North Rim Hiking: Both the South Rim and North Rim offer two types of hiking trails, inner canyon (which require planning and permitting) and rim top trails. The inner canyon permit is used by those hikers who travel on or off established trails, all river use, and rock climbers. Permits are free, and can be picked up at the Visitor Center on the South Rim, the North Rim Ranger Station, or the registration board at the East Portal. Each day has a limited number of permits which are distributed on the first-come, first-served basis. Safety and back country use monitoring are the primary reasons for this permit system.
The North Rim Road and Ranger Station are closed from November with a reopening in mid April. There is a self-pay kiosk at the North Rim park entrance off of Highway 92.
Hiking the Inner Canyon NPS Link
USGS Topographic Maps Links:
South Rim Visitor Center
9800 Highway 347
Montrose 81401
970-641-2337 x205
North Rim Trails Requiring Permit:
SOB Draw:
Long Draw (Gulch):
Slide Draw:
The most difficult hike/climb with a 30 foot section of down climb.
Non-permitted Trails:
North Vista Trail:
Chasm View Trail:
Island Peaks Trail:
Deadhorse Trail:
Overlook Loop-Deadhorse Trail: