Do You Need a Reservation to Visit the Grand Canyon?
Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon and wondering whether you need to book in advance? You’re not alone. With changing park policies, shuttle systems, and seasonal crowds, it’s easy to get confused about what’s required before you arrive.
Here’s a clear, up-to-date guide to Grand Canyon entry requirements, when (and where) reservations are needed, and what you can expect, especially if you're staying nearby at Highland Grand Canyon.
Do You Need a Reservation to Enter the Grand Canyon?
No, you do not need a reservation to enter the Grand Canyon National Park. The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, and you can enter at any time with a valid entrance pass.
What You Do Need: A Park Pass
Every vehicle entering Grand Canyon National Park must have a valid entrance pass. You can choose from:
Private Vehicle Pass – $35 per car, good for 7 days
Motorcycle Pass – $30
Individual Pass (on foot or bicycle) – $20 per person
America the Beautiful Annual Pass – $80, valid for all national parks
Active military and their dependents receive a free annual Interagency Military Pass
U.S. military veterans and Gold Star families qualify for a free lifetime Military Pass
You can purchase your pass online ahead of time through Recreation.gov, or at the entrance gate when you arrive. That said, buying it in advance can save you time at the gate.
When Do You Need a Reservation?
There are a few exceptions where reservations are required:
Mule rides
These fill up months in advance and absolutely require a reservation through Xanterra.Lodging inside the park
Hotels like El Tovar and Bright Angel Lodge book out quickly, especially in spring, summer, and fall.Backcountry permits
If you're camping below the rim, such as along the Bright Angel Trail or in the inner canyon, you’ll need a backcountry permit from the NPS.Phantom Ranch
This bucket-list destination at the bottom of the canyon requires a lottery-based reservation system.
Pro tip: You do not need a permit for any day hikes, even if you’re hiking into the canyon on trails like Bright Angel or South Kaibab. Permits are only required if you plan to camp overnight below the rim.
No Reservation Needed for Highland Grand Canyon
If you’re looking for a place to stay near the park without the hassle of in-park lodging reservations, Highland Grand Canyon is just 15 minutes from the South Rim and doesn’t require advance park permits to access. You’ll still need a park pass, but you can come and go on your own schedule, without the lines or tour groups.
Other Things to Know Before You Arrive
The South Rim is open year-round, while the North Rim is only open seasonally, typically May through October (due to the Dragon Bravo Fire, the North Rim is closed for the 2025 season. We will update as we learn more).
During holidays and peak travel months (March, April, June, October), expect long entrance lines by midday. Arriving early is your best bet.
Shuttle buses inside the park do not require reservations. The shuttle service to Tusayan and West Rim Drive operate seasonally.
Cell service inside the park is limited. Download trail maps and your park pass ahead of time.
Final Takeaway
You do not need a reservation to visit the Grand Canyon, but you do need a park pass. And if you plan on doing anything more involved—like mule rides, overnight hikes, or staying at Phantom Ranch, you’ll want to plan ahead.
If you’re looking for a peaceful, convenient, and reservation-friendly place to stay, Highland offers the perfect home base just outside the park. No permit hassles, no tent setup, just forest breezes and a king-size bed waiting at the end of your day.
Ready to explore the canyon on your terms? Book your stay at Highland and start planning your adventure.
