The park's orientation film, Grand Canyon: A Journey Of Wonder, is shown daily on the hour and half-hour.(Admission free - the film is 20 minutes long).
The film takes visitors on a rim to river, and dawn to dusk journey through the park, and provides an introduction to the human and natural history of the region.
Grand Canyon is a place of inspiration. Learn about the efforts to preserve and protect this special place as a sanctuary for plants, animals, and humans.
Walking or Hiking
The Canyon Rim Trail
For a nice introduction to the park, walk part of the well defined, and mostly level Canyon Rim Trail. Start from the Visitor Center/Mather Point, or from any viewpoint in the village.
West of the village, the Canyon Rim Trail continues alongside Hermit Road, a 7 mile scenic road with 9 exceptional overlooks.Details >
4th graders and their families can see America's natural wonders and historic sites for free this school year, through the Every Kid Outdoors Program >
Teachers, learn about bringing your class on a Ranger-led Field Trip at Grand Canyon, or how to arrange for a Distance Learning session with our Education Rangers.
Hermit Road is open to private vehiclesduring the winter months of December, January and February. There is no shuttle service.
From March 1, through November 30, Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles, the free Hermit Road (Red Route) shuttle bus provides access
The road itself, and it's designated greenway section is also open to travel by foot or bicycle. There are 9 designated overlooks with fantastic views.More about touring Hermit Road >
Bright Angel Bicycles also operate a coffee bar/café with a "grab & go" menu targeted towards bicyclists and pedestrians.
Capture Grand Canyon in Photos
Taking photos is a great way to make your Grand Canyon trip last. Whether you share them on social media or compile them in a scrapbook, having great photos of your adventure is the best souvenir.
Visit the links below for some suggestions about the best times of day to shoot and, insider information about popular photo hot spots.
Visitors traveling to Grand Canyon National Park can enter and exit the park through the East Entrance at Desert View.
(State Route 64 - also known as the East Rim Drive) This 23 mile (37 km) road, leaves Grand Canyon Village, then travels east to Desert View. and the East Entrance Station.
This is the only scenic road on the South Rim that is open to private vehicles all year. More about touring Desert View Drive in your vehicle.
Visitors traveling to Grand Canyon National Park can enter/exit the park through the East Entrance at Desert View for wide, expansive views of Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. (Desert View is 23 miles/37 km) from the South Rim Village.
The Desert View Watchtower Gift Shop (Kiva Room) is open daily 9 am to 5 pm: Only the ground level Kiva Room, with large picture windows, is open to the public. The tower itself is closed until further notice.Details >
Services include: Market/Deli, Trading Post with Coffee/Ice Cream, seasonal campground, and a pay-at-the-pump gas station. Details >
Tusayan Pueblo/Museum
CLOSED
Tusayan Pueblo is the remains of a small Ancestral Puebloan village is located 3 miles (5 km) west of Desert View. The archaeological site and self-guiding trail are CLOSED for the season.
The institute provides immersive and educational adventures at Grand Canyon—all officially designed and developed in partnership with Grand Canyon National Park.
Whitewater trips through Grand Canyon last from 3 days to 21 days and require reservations made well in advance, or a noncommercial permit obtained by entering a weighted lottery.
Ride Grand Canyon Railway
From Williams, Arizona (along Interstate 40) the Grand Canyon Railway carries more than 230,000 people by rail to Grand Canyon National Park each year.
As an alternative, to driving, it is possible to park in Williams, AZ, 60 miles south of the park, (on Interstate 40), take Grand Canyon Railway, and not have to deal with busy summer traffic and finding a parking place.
The train departs Williams daily at 9:30 am, arrives in Grand Canyon Village at 11:45 am, then departs the village at 3:30 pm, and arrives back in Williams at 5:45 pm.
The North Rim isClosed for the Winter
On Thursday, December 1, State Route 67, and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park closed to all vehicle traffic for the winter. State Route 67 and all North Rim services are scheduled to re-open for the 2023 season on May 15th, 2023 (subject to change).
The North Rim campground is available for winter camping, with a backcountry permit, for those hiking inner canyon trails from the South Rim — or by those cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or hiking the 45 miles overland from Jacob Lake. How to obtain a Backcountry Permit >
North Rim lodging, camping & all services will be available May 15, through Oct. 15, 2023
CLOSED FOR THE WINTER
The Visitor Center is located adjacent to the parking lot on Bright Angel Peninsula. The building is open from May 15 through October 15.
During the season the Visitor Center Store is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm.
Restrooms are located on the back side of the building.
North Rim Ranger Programs
CLOSED FOR THE WINTER
Interpretive programs are free and are offered daily between May 15th and October 15th.
When you arrive on the North Rim, between May 15 and October 15, check bulletin boards or ask at the information kiosk about programs being offered during your visit.
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.
Thanksfor doing what you can to help protect our environment!
