The Grand Canyon National Park is a U.S. National Park located in the state of Arizona. The Park encompasses the Grand Canyon and the surrounding rim areas. The Park maintains an intricate trail system both above and below the rims of the canyon. To properly maintain and supervise the many trails and campgrounds in the backcountry of the Grand Canyon, Park implemented a system of zoning the different areas of the canyon and the surrounding rim area into backcountry "use areas," designated by a two-letter, one-number code system.
This code is used when applying for the required permits for any backcounty overnight camping and backpacking. Permits must be purchased from the Park for any overnight camping done in the within its borders. When applying for a permit, the permit-holder declares his/her intended camping schedule, by using the code for each area he/she intends on camping in, and stating how many days he/she will remain in the area.
The Park also created rules and regulations to help protect and preserve the Grand Canyon. These rules and regulations, such as Leave No Trace, range from limits on the amount of campers in one area, to rules that the campers must follow for safety and protection of the wildlife and wilderness. This system helps to assure the Grand Canyon remains one of the world's great wonders.
Backcountry Zones
*Special permits are required from the Navajo Tribal Parks Department for the Marble Canyon use areas:
SF9, SI9, SH9, SG9 and the portion of the use area BA9 north of the confluence of the Little Colorado River.