Basic Information

Information On This Page Navigation

 

A Mile-Deep Canyon (1.6 km)

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.
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• More about the South Rim
• More about the North Rim

 

Trip Planner English

Backcountry Trip Planning Included - A Handy Source of Information/ Maps

How will you experience the canyon ?
Read our Trip Planner before you visit the park. Contains useful information and essential maps. (both North & South Rims)

This PDF "newspaper" contains active links that can connect you to more detailed information. The Trip Planner is formatted to print on standard letter-size paper.

TRIP PLANNER TRANSLATIONS are available in seven additional languages.
and may be downloaded here

 

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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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Buy Your Digital Entrance Pass on Recreation.gov

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. Between March 1, and mid-September, It is possible to park in the gateway community of Tusayan, present your digital pass, and your group can ride the free shuttle into the park.

Motorcycle ($30 valid for 7 days)
Individual (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian) ($20 valid for 7 days)
Annual - Grand Canyon Only ($70)

Additional ways to purchase a Grand Canyon park pass >

 

Click anywhere in the photo to download the South Rim Pocket Map.

 

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North Rim

The North Rim is open for dawn-to-dusk day use during November, 2019. The lodge and campground are closed. Plan to be self-sufficient. Bring enough food and water for the day, as services will not be available. Lodging is available in area communities.

 

The North Rim has a short season, is harder to get to, and is more wild and secluded.

• North Rim facilities and lodging are 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.
• Detailed North Rim Information and Video

 

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...

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Duration:

8 minutes, 39 seconds

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!

 

Physical Address

Directions

Operating Hours & Seasons

Weather

Fees & Passes

Entrance Fees:

Entrance Passes:

Visitor Centers

Internet & Cellular Access

Public WiFi is available.

Internet & Cellular Access Details

 

Visitors who have parked at the South Rim Visitor Center board free shuttle buses to access village facilities and canyon overlooks.

Quick links to information about:

Lodging	Maps
Campgrounds	Food
Visitor Centers	Permits
Sunrise/ Sunset	Things To Do
Ranger Programs	Shuttle Buses
Guided Tours
Park Newspapers	River Trips
Backcountry Hiking	Mule Trips

 

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