Most People Visit

Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim.

• 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.
  
  
• Because the South Rim is easier to get to, Day-use visitors should expect traffic congestion and parking problems, particularly in summer.
  
  
• The least crowded time is November through February. However, winter weather is a major consideration when planning a trip during these months.
  
  
• A free shuttle bus system operates in the Grand Canyon Village area. Make your visit easier and save fuel by parking your car and using the shuttle to get around.
  
  
• The South Rim of Grand Canyon averages 7000 feet/2134 m above sea level.
  Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties. 
  Walking at this elevation can be strenuous.

Download the 2011 Winter (English)
South Rim Guide (3.57 MB PDF File)
December 1, 2011 - February 29, 2012

The South Rim Village
Shuttle Route and Road Map is included, but it is split between 2 pages. You may download the map as a single long page (700kb PDF File)

The North Rim has a Short Season

Is harder to get to, and is more wild and secluded.

• 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 mid-May through mid-October.
  
  
• Reservations are strongly recommended. Additional facilities are available in the surrounding Kaibab National Forest, the Kaibab Lodge area, and Jacob Lake.
  
  
• The North Rim is over 8000 feet/2438 m.
  Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties. Walking at this elevation can be strenuous.
  

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. 

Take a look at last season's information and maps to help plan your 2012 trip. North Rim lodging and camping along with the other visitor services within the park are open from mid-May to mid-October. Reserve lodging and campsites as far ahead as possible.
The 2012 edition will be available in April, 2012.

Download the maps & trail guide as one long page (945 kb PDF file)

Grand Canyon is in a Remote Part of the Country:

• Bring an extra set of car keys; it could be a long wait for a locksmith.
• Film is still available at the South Rim, but the closest camera repair is in Phoenix, AZ .
• There is an automobile mechanic on the South Rim, but only for minor repairs. Most likely the car will have to be towed to Flagstaff or Williams, AZ .
• Distances are deceiving in this part of the country. It may look like you can visit three parks in one day, but reality is often different.
• Keep your gas tank full. The next gas station may be quite a distance down the road.
• Carry water in your car, particularly during summer months.

Lightning Danger
Summer thunderstorms (July – September) provide beauty, excitement, and much needed water to Grand Canyon, but they also bring risk. Dangerous, potentially deadly, lightning accompanies
thunderstorms. Lightning has killed and injured visitors to the park. Learn more...

"Traveling Green" is a great way to help Grand Canyon and other areas you visit reduce carbon emissions, divert and reduce what goes into the waste stream, and to generally help the environment. Go to the Traveling Green page for helpful tips on planning your next green adventure. 

Thanks for doing what you can to help protect our environment!