The National Park Service Mobile App is a great tool for planning your trip, then it can be used as a guide during your visit. You can download the maps and content from Grand Canyon National Park for offline use. It’s especially handy if you’re exploring remote areas or concerned about data limits. Free and available now.
Visit this webpage (updated daily) for the current list of what is open and closed, and the hours of operation.
The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is a mile-deep canyon (1.6 km) that bisects the park.
Even though the average distance across the canyon is only 10 miles/ 16 km, it takes 5 hours to drive the 215 miles / 346 km between the park's South Rim Village and the North Rim Village. -
There is only one way to cross the Colorado River by automobile, and that is 137 miles / 231 km from the South Rim Village (at Marble Canyon, AZ) via theNavajo Bridge, a few miles downstream from Lees Ferry, where the Canyon is only 400 feet/ 122 m wide.
There is no longer an airstrip on the North Rim of the park. That means that the North Rim village may only be reached by driving all the way around - or by hiking across the canyon.
If you are hiking across the canyon, the South Kaibab Trail crosses the Colorado River on a narrow foot bridge 70 feet/ 21 m above the water.
It is a 21 mile/ 34 km hike to go "Rim To Rim," with a vertical descent - followed by a climb - of 1 mile/ 1.6 km. This is an overnight hiking trip for 95% of individuals, and most people really shouldn't attempt it during the hot summer months, when high temperatures often average over 100 F. (38 C)
90% of Travelers Visit Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim
South Rim
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
All visitor services: camping,lodging, and food are available year round.
Because the South Rim is easier to get to, day-use visitors should expect traffic congestion and parking problems, especially during spring break and during summer months.
A free shuttle bus system operates on the South Rim, in the Grand Canyon Village area. Save gas and frustration; park your vehicle and ride the free shuttles around the park.
The South Rim of Grand Canyon averages 7000 feet/2134m above sea level. Walking at this elevation can be strenuous. Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties.
Whether you're planning a single visit or coming back multiple times a year, enjoy the convenience of purchasing a Grand Canyon National Park site-specific digital pass on Recreation.gov before you arrive. You have immediate access to your digital pass and can easily download it on your phone or tablet. Your pass will also be emailed as a PDF and can be printed out for display when you arrive.
Learn more about your pass options, find the right pass for you, and buy your pass online.
Private Vehicle ($35 valid for 7 days) An online pass will admit everyone traveling with you in your car or personal vehicle.
Motorcycle ($30 valid for 7 days)
Individual (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian) ($20 valid for 7 days)
Click anywhere in the photo to download the South Rim Pocket Map. Map shows services, facilities, shuttle bus routes, and scenic viewpoints. You will receive a paper copy of the map when you enter the park.
North Rim
The North Rim has a short season, is harder to get to, and is more wild and secluded.
North Rim facilities and lodging are usually open May 15 through October 15 each year
Lodging and camping reservations are strongly recommended.
North Rim Lodging Reservations. -- North Rim Campground Reservations. -- Driving Directions
Additional facilities are available in the surrounding Kaibab National Forest, the Kaibab Lodge area, and Jacob Lake.
The North Rim is over 8000 feet/2438 m. in elevation.
Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties. Walking at this elevation can be strenuous.
The North Rim is closed to all vehicles between December 1st and May 15th, and no visitor services are available.
There are many opportunities here for adventurous and hardy persons to backpack, camp, take a mule trip to Phantom Ranch, or take a river trip through Grand Canyon on the Colorado River. River Trips can last anywhere from several days to three weeks. There are no one-day river trips through the length of Grand Canyon.
Trail Courtesy Practices that Leave No Trace With so many of us participating in a wide range of trail activities, it really helps when we are considerate of each other. Trail Courtesy Guidelines help protect Grand Canyon's plants, animals and history, and enhance everyone's experience.
Safety Message:
Grand Canyon is in a Remote Part of the Country:
Bring an extra set of car keys; it could be a long wait for a locksmith.
Film is still available at the South Rim, but the closest camera repair is in Phoenix, AZ .
There is an automobile mechanic on the South Rim, but only for minor repairs. Most likely the car will have to be towed to Flagstaff or Williams, AZ .
Distances are deceiving in this part of the country. It may look like you can visit three parks in one day, but reality is often different.
Keep your gas tank full. The next gas station may be quite a distance down the road.
Carry water in your car, particularly during summer months.
Lightning Danger
Summer thunderstorms (July - September) provide beauty, excitement, and much needed water to Grand Canyon, but they also bring risk. Dangerous, potentially deadly, lightning accompanies thunderstorms. Lightning has killed and injured visitors to the park. Learn more...
In "More Than A View," Park Ranger Stephanie Sutton invites us to go beyond the rim and explore all that Grand Canyon National Park has to offer; diverse life zones, landforms, and cultural history.
"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 our Traveling Green page for helpful tips on planning your next green adventure.
Thanks for doing what you can to help protect our environment!
Visitors who have parked at the South Rim Visitor Center board free shuttle buses to access village facilities and canyon overlooks.
