Grand Canyon National Park
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Grand Canyon National Park Travel Guide
Few sights in the world rival the first glimpse of the Grand Canyon National Park, a mile-deep chasm carved by the Colorado River. This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves 278 miles of river corridor and the ancestral homelands of at least eleven tribes. Layers of red and gold rock record two billion years of Earth's geologic history, while viewpoints on the North and South rims offer vistas beyond imagination.
Standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon, you're looking into two billion years of exposed rock and the ancestral homelands of eleven tribes, while 278 miles of the Colorado River meanders through a maze of red and gold canyon walls.
How to Get There
Most visitors arrive at the South Rim via Highway 64 from Williams or Flagstaff, Arizona. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) are the closest airports to the area. The Grand Canyon Railway runs from Williams to the South Rim. The North Rim is accessed via Highway 67 from Jacob Lake and is open seasonally (May to October). Shuttles connect major South Rim trailheads; there is no road across the canyon between rims.
Know Before You Go
Summer crowds are intense; parking lots fill by mid-morning. Elevations range from 2,000 to over 8,000 feet; carry water and pace yourself to avoid altitude sickness. Sudden thunderstorms are common, especially during the July-August monsoon. The North Rim is more remote and closes in winter. Backcountry permits are required for overnight hikes below the rim.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and thinner crowds. Summer brings heat and thunderstorms, but also ranger programs and open facilities. Winter is magical on the South Rim, with occasional snow and quiet overlooks, although the North Rim is closed. For solitude, visit at sunrise or sunset and explore overlooks beyond Mather Point.
Best Things to Do
Walk along the South Rim's paved Rim Trail from Mather Point to Hermits Rest for ever-changing canyon views. Descend into the canyon on the Bright Angel or South Kaibab trail for a deeper perspective. Visit Desert View Watchtower and the Tusayan Museum to learn about ancestral Puebloan culture. Ride a mule down to Phantom Ranch or raft the Colorado River. On the North Rim, stroll to Bright Angel Point or hike the North Kaibab Trail.
Best Hikes
Bright Angel Trail (9.5 miles to the river, strenuous): Well-maintained path with water stations and shady rest houses; day hikers often turn around at the 1.5 or 3 Mile Resthouse.
South Kaibab Trail (7 miles to the river, strenuous): Steeper and more exposed; popular day hike to Cedar Ridge (3 miles).
Rim Trail (13 miles, easy): Mostly paved trail along the South Rim; wheelchair accessible sections near Mather Point.
North Kaibab Trail (14 miles to the river, strenuous): Journey through forests, exposed cliffs, and slot canyons to Phantom Ranch (overnight permit required).
Places to Stay
The South Rim features several lodges, including El Tovar, Bright Angel, and Yavapai, as well as campgrounds such as Mather and Desert View. Reservations fill months in advance. The North Rim features the Grand Canyon Lodge and a campground that is open from May to October. Backcountry camping below the rim requires a permit, which must be secured months in advance. Nearby Tusayan has hotels and RV parks. Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon offers rustic cabins accessible by foot, mule, or raft.
Places to Eat
South Rim dining ranges from the historic El Tovar Dining Room to the casual Yavapai Tavern. Grab breakfast burritos at the Bright Angel Lodge's Fountain. Stock up on snacks at the Canyon Village Market. In Tusayan, try Mexican food at Plaza Bonita or wood-fired pizza at We Cook Pizza & Pasta. On the North Rim, dine at the historic lodge or sip coffee at the Roughrider Saloon.
