Grand Canyon Information

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Address | What City is the Grand Canyon In | Grand Canyon MapThe Grand Canyon, about 4 hours south of St. George, UT,  is the most popular National Park in the U.S. Consequently there is no off-peak season as the weather is perfect nearly all year round. If you are planning on visiting the park be sure to make arrangement for lodging, camping, backcountry permits, or mule trips well in advance of your arrival. Due to the limited parking available, if you are planning to visit for a short duration, a day or less, arriving at the park early will allow you better access to a space.

Upon arrival at the park via the North or South Rim, you will be presented with a copy of the park newspaper "The Guide". Be sure to peruse it for useful information about parking areas, ranger programs, and visitor facilities. The Village shuttle bus is available to ride into the park and to the Canyon View Information Plaza once you have entered the park and secured your vehicle. At the Plaza, there is plenty of information to plan your visit like informative exhibits about Grand Canyon and other points of interest that are just a short stroll away.

There are many place to eat near the Grand Canyon, Tuba City, AZ (50 miles from the Grand Canyon) and Williams, AZ offer a good selection of nearby Grand Canyon, restaurants. Finding Places to stay near the Grand Canyon is also important, check out our Grand Canyon, lodging for suggestions.

Visitation

  • Highest in summer; lowest in winter.



 

Location

Located entirely in Northern Arizona
Address: P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
South Rim Address: 1 Yaki Point Road, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
Visitor Information Recorded Message: 928-638-7888



 

Operating Hours

The SOUTH RIM is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services are available and facilities are open year round.

The NORTH RIM is open mid-May through mid-October. weather permitting, the North Rim is open for day use only following the close of facilities in mid-October. After that time there are no services or overnight facilities available inside the park on the North Rim.



 

Climate

The South Rim is 7000 feet above sea level, which means snow in winter and cool nights even in summer. Inner canyon hiking (below the rim) is another story, however: summer temperatures along the Colorado River at the canyon bottom can reach 120° F. The North Rim is 8000 feet above sea level and can receive snow throughout most of the year. Weather is particularly changeable in spring and fall; visitors should be prepared for a variety of climates.

The high altitude of both the South and North Rims may cause visitors with respiratory or heart problems to experience difficulties. All walking at this elevation can be strenuous.

Summer

Summer temperatures on the South Rim, at 7000 feet/2134 m, are relatively pleasant (50°s-80°s F/10°s-20°s C). But at 2400 feet/732 m, inner canyon temperatures are extreme. Daytime highs at the river often exceed 100° F/38° C. North Rim summer temperatures are cooler than those on the South Rim due to increased elevation. The North Rim is at 8000 feet/2438 m above sea level.

Winter

Winter conditions at the South Rim can be extreme. Expect snow, icy roads and trails, and possible road closures. Canyon views may be temporarily obscured during winter storms. In such cases entrance fees are not refundable. The North Rim is closed during the winter.

Spring & Fall

Spring and fall weather is extremely unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather at those times of year.



 

Directions

Grand Canyon Village (SOUTH RIM) is located 60 miles north of Interstate 40 at Williams via highway 64, and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff via highway 180. Only ten miles from rim to rim as the crow flies, the North Rim is 215 miles (about 4 ½ hours) from the South Rim by car. The NORTH RIM is 44 miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ, via highway 67.



 

Commercial Tour

Entrance fees are charged based on vehicle capacity for all tour groups and bus companies that originate outside the 100 mile radius of an entrance station for Grand Canyon National Park.

Individual

$10 for 7 Days
Admits one individual when entering by foot, bicycle, or motorcycle. This fee also applies to organized (non-commercial, non-profit) groups. Individuals 16 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.

Vehicle

$20 for 7 Days
Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. Organized (non-profit) groups, (service organizations, scouts, church groups, college/school clubs) are not eligible for the $20.00 vehicle permit, regardless of the type of vehicle utilized, but must pay the Individual Permit Fee.

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Address | What City is the Grand Canyon In | Grand Canyon MapBackcountry Fee

$5 Day
Fee is per person/per night.

Backcountry Permit

$10 One Time
Permit fee (per permit)

Noncommercial River Permit

Waiting list application fee is $100.

Grand Canyon Pass - Local Passport

$40 Annual
Valid for twelve months from the date of purchase, for unlimited visits to Grand Canyon National Park. It admits the purchaser and any accompanying persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the purchaser and accompanying immediate family (spouse, children, parents) when entry is by other means (train, shuttle, bicycle, foot, and boat). This passport covers entrance fees only and NOT refundable and/or transferable.

annual pass

$80, good for one year at any National Park or Federal Recreation Area. Purchase your Annual Pass online Here.



 

Facilities and Opportunities

Accessibility

Facilities vary a great deal. The National Park Service provides wheelchairs for temporary day use by park visitors. No rental fee is charged. A wheelchair is usually available at Canyon View Center. To obtain a temporary parking permit for designated parking, inquire at the Entrance Gate, Canyon View Center, or Yavapai Observation Station.

Several of the daily interpretive Ranger Programs are wheelchair accessible. Inquire at the Canyon View Center or look in the "Guide" for specifics.

A copy of the Grand Canyon National Park Accessibility Guide is available upon request at Canyon View Center, Yavapai Observation Station, Kolb Studio, Tusayan Museum, and Desert View Information Center. Or write for a copy.

South Rim

Most shuttles are inaccessible to wheelchairs. Accessible shuttle buses are available with a 48-hour advance reservation. Call 928-638-0591.

Medical Services

The South Rim Walk-In Clinic is open all year. Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm, (520) 638-2551. Emergency medical services are provided by rangers and clinic staff. A dentist serves the South Rim by appointment only. Call (520) 638-2395. North Rim emergency medical services are provided by rangers on duty.

Pets

Pets are allowed in the park but must be restrained at all times. Leashed pets are allowed on South Rim trails throughout the developed areas in the park but not below the rim, in park lodging, or on park buses. The only exception is for certified service dogs. Persons wishing to take a certified service dog below the rim must check in first at the Backcountry Information Center.

A kennel is available at the South Rim. Call (520) 638-0534. Reservations are suggested.

Pets are not permitted on North Rim trails. It is recommended that they be left at home. No kennels are available on the North Rim.



 

Recommended Activities / Park Use

Aerial Tours

All scenic air tour operators are based outside of Grand Canyon National Park. They offer both fixed-wing and helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon region daily.

Biking

Bicycles are not yet available for rent in the park. If you plan to bring a bicycle, be aware that in Arizona bicycles are subject to the same traffic rules as automobiles. Use extreme caution when riding on park roads!

Day hiking

Grand Canyon's inner canyon (below the rim) is a place of extremes. Hiking below the rim requires preparation. Each season brings its own hazards, and all trails below the rim are steep and precipitous. There are no easy trails into Grand Canyon!

Horseback Rides

Mule trips are available in both the North and South Rim. Please contact the park for restrictions, prices and trip information.

River Rafting

Whitewater rafting trips through the canyon last from one day to 30 days and require reservations well in advance. There are two types of river trips on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon; Commercial and Private River Trips.


 




 

 

 

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