Ride the Canyon: Horse Camping in Grand Canyon National Park
For riders craving epic views, steep switchbacks, and rugged high desert trails, horse camping in Grand Canyon National Park offers one of the most unforgettable equestrian adventures in the country. Whether you're dropping into the Inner Canyon or staging a rim-to-rim expedition, planning ahead is essential—especially when it comes to permits.
Read this first-hand account of riding the the canyon
Backcountry Horse Permits: Inner Canyon & North Rim
If you're camping overnight on the North Rim or at Inner Canyon sites like Bright Angel or Cottonwood, you'll need a Backcountry Permit from the park.
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Enter the lottery by the first of the month, four months ahead of your trip.
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Didn’t win? There may still be permits available—call the Backcountry Permits Office at 928-638-7875.
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Cost: $10 per permit, plus $15 per person and $15 per horse per night.
This is your gateway to deep canyon nights, star-filled skies, and backcountry solitude with your stock.
North Rim Horse Camp (May–November)
Tucked just a quarter-mile from the North Kaibab Trailhead, this primitive single-site camp is your launching point for big elevation rides and remote backcountry loops. With easy access to the park’s north-side trail network and cooler summer temps, it’s ideal for riders seeking wilderness without the crowds.
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Permit cost: $10 per permit, plus $4 per person and $4 per horse per night.
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Note: At least one rider must stay overnight with the horses.
Inner Canyon Stock Access
Ready to ride into the canyon itself? Both Bright Angel Campground (near Phantom Ranch) and Cottonwood Campground allow one group with horses per night. No roads, no trailers—just you, your horse, and the trail.
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Hitching rails provided.
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One group per night at each location.
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Permit required.
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Someone must stay with the stock.
This is true bucket-list territory. Getting a permit means earning the right to camp under canyon walls, with the Colorado River in earshot.
South Rim Horse Camp – Mather Campground
For a more accessible option, Mather Campground on the South Rim offers two reservable horse campsites, right near the heart of the park. With easy access to the South Rim’s trail network, it’s a solid launchpad for riders who want to mix riding with sightseeing and rim views.
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Cost: $25 per site, per night.
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Reserve via Recreation.gov (search for “HA” in the toolbar for horse sites).
What’s Not Allowed
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No trailers or horse camping at Tuweep.
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Off-trail riding is strictly prohibited.
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Only certified weed-free feed is permitted in the park.
Bottom Line:
From rim rides to canyon descents, Grand Canyon offers serious elevation, serious solitude, and some of the most dramatic terrain you’ll ever explore on horseback. With the right permits and a sense of adventure, this ride is as big as it gets.
