Yavapai Geology Museum

Perched on the rim, Yavapai Geology Museum helps one gain an understanding of how the canyon formed.

NPS/M.Quinn

Quick Facts

Location:

South Rim

Significance:

Museum and Observation Station

Amenities

22 listed

Audio Description, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Benches/Seating, Bicycle - Rack, Braille, Bus/Shuttle Stop, Fire Extinguisher, First Aid Kit Available, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Maps Available, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Recycling, Restroom, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Tactile Exhibit, Trash Dumpster, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible

Hours of Operation

Open daily: 8 am to 6 pm

Perched right on the very edge of the canyon rim at Yavapai Point, Yavapai Geology Museum offers one of the best vantage points for an overview of Grand Canyon geology.

Parking is available. It is also possible to ride the Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route shuttle from the Visitor Center, or walk the Canyon Rim Trail from the Visitor Center/Mather Point, a distance of 0.7 miles (1.1 km).

The Museum Features:

• Bookstore and Museum Shop
• Large Picture Windows for viewing the canyon
• Exhibits (about the geology of Grand Canyon)
• Public Restrooms in a separate building by the parking lot
• Shuttle Bus Stop for transport to and from the Visitor Center

A 30 minute geology program is presented daily at 11 am. Meet the ranger in front of the Museum. Learn how this immense canyon formed and the science behind the landscape. The program is accessible. 
 

Yavapai Geology Museum was originally built in 1928 and retains much of its historic character.

Annotated displays at the base of the panoramic windows show you where to look to see each group of rocks. A large, sculpted relief map in the center of the room provides a way to get acquainted with the shape of the canyon and where its various landmarks are relative to one another.

You can walk between rock column models of the North and South Rims, learn the names of the various rock layers, discover information about the geologic history recorded in the rocks, and visualize the carving of the modern landscape.

The Grand Canyon Conservancy operates a Park Store in the building which sells books, souvenirs, and gifts. Restrooms and a water fountain are located in a separate building adjacent to the parking lot.

The Trail of Time, the world's largest outdoor geoscience exhibit, starts just 650 feet (198 m) to the west of the museum along the Rim Trail.

Duration:

1 minute, 58 seconds

Perched right on the very edge of the canyon rim at Yavapai Point, Yavapai Geology Museum offers one of the best vantage points for an overview of Grand Canyon geology. Annotated displays at the base of the panoramic windows show you where to look to see each group of rocks. You can walk between rock column models of the North and South Rims, learn the names of the various rock layers, discover information about the geologic history recorded in the rocks, and visualize the carving of the modern landscape.