Things To Do

 

Taking a walk in the South Rim Historic District.

There are many ways to experience Grand Canyon.

Individual interests, available time, and the weather can all influence a visit.

Here are some suggestions to assist you in personalizing your experience.

Choose Your Destination: --South Rim --- North Rim

 

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The South Rim and Desert View (Open All Year)

 

Attend Free Ranger Programs
Learn more about Grand Canyon nature, science, history and culture with a park ranger as your guide.
South Rim Village - Ranger Program Schedule
South Rim Desert View - Ranger Program Schedule and Cultural Demonstrations

Learn how youth can become Grand Canyon Junior Rangers
4th Graders and their families can see America's natural wonders and historic sites for free.

 

Stop by the Visitor Center, an Historic Home or Museum

The South Rim offers a variety of museums and information centers that house exhibits and provide park information. Learn more about visitor centers.

Learn about South Rim bookstores and gift shops.

 

Watch the Park Film
Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder, is shown in a theater within Grand Canyon Visitor Center. The film is 20 minutes long and starts on the hour and half-hour.

Note: as of March 13, 2020 the Visitor Center Theater has been closed because of concerns about Coronavirus COVID-19.

 

Walking or Hiking

Walk part of the well defined, and mostly level Rim Trail, starting from any viewpoint in the village or along the historic Hermit Road and greenway.

Day hike in and around the canyon or backpack overnight below the rim. (a backcountry permit is required)

 

Walk the Trail of Time

between Yavapai Museum of Geology and Verkamps Visitor Center 1.2 miles (2 km) along the canyon rim. View photos here.

The path contains information about the canyon's geologic history, as well as samples from each layer of the canyon. More...

 

Did you bring your bicycle with you? Learn about bicycling on the South Rim

Also available are bicycle rentals & guided bicycle tours, weather permitting. Bright Angel Bicycles is located by the Visitor Center.

Bright Angel Bicycles also operate a coffee bar/café with a "grab & go" menu targeted towards bicyclists and pedestrians.

 

Tour Scenic Hermit Road (also known as West Rim Drive)

Free shuttle bus service runs March 1 through Nov. 30, During this time, the road is closed to private vehicles. In addition to the main road, there is a designated greenway for travel by foot or bicycle. Commercial bus tours, jeep tours, and van tours, are also available.

During December, January, and February, Hermit Road is open to private vehicles. More...

 

Tour Desert View Drive (Hwy 64 - also known as East Rim Drive)

This 25 mile road, leaves Grand Canyon Village, then travels east 25 miles (42 km) to Desert View. You can drive your private vehicle, or take a commercial bus tour, jeep tour, or van tour.

View the Colorado River at Moran, Lipan and Desert View Points. You may exit or enter the park on the eastern end at Desert View. (via Arizona Highways 64 and 89)

 

At Desert View Point (South Rim)
Climb to the top of a 70 ft. tall (21.5 m) stone Watchtower for a panoramic view extending more than 100 miles on a clear day. The historic Watchtower is a replica of prehistoric towers found on the Colorado Plateau, and was designed in 1932 by Mary Colter. There is also a general store, deli, seasonal campground, and gas station.

You can attend Ranger Programs and watch Cultural Demonstrations.

 

Tusayan Ruin
is the remains of a small Ancestral Puebloan village located 3 miles (5 km) west of Desert View.

Tusayan Museum has exhibits that help bring the pueblo to life. Admission is free. Hours: 9 am to 5 pm. There are also ranger-led tours of the ruins daily More...

 

South Rim Mule Trips are offered year round.

The Canyon Vistas Ride is a 3 hour trip that travels along the canyon rim.

Overnight Rides go to the bottom of the canyon and stay at Phantom Ranch. More..

 

Participate in a Grand Canyon Field Institute Learning Adventure

The Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute offers guided educational tours led by expert instructors while backpacking, camping, hiking, and whitewater rafting.

Topics include geology, history, archaeology, photography, and more. Download the 2020 Schedule of Classes.

 

Whitewater and Smoothwater raft trips on the Colorado River

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.

Half-day and all-day smooth water trips from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry may be arranged by any lodge within the park. Transportation from the lodges to the dam is included.

 

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 link for some suggestions about the best times of day to shoot and, insider information about popular photo hot spots.

How to View and Photograph Wildlife

 

Journey to Grand Canyon National Park aboard 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.

Learn more...

 

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North Rim lodging and visitor services are available from May 15, through October 15.

 

North Rim has Closed for the Winter

Because of the incoming winter storm, the Arizona Department of Transportation closed State Route 67 to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park on Tuesday, November 26, 2019. Details >

 

North Rim Visitor Center

Is located adjacent to the parking lot on Bright Angel Peninsula. Open May 15 through October 15, 2020.

• A great place to start your adventure on the North Rim.
• Speak with a ranger who will be happy to help with questions you may have about the area.
• The Visitor Center also features interpretive exhibits, maps, brochures and a bookstore.

 

North Rim Ranger Programs

Interpretive programs are free and will be offered daily throughout the 2020 season; between May 15th and October 15th.

• Visit the North Rim Park Ranger Program webpage for more information.
• Learn how youth can become Junior Rangers

 

North Rim Day Hiking

During the season, take a day hike through this beautiful scenery.

• Experience the wild and remote feeling of the North Rim.
• Solitude can be found hiking the trails, and enjoying an awe-inspiring view. Watch mule deer and turkeys feeding in mountain meadows.
• Enjoy, discover, and celebrate the unique world of the North Rim.

 

North Rim Mule Trips

Are offered May 15 through October 15, of each year.

• One Hour Ride Grand Canyon rim. 1/2 Day Trip to Uncle Jim Point
• Inner-Canyon 1/2 Day Trip to Supai Tunnel on the North Kaibab Trail More..

 

Tour North Rim Scenic Drives (photos)

During the season, Point Imperial and Cape Royal are reached via a winding scenic drive.

• Driving to both points, with short walks, and several stops at pullouts along the way, can take 4 to 5 hours.
• Point Imperial is 11 miles/ 18km - 20 min. one way.
• Cape Royal is 23 miles/ 37km - 45 min. one way.

 

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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!