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Will I have to obtain a permit way before the hike and schedule my appearance at the Grand Canyon on that given day? Or will the Grand Canyon rangers allow me special treatment since I will be an Arizona Trail hiker? If I get into the canyon do you think some canyon hikers will allow me to share their camp site?

You can also tell them you are hiking the AZT and request to stay in the horse camp and they will put you in there. They are rarely used by equestrians and have some sort of deal with the AZT

So when I hiked it last fall Southbound, we had no issues they pretty much told us that worse case scenario we would have to spend one extra night at the rim on a waiting list. Also the AZT made a deal with the Park Superintendent that if you tell them you are a thru hiker that they will try and accommodate you in the livestock campground which is rarely utilized. I would not sweat it.

Spiced Rum wrote:the AZT made a deal with the Park Superintendent

The NPS is a government agency, so "deals" are certain to be documented and public. I'd love to see the the link for that agreement!

Ha! This looks like a game of Telephone!

The backcountry office sets aside a couple of permits for last minute requests such as thru hikers or last minute hikers. Get to the office as soon as you get to town or if they are closed, be at the door a half hour prior to opening the next day. Can you be flexible in your travel plans? If there aren't any spots at Phantom Ranch, there might be some at Indian Garden (although that doesn't get you very far) or Cottonwood on the North Side. The people at the backcountry office have always been very helpful to me. They only let so many people camp in the canyon and they will check your permit so you can't just go in and ask to camp with someone.

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