Things To Know Before You Come

 

A Mile-Deep Canyon (1.6 km)

Separates the park into
The South Rim
The North Rim

The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River creates a barrier that bisects the park. Even though the average distance across the canyon is only 10 miles/ 16 km, it takes 5 hours to drive the 215 miles / 346 km between the park's South Rim Village and the North Rim Village.

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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 food are available year round.
  
  
• Reservations are strongly recommended during spring, summer and fall.
  Make South Rim Lodging Reservations here -- Make South Rim Campground Reservations here
  
  
• 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.

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Download the Park Newspaper for the South Rim of Grand Canyon

 

Park Newspaper

Download the 2013 Spring (English)
March 1 - May 22, 2013
Spring South Rim Guide (letter-size)
(Prints on 8.5 x 11" paper 2.2 MB PDF File)

Spring South Rim Guide (tabloid size)
(Prints on 11 x 17" paper 3.1 MB PDF File)

Contains maps, schedules and information.

South Rim lodging and camping along with most other visitor services within the park are open all year.

Reserve lodging and campsites as far ahead as possible, especially during busy summer and fall months.

Download Spring South Rim Village Shuttle Bus/ Parking Map
as one large page 22.5 x 17" (1.3 MB PDF file)

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Quick links to information about:

Lodging	Maps	Shuttle Buses	Guided Tours	Ranger Programs
Campgrounds	Food	Public Transport	Mule Trips	Visitor Centers
Goods/ Services	Permits	River Trips	Hiking	Sunrise/ Sunset

 

The North Rim has a Short Season

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

• North Rim food service and Lodging are open from May 15 through mid-October. The campground stays open with limited services through the end of November, or until snow closes Highway 67. Read about limited off-season visits to the North Rim.
  
  
• Reservations are strongly recommended.
  North Rim Lodging reservations here. --- North Rim Campground reservations here.
  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. in elevation.
  Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties. Walking at this elevation can be strenuous.

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Download the Park Newspaper for the North Rim of Grand Canyon

 

Park  Newspaper

Download the 2013 Season (English)
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)

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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...

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"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!