Equines (horses, mules, donkeys, and burros) are allowed on specific trails: the South Kaibab, Bright Angel, River, and Plateau Point Trails, and the section of the Tonto Trail that runs between the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails. The park service website (www.nps.gov/grca) includes detailed information on planning an equine trip at the canyon. Permits are not needed for day use of park trails, but the Park Service asks that riders travel trails in the same direction and time period as mule tours, which have the right of way.

If you are planning an overnight trip, contact the Backcountry Information Center (928/638-7875, 1–5 p.m. Mon.–Fri.) for more information. You can apply for a permit in person, by fax (928/638-2125), or by mail (GCNP, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023) no earlier than the first of the month, four months before your trip. If you’re planning an overnight trip in March, for example, you can apply on November 1 of the previous year.

A backcountry permit is required for overnight use, and there are restrictions on the number of animals per group, as well as stock fees. If riders plan to stay at Phantom Ranch, at least one member of the group must stay in the campground with the animals, and a backcountry permit is still required. Campgrounds can accommodate only one group of equestrians at a time. On the South Rim, there is a horse camp half a mile from the Bright Angel Trailhead.

Animals must stay on trails. No grazing is allowed, and feed must be packed in. Hay must be weed-certified. Pack animals must be tied together and led single file. Riders accept all responsibility for their own and their animals’ safety.

Trails and roads in neighboring Kaibab National Forest are open to equine use unless otherwise posted, or unless the animals pose a danger to stock. Contact the forest’s Tusayan Ranger District (928/638-2443) for more information.