Grand Canyon National Park

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, Grand Canyon is unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers to visitors on the rim. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park
P.O. Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
928-638-7888 - Visitor Information

By Plane
Commercial air carriers serve Las Vegas, Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Grand Canyon Airport (in Tusayan, just south of the park).

By Car
Grand Canyon Village (SOUTH RIM) is located 60 miles north of Interstate 40 at Williams via highway 64, and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff via highway 180. Only ten miles from rim to rim as the crow flies, the North Rim is 215 miles (about 4 1/2 hours) from the South Rim by car. The NORTH RIM is 44 miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ, via highway 67.

By Plane
SOUTH RIM: Bus Service between Grand Canyon National Park and Flagstaff, Arizona is offered by Nava-Hopi Tours, 800-892-8687, and by South Rim Travel, 520-638-2748. Greyhound Bus Lines offers service from Flagstaff and Williams to points nationwide. Grand Canyon Railroad offers service between Williams and the canyon, 1-800-THE-TRAIN.

NORTH RIM: A shuttle service is provided seasonally between the North Rim and the South Rim by Trans-Canyon Shuttle, 520-638-2820.

Getting Around
SOUTH RIM: Free shuttle service is available throughout Grand Canyon Village, along Hermit Road, and out to the South Kaibab Trailhead during peak season only (the free shuttle began operation March 10 and is currently running). At that time of the year Hermit Road and Yaki Point are closed to private vehicles. Taxis are available (on call) from Grand Canyon National Park Lodges, call (520) 638-2631 ext. 6563.

NORTH RIM: There is no shuttle service on the North Rim.

The South Rim is 7000 feet above sea level, which means snow in winter and cool nights even in summer. Inner canyon hiking (below the rim) is another story, however: summer temperatures along the Colorado River at the canyon bottom can reach 120(c2)(ba) F. The North Rim is 8000 feet above sea level and can receive snow throughout most of the year. Weather is particularly changeable in spring and fall; visitors should be prepared for a variety of climates.

The high altitude of both the South and North Rims may cause visitors with respiratory or heart problems to experience difficulties. All walking at this elevation can be strenuous.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Camping
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Snow Skiing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Whitewater Rafting
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Recommended Activities
Grand Canyon is heavily visited for most of the year and it is imperative to plan ahead for lodging, backcountry permits, or mule trips. Persons planning day visits only should arrive early in the day as parking is limited. Write the park in advance to request a Trip Planner (or Backcountry Trip Planner if you are planning to backpack).

Click on image to enlarge.