Grand Canyon

Understand

The canyon is an overwhelming experience, and nothing can prepare a visitor for the sight. 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 (2,130 m) from Point Imperial (at nearly 9,000 feet (2,740 m)) to the banks of Lake Mead (at just over 2,000 feet (610 m)). The canyon is over a mile (1610 m) deep, from rim to river. In spots the rock layers exposed in the canyon display over two billion years of geologic history.

History

Grand Canyon National 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 (490,000 ha; 4,900 km2), slightly less than the entire state of Delaware, and in 2018 received about 6.4 million visitors.

Landscape

Throughout the past century, hundreds of authors have attempted to depict the enormous landscape that is Grand Canyon. Not surprisingly, words most often fail to invoke the sense of awe and wonder that many visitors experience. Edward Abbey, a noted Southwest author, once penned: "Those who love it call it the canyon. The canyon. As if there were no other topographic feature on the face of the Earth". There are, of course, other canyons on the planet. Some are longer, others wider, and there are even some that are deeper. Canyon visitors are often surprised to learn that Grand Canyon sets no records for sheer size. It is, however, simply regarded by most as the "grandest" canyon of them all. Geologically, the canyon extends from Lees Ferry near the city of Page and the Arizona/Utah border to the Grand Wash Cliffs near Las Vegas, a distance of 277 mi (446 km). It ranges in width from about a quarter mile to over 18 mi (29 km) wide. In places the canyon is over a mile (1.6 km) deep. However, it is not the statistics that define this landscape as "grand", but rather a combination of factors. The desert environment and a lack of herbaceous ground cover reveal a geologic story that is unparalleled. Surprisingly, the rock layers displayed at Grand Canyon show little sign of wear. The layers have been preserved almost perfectly, as though they were layers in a cake. Nowhere else on Earth displays so many volumes of the planet's history in such pristine condition. The resulting landscape provides visitors with some of the most magnificent and unsurpassed vistas on the planet.

Getting there

By car

The majority of visitors to the South Rim of the park arrive from the south on Arizona Route 64 (AZ 64, conjoined with US highway 180). Or, you can enter the South Rim from the east on AZ 64. For the south entrance: from Flagstaff, you can take US Route 180 (US 180) northwest to Valle where it joins with AZ 64, and continue north to the South Rim; or take I-40 west toward Williams to the junction with AZ 64 and continue north to the South Rim. Both routes are approximately 80 miles (130 km). The approximately 60 miles (100 km) on US 180 is a narrow 2-lane mountain road through a heavily forested area. The I-40 west is a wide multi-lane interstate for approximately 20 mi (32 km), to AZ 64 which is a slightly wider, less mountainous 2-lane highway, and the recommended route during winter weather. There are two lanes at this entrance reserved for pass and prepaid entrance fees (now lanes 1 and 4), which can be pre-purchased outside of the park at the National Geographic Theater/Visitor Center. For the east entrance, take US 89 south from Page, AZ or north from Flagstaff to the junction with AZ 64 at Cameron. It is approximately 25 mi (40 km) from the junction to the east entrance of the park, and approximately 25 mi (40 km) from the east entrance to the South Rim village area. Visitors to the North Rim use ALT US Route 89 (US 89A, not to be confused with AZ 89A south of Flagstaff) to AZ 67 (closed in winter). While the average distance across the canyon is only 10 miles (16 km), there are no roads or bridges or ferries, meaning the trip by car is a five-hour drive of 215 mi (346 km). People visiting the Havasupai Indian Reservation use AZ 66, turning onto Indian Road 18 (which may appear on maps as BIA 18, or Hualapai Hilltop Highway) for approximately 60 mi (97 km). The road dead ends at Hualapai Hilltop, which is the trailhead for the town of Supai and its waterfalls (permit required in advance; it has reopened for 2023, but no new permits are available until 2024). There are no services along this route.

South rim

Tusayan 1 Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN IATA) (is just outside of the South Rim entrance). (updated Aug 2022) – Primarily used by private aircraft and companies who provide Grand Canyon air tours. Grand Canyon Airlines has flights from Boulder City in Nevada and charter flights to Page, AZ. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG IATA) is the nearest commercial airport to the South Rim. Many Grand Canyon visitors fly into one of two major metropolitan airports within half a day's drive of the South Rim:

Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS IATA) – 275 miles (440 km) west then north from the South Rim. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX IATA) – 230 miles (370 km) south from the South Rim.

Getting around

South Rim

Several viewpoints and trailheads in the park have limited or no parking and must be reached using the park shuttle system. The National Park Service runs an extensive shuttle service on the South Rim with three interlocking routes. The service is free, and generally runs from before sunrise until after sunset, depending on the route. Service is more frequent from May through September and includes additional routes. In addition, during the summer the park service operates a shuttle from Tusayan into the park. Horse and mule riders are required to follow a number of rules and restrictions while in the park, and must get a permit from the park service to keep animals in the park overnight.

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. The shuttles are frequent but long lines form during the busy summer months.

Rim-to-Rim

Between the North and South Rims, there is no easy connection. By shuttle bus (for a fee), Trans-Canyon Shuttle offers a seasonal daily rim-to-rim shuttle, which runs from rim to rim, through Vermillion Cliffs, with a stop at Marble Canyon. By car, the shortest route is a five-hour drive around the east of the canyon and crossing the river by a bridge near Lees Ferry. By foot, it is a two-day hike across the canyon.

See

South Rim

2 Grand Canyon Village. Good views, the trailhead of the Bright Angel Trail, historic buildings, and massive crowds. 3 Desert View. The historic Watchtower is a popular stop for many travellers and provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the canyon and Colorado River. 4 Hermit's Rest. 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. There are several other viewpoints along the road between Hermit's Rest and Grand Canyon Village (West Rim) or Desert View and the village (East Rim).

North Rim

10 mi (16 km) from the South Rim by air, is the 5 North Rim. The North Rim is a 215 mi (346 km), 5-hr drive from Grand Canyon Village. At 8,000 ft (2,400 m) the elevation of the North Rim is approximately 1,000 ft (300 m) higher than the South Rim, and as a result it features more coniferous trees and cooler temperatures. The roads to the North Rim are open only during the summer (from about 15 May to the first fall snowfall), while the in-park facilities usually close by 15 Oct, regardless of the weather. With far fewer visitors, this area can be a great place to enjoy the peace and majesty of the canyon. The main viewpoints are Bright Angel Point, Cape Royal (where the Colorado River can be seen), and Point Imperial (the highest viewpoint in the park).

Havasupai Indian Reservation

6 Supai and its waterfalls, part of the Havasupai Indian Reservation, are a popular destination that lie southwest of the park's Grand Canyon Village. Havasu Canyon is subject to flash floods. Some areas remain off-limits to visitors due to flooding in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Havasupai can be loosely translated as "People of the Blue-Green Water". Entry into this remote portion of the canyon requires an entry permit, purchased in advance. Entry permits are $110 per person, and are only available to those people with reservations at either the Lodge (an additional $440 per room per night) or the campground ($300 to $375 per person for a required three night reservation, which includes the permit fee); day hikes are not allowed. Full payment is due when campground reservations are made; transfers may be offered on the Havasupai website for a ten percent fee. Lodge reservations require a $100 per night deposit, and may be cancelled up to two weeks in advance. 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 village of Supai is worth the visit. Access to Havasu Canyon is from Hualapai Hilltop north of Peach Springs, in Route BIA 18 (also known as Hualapai Hilltop Highway; no services along this route). Visitors must park at Hualapai Hilltop and hike or fly to Supai Village near the waterfalls. It is an 8 mi (13 km) hike to Supai Village and a further 2 mi (3.2 km) to the campground. Helicopter transportation to and from the village is available on a first come basis four days a week (to fly from the village to the hilltop, sign up early in the morning). On occasion the wait may be many hours in length; service may terminate due to high winds, at which time you would still need to hike out. An extremely rustic lodge is the only public accommodation available in Supai. A large mile long campground is 1 mi (1.6 km) down canyon between Havasu and Mooney Falls. Both the campground and the lodge are extremely crowded most of the year; advance reservations are a necessity, and are very difficult to obtain. A hike further north from the end of the campsite (Mooney Falls) to the Colorado River is a further 8 mi (13 km), which will often have you bushwacking and in the water.

Do

Hiking

Hiking in the Grand Canyon is unlike anywhere else on Earth: trails range in difficulty from 15-minute loops to multi-week treks, and all offer spectacular views. In addition, there are numerous unmaintained trails throughout the park for the more adventurous. For people who prefer guided hikes a variety of outfitters offer options. While most canyon hikes entail significant elevation change, less-strenuous hiking options include nature walks along the rim trail which offer great views without requiring much exertion. Take water. Respect the heat. Watch for storms. Know your limits. All hikers should take trail warnings extremely seriously. Temperatures in the canyon may vary by 50–70°F depending on elevation and time of day, and unlike most places, the most challenging portion of a hike in the Grand Canyon will always be the end, meaning that if you run out of water you will get heat stroke, and if you get too tired you will be unable to get back to the trailhead. Carry more liquid than you think you'll need, and know your limits. It is far too easy to overextend yourself hiking in the canyon, and each year over 250 people require rescue due to underestimating the heat and difficulty. Also be aware that trails may be icy during the winter – if you have crampons for your shoes or hiking poles you should bring them or consider purchasing them from a local shop. From the south side it is possible to do a loop going down the South Kaibab Trail and up the Bright Angel Trail. You can leave a vehicle at the Bright Angel Trail head and take public transit to the South Kaibab Trail head. While often not recommended as a day hike, if you are fit it can be done in between 6 and 10 hours.

2 Rim Trail. 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-mile (4.55 km) 1 Trail of Time, which takes you through the past 2 billion years of geologic history by way of interpretive signs and rock samples. (updated Dec 2021) 3 Bright Angel Trail. 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 (2.4 km), the Three-Mile Resthouse 3.0 mi (4.8 km) and Indian Gardens 4.5 mi (7.2 km). 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 (3.2 km) of this trail are likely to be icy. Round-trip distances to waypoints are: Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse, at 3.0 mi (4.8 km) with 1,131 ft (345 m) of elevation change; Three-mile Resthouse, at 6.0 mi (9.7 km) with 2,112 ft (644 m) of elevation change; Indian Garden, at 9.8 mi (15.8 km) with 3,060 ft (930 m) of elevation change; River Resthouse, at 16.2 mi (26.1 km) with 4,380 ft (1,340 m) of elevation change; and Bright Angel Campground, at 19.2 mi (30.9 km) with 4,380 ft (1,340 m) of elevation change. 4 South Kaibab Trail. 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 (4.8 km) with 1,140 ft (350 m) of elevation change; Skeleton Point, at 6.0 mi (9.7 km) with 2,040 ft (620 m) of elevation change; the Tipoff, at 8.8 mi (14.2 km) with 3,260 ft (990 m) of elevation change; and Bright Angel Campground, at 14.0 mi (22.5 km) with 4,780 ft (1,460 m) of elevation change. 5 North Kaibab Trail. 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 (5.5 km) with 1,440 ft (440 m) of elevation change; Roaring Springs at 9.4 mi (15.1 km) with 3,020 ft (920 m) of elevation change; Cottonwood Campground 13.6 mi (21.9 km) with 4,160 ft (1,270 m) of elevation change; and Bright Angel Campground 28.0 mi (45.1 km) with 5,760 ft (1,760 m) of elevation change. 6 Hermit Trail. 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 (5.1 km) with 1,400 ft (430 m) of elevation change; Hermit Camp, at 14.0 mi (22.5 km) with 3,840 ft (1,170 m) of elevation change; and Colorado River, at 17.0 mi (27.4 km) with 4,240 ft (1,290 m) of elevation change. 7 Grandview Trail. 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 (3.5 km) with 1,165 ft (355 m) of elevation change; Horseshoe Mesa, at 6.0 mi (9.7 km) with 2,500 ft (760 m) of elevation change; and Cottonwood Creek, at 10.0 mi (16.1 km) with 3,800 ft (1,200 m) of elevation change.

Whitewater rafting

Whitewater rafting expeditions depart daily during the summer months from Lees Ferry. Commercial trips range from 3–18 days and cover from 87–300 miles (140–483 km). Trips book up fast so be sure to book your trip about a year in advance or you will have to get lucky with cancellations. The most popular section of river for the "true" Grand Canyon river experience lies between Lees Ferry and Diamond Creek. Private (non-commercial DIY) river permits are also available for river trips up to 30 days in length. The new Colorado River Management Plan has changed a 12-20 year wait list to a new weighted lottery.

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, which is at the North Rim Lodge.

1 Hopi House. 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. 2 Lookout Studio. Also designed by Colter features spectacular views of the canyon from its overhanging patio, and specializes in rocks and fossils along with the souvenirs. 3 Hermit's Rest. Another Colter building blends into the canyon and offers a variety of souvenirs.

Eat

South Rim

Additional cafeterias are 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.

1 The Arizona Room, 9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village (on the East side of the Bright Angel Lodge). Dinner 4:30PM–10PM (open seasonally), lunch seasonally. Also features partial canyon views. Bright Angel Restaurant (Bright Angel Lodge). Informal dining, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 2 El Tovar Hotel Dining Room. 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.

North Rim

Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room. Open daily, mid-May through mid-Oct (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. 5:30–10:30AM. In the Rough Rider Saloon. Coffee, bagels, and pastries.

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 Pizza Pub (South Rim in Maswik Lodge). Pizza, Beer and Wine big-screen TV and more.

North Rim

Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room. Serves cocktails. Rough Rider Saloon.

Sleep

There are a variety of hotels, lodges, and campgrounds inside and outside of the park on the North and South Rims. As lodging at the Canyon fills early and is fairly expensive, many visitors base themselves just outside of the South Rim in Tusayan. For those willing to stay further from the park the cities of Williams or Flagstaff offer additional options.

South Rim

The following lodges are inside Grand Canyon National Park. Reservations can be made by contacting Xanterra for the first five lodges, and Delaware North for Yavapai.

1 Bright Angel Lodge, 9 N Village Loop Dr, ☏ +1 928 638-2631. 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. $97–110 for a standard room, $140–217 for a cabin, $213–469 for a suite (2017 rates). 2 El Tovar Hotel. 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. $174–268 for a standard room, $321–426 for a suite (2010 rates). 3 Kachina Lodge, 5 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, ☏ +1 888-297-2757. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 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. $170–180 for a standard room (2010 rates). 4 Maswik 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. $90 for cabins and South rooms, $170 for North rooms (2010 rates). 5 Thunderbird Lodge. A very similar lodge to the Kachina Lodge, with the only major difference being that check-in is at the Bright Angel Lodge. $170–180 for a standard room (2010 rates). 6 Yavapai Lodge, 11 Yavapai Lodge Rd, Grand Canyon Village. 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. $107 for a West room, $153 for an East room (2010 rates).

Stay safe

Hiking at the Grand Canyon often surprises people who attempt Inner Canyon trips. It can be hotter than you'd expect, colder than you'd expect, drier or wetter. A prepared hiker is better able to survive the extremes of the canyon. Even for short walks into the canyon keep in mind that it is a seducer: it seems easy hiking down into it but when you come back up you find that you have over-extended yourself. It's the opposite of climbing up a tall mountain, where you can stop and turn back when you get tired, knowing that the descent will be much easier. Take water. Respect the heat, plan for heat. Check the weather forecast, watch for storms. Take a paper map with you, and know how to read it. If using maps on your phone, download maps before you go. Cell phone service is unreliable in the wildness. You may be able to call 911 from some locations, but there is no guarantee. But in an emergency, always try 911: even if you have no service 911 may still connect with another carrier. Tell a responsible person not in your party where you are going and when you expect to return, so they can alert authorities in case of emergency. Know your limits. In particular, do not attempt to hike to the bottom of the canyon and back in one day. Hundreds of hikers each year have to be rescued from the Inner Canyon due to exhaustion and dehydration. While the temperature on the canyon rim is cool due to its elevation, below the rim it can be very hot. The vertical distance from the bottom back up to the rim is nearly a mile straight up (1.5 km), in addition to the distance you travel horizontally. If you plan to go to the bottom of the canyon, spend the night (permit required), and take enough food, water, shelter, and other backcountry camping equipment to keep yourself safe and sound. If you don't have the equipment, don't go. For an eye-opening look at the dangers of hiking in and around the canyon unprepared, Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon by Thomas M. Myers (long time resident doctor at the South Rim), and Michael P. Ghiglieri (biologist and river guide), describes the various ways in which visitors have lost their lives at the canyon. (ISBN 097009731X). Don't throw rocks or coins from the rim – these can injure hikers below, and the metal in coins can poison wild animals. If you're injured or need medical attention, the 3 Grand Canyon Clinic (1 Clinic Road; ☏ +1 928-638-2551) at the South Rim provides urgent care.

Go next

While literally getting out of the chasm may be the most difficult part of your visit, getting out of the national park is relatively easy. The Grand Canyon is part of the Grand Circle, which includes the Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Natural Bridges National Monument, Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument, Hovenweep National Monument, Arches National Park, Canyon de Chelly National Monument and many other attractions in Northern Arizona and Utah's Canyon Country. From the North Rim, destinations include Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks and the Grand Circle. The nearest major airport is in Las Vegas. From the South Rim, travelers often head toward Flagstaff or Sedona. Further south is Phoenix, home to hiking at Camelback Mountain, golfing, MLB Spring Training and super hot weather. West is Las Vegas, home to casinos, shows and nightlife; Hoover Dam is enroute to Las Vegas. Nearest major airports are in Phoenix and Las Vegas; however, there are small airports in Flagstaff and Page (for North Rim) as well.

More pictures of Grand Canyon

From this destination's category on Wikimedia Commons. Each photograph is credited to its own author under its own licence.