Operating Hours & Seasons
The South Rim: Open All YearThe 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 spring, summer and fall. Some facilities close during the winter. A free shuttle bus system operates in the Grand Canyon Village area. Make your visit easier by parking your car at the Visitor Center and using the free shuttle buses to get around the village.
Park Newspaper Download the 2013 Spring (English)
The North Rim: May 15th through Mid-OctoberThe North Rim has a short season. Lodging and food services within the park are open from mid-May to mid-October. North Rim off-season:
Park Newspaper North Rim Guide (letter-size) (Prints on 8.5 x 11" paper 3 MB PDF File) North Rim Guide (tabloid size) (Prints on 11 x 17" paper 2.5 MB PDF File) The 2013 season edition of the North Rim Guide contains the maps, schedules and information needed to plan your visit. North Rim lodging and camping along with most other visitor services within the park are open from mid-May to mid-October. It is best to reserve lodging and campsites as far ahead as possible. Download the maps/trail guide as one large page 22.5 x 17" (660 kb PDF file)
Winter on the North Rim (off-season) During the off-season, (between October 16 and May 13) there may be a short period when the North Rim remains open for day use - as late as November 27, or until Highway 67 closes due to snow. During this time food service and lodging is NOT available in the park. Starting October 16, self service gas and diesel fuel will to be available in the park through November 27, or until Highway 67 closes due to snow. The National Park Service's North Rim Visitor Center and Bookstore as well as the Backcountry Information and Permits Office will remain open through November 27, or until Highway 67 closes due to snow. From October 16 until closure, operating hours will be 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Starting October 16, or until Highway 67 closes due to snow, campsites with limited services, such as portable toilets, will be available for a $12 fee on a first-come, first-served basis. Water will only be available outside the National Park Service administrative office. Park entrance fees and campground fees will be collected through the end of the day on November 27, or until Highway 67 closes due to snow. 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 will remain closed until mid-May. During the winter period when the North Rim entrance station gate is closed, the only public access into the national park is on foot, skies, or snowshoes. Private snowmobiles are not allowed inside Grand Canyon National Park. Hikers and cross-country skiers are permitted to use the park's group campsites throughout the winter months if they have obtained a permit through the park's Backcountry Information Center. Read more about off-season visits to the North Rim. | |
Did You Know?
During the summer months temperatures within the Grand Canyon are extremely high. Plan your day so you are not hiking between the hours of 10am and 4pm. Take a break near shade and water to avoid the worst heat of day. Enjoy a predawn start and a late afternoon finish. More...
2013 Grand Canyon Trip Planner
2013 Season North Rim Guide
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