Hundreds of miles of official trails and unmarked routes lead hikers and backpackers into Grand Canyon’s backcountry. The breath-stealing beauty of a canyon panorama or a delicate spring rewards those who make the effort to undertake getting to know the canyon this way. But hiking here is like hiking nowhere else, and even a day hike requires planning and preparation.

No permit is necessary to day hike, but in order to camp anywhere in Grand Canyon National Park other than the developed rim campgrounds, a backcountry permit is required. Each year, the park receives 30,000 requests for backcountry permits; and each year, the Park Service issues 13,000 permits. So, how do you improve your chances?

Timing Is Important

Popular hikes book quickly, as do popular seasons. Summer, despite deadly temperatures, is the most popular time to hike the canyon. Late spring and early fall are next. Though few people apply for winter permits, inner canyon temperatures are moderate at that time of year.

The sooner you apply for a permit, the more likely you are to get your chosen dates and location. Permit requests can be made on the first of the month, four months prior to the start date of your trip. Being flexible about starting and ending dates, or about locations, also helps.

Be Thorough

When planning your itinerary, use the park’s Backcountry Trip Planner — available online, in person, or by mail (Backcountry Information Center/GCNP, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon AZ, 86023, www.nps.gov/grca) — to help you understand use areas, camp types, and stay limits. Permit requests must include the trip leader’s contact information and credit-card information, group size, license plate numbers of cars to be left at the trailhead, and a proposed itinerary. The itinerary must show dates and use areas for each night of the trip. If your application is complete and accurate, you’ll increase your chances of getting a permit.

Know the System

There’s a sort of hierarchy to permit applications, and your best shot is bringing the application in person to the Backcountry Information Center. Because immediate assistance is given to walk-in visitors, your application will be considered before any unprocessed requests. This isn’t ideal if you live in Poughkeepsie or Peoria, though, so you can apply online or via fax (928/638-2125).

You can also mail your request — but since mail-in requests must be postmarked no earlier than the first of the month, four months before the first day of your trip, you’ll be late out of the gate. The gate stays closed for applications by phone or email — don’t even try it.

If you land a permit, you’ll be notified by U.S. mail, no matter how you applied. Allow a minimum of three weeks for the response. Your credit card will be charged up to the amount you specified on your application. Fees are $10 per permit, plus $5 per person per night if you are camping below the rim, or $5 per group if you are camping above the rim.

If your application is denied, you can try to get a permit upon arrival at the canyon by placing your name on a waiting list. You must be present at the Backcountry Information Center at 8 a.m. MST to obtain a last-minute permit, usually for an opening one to three days in advance. Last-minute permits are possible, though unlikely during popular seasons.