Trip Planning
Grand Canyon National Park receives an
average of 5 million visitors a year. This means the park is crowded
most of the year. Expect heavy crowds during spring, summer, and
fall months. During these months reservations for
camping and
lodging are essential. Day-use visitors should expect traffic
congestion and parking problems, particularly in summer. The least
crowded time is November through February. However, winter weather
is a major consideration when planning a trip during these months.
Most visitors come to the South Rim
(facilities open all year). The North Rim (services and overnight
facilities open mid-May through mid-October) has fewer facilities
and is more remote. It is over 200 miles/322 km one way by
automobile from the South Rim to the North Rim, a 5 hour drive for
most. When making reservations for lodging and camping, remember to
identify the rim you plan on visiting.
The South Rim of Grand Canyon averages 7000
feet/2134 m above sea level. The North Rim is over
8000 feet/2438 m above sea level. Visitors with respiratory
or heart problems may experience difficulties. All walking at this
elevation can be strenuous.
Grand Canyon National Park is in a
remote part of the country. Remember:
- Bring an extra set of car keys; it could
be a long wait for a locksmith.
- Film is available at both the North and
South Rim, but the closest camera repair is in Flagstaff.
- There is an automobile mechanic on the
South Rim, but you may experience delays waiting for parts.
- 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 water in your car, particularly
during summer months.
Climate
SUMMER
Summer temperatures on the South Rim, at
7000 feet/2134 n are relatively pleasant (50°-80° F/l10°-20°
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 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 road
from Jacob Lake to the North Rim (Highway 67) is closed during the
winter months.
SPRING AND FALL
Spring and fall weather is extremely
unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather at
those times of year.
How to See the Canyon
SOUTH RIM
There are many overlooks accessible by car
that offer spectacular views of the canyon. Desert View Drive
(Highway 64) follows the canyon rim for 26 miles/42 km east
of Grand Canyon Village to Desert View - the east entrance to the
park. Desert View Drive is open to private vehicles throughout the
year. Hermits Road follows the rim for 8 miles/13 km west
from Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest. Hermits Road is closed to
private vehicles much of the year, but the park runs a free shuttle
bus to provide transportation to overlooks.
A hiking trail, known as the Rim Trail,
follows the rim from Mather Point to Hermits Rest. The Rim Trail is
paved, and mostly wheelchair accessible, from Yavapai Point west as
far as Maricopa Point. Unpaved portions of the trail between
Maricopa Point and Hermits Rest are narrow and close to the edge.
Yavapai Observation Station at Yavapai Point
offers panoramic views of the canyon, including the Colorado River
and Phantom Ranch. The Observation Station building is open all
year.
For viewing and photographing the canyon,
the best light is early or late in the day. Mid-day sun tends to
flatten the view and soften the colors. Remember that days are short
in the winter and long in the summer. If you plan to see the canyon
at sunrise or sunset, it is recommended that you be on the rim at
least an hour before.
The Colorado River flows along the bottom of
the canyon, 5000 feet/1524 m below the rim. Because of the
enormous depth of Grand Canyon, the river is visible only from
certain viewpoints. It is a two-day hike to the river and back from
the South Rim. It's a longer trip from the North Rim. It is possible
to drive to the Colorado River at Lees Ferry (near Marble Canyon,
Arizona), a 2.5 hour drive (one way) from the South Rim. Lees Ferry
marks the official beginning of Grand Canyon.
NORTH RIM
Although it is only 10 air miles/16 km
across the canyon, the North Rim is over 200 miles/322 km
away from the South Rim by car or a 21 mile/34 km strenuous
two to three day cross-canyon hike. It is possible to fly into Las
Vegas and drive from there (263 miles/423 km, one way) to the
North Rim. The park boundary is 30 miles/48 km south
of Jacob Lake on Highway 67. The canyon rim is an additional 14
miles/23 km south. Jacob Lake, which consists of a
lodge and gas station, is located in northern Arizona on Highway
89A, not far from the Utah border. There is no public transportation
to the North Rim other than the Trans Canyon Shuttle, (928)
638-2820, from the South Rim. Visitor services and facilities on
the North Rim are only open from mid-May through mid-October.
For 2001 North Rim visitor services and facilities will be open from
May 12 to October 15.
Weather permitting, the North Rim is open
for day use only in the fall following the close of
facilities in mid-October. During this time there are no services or
overnight facilities available inside park boundaries. Highway 67
from Jacob Lake is subject to closure with little or no notice
during this interval and then remains closed until mid-May.
Services are limited on the North Rim. The
National Park Service maintains a visitor center, and interpretive
programs are offered seasonally.
What time is it?
Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings
Time. We are on Mountain Standard Time year-round. The exception to
this is the Navajo Reservation, in the northeast corner of the
state. The reservation observes Daylight Savings Time and changes
its time for 6 months of the year
Operating Hours for Grand Canyon National
Park, Seasons
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Grand
Canyon National Park Information