The Grand Canyon is more than a great chasm carved over millennia through the rocks of the Colorado Plateau. It is more than an awe-inspiring view. It is more than a pleasuring ground for those who explore the roads, hike the trails, or float the currents of the turbulent Colorado River.
The Basics
Hours:
The SOUTH RIM is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All visitor services: camping, lodging, and restaurants are available year round. Reservations are strongly recommended during the busy summer season. Some facilities are closed during the winter.
A free shuttle bus system operates in the Grand Canyon Village area. Make your visit easier by parking your car and using the shuttle to get around. Make sure you stop at the park's visitor center at Canyon View Information Plaza, which are reached only by shuttle.
The average distance across the canyon “as the condor flies” is ten miles (16 km). However, traveling from the North Rim to the South Rim requires a five-hour drive of 215 miles (345 km).
NORTH RIM visitor services and facilities are only open from mid-May to mid-October. Lodging and camping are available at the canyon's North Rim from May 15 through mid-October . Reservations are strongly recommended. Additional facilities are available in the surrounding Kaibab National Forest, the Kaibab Lodge area, and Jacob Lake.
Phone:
928-638-7888
Fax:
928-638-7797
Map
Directions
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is located 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona (via Route 64 from Interstate 40) and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff (via Route 180). Take note that Grand Canyon National Park lies entirely within the state of Arizona. The North Rim is located 30 miles south of Jacob Lake on Highway 67; the canyon rim is an additional 14 miles south. The road from Jacob Lake to the North Rim (Highway 67) is subject to closure due to snow from mid-October to mid-May.
Climate
Summer temperatures on the South Rim are relatively pleasant. North Rim temperatures are a few degrees cooler due to the higher elevation. Inner canyon temperatures are extreme. Daytime highs at the river often exceed 105° F. Thunderstorms frequently occur during July, August, and early September. Winter conditions on the South Rim can be extreme. The road into the North Rim is closed from the first heavy snow in November or early December to mid-May. Come prepared for a variety of conditions during spring and fall.
During winter months, the road to the North Rim, Highway 67, is often closed due to snow. After the close of visitor facilities in mid-October, there may be a period when the North Rim is open for day use only. (before the snow comes) During this time there are no services or overnight facilities available inside the park. The road from Jacob Lake to the North Rim (Highway 67) is subject to closure due to snow with little or no notice during this interval and then remains closed until mid-May.
Fees
$25 per private vehicle Individual are $12.00 per person. Admission includes North & South Rims.
Reservations
Reservations recommended for camping.
Things To Do
South Rim
Canyon View Information Plaza is the park's visitor facility. Here you will find the visitor center, a large bookstore, and ample restrooms. Several outdoor exhibits provide a variety of information about Grand Canyon National Park and what to do once at the park. Accessible only by free shuttle bus, a mile walk or bicycle ride from Market Plaza, or short walk from Mather Point.
Desert View
Desert View Drive (Highway 64) follows the canyon rim for 26 miles east of Grand Canyon Village to Desert View - the east entrance to the park
North Rim
The average distance across Grand Canyon “as the raven flies” is ten miles. However, traveling from the South Rim to the North Rim by automobile requires a five-hour drive of 215 miles. Lodging and camping are available at the canyon's North Rim from mid-May through mid-October. During winter months, the road to the North Rim entrance is closed due to snow.
Outdoor Camping
Campgrounds at the Grand Canyon: Will You be Visiting the South Rim or the North Rim?
The Colorado River is a barrier that biscects the park - splits it into two halves. Even though the average distance across the canyon is only 10 miles/ 16km, be aware that it is a five-hour drive of 215 miles/ 346km between the park's South Rim Village and North Rim Village.
Scenery, climate and vegetation are noticably different between north and south rims. It is almost like having two parks in one and it takes time, planning and effort to be able to visit both sides of the Canyon in one trip.
Most people visit Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open all year and is located on the "Arizona" side of the Canyon. The South Rim is closer to Interstate 40 and to the transportation centers of Williams, Flagstaff and Phoenix, Arizona. The South Rim also has a local airport and rail service. Since it is easier to get to, the South Rim is very busy, and during the summer season, campgrounds hustle and bustle and are often filled to capacity. Reservations are strongly recommended.
The North Rim is harder to get to and is more wild and secluded. Because of it's 8,000 ft/ 2438m elevation, the North Rim of the park is only open from May through October. The North Rim is located on the "Utah" side of the Canyon. The nearest towns to the park's North Rim village are Fredonia, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah. There is no airport or rail service to the park. (that means that the North Rim village may only be reached by road) Because the North Rim has a shorter season, Campground Reservations are strongly Recommended.
First time Grand Canyon hikers tend to react to the experience in one of two ways: either they can't wait to get back, or they swear they'll never do it again.
Going on a hike is wonderful way to experience some of the canyon’s rich natural beauty and immense size. However, even if you are an avid hiker, hiking the Grand Canyon is very different from most other hiking experiences.
Mental attitude and adequate water and food consumption are absolutely essential to the success of any Grand Canyon hike, particularly in summer. The day hiker and the overnight backpacker must be equally prepared for the lack of water, extreme heat and cold, and isolation characteristic of the Grand Canyon.
Hiking in the Grand Canyon is so demanding that even people in excellent condition often emerge sore and fatigued. Yet small children, senior citizens, and people with physical disabilities have successfully hiked the canyon.
A hike into the Grand Canyon will test your physical and mental endurance. Know and respect your limitations. Moderation is the key to an enjoyable hike.
Successful hikers: Read and follow the suggestions and regulations listed on this website. Plan their hike before they start and go prepared. Hike during the cooler, shadier time of the day. Go slowly, rest often, and stay cool. Eat salty foods and drink water or sports drink.
Depending on how prepared you are, your trip can be a vacation or a challenge, a revelation or an ordeal.
Bicycles are not available for rent inside the park. If you plan to bring a bicycle, be aware that in Arizona bicycles are subject to the same traffic rules as automobiles. Use extreme caution when riding on park roads! Shoulders are narrow and vehicle traffic is heavy.
Bicyclist Warning: Bicycles are permitted on all paved and unpaved park roads and the new Greenway Trail. They are prohibited on all other trails, including the Rim Trail. Bicyclists must obey all traffic regulations. Always ride single file with the flow of traffic. See and be seen; wear bright colors and a helmet.
Hermit Road (South Rim): This road is open to bicycles throughout the year, but be aware that during the summer months there is heavy bus traffic. Hermit Road is narrow and bicyclists should pull to the right shoulder of the road and dismount when large vehicles are attempting to pass. Never hang on to a shuttle bus while riding.
Canyon View Information Plaza - located at Mather Point and open daily year-round, 8am to 5pm, additional open hours vary seasonally. Outdoor exhibits may be viewed anytime (however the lights at Canyon View Information Plaza are turned off at 9pm). Accessible only by free shuttle bus, a one mile walk or bicycle ride from Market Plaza on the new Greenway Trail, or a short walk from Mather Point. Several outdoor exhibits provide a variety of information about Grand Canyon National Park and what to do once at the park. Available facilities include restrooms, pay phones, bookstore, and shuttle bus stops. The canyon rim is only a short stroll away.
Yavapai Observation Station - located one mile east of Market Plaza provides spectacular views of Grand Canyon. This historic building recently underwent rehabilitation. The bookstore is open daily from 8am to 8pm. However, new displays will not be installed until 2007. The parking area, viewpoint, shuttle bus stop, Rim Trail, and restrooms are open.
Kolb Studio - located in the Village Historic District, at the Bright Angel trailhead. Open daily year-round, 8am to 6pm, additional open hours vary seasonally. Once the home and business of the Kolb brothers, pioneering photographers at Grand Canyon. The bookstore and auditorium are open to the public.
Desert View Information Center - located at the park's east entrance on the South Rim. Open daily 9am to 5pm, except during the winter months when open as staffing permits.
Tusayan Museum - located three miles west of Desert View and 22 miles east of Grand Canyon Village on Desert View Drive. Open daily year-round (but may be closed due to inclement weather), 9am to 5pm. A visit to Tusayan Museum will provide a glimpse of Pueblo Indian life at Grand Canyon some 800 years ago, admission is free. A self-guiding trail leads through the adjacent 800-year-old ruin. Ranger-led ruin tours are offered daily. Educational materials about the park and region are sold in the non-profit bookstore.
North Rim Visitor Center - located adjacent to the parking lot on Bright Angel Peninsula. Park and regional information, maps, brochures, exhibits, and bookstore. Open mid May to mid October, from 8am to 6pm, daily. Interpretive programs offered seasonally. Public restrooms located in back of the building.
