Basic Information - Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (2024)

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.

Hikers cross the Colorado River on a narrow foot bridge 70 feet/ 21 m above the water.

Grand Canyon National Park Area Map (83kb PDF File)

• The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  All visitor services: camping, lodging, and food are available year round.

• Reservations are strongly recommended during spring, summer and fall.
  Make South Rim Lodging Reservation information here > -- Make South Rim Campground Reservations here >

• 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.

• The least crowded time is November through February. However, winter weather is a major consideration when planning a trip during these 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/2134 m above sea level. Walking at this elevation can be strenuous.
  Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties.

• South Rim locations include (from west to east)
  Scenic Hermit Road — Grand Canyon Village — Desert View Drive —Desert View

Lodging and camping reservations are recommended.

• North Rim 2024 Lodging Reservations

• North Rim 2024 Campground Reservations
  Additional facilities are available in the surrounding Kaibab National Forest, the Kaibab Lodge area, and Jacob Lake.

• Driving Directions to the North Rim.

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.

• Additional North Rim Information and Video >

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.

• Bring an extra set of car keys; it could be a long wait for a locksmith.

• The closest camera repair shop is in Phoenix, Arizona.

• 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 several gallons of water in your car, particularly during summer months.