Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona

Overview

View from North Rim

Grand Canyon National Park is the nation's most popular national park with 5 million visitors annually. Located entirely in northern Arizona, the park encompasses 277 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. One of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world, the Grand Canyon is unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers from the rims. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site.

Expect crowds during the spring, summer, and fall months. During these months reservations for camping and lodging are essential.

General Information

Seasons / Hours

South Rim: Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

North Rim: Open 24 hours a day. Closed from late October to mid-May.

Rates & Fees

ENTRANCE FEES

Private vehicle - $30.00 7 days
Individual (pedestrians, bicycle, etc..) - $25.00 7 days

BACKCOUNTRY FEES

Permit Fee (per permit) - $10.00 plus $8.00 per person More...

Visitor Centers

South Rim - Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (longer hours during peak season). The main park Visitor Center is located just east of Grand Canyon Village, approximately 6 miles north of the south entrance station.

North Rim - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (longer hours during peak season) mid-May through late October only; located in the lobby of Grand Canyon Lodge.

Sunset North Rim

Interpretive Centers are also located at

Yavapai Observation Station
Tusayan Museum
Desert View

Quick overview:

Facilities/Features

Stores/Museum
In addition to the main park Visitor Centers, historic Kolb Studio is open to the public for most of the year and features a variety of canyon-related exhibits. There are six lodges in the park (including the historic El Tovar Hotel) and a wide variety of eating establishments (from cafeterias to formal dining at the El Tovar Hotel). Tusayan Museum offers exhibits of Anasazi and Hopi culture.

Programs/Events

The park offers free ranger-led programs throughout the year, including a wide variety of walks, talks, and a nightly evening program (outdoors in summer, indoors during cooler weather).

Regularly scheduled special events at Grand Canyon include the Grand Canyon Chamber Music Festival each September, regularly scheduled theatrical productions in summer, art exhibits at Kolb Studio on the rim (April through October), and others. Check THE GUIDE upon arrival for details and schedules of current activities.

Food/Supplies
Groceries and supplies are available on the South Rim at Babbitt's General Store (both in Grand Canyon Village and at Desert View). There is a small camper store on the North Rim, adjacent to the North Rim Campground.

Accessibility
Facilities vary a great deal. Write for a copy of the park's free 8-page Accessibility Guide.

Rules, Regulations, Precautions

Firearms, including air pistols, bow & arrows, and fireworks are prohibited.
Fires are not allowed except in grills at Mather and Desert View campgrounds.
Hiking and other strenuous activities in extreme heat can be hazardous. Pace yourself and rest often. Carry water (at least 1 gallon per person per day is recommended) and drink even when you don't feel thirsty. There is no water available at picnic areas or along most trails.
Reservations for camping and lodging must be made in advance, particularly during peak season. Permits are required for all overnight hikes; permits must be obtained in person or by written request (phone reservations are not accepted). Write and request a copy of the park's Backcountry Trip Planner for additional information on backpacking in the park. Permits are not required for day hikes.
Pets are allowed in the park but must be on a leash at all times. Leashed pets are allowed on rim trails throughout the developed areas in the park but not below the rim, in park lodging or on park buses. The only exception is certified service dogs. Persons wishing to take a certified service dog below the rim must check in first at the Ranger Office (at the corner of Center Road and Village Loop Drive.) There is a kennel at the South Rim; call 928-638-2631, extension 6549. Reservations are suggested. Kennel services are not available on the North Rim; pets are not recommended.

Grand Canyon National Park
P.O. Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
General Inquiries: 928-638-7888

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