Grand Canyon National Park - Things To Do (U.S. National Park Service)

Rim walk in the South Rim Historic District.

There are many ways to experience the Grand Canyon. Individual interests, available time, and the weather can all influence a visit. The following are suggestions to assist you in personalizing your Grand Canyon experience.

Choose One: South Rim North Rim

The South Rim and Desert View (Open All Year)

Attend Free Ranger Programs
Learn more about the the nature, science, history and culture of the Grand Canyon with a park ranger as your guide. Program Schedule & Information
Kids: Be a Junior Ranger Ranger Minutes (audio-video insights)

Visit an Information Center or Museum
The South Rim offers a variety of museums and information centers that house exhibits and provide park information. Learn more about information centers.
Learn about South Rim bookstores and gift shops.

Your phone provides a fun way to learn more about the Park. Listen to park rangers give 2 minute audio tours at various points of interest on the South Rim, from Hermit Road to Yaki Point, and the North Rim. Learn more...

Visit the Scenic Hermit Road
Tour by free shuttle bus (red route) or by commercial bus tour. (closed to private vehicles for the season) This newly improved road winds 8 miles/ 11km past numerous overlooks to the historic Hermits Rest. More...

Visit the Scenic Desert View Drive
Tour in your private vehicle or by commercial bus tour. 25 miles one-way. Views of the river at Moran, Lipan and Desert View Points. Visit the Watchtower historic landmark. You may exit the park to the east. (hwys 64 to 89)

Hiking
To walk part of the well defined Rim Trail, begin from any viewpoint in the village or along Hermit Road. Day hike in and around the canyon or backpack overnight below the rim.

Visit a Grand Canyon . Lighting is the key to all good photos. When it comes to the Grand Canyon, the lighting is more dramatic during the early morning and the late afternoon. Long shadows bring out depth and texture.

Participate in a Grand Canyon Field Institute Learning Adventure
The Grand Canyon 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.

Grand Canyon Railway on the way to the park.

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.

Whitewater and Smoothwater raft trips on the Colorado River
Whitewater trips through Grand Canyon last from 3 days to 21 days and require reservations well in advance. Half-day from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry may be arranged by any Lodge inside the park and

North Rim (Open mid-May through mid-October)

Entrance to the North Rim Visitor Center

The North Rim Visitor Center is located adjacent to the parking lot on Bright Angel Peninsula. This is 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.

Free Interpretive Ranger Programs are offered daily throughout the season.
Download the 2009 North Rim Schedule (120kb PDF File) mid-May - mid-October, 2009. Rangers recommend wearing a hat and sunglasses and bringing water to all daytime programs due to the high elevation and arid conditions.

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 facilities are open mid-May to mid-October only.