Do I need to apply permit before going hiking in Grand Canyon?
I am planning to go to Grand Canyon in December, around Christmas time. I want to go Bright Angel Trail, which needs camping in the wild. I searched on this website that I don't need to apply permit early. There is one choice is that "These permits are issued in person only, are for one or two consecutive nights, and cannot be purchased more than one day prior to the start of a hike." But someone said that I have to apply online. So I am wondering whether I have to apply earlier or not. (Online application process seems very inconvenient.)
BTW, I have no car, is it convenient to go to trail entrance by public (commercial) transportation?
EDIT: Nov 21, 2:08
I have no winter hiking experience, actually this will be my first time hiking, and that's the main reason I choose Grand Canyon which is south side of US and everyone said it is not too difficult, but now I know it also could be very cold in winter. So I booked a Bright Angel Lodge Reservation online just now, so I am not going to camp inside the part, I think I will get into trouble to camp in winter without enough experience.
I have been searched for all kinds of information including transportation and lodges online for hours. I also booked a round flight from Pittsburgh to FLG, but it arrives FLG at 9pm, which is too late to catch the last shuttle to Grand Canyon. Is it possible to camp somewhere around the airport? or I must book a hotel in airport? I will arrive FLG in 21 Dec, the Bright Angel Lodge Reservation is on 22 Dec night.
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Can you hike the Grand Canyon without a permit?
A permit is not required for day hiking or day horseback riding in the canyon. Livestock use is limited to Corridor Trails only. Entry and/or exploration of any caves and mines must be approved in advance through Grand Canyon National Park.What happens if you hike the Grand Canyon without a permit?
People caught without permits are made to walk back up and may be fined as well. There are alternatives for you to try. Arrive at the canyon a day or two early and go to the backcountry office each morning to try to get a walk-up permit.Do you need a permit to hike the Grand Canyon rim to rim?
If you are an individual or a group of friends/family hiking rim to rim, you need only to pay your entrance fee (recently raised to $30 per car) and start hiking! Alternatively, if you are spending the night anywhere along the trail, whether at Phantom Ranch or in a campground, you do not need a rim to rim permit.How long does it take to get a Grand Canyon permit?
For backcountry hiking and camping permits, your best bet for obtaining one is to submit your application request at the earliest possible time. These vary depending on when you are planning your trip. Generally, you will want to apply 4 months in advance of your trip.No Permit No Problem - Grand Canyon National Park's Backpacking Waitlist.
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Images: Andy Vu, Ray Bilcliff, Noelle Otto, Noelle Otto