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National park in Arizona, United States
Photo: Mferbfriske, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Grand Canyon is in northern Arizona, and is one of the great tourist attractions in the United States as well as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The massive canyon encompasses several distinct areas, most famous of which is Grand Canyon National Park, a national park and a .
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Good views, the trailhead of the Bright Angel Trail, historic buildings, and massive crowds.
The historic Watchtower is a popular stop for many travellers and provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the canyon and Colorado River.
At the West end of Hermit Road, this gift shop and snack bar was designed by Mary Colter (the same person responsible for the Watchtower at Desert View) to resemble a Hermit's abode, and fit in harmoniously with the landscape. Constructed of a mix of stone and wood.
The Skywalk is a 10 ft wide glass bottomed walkway that extends 70 ft over the canyon rim, allowing visitors to look 4,000 ft down to the canyon bottom. This attraction is what attracts the majority of visitors to this area of the canyon, but be aware that it is not a part of the national park and is pricier than most visitors expect. No strollers or personal items may be taken onto the Skywalk including cameras; professional photos can be purchased for $30 per photograph, or $100 for all photographs taken.
A paved, generally flat trail along the South Rim. Viewpoints along this path have views just as good as Mather Point but with way less people. Some points along the trail go near parking lots and shuttle bus stops, so there are lots of options to do just a section of the route, which is a good choice for visitors who want something easier than the more serious trails listed below. A section of the Rim Trail includes the 2.83 mi Trail of Time, which takes you through the past 2 billion years of geologic history by way of interpretive signs and rock samples.
The park's most popular trail is the Bright Angel trail which starts near the Bright Angel Lodge. This trail traverses a seemingly unending series of switchbacks down the canyon wall before leveling out somewhat around the oasis of Indian Gardens. During the summer months water is available at: the Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse 1.5 mi, the Three-Mile Resthouse 3.0 mi and Indian Gardens 4.5 mi. However, check to ensure that the water is functioning before departing, as water main breaks are common. Most hikers will traverse only a portion of this trail, and the park recommends that day hikers never attempt to go further than Indian Gardens. Winter hikers should note that the top 2 mi of this trail are likely to be icy. Round-trip distances to waypoints are: Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse, at 3.0 mi with 1131 ft of elevation change; Three-mile Resthouse, at 6.0 mi with 2112 ft of elevation change; Indian Garden, at 9.8 mi with 3060 ft of elevation change; River Resthouse, at 16.2 mi with 4380 ft of elevation change; and Bright Angel Campground, at 19.2 mi with 4380 ft of elevation change.
Slightly steeper than the Bright Angel trail, this trail starts from Yaki Point and follows a ridgeline into the canyon. Because the trail follows a ridge the views are spectacular and wide-open, but the amazing scenery comes at a cost: there is almost no shade to protect hikers from the sun, and the lack of natural water sources means that there is less plant and animal life. Hikers should be aware that there is no water available along this trail and prepare for brutal conditions – summer hikes can be particularly dangerous. Round-trip distances to waypoints are: Cedar Ridge, at 3.0 mi with 1140 ft of elevation change; Skeleton Point, at 6.0 mi with 2040 ft of elevation change; the Tipoff, at 8.8 mi with 3260 ft of elevation change; and Bright Angel Campground, at 14.0 mi with 4780 ft of elevation change.
This trail descends steeply from the North Kaibab Trailhead on the North Rim to Roaring Springs, the headwaters of Bright Angel Creek, where it flattens out for the long trek to the Colorado River. The upper stretch of the trail (from the trailhead to Cottonwood Campground) receives some shade, but the lower stretch to Bright Angel Campground becomes dangerously hot during the summer, and hiking between 10AM and 4PM should be avoided. During the summer, potable water is available at Supai Tunnel, Roaring Springs, and Cottonwood Campground; between Roaring Springs and the Colorado River, water from Bright Angel Creek can be purified for drinking purposes. Round-trip distances to waypoints are: Supai Tunnel, at 3.4 mi with 1440 ft of elevation change; Roaring Springs at 9.4 mi with 3020 ft of elevation change; Cottonwood Campground 13.6 mi with 4160 ft of elevation change; and Bright Angel Campground 28.0 mi with 5760 ft of elevation change.
This is a steep, marginally maintained, rocky trail that descends from the South Rim to the river, passing fossilized reptile tracks and abandoned camps from the early 1900s along the way. The trailhead is just beyond Hermit's Rest and is accessible via shuttle bus. Shade is scarce during the summer. Water is sometimes available at Santa Maria Spring, and is always available in Hermit Creek; both sources must be treated. This trail also provides access to Dripping Springs. Round-trip distances to waypoints are: Dripping Springs Trail junction, at 3.2 mi with 1400 ft of elevation change; Hermit Camp, at 14.0 mi with 3840 ft of elevation change; and Colorado River, at 17.0 mi with 4240 ft of elevation change.
This is another steep, marginally maintained, rough trail that descends from the South Rim to Horseshoe Mesa and Cottonwood Creek; it does not go to the Colorado River. The trailhead is at Grandview Point and leads down to Horseshoe Mesa where several mining relics including ore crushers and cabins are still present. The trail then continues on to Cottonwood Creek, which will be dry at most times of year. There is no water along this trail, so you must carry sufficient water with you. Round-trip distances to waypoints are: Coconino Saddle, at 2.2 mi with 1165 ft of elevation change; Horseshoe Mesa, at 6.0 mi with 2500 ft of elevation change; and Cottonwood Creek, at 10.0 mi with 3800 ft of elevation change.
This company has been providing complete Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trips since 1970 and offer a wide variety of trips: 3-day Escape, 6-, 7- and 8-day motorized adventures and 6-, 8-, 13-day oar-powered trips. The company is serious about protecting the environment and provides all of the camping and rafting gear you will need for your river experience.
Offers trips and tours specializing in rafting and hiking along the river corridor.
This company offers guided, multi-day rafting tours ranging from 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8- and 13-days on motorized or oar-powered rafts. No river rafting or camping experience necessary, guides and equipment are provided.
HRE
Hatch River Expeditions has been providing Grand Canyon Colorado River rafting and camping trips for more than 80 years. This company offers motorized (4- and 7-days), oar-powered (6-, 7-, and 12-days) and hiking focused (6-, 7- and 12-days) trips, as well as private charter options.
Offers a variety of different tours, from the beginner to the expert, of the Colorado River including most parts of the Grand Canyon.
The only one day whitewater trip is available from the Hualapai Tribe in the far Western portion of the canyon (outside of the park boundary).
Outdoor Adventure River Specialists
Grand Canyon river rafting combines world-class whitewater with breathtaking scenery to make one truly unforgettable river experience. The canyon is filled not only with exhilarating whitewater rapids, but with side canyons and ancient Indian ruins accessible only by river.
Grand Canyon Rafting Trips
Grand Canyon river rafting combines world-class whitewater with breathtaking scenery to make one truly unforgettable river experience. The canyon is filled not only with exhilarating whitewater rapids, but with side canyons and ancient Indian ruins accessible only by river.
Grand Canyon Airlines is believed to be the world's oldest, most experienced air tour company in continuous operation since 1927. Private charters are available.
Grand Canyon Airlines Helicopters Grand Canyon Helicopters is committed to preserving the environment and to protecting its precious natural resources, operating EC-130 (the quietest helicopter available) equipped with a "Fenestron" or "fan-in-fan" tail rotor, which dramatically reduces engine exhaust noise.
This Las Vegas-based sightseeing and charter services company offers an array of tours to both the West and South Rims of the Grand Canyon through Maverick Helicopters, Maverick Airlines, and Mustang Helicopters.
Since 1965 Papillon Helicopters has been the world's oldest and largest sightseeing company flying an estimated 600,000 passengers a year on its daily tours to the Grand Canyon (West and South Rim). Private charters are available.
Since 1967, when Scenic Airlines flew the first airborne tour over one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon, Scenic has set the standard for aerial sightseeing tour operators.
A variety of Las Vegas – Grand Canyon helicopter tours and private charters.
Programs include interpretive talks, rim walks, movies, and museums. At the South Rim, special Junior Ranger programs are available for children in the summer. Check "The Guide", a free publication distributed throughout the park for dates and times.
Available year round at the South Rim. Tours are offered for the East Rim/Desert View, West Rim/Hermit's Rest, and for Sunrise and Sunset. Smaller naturalist- and geologist-led van tours originate from outside the park in Flagstaff, Williams and Tusayan.
South Rim trips operate year round, and should be booked well in advance due to demand. Individuals can book by calling. Weight limits of 200 lb (90.7 kg), and other restrictions are strictly enforced.
On your own (fantastic for meteor showers), or with the Grand Canyon Star Party every June at Yavapai Point.
Only allowed on park roads. It is not allowed on rim trails or in the inner canyon. The best mountain biking can be found on the North Rim and just outside the park in the Kaibab National Forest.
The Grand Canyon Field Institute offers short (1- to 5-day) courses at the canyon. Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff offers a Grand Canyon Semester for college credit.
Also features partial canyon views.
Informal dining, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Fine dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations required for dinner (not accepted at other times). Dining room is a flashback to the 1910s and features partial canyon views. $20 for lunch, $30 for dinner.
Wonderful food and an unrivaled view of the canyon. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dinner reservations required.
Serves cafeteria-style snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Veggie burgers, salads, sandwiches.
In the Rough Rider Saloon. Coffee, bagels, and pastries.
Inside seating year round, patio seating overlooking the rim seasonally.
Live entertainment seasonally.
Pizza, Beer and Wine big-screen TV and more.
Serves cocktails.
Open year round. Built in 1935 only feet from the canyon rim, this lodge is made up of cabins and lodge rooms generally rustic in nature. Some rooms have a shared bathroom, all are non-smoking, and only cabins have televisions. Two restaurants offer family-style dining (breakfast, lunch and dinner) or Southwestern cuisine (lunch and dinner only). There is a nice fire place near the Bright Angel front desk.
Open year round. A national historic landmark, this full service hotel opened in 1905 and was renovated in 2005. El Tovar is the finest accommodations available on the South Rim, offering a dining room, cable television, full-bath, and room service (limited hours). There are 78 rooms and suites which must be reserved well in advance. All rooms are non-smoking, and many offer a canyon view.
Open year round. Built in the 1960s, this lodge offers family-friendly rooms with in-room coffee, refrigerator, safe, television, telephone, and full bath. Half of the rooms offer partial canyon views. Check-in is at the El Tovar Lodge.
North section renovated winter 2006. Larger rooms are great for families. About a quarter mile from the rim in a wooded area. Both North and South sections are open year round, and cabin rooms open in the summer. All rooms offer full bath.
A very similar lodge to the Kachina Lodge, with the only major difference being that check-in is at the Bright Angel Lodge.
East section offers 198 air-conditioned rooms while the 160 west rooms do not offer air-conditioning. About a mile away from the rim in a wooded area, both East and West sections are good for families.
The lodge got destroyed in a fire so unfortunately one cannot visit it anymore.
Phantom Ranch is on the Colorado River and is accessible by foot, mule, or raft. 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. It is recommended that 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.
(April-October) 50 sites. Located at the east entrance of Grand Canyon National Park, Desert View Campground offers a peaceful setting for an enjoyable camping experience. Most sites are sized to accommodate tents or smaller RVss or Travel Trailers (30 ft. maximum length). Campsites are on a first come – first served – self-registration basis. No reservations are accepted. Desert View Campground closes during the winter months. It is open from mid-April through mid-October.
(Year-round) 327 sites, 7 group sites. Mather Campground is located in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Campsites include a campfire ring with cooking grate, picnic table, parking space and room for up to six people, three tents, and two vehicles. There are flush toilets and drinking water pumps throughout the campground. There is a free dump station but no hookups available Almost all of the RV spaces are pull-through. Pine loop is a tent-only area where generators are not permitted. Reservations can be made online or by calling +1-800-365-2267, outside the U.S. +1 301 722-1257.
(year-round). Adjacent to Mather Campground, this campground offers RV sites with hookups and toilets (no showers). Costs are $36/night for two people, and $3,5 for each additional person. Reservations can be made by +1-888-297-2757 (outside of the U.S. +1 303-297-2757).
Open mid-May to mid-October. Outside of the park, 45 miles (72.4 km) north of the North Rim, this campground is operated by the forest service, and has 51 single-unit sites and one group site with water and vault toilets. All sites are first-come, first-served.
87 sites, 3 group sites. Open from Mid-May through October; for the last two weeks of October services are minimal and there may be no running water. Along the North Rim, this campground offers sites suitable for camping and RVs (no hookups). Facilities include water and flush toilets. Reservations are required and can be made online; it is advisable to reserve as early beforehand as possible.
This gift shop designed by Mary E. J. Colter opened in 1905. It specializes in Native American crafts: Navajo Rugs, Hopi Kachina's, Zuni Fetishes, pottery, jewelry as well as t-shirts and souvenirs. The upstairs gallery offers Native American artworks.
Also designed by Colter features spectacular views of the canyon from its overhanging patio, and specializes in rocks and fossils along with the souvenirs.
Another Colter building blends into the canyon and offers a variety of souvenirs.
By plane
Many Grand Canyon visitors fly into one of two major metropolitan airports within half a day's drive of the South Rim:
By bus
There are no commercial bus lines offering transportation to either rim, but several tour companies offer guided tours originating in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and other locations,…
By train
The Grand Canyon Railway operates a train ride from the town of Williams to the Grand Canyon Village (travel time is 2½ hours in each direction).
West Rim
From March to 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.
Rim-to-Rim
Between the North and South Rims, there is no easy connection.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Grand Canyon - Tusayan · Regional · GCN
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