Things To Do

Grand Canyon National Park is continuing to evaluate and adapt to changing COVID-19 guidance, and is adjusting operations as needed. The information presented here is primarily to help you plan a visit during 2021.

Visit this web page for the current list of what is open, and for park-wide updates >

 

Taking a walk in the South Rim Historic District.

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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South Rim (Open All Year)

 

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 rock layer within Grand Canyon. More >

Learn about Grand Canyon Geology >

 

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)

 

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.

Capture Grand Canyon in Photos

How to View and Photograph Wildlife

 

Did You Bring Your Bicycle?

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.

 

Mule Trips

are offered year round on the South Rim.

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 about South Rim Mule Trips

 

Desert View Drive

(State Route 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.

There is a turn-around at Desert View Point. The East Entrance to the park remains closed at this time due to Covid-19 lockdowns and stay at home orders on the neighboring Navajo Nation (12/3/2020)

Touring Desert View Drive in your vehicle

 

Hermit Road

(Also known as West Rim Drive)

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

From March through November, Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles. The free Hermit Road (Red Route) Shuttle is in service, The main road, and the designated greenway trail are open to travel by foot or bicycle.

More about walking or bicycling Scenic Hermit Road

 

Visitor Centers

The South Rim Visitor Center is Closed at this time.

There are several museums and information centers that house exhibits and provide park information. Some of them are open:

Learn more about visitor centers.

Learn about South Rim bookstores and gift shops.

 

Guided Learning Adventures

Grand Canyon Conservancy's 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.

A wide variety of Grand Canyon Maps, Trail Guides and Field Guides are available online from our by non-profit partner Grand Canyon Conservancy. Your purchase goes towards protecting and enhancing Grand Canyon National Park for present and future generations.

Learn about additional Guided Tour options on the South Rim

 

Raft Trips on the Colorado River

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.

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.

 

Park Ranger Programs Cancelled

Learn more about Grand Canyon nature, science, history and culture with a park ranger as your guide. (No Ranger Programs now due to Covid-19)

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 through the Every Kid Outdoors Program >

 

Park Film Temporarily Closed

Note: on March 13, 2020 the Visitor Center Theater closed because of concerns about COVID-19.

At this time the Visitor Center itself remains closed. (12/4/2020)

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

 

The East Entrance to the park, and most Desert View facilities and services remain closed because of COVID-19 lockdowns on the neighboring Navajo Nation. You must enter and exit the park through the South Entrance. (Tusayan)

During a normal year, you can 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.

During a normal year, at Desert View, you can attend Ranger Programs and watch Cultural Demonstrations.

 

Tusayan Pueblo/Museum are Closed

The remains of a small Ancestral Puebloan village is 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...

East Entrance to the park and Tusayan Pueblo remain closed because of COVID-19 lockdowns on the neighboring Navajo Nation. You must enter and exit the park through the South Entrance. (Tusayan)

 

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 & visitor services are usually available May 15, through Oct. 15

 

The North Rim is CLOSED for the Winter

 

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.

 

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.

 

North Rim Trail Rides

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..

 

North Rim Visitor Center CLOSED

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 Suspended

Interpretive programs are free and are usually offered daily throughout the 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

 

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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!