Visitor and Information Centers
|
The South Rim and Desert View (open all year)
The Grand Canyon Visitor Center (on the South Rim by Mather Point.)
Interior of Grand Canyon Visitor Center with new exhibits.
NPS photo by Tyson Joye
Mather Point From the Visitor Center, its just a short walk - or shuttle ride to Mather Point for a spectacular view of the canyon. 
Map showing the Grand Canyon Visitor Center with the location of parking lots 1-4, in relation to Mather Point and the Rim Trai.
Backcountry Information Center Backcountry Information Center (South Rim) Chat with park rangers to obtain backcounty information and permits. Open: 8:00 a.m. - noon; then, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. (M.S.T.) Located in the village historic district just east of Maswik Lodge. Parking is available in lot D. The Village Loop Shuttle Bus stops here. 
Verkamp's Visitor Center Just east of the El Tovar Hotel and Hopi House, Verkamp's Visitor Center is the canyon's newest contact station - in one of its oldest buildings. At the information desk, National Park Service rangers and Grand Canyon Association staff will answer any questions you may have. From the Verkamp's Visitor Center, follow the Rim Trail west to other businesses and viewpoints along the rim. Open daily 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (summer hours) 
Pioneer History Exhibits The Verkamp's home and business was constructed in 1906, and it was open as a gift shop (that featured Grand Canyon souvenirs and Native American arts and crafts) through September 17, 2008. 
Yavapai Geology Museum and Observation Station How old is the Grand Canyon? How did it form? The exhibits at Yavapai Geology Museum answer these and other geology questions. Displays include three-dimensional models, powerful photographs, and exhibits which allow park visitors to see and understand the complicated geologic story of the area. The historic building, located one mile (1.6 km) east of Market Plaza, features expansive canyon views. 
Yavapai Geology Museum and Observation Station The Geology Museum Bookstore offers a variety of materials about the Grand Canyon region. Several ranger programs begin here. Open daily 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (summer hours) 
Kolb Studio on the Rim Once the home and business of the Kolb Brothers, pioneering photographers and filmmakers at Grand Canyon, this rambling, Victorian era building (1905) has been restored to its original splendor. Visit the free Kolb Brothers exhibit, A Grand Life at the Grand Canyon in the auditorium, and shop in the bookstore. The exhibit is open through Tuesday, September 3, 2013. . Kolb Studio is located in the Village Historic District at the newly renovated Bright Angel trailhead. Open daily 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (summer hours) Other Visitor Centers 
Your phone provides a fun way to learn more about the Park. Desert View (open all year) 
Desert View Visitor Center Desert View is located 25 miles/ 41 km east of Grand Canyon Village, on the South Rim. Download the map (235kb PDF File) Download the Trail Guide (1MB PDF File) The Desert View Visitor Center and Bookstore, located at Desert View Point near the park's east entrance, offers a Passport Stamp cancellation station, and an excellent selection of publications. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (summer hours) Visitor Center exhibits explore how this magnificent landscape has inspired artists, writers, musicians, and conservationists. 
Desert View Watchtower The Desert View Watchtower, one of the most prominent architectural features on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, underwent major renovations during 2010. The 70-foot tower contains a gift store and its upper floors serve as observation decks where visitors from around the world enjoy magnificent views of the canyon and the Painted Desert. 
Tusayan Museum (1932) Tusayan Museum 
Tusayan Museum Exhibits The museum features some of the original 2,000–4,000 year old split-twig figurines. Often they are made in the shape of deer or bighorn sheep, sometimes with horns or antlers. Free admission. 
Walk around Tusayan Ruin A self-guiding trail leads through the adjacent 800-year-old Tusayan Ruin. Ranger-led ruin tours are offered daily. Educational materials about the park and region are sold in the non-profit bookstore. Download: Tusayan Museum Trail Guide (821kb PDF file)
North Rim (Open May 15th through mid-October) 
The North Rim Visitor Center The North Rim Visitor Center 
Relief map - geology exhibit. The North Rim Visitor Center is a great place to start your adventure on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
Information desk, bookstore |
 |
|
;){kind=link}
Did You Know?
Mental attitude, adequate water and food consumption are absolutely essential to the success of any Grand Canyon hike. The day hiker and the overnight backpacker must be prepared for the lack of water, extreme heat and cold, and the isolation characteristic of the Grand Canyon. More...