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Grand Canyon Officials Mulling Backcountry Changes

Hiking down the Grand Canyon's most popular trails could require a permit and a few dollars under proposals for managing the park's backcountry areas.

Millions of people visit the canyon each year, taking in the views from developed areas along the rim. Far fewer people venture into the 1.1 million acres that make up the backcountry, including anything below the rim.

Park officials are trying to get a better handle on how many people are walking down the trails and trying to ease congestion.

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Three options for revising a 1988 backcountry management plan include a day-use permit for hikes more than 5 miles below the rim and a fee of about $5.

Another option would leave things as is. The public has 90 days to comment on the proposals.