Grand Canyon National Park is a United States National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located entirely in northern Arizona and is one of the great tourist attractions in the United States. There are two ways to approach the Canyon: the remote North Rim and the more accessible (and therefore more crowded) South Rim. Both areas have several options for camping, as well as hotels and restaurants. Expect all of these facilities to be overflowing with visitors during the busy summer season. Fall, spring, and winter are all great times to visit the Grand Canyon.

The Canyon is an overwhelming experience, and nothing can prepare a visitor for the sight; superlatives often fail to do the landscape justice. The Grand Canyon is a massive canyon carved over several million years by the Colorado River. Grand Canyon National Park boasts an elevation change of nearly 7,000 feet from Point Imperial (at nearly 9,000 feet) to the banks of Lake Mead (at just over 2,000 feet). The canyon itself is, from rim to river over a mile (5,280 feet) deep. In spots the rock layers exposed in the canyon display over two billion years of geologic history. There is no way that mere words can describe the place. You just have to see it.

History

The park was founded as Grand Canyon National Monument in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, and became a national park in 1919. Today the park contains over 1.2 million acres, slightly less than the entire state of Delaware, and in 2004 received more than 4.3 million visitors.

Climate

Temperatures and weather within the park vary greatly by location. Temperature's on the North Rim are often 20 to 30 degrees (F) cooler than at the river. This is a land of extremes. It can be snowing at the rim, while others are comfortable sunbathing at the river. Conversely, it can be cool and comfortable at the rim in the summer, while temperatures at the river exceed 120. It is not unusual for local canyon guides to encounter neophyte hikers in desperate shape. Some die. An unusual number of fatalities occur among young males who overestimate their abilities.

Get around

Some of the view points are reachable by car, park service shuttle, motorcoach tour or on foot. You can go into the canyon by horse (on the Havasupai reservation), by mule (through guided tours from Xanterra ), on foot or by boat. From March through November the West Rim Drive is not accessible to most private vehicles (handicap vehicles may request a variance at the entry gate). The park service runs a shuttle during this time. The shuttles are frequent, but long lines form during the busy summer months.

Trans Canyon Shuttle an independent shuttle service runs between the North and the South Rim (No website, Tel 1.928.638.2820).

Attractions

South Rim
 • Grand Canyon Village. Good views, the trailhead of the Bright Angel Trail, historic buildings, and massive crowds.
 • Desert View. The historic Watchtower is a popular stop for many travelers and provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the canyon and Colorado River.
 • Hermits Rest. Located at the West end of Hermit Road. This gift shop/snack bar was designed by Mary Colter (the same person responsible for the Watchtower at Desert View) so as to resemble a Hermit's abode, and fit in harmoniously with the landscape. Constructed of a mix of stone and wood.

North Rim
Located only ten miles from the South Rim by air, the North Rim is a 215 mile (five hour) drive from Grand Canyon Village. At 8,000 feet the elevation of the North Rim is approximately 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim, and as a result features more coniferous trees and cooler temperatures. The roads to the North Rim are open only during the summer (from approx May 15 to the first fall snow fall), and with far fewer visitors this area can be a great place to enjoy the peace and majesty of the canyon.
 • Havasupai Indian Reservation- A popular destination in the canyon lies southwest of the park on the Havasupai Indian Reservation . Havasupai can be loosely translated as "People of the Blue-Green Water". Entry into this remote portion of the canyon requires a $30 per person entry fee (plus an additional $12 per person/night to stay in the campground). Those venturing into Havasu Canyon are greeted by spectacular world class waterfalls. Although the Havasupai Reservation is somewhat impacted (trashy), the incredible canyon below the Supai Village is worth the visit. Access to Havasu Canyon is from Hualapai Hilltop north of Peach Springs, Arizona. It is an eight mile hike or horse back ride to Supai Village. Helicopter transportation to and from the village is available on a first come basis four days a week. An extremely rustic lodge is the only public accommodation available in Supai. A large mile long campground is located two miles down canyon between Havasu and Mooney Falls. This campground can be extremely crowded in the summer months advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Shopping

All types of tourist trinkets relating to the Grand Canyon, native American Indians, and the American Southwest are available in shops in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. The South Rim is overflowing with shopping options. The North Rim has only one shop for postcards, T-shirts, etc.

Favorites
 • Hopi House. This gift shop designed by Mary E. J. Colter turned 100 years old in 2005. It specializes in Native American crafts: Navajo Rugs, Hopi Kachina's, Zuni Fetishes, pottery, etc as well as T-shirts and souvenirs. The upstairs gallery offers Native American artworks.
 • Lookout Studio was also designed by Colter features spectacular views of the canyon from it's overhanging patio, and specializes in rocks and fossils along with the souvenirs.
 • Hermit's Rest, another Colter building blends into the canyon and offers a variety of souvenirs.
 • Verkamps  is the one of the last privately held parcels within Grand Canyon National Park. Near the El Tovar hotel, it turns 100 in 2006.

Dining

South Rim
 • El Tovar Hotel Dining Room. Fine dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations accepted and recommended for dinner only. Dining room features partial canyon views.
 • Arizona Room. Located on the East side of the Bright Angel Lodge. Dinner 4:30pm-10:00pm (open seasonally), lunch seasonally. Also features partial canyon views.
 • Bright Angel Restaurant. Located in Bright Angel Lodge. Informal dining, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
 • Additional Cafeterias are located in the Maswik and Yavapai Lodges. There is a grocery deli at Market Plaza inside the grocery store, as well. Just outside the park, in the gateway community of Tusayan, are a number of dining selections. McDonalds and Wendy's are available for those who are looking for a quick meal. But fast food patrons beware! Canyon residents boast the second most expensive McDonalds in the country.

North Rim
 • Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room. Open daily, Mid-May through Mid-October (exact dates vary year to year), 6:30am-9:30pm. Wonderful food and an unrivaled view of the canyon. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dinner reservations required. $7-$25.
 • Cafe On The Rim. Serves cafeteria-style snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Veggie burgers, salads, sandwiches. $1-$10.
 • Coffee Saloon. Located in the Rough Rider Saloon. Coffee, bagels, and pastries. 5:30am-10:30am.

Drink

South Rim
 • El Tovar Lounge. South Rim in the El Tovar Hotel. Inside seating year round, patio seating overlooking the rim seasonally.
 • Bright Angel Bar. South Rim in the Bright Angel Lodge. Live entertainment seasonally.
 • Maswik Sports Bar. South Rim in Maswik Lodge. Pool table, darts, big-screen TV and more.

North Rim
 • Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room. North Rim. Serves cocktails.
 • Rough Rider Saloon. North Rim.

Lodging

There are a variety of hotels, lodges, and campgrounds both inside and outside of the park on both the North and South Rims.

South Rim
The following lodges are located inside Grand Canyon National Park, reservations can be made by contacting Xanterra .
 • El Tovar Hotel. Historic full service hotel on the rim, refurbished in 2005, open year round. The finest accommodations available on the South Rim. Some rooms and suites boast a canyon view.
 • Kachina Lodge and Thunderbird Lodge. Rim lodges built in the 60's, but renovated in 2004, open year round. Half the rooms face the canyon.
 • Bright Angel Lodge. Historic Lodge at the rim, made up of cabins and lodge rooms generally rustic in nature. Some rooms without bathroom. Some are located rim side. Open year round.
 • Maswik and Yavapai Lodges are located away from the rim, and are generally considered budget and/or last minute accommodations.

Just outside the South Rim - Tusayan
 • Best Western Squire Inn  Is the canyons only resort style property.
 • The Grand Hotel  is the newest hotel in the area, and is popular.
 • Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon . 164 guest rooms plus 30 one & two bedroom mini-suites & a new indoor pool & spa.

North Rim
 • Grand Canyon Lodge. Offers a variety of cabins and motel style accommodations.

Inner Canyon
 • Phantom Ranch is made up of cabins and dormitories (segregated by gender) with a dining hall. All Phantom Ranch accommodations and meals require advance reservations. There is no cooking allowed in the cabins or dorms, and guests without a meal reservation are not allowed in the dining hall at mealtimes. Recommendation is that if you don't want to pack in your own food, you reserve meals at the same time you reserve your bunk or cabin. Guests should check in at the Bright Angel Lodge Transportation desk before hiking down to Phantom Ranch, and can do so a day in advance of their hike.

Camping

Campgrounds are located at both the North and South Rims. Reservations are highly recommended, especially at the busier South Rim. Outside of the park, Kaibab National Forest has numerous undeveloped campsites. Since these sites are undeveloped be prepared to bring in (and out) everything that you'll need.

South Rim
 • Mather Campground (Year round). Located in Grand Canyon Village, this campground offers sites suitable for camping and RVs (no hookups). Facilities include water and flush toilets. Costs are $15/night from April through November, $10/night from December through March. Reservations can be made at online or by calling (800) 365-2267, outside the U.S. call (301) 722-1257.
 • Trailer Village (Year round). Located adjacent to Mather Campground, this campground offers RV sites with hookups. Costs are $25/night for two people, and $2 for each additional person. Reservations can be made by calling (888) 297-2757 (outside of the U.S. call 303-297-2757).
 • Desert View Campground (May - October). Located 26 miles east of Grand Canyon Village, this campground offers tent and RV sites (no hookups). Costs are $10/night. All sites are first-come, first-served.
 • Ten-X Campground (April - September). Located outside of the South Rim of the park, two miles south of Tusayan, this campground is operated by the forest service. Facilities include water and pit toilets. Costs are $10/night. All sites are first-come, first-served.

North Rim
 • North Rim Campground (May - October). Located along the North Rim, this campground offers sites suitable for camping and RVs (no hookups). Facilities include water and flush toilets. Costs are $15-$20/night. Reservations can be made at online or by calling (800) 365-2267, outside the U.S. call (301) 722-1257.
 • Jacob Lake Campground (Summer only). Located outside of the park, 45 miles north of the North Rim, this campground is operated by the forest service. Costs are $12/night. All sites are first-come, first-served.

Backcountry

Any camping below the rim in Grand Canyon requires a backcountry permit . Permits must be obtained through the Backcountry Country Office (BCO) at Grand Canyon National Park. Permits are currently not available online or via telephone. They are only available in person, by fax or by mail.

Permits are limited to protect the canyon, and become available on the 1st day of the month, four months prior to the start month. Thus, a backcountry permit for any start date in May becomes available on January 1. Space for the most popular areas, such as the Bright Angel Campground adjacent to Phantom Ranch, generally fill up by the requests received on first date they are opened to reservations.

There are a number of outfitters that provide fully guided backpacking trips (including permits and gear) at Grand Canyon. There is limited water available within the canyon, so backpackers should plan on carrying sufficient water with them. All backcountry users are asked to follow "Leave no Trace" principles.