Havasupai Gardens, Cottonwood: 2 nights at most per campground (4 in winter).
- Apply from November 16, 2026 to 1 DecemberOn Recreation.gov, before 5 pm Arizona time, for an April 2027 start.
- Result the next dayWinners get a time slot to book, at 8 am Arizona time.
- Otherwise, open to all on 1 JanuaryLeftover spots open at 8 am, first come, first served.
Don't miss the date
Add the upcoming dates to your calendar: your phone reminds you 1 week before the first one, then the day before each, and on the morning of results day.
The next permit lotteries
Other great hikes with a permit lottery, in order of opening.
Frequently asked questions
Grand Canyon backcountry 2027: what is the opening date?
Lottery opens for the overnight permit on Monday, November 16, 2026. Closes on Tuesday, December 1, 2026. The lottery comes back every month.
How much does a Grand Canyon backcountry permit cost?
$10 per permit, then $15 per person per night below the rim, or $4 above it.
When to apply for a Grand Canyon backcountry permit for May?
From 16 December to 1 January. The rule: the lottery opens on the 16th, five months before the start month.
How many nights can you stay at Bright Angel campground?
2 nights at most per hike, and up to 4 from 15 November to 28 February.
Grand Canyon backcountry 2027: when are the lottery results published?
Results are expected on Wednesday, December 2, 2026.