Essential Information for Visiting Grand Canyon National Park

Few natural wonders can rival the breathtaking scale and beauty of the Grand Canyon. Stretching a mile deep and 10 miles wide, it showcases a stunning array of layered red rock that reveals millions of years of geological history in an instant. This magnificent feature is so grand that it leaves a mark on Earth visible from space.

To experience the 277-mile canyon, make your way to Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona, which encompasses the majority of the canyon and the Colorado River that flows through it.

“The breathtaking canyon landscape is the primary attraction for visitors from around the globe,” stated Joelle Baird, a public affairs officer at Grand Canyon National Park, in an email interview with Dinogo. Having lived and worked at the Grand Canyon for 12 years, she highlights the unique qualities of this remarkable terrain.

“Many guests are often astonished by our high elevation (7,000 feet at the South Rim, 8,000 feet at the North Rim), which allows for lush ponderosa pine and juniper/pinyon pine forests to thrive amid the high desert scenery as well,” she added.

To offer a thorough guide to the park, we turned to Baird’s extensive expertise. With 12 years of experience in the canyon — serving as a biological science technician, preventative search and rescue ranger, and now a public affairs officer — she shares a treasure trove of insider tips. Below are her suggestions on everything from the best times to visit to ideal hiking spots.

Important Information to Consider

Grand Canyon National Park encompasses the canyon itself and is divided into two main areas: the South Rim and the North Rim. 

The majority of visitors experience the canyon from the South Rim, which is open 24/7 throughout the year and features the main Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Additionally, there's Verkamp's Visitor Center, which highlights the lives of those who have resided along the canyon and what it was like to live and work in this stunning park. To access the South Rim, you can enter through the South Entrance near Tusayan, Arizona, or the East Entrance (Desert View) near Cameron, Arizona, with most opting for the South Entrance.

“If it’s your first time at the canyon, I suggest spending at least a few days at the South Rim. It offers numerous visitor services such as hotels, dining options, and ranger-led programs that are definitely worth exploring,” recommended Baird.

On the other hand, the North Rim, located near the Arizona-Utah border, offers a peaceful and secluded experience, but it is completely closed to visitors from December 1 to May 14. While it’s tranquil and beautiful, the North Rim provides fewer services, even during the summer months. The North Rim Visitor Center and Park Store are open from May 15 to October 15.

To visit both rims, you must undertake a five-hour drive around the canyon. Consequently, most visitors opt to explore just one of the canyon’s rims.

Entrance to the park costs $35 per day per vehicle, or you can purchase an annual park pass for $70. Grand Canyon National Park does not require reservations or timed entry passes for entry.

Optimal Visiting Times

The majority of visitors come to Grand Canyon National Park from late May to early September, with June, July, and August being the peak months. The quieter “shoulder seasons” are from March to May and September to October, while the low season lasts from November to March.

The South Rim, which remains open year-round and is more accessible, always experiences higher traffic compared to the North Rim, which is open only from May 15 to October 15, weather permitting. If you plan to visit the South Rim during school holidays, summer break, or weekends in the fall, be prepared for long lines, limited parking, and crowded viewpoints. To reduce wait times, consider purchasing your park pass in advance in Tusayan, using the less-busy East Entrance, or taking the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim. 

Baird mentions that if a visit to the North Rim isn’t on your agenda, winter offers a unique and tranquil experience at the South Rim. "As a Grand Canyon resident, winter is my favorite season! We often see fewer visitors, and many popular viewpoints are less crowded. It’s a much calmer time, and the contrast of the canyon's red rocks against the snow on the rim creates a magical scene." 

The ideal times for viewing and photographing the Grand Canyon are usually at sunrise and sunset. Sunrise occurs between 5:11 and 7:40 a.m., depending on the time of year, while sunset ranges from 5:14 to 7:49 p.m. 

Directions to the Canyon

Williams, Arizona, is the nearest town to the South Rim, located just an hour and 20 minutes away via Route 64. From Flagstaff, it takes about an hour and 45 minutes to reach the South Rim using Route 180. Phoenix, the closest major city and airport, is approximately three hours and 45 minutes by car, while Las Vegas is around four hours and 45 minutes away from the South Rim.

Once you arrive at the South Rim “village,” you can take advantage of several free shuttle buses that transport you to different viewpoints, sites, and trailheads around the rim. Some routes operate year-round, while others are seasonal. Be sure to check the schedule on the website.

You can also reach the South Rim via the Grand Canyon Railway, which departs from Williams, Arizona. Taking the train allows you to skip long entrance lines and avoid parking hassles. 

The North Rim usually operates from May 15 to Oct. 15 and is located about two hours south of Jacob Lake, Arizona, along Highway 67. Las Vegas, more than five hours away by car, is the nearest major city and airport to the North Rim. Additionally, traveling between the two rims takes a full five hours. 

Top Activities to Enjoy

Scenic Routes

A fantastic way to appreciate the grandeur of the canyon is by driving along Desert View Drive on the South Rim. This scenic road begins near the South Rim village and stretches 23 miles, offering access to six viewpoints and a Tusayan Pueblo site. A shuttle bus operates along this route as well.

Hermit Road, previously known as West Rim Drive, runs parallel to Desert View Drive on the South Rim and provides a distinct perspective of the canyon with nine viewpoints. This road is closed to private vehicles from March 1 to Nov. 30, but a complimentary shuttle bus operates during that period.

On the North Rim, you can travel between Cape Royal and Point Imperial along a picturesque road featuring numerous pullouts and viewpoints, such as Walhalla Overlook and Roosevelt Point. Note that the North Rim and its scenic routes are closed during the winter months. 

River Rafting

For those eager to explore the depths of the canyon, a rafting adventure is essential. Options for full and half-day river trips can be booked through accommodations on the South Rim, and there are also multi-day excursions along the Colorado River (permits must be obtained in advance for these trips). 

Cycling

The South Rim features approximately 13 miles of bike-friendly roads and greenway trails, including Hermit Road, formerly known as West Rim Drive. Shuttle buses are equipped with bike racks, allowing you to ride out and return via bus. You can rent regular bikes and e-bikes from the Bright Angel Bicycles shop located near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the South Rim.

Cultural Exhibitions

At the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the South Rim, you can find ongoing cultural exhibitions. These complimentary demonstrations provide an opportunity for park visitors to engage with members of the region's 11 Indigenous groups and observe the creation of both traditional and contemporary crafts. 

Top Hiking Trails 

Canyon Rim Trail

This level trail runs directly along the canyon’s edge and serves as a wonderful introduction to the park. It begins at the South Rim's visitor center and traces the canyon rim, ultimately aligning with Hermit Road, which features nine stunning overlooks.  

Trail of Time

The Grand Canyon boasts a rich and fascinating geological history, which is highlighted along the Trail of Time. This nearly three-mile round-trip path runs along the canyon rim, connecting the Yavapai Museum of Geology and Verkamps Visitor Center on the South Rim. Each meter on this timeline trail represents one million years of the canyon's geological evolution, featuring rock samples and displays that illustrate the formation of the Grand Canyon.

South Kaibab Trail

Baird advises, “If it's your first visit, make sure to include day hikes into the canyon on your itinerary.” She suggests the South Rim’s South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge (three miles round-trip) or Skeleton Point (six miles round-trip). Remember, the trail slopes down into the canyon and is very steep. The national park warns that “the trail’s openness can lead to extreme heat in summer and minimal shelter from storms.”

Bright Angel Trail

For an in-canyon hike on the South Rim, Baird recommends the Bright Angel Trail leading to either the 1.5-mile rest house or the three-mile rest house. This trail traces the paths once taken by the canyon's Indigenous peoples, miners, and early visitors.

Transept Trail

This North Rim route extends from the Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Rim Campground, offering stunning canyon views along its three-mile round-trip hike.

North Kaibab Trail

As the only maintained trail descending into the canyon from the North Rim, the North Kaibab Trail allows for as much exploration as desired. The Coconino Overlook and Supai Tunnel are accessible at 1.5 miles and four miles round-trip, respectively. This trail ultimately stretches from the rim to the river at the canyon's base, but park officials caution that “it is not advisable to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day,” given the 28-mile round-trip distance and a steep descent of 6,000 feet.

Places to Stay

Hotels and Lodges

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon offers seven lodging options that operate year-round. Five of these are situated in the historic district and can be reserved online at grandcanyonlodges.com. The remaining two are found on Market Plaza near the visitor center and can be booked through visitgrandcanyon.com.

Notable options include El Tovar Lodge in the historic district, which sits right on the rim and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. El Tovar has welcomed prominent visitors such as Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Oprah Winfrey. For those seeking a contemporary twist on traditional park lodging, Maswik Lodge South just opened in June 2022. Additionally, Yavapai Lodge at Market Plaza is well-regarded for its clean, straightforward rooms and pet-friendly policy.

Outside the park near the South Rim, there are numerous accommodations, including the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel in Williams, Arizona, where the train to the Grand Canyon departs. Baird highlights that “staying near the park during your visit makes it easier to catch sunrise and sunset.”

The only lodge within the North Rim is the Grand Canyon Lodge, which tends to fill up quickly during its operating season from May 15 to Oct. 15.

Campgrounds

There are four campgrounds along the South Rim, including the year-round Mather Campground for tents and Trailer Village for RVs. Additionally, the South Rim features two seasonal campgrounds that open for spring, summer, and fall: Desert View near the East Entrance and Ten-X Campground.

On the North Rim, there are two seasonal campgrounds: the North Rim Campground and DeMotte Campground, both of which do not offer hookups.

Places to Eat

The South Rim boasts a variety of dining options, ranging from quick grab-and-go lunches at the Bright Angel Bicycle Rental and Café to full-service meals at establishments like the Arizona Steakhouse within Bright Angel Lodge and the El Tovar Dining Room and lounge at El Tovar Lodge. For those needing supplies, groceries are available at the Canyon Village Market general store.

During the North Rim's open season, you can find a general store next to the campground, along with a saloon, deli, and a full-service dining room at the Grand Canyon Lodge.