The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is a mile-deep canyon (1.6 km) 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. -
Because the South Rim is easier to get to, day-use visitors should expect traffic congestion and parking problems, especially during spring break and during summer months.
A free shuttle bus system operates on the South Rim, in the Grand Canyon Village area. Save gas and frustration; park your vehicle and ride the free shuttles around the park.
The South Rim of Grand Canyon averages 7000 feet/2134m above sea level. Walking at this elevation can be strenuous. Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties.
Whether you're planning a single visit or coming back multiple times a year, enjoy the convenience of purchasing a Grand Canyon National Park site-specific digital pass on Recreation.gov before you arrive. You have immediate access to your digital pass and can easily download it on your phone or tablet. Your pass will also be emailed as a PDF and can be printed out for display when you arrive.
Learn more about your pass options, find the right pass for you, and buy your pass online.
Private Vehicle ($35 valid for 7 days) An online pass will admit everyone traveling with you in your car or personal vehicle.
Motorcycle ($30 valid for 7 days)
Individual (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian) ($20 valid for 7 days)
Click anywhere in the photo to download the South Rim Pocket Map. Map shows services, facilities, shuttle bus routes, and scenic viewpoints. You will receive a paper copy of the map when you enter the park. NOTE THIS IS A PRE-PANDEMIC MAP and may not show the actual conditions you will encounter during the 2021 season.
North Rim: CLOSED FOR THE WINTER
The North Rim has a short season, is harder to get to, and is more wild and secluded.
North Rim facilities and lodging are usually open May 15 through October 15, each year
Lodging and Camping Reservations are strongly recommended.
North Rim Lodging Reservations. -- North Rim Campground Reservations. -- Driving Directions
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.
The North Rim is closed to all vehicles between December 1st and May 15th, and no visitor services are available.
Click on the graphic above to download the North Rim Pocket Map and Services Guide.
Safety Message:
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...
In "More Than A View," Park Ranger Stephanie Sutton invites us to go beyond the rim and explore all that Grand Canyon National Park has to offer; diverse life zones, landforms, and cultural history.
"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 our Traveling Green page for helpful tips on planning your next green adventure.
Thanks for doing what you can to help protect our environment!
Visitors who have parked at the South Rim Visitor Center board free shuttle buses to access village facilities and canyon overlooks.
