Grand Canyon

With its ever-changing and dramatic scenery of enormous proportions, the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. Its pine and fir forests, painted deserts, sandstone canyons, mesas and plateaus, volcanic and geologic features, the Colorado River, perennial streams, and waterfalls breathtakingly combine to form one of Earth’s greatest landmarks. The only one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World to be located in North America, more than 4,000,000 people visit the canyon each year, making it the most visited national park in the United States.

Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon attracts over 5 million visitors each year and by far is the most visited side of the Canyon. That's because it is the most accessible and provides the most amenities. As with all sides of the Canyon, the South Rim features astounding views of what took Mother Nature millions and millions of years to create. That why it has earned the distinction as one of the world's Seven Wonders.

Particularly during summer vacation months, visitors should expect heavy traffic and parking problems. If you want to avoid crowds, the best time to visit is from November through February. During the winter, heavy snow at the high altitude could be a travel consideration. However, the views of the Canyon dusted with snow is a spectacularly beautiful sight.

The Canyon South Rim is only 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona on State Route 64 and about 90 miles northwest of Flagstaff, Arizona on Highway 180 to SR 64. There are hotels at the Grand Canyon South Rim area, but many visitors prefer hotels in Williams or Flagstaff hotels. 

Getting Around

The village of Tusayan is located two miles south of the park boundary and has an airport, shops, hotels, an IMAX cinema and a large, affordable RV park.

Switchbacks On The Kaibab TrailCanyon View Information Plaza is the park's visitor facility. Here you will find the Canyon View Center, a large bookstore, and ample restrooms, all within a short walk of Mather Point. When you arrive at the Rim, park your vehicle at one of the many parking areas and take advantage of the free shuttles. Each parking lot has a shuttle stop nearby. The shuttle system has three main non-overlapping routes:

Village Route: This shuttle explores the developed areas including Grand Canyon Village, hotels, restaurants, and the Visitor Center as well as various viewing points to gaze across the magnificent panoramas.

Hermit Rest Route: Choose this shuttle to explore about 8 miles of the South Rim just west of Grand Canyon Village.

Kaibab Trail Route: Kaibab Trail Route – This shuttle goes to Yaki Point and explores the South Kaibab Trail.

Grand Canyon South Rim CenterYou can get off at any shuttle stop and explore the area as long as you want, catching another shuttle later. Shuttles operate continuously starting before dawn and winding down just after sunset.

Most visitors arrive via the South Entrance, 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff on Hwy 64/180. Avoid summer wait times of 30 minutes or more by prepaying your park ticket at the National Geographic Visitor Center in Tusayan, which allows you to cruise through in a special lane. Or arrive at the East Entrance instead. In summer, if you've bought your ticket or have a park pass, you can now hop on the park's Tusayan shuttle at the IMAX Theater in Tusayan and disembark at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

A few miles north of the South Entrance, Grand Canyon Village (or simply the Village) is the primary hub of activity. Here you'll find lodges, restaurants, two of the three developed campgrounds, a backcountry office, visitor center, medical clinic, bank, grocery store, shuttles and other services. Coin-operated showers and laundry facilities are located next to Mather Campground.

West of the Village, Hermit Rd follows the rim for 8 miles, ending at Hermits Rest. Seven pullouts along the way offer spectacular views; from those at Mohave and Hopi Points you can spot three Colorado River rapids. Interpretive signs explain the canyon's features and geology. From March to November the road is closed to private vehicles and accessible only by tour or free shuttle bus.

In the opposite direction, Desert View Dr meanders 25 miles to the East Entrance on Hwy 64, passing some of the park's finest viewpoints, picnic areas, the Tusayan Ruin & Museum and the Watchtower. A campground, snack bar, small information center and general store are in Desert View, right by the entrance. Also here is the park's only gas station, which offers 24-hour pay-at-the-pump service from April to September. Gas stations in Tusayan are closer to the Village and open year-round.

Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim)

A vacation to the remote, North Rim of the Grand Canyon delivers some of the most spectacular vistas you’ll find anywhere in the world. Once you’ve reached the North Rim, get out your hiking boots and explore. You can hike numerous trails or drive to the three main viewpoints.

Bright Angel Point is a popular spot at the southern end of the entrance road. You’ll walk over to the Grand Canyon Lodge and then follow a short, paved trail to the point. This trail does have a few steep sections and stairs but it offers a spectacular view.

Take a winding drive to both Point Imperial and Cape Royal where you’ll see an expansive view of the canyon. The views of the Grand Canyon from the North Rim give you a sense of its vast scale rather than its depth. In fact, you may not even be able to see the Colorado River below.

Point Imperial is located 8,803 feet above sea level and overlooks the eastern end of the Grand Canyon. Below, the Marble Canyon winds its way toward grandeur where it opens up dramatically.

Cape Royal provides dramatic, sweeping views of the canyon. A paved, level trail makes getting here easy and rewarding. Straight across, you can see the Desert View Watchtower located on the South Rim. Look for the natural arch known as “Angels Window” and notice how it frames the Unkar Delta below.

A fourth viewpoint takes a bit more effort to reach. Point Sublime is accessible via a rough road that is subject to poor road conditions and occasional road closures. A four-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended for this two-hour, one-way trip.

How to get there

The park entrance to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is about 30 miles south of Jacob Lake, Arizona (not far from Utah) on Highway 67.

From Zion National Park. Take Highway 9 to Mt. Carmel Junction, then turn south on Highway 89 to Kanab, Utah. At the stoplight in Kanab, Highway 89 turns into Highway 89A. Continue on US 89A to Jacob Lake (about 36 miles), then take Highway 67 to the entrance of Grand Canyon North Rim.

From Flagstaff. Take US 89 North to US89Alt. Take US89A West to Highway 67. At Jacob Lake, turn South on Highway 67 and continue to the entrance to the North Rim. Total one-way trip is about 207 miles (333 km).

Weather

The Grand Canyon is a year-round destination. When most people think of Arizona they think of the warm, dry desert. However, being at nearly 7,000 feet elevation means there are four seasons at the canyon. Here’s what you can expect during each season. 

 

Summer

At 7,000 feet (2,134 meters), summer temperatures on the South Rim are relatively pleasant 50°-80°F (10°-20°C). The North Rim is 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) above sea level, so its summer temperatures are cooler, and can range from 40°-70°F (5°-21°C). Thunderstorms frequently occur during July, August, and early September, and inner canyon temperatures are extreme. Daytime highs at the river—5,000 feet (1,500 meters) below the rim—often exceed 105°F (40°C). 

Winter

Winter conditions on the South Rim can be extreme. Be prepared for snow, icy roads and trails, and possible road closures. Roads on the South Rim are plowed when needed, and canyon views may be temporarily obscured by fog during passing storms. The North Rim can get heavy snowfall during the winter months. The road into the North Rim (Highway 67) is closed from the first heavy snow in November or early December to mid-May. (Please note: Entrance fees are not refundable because of weather conditions.)