Permit Planner
Arizona Backpacking Permit Clearinghouse
Arizona backpacking permits span four federal agencies, two tribal nations, and a county park. This clearinghouse links directly to the official reservation systems and explains the permit type, cost, and timing for each location on the Arizona Backpacking Regions page.
Accuracy first: We verify every link against the managing agency or tribe. When a permit rule is unclear, we mark it Verify rather than invent a detail.
How to Use This Page
Region groups match the Regions page so you can cross-reference trail beta with permit rules.
Each card lists the permit type, application window, current cost, and the official link you will actually use to reserve or register.
Difficulty ratings are the same ski-run style used across the site:
Beginner 
Intermediate 
Advanced 
ExpertArizona Trail & Long-Distance Routes
Arizona Trail (AZT) - Grand Canyon section
Advanced- Permit type: NPS Backcountry Lottery / Reservation
- Application window: Lottery opens 16th of month, closes 1st of month, 5 months before start; general access 1st of month, 4 months out
- Cost: $10 permit + $15/person/night below rim; $4/person/night above rim
- Notes: The same Grand Canyon backcountry permit covers the AZT's Grand Canyon section.
Grand Canyon Escalante Route
Expert- Permit type: NPS Backcountry Lottery / Reservation
- Application window: Same as Grand Canyon backcountry permit
- Cost: Same as Grand Canyon backcountry permit
- Notes: Rugged off-trail traverse below the rim; uses the same Grand Canyon backcountry permit system.
Northern Arizona - High Country
Grand Canyon
Advanced- Permit type: NPS Backcountry Lottery / Reservation
- Application window: Lottery opens 16th of month, closes 1st of month, 5 months before start; general access 1st of month, 4 months out
- Cost: $10 permit + $15/person/night below rim; $4/person/night above rim
- Notes: Last-minute corridor permits available in-person at the Backcountry Information Center.
Paria Canyon / Vermilion Cliffs
Advanced- Permit type: BLM Overnight Reservation
- Application window: 12 noon MT on the 1st of the month for the 3rd month ahead
- Cost: $6 reservation fee + $5/person/day + $5/dog/day
- Notes: 20 people/day limit; human waste bags required; campfires prohibited; also applies to Buckskin Gulch.
Coyote Buttes / The Wave
Intermediate- Permit type: BLM Lottery (Daily or Advanced)
- Application window: Daily lottery: 2 days before, geofenced mobile-only; Advanced lottery: 4 months ahead
- Cost: $6 lottery application fee + $7/person if selected
- Notes: Day-use only; no overnight camping; no developed trails; 6.4-mile round-trip hike.
Southern Arizona - Sky Islands
Chiricahua Mountains
Intermediate- Permit type: Verify / Campground Reservation (NPS)
- Application window: Backcountry not permitted; Bonita Canyon Campground via Recreation.gov
- Cost: Developed campground fees vary
- Notes: Key correction: Chiricahua NM backcountry camping is prohibited and no backcountry permits are issued. Adjacent Coronado NF may have dispersed camping rules.
Santa Catalina Mountains
Advanced- Permit type: Coronado NF Dispersed Camping / Developed Campground Fees
- Application window: Developed sites via Recreation.gov or first-come; dispersed generally no reservation
- Cost: Free dispersed; developed sites vary
- Notes: Bighorn sheep closure Jan 1-Apr 30; dogs prohibited in the Bighorn Sheep Management Area.
Eastern Arizona - White Mountains & High Desert
Canyon de Chelly
Intermediate- Permit type: Navajo Nation Backcountry Permit + Authorized Guide
- Application window: NPRD office at Cottonwood Campground, 8 AM-5 PM daily; call 928-674-2106
- Cost: Fee set by Navajo Parks & Recreation (verify current rate)
- Notes: Backcountry access requires an authorized Navajo guide; permits issued by Navajo Parks & Recreation.
Petrified Forest / Painted Desert
Intermediate- Permit type: Free Backcountry Permit
- Application window: Day-of, in person at Painted Desert Inn or Rainbow Forest Museum until 4:30 PM
- Cost: Free
- Notes: Group limit 8; no water; no campfires; no collecting of fossils, wood, or artifacts.
Western Arizona - Tribal Lands & Desert Edges
Grand Canyon West Rim / Hualapai Lands
Advanced- Permit type: Hualapai Tribal Tourism / Access Permit
- Application window: Book tickets/experiences via Grand Canyon West
- Cost: Varies by package
- Notes: Hualapai Reservation; backcountry hiking beyond the tourist area likely requires additional tribal permits/contact the Hualapai Tribe.
Havasu Canyon
Intermediate- Permit type: Havasupai Tribal Permit / Reservation
- Application window: Book online; reservations open seasonally and sell out very fast
- Cost: 2026: $455/person for 3-night campground permit; $2,277/lodge room for 3 nights
- Notes: All visits require prior booking; stays are 4 days/3 nights; check-in at Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn.
Hualapai Mountains
Beginner- Permit type: Mohave County Park Camping Reservation
- Application window: Book via CampLife or phone
- Cost: Dry camping $20/night/vehicle; RV $45/night; cabins $90-$135/night
- Notes: Open seasonally May 1-Oct 31; RV camping by reservation only.
Lake Mead / Black Canyon NRA
Intermediate- Permit type: None for backcountry backpacking (entrance fees/passes apply)
- Application window: N/A
- Cost: Free backcountry camping; entrance fees $5-$25 depending on access
- Notes: Could not verify a "free registration" requirement; backpackers may camp in the backcountry. Black Canyon Water Trail launches from Hoover Dam require a $17 launch permit and authorized outfitter.
Not Listed?
Some regions on the Arizona Backpacking Regions page fall on BLM, National Forest, or county land where no permit or reservation is required for backcountry camping. If you spot a location that should be here, or a link that needs updating, let us know.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Fees and rules change; always confirm the official source before you reserve.