Just a reminder that permits for Grand Canyon Backcountry trips scheduled in November 2008 are available starting tomorrow, July 1st. If you plan to hike into the Canyon this November you'll want to either drive to the Grand Canyon Backcountry Office to secure the permit or send in your permit application via mail or fax.

The Permit Request Form (a fillable PDF form) is available at: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm. Look under the "How to Apply" heading.

Remember when making plans that the North Rim is essentially closed by mid-October and the road to the North Rim could be closed by November (it is not plowed in winter).

Make sure you include alternate dates and itineraries, especially for Central Corridor Trails (mainly Bright Angel, & South Kaibab Trails; with the North Rim is closed, the North Kaibab Trail receives very little use in the winter months).