National park · United States
Grand Canyon National Park
Two nights on the South Rim is the default: enter before 8:00 or after 16:00, walk part of Bright Angel Trail below the rim, and skip the 5-hour drive to the North Rim unless you have a third day.Two nights on the South Rim is the default: enter before 8:00 AM or after 4:00 PM, walk part of Bright Angel Trail below the rim, and skip the 5-hour drive to the North Rim unless you have a third day.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
4,926 km² (1,902 sq mi)1,902 sq mi (4,926 km²)
approximate
Established
1919
Best months
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 4,926 km² (1,902 sq mi)1,902 sq mi (4,926 km²)
- About 4,926 km² (1.2 million acres), slightly less than the state of Delaware.
- Established
- 1919
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Grand Canyon National Park protects 1.2 million acres of northern Arizona, cut by the Colorado River to a depth of about 1.6 km. Almost everyone goes to the South Rim, which is open all year and has the shuttle buses, lodges and trails. The North Rim sits 300 m higher, is quieter, and its road closes for winter. The inner canyon is 11-16 C warmer than the rims, which is why most rescues happen on the way up, not down.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 1979Inscribed for its exposed rock record and canyon scenery.
Size and age
4,926 km² (1,902 sq mi)1,902 sq mi (4,926 km²) · national park since 1919
About 4,926 km² (1.2 million acres), slightly less than the state of Delaware.
Why go
- A mile-deep canyon with two billion years of rock layers visible in one view.
- The South Rim is open every day of the year and needs no permit.
- Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails drop below the rim without a guide, if you turn around in time.
- California condors, elk and bighorn sheep are seen from the rim trails.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecCaution
- JanCold, ice on rim trails; some facilities closed
- FebSnow and ice; quiet
- MarCool, clear; spring break crowds
- AprMild, dry, trails open below the rim
- MayWarm; book lodges months ahead
- JunHot below the rim; inner canyon over 38 C
- JulMonsoon storms, lightning, flash floods
- AugMonsoon; wettest month on the rims
- SepStorms ease; warm days, cool nights
- OctDry and clear; North Rim closes mid-month
- NovCold nights; first snow on the rim
- DecIce and short days; East Rim Drive partly closed
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California condorAll year · Most often seen near Grand Canyon Village and along the rim. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Elk on the rim and in TusayanMay–Oct · Bulls are unpredictable in the autumn rut; keep well back. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Desert bighorn sheepMar–May, Sep–Nov · Inner canyon slopes, usually from a distance. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Rattlesnakes and scorpionsApr–Oct · Watch where you put hands and feet below the rim. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Flagstaff
I-40 west to Williams then AZ 64 north, or US 180 northwest to Valle; both about 130 km (81 mi) to the South Entrance.I-40 west to Williams then AZ 64 north, or US 180 northwest to Valle; both about 81 mi (130 km) to the South Entrance.
1.5 h
From Las Vegas
I-40 east then AZ 64 north through Williams; the longer route via Hoover Dam and Kingman is slower.
4.5 h
From Phoenix
I-17 north to Flagstaff, then as above.
3.5-4 h
From Williams
Grand Canyon Railway to Grand Canyon Village; the canyon is not visible from the train.
2.5 h
From North Rim
AZ 67 from Jacob Lake; closed in winter, and there is no road or ferry across the canyon.
5 h from the South Rim
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon Village and the South Rim | Visitor center, lodges, Bright Angel and South Kaibab trailheads, most viewpoints. | Open all year; shuttle buses replace private cars on Hermit Road in season. |
| Desert View and the East Rim | Desert View Watchtower, Tusayan Museum and the road out to Cameron. | Open all year; drive yourself. |
| Inner canyon | The Tonto Platform, Phantom Ranch and the Colorado River. | Foot or mule only; camping needs a permit. |
| North Rim | Grand Canyon Lodge, Bright Angel Point, Cape Royal and Point Imperial. | AZ 67 open mid-May to mid-October; facilities close around 15 October. |
Sketch map
- 1Grand Canyon Visitor Center · Headquarters≈36.059, -112.109Map ↗
- 2Mather Point · Viewpoint≈36.062, -112.108Map ↗
- 3Grand Canyon Village · Town≈36.053, -112.139Map ↗
- 4Bright Angel Trailhead · Trail≈36.057, -112.144Map ↗
- 5South Kaibab Trailhead · Trail≈36.053, -112.084Map ↗
- 6Desert View Watchtower · Viewpoint≈36.044, -111.826Map ↗
- 7Hermits Rest · Viewpoint≈36.062, -112.211Map ↗
- 8Tusayan · Sleep≈35.974, -112.127Map ↗
- 9North Rim Visitor Center · Headquarters≈36.198, -112.052Map ↗
- 10Phantom Ranch · Sleep≈36.107, -112.095Map ↗
Take the points offline
10 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions along the South Rim from the visitor center to Hermits Rest, plus the North Rim and Phantom Ranch, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance, private vehicle | US$35 | vehicle | Valid 7 days, both rims (2026 estimate). |
| Entrance, motorcycle | US$30 | motorcycle | Valid 7 days (2026 estimate). |
| Entrance, per person on foot, bike or shuttle | US$20 | person | Valid 7 days (2026 estimate). |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US$80 | pass | Covers this park and most federal fee areas for 12 months (2026 estimate). |
| Backcountry permit, below-rim camping | US$10 | person per night | Plus a non-refundable application fee; lottery opens months ahead (check). |
| Mule trip to Phantom Ranch | US$600–800 | person | Overnight trips only, booked far ahead (2026 estimate, check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entrance permit or guide
Below-rim camping permit or guide
Colorado River rafting permit or guide
Havasupai Reservation permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$35
- US$30
- US$20
- US$80
- US$10
- US$600–800
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on National Park Service — Fees and passes before you go.
Park rules
- No feeding wildlife
- Squirrels and elk bite; squirrel bites are among the most common injuries in the park.
- Stay back from the edge
- Loose rock and no railings at most viewpoints; keep children within arm's reach.
- Drones
- Launching or flying a drone anywhere in the park is prohibited.check
- Camping
- Only in designated campgrounds or with a backcountry permit; no sleeping at trailheads or in pullouts.
- Water
- Do not rely on inner-canyon water points; check current status at the visitor center before descending.
Where to stay
In the park
Grand Canyon Village lodges
Rim-side rooms inside the park; book 6-13 months ahead for spring and autumn.
Near the park
Tusayan
Motels and hotels 10 minutes from the South Entrance; the usual fallback when park lodges are full.
Near the park
Valle and Williams
Cheaper beds 45-90 minutes south, on the route from Flagstaff.
In the park
North Rim campground and lodge
Seasonal cabins and a campground near Grand Canyon Lodge; closed in winter.
Safety
Heat and exhaustion below the rim high
Flash floods in side canyons high
Lightning on the rims medium
Ice on rim trails in winter medium
Altitude low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The Rim Trail and most village viewpoints are paved and wheelchair accessible.
- Shuttle buses are accessible; some viewpoints have accessible parking and paved paths.
- Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails are steep, rough and not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Visiting lightly
- Refill bottles at the village water stations; the park's water is treated and safe to drink.
- Take the shuttle instead of driving Hermit Road and the village loop.
- Pack out everything, including food scraps, which attract ravens and squirrels.
- Book with licensed river outfitters that follow the park's waste and camping rules.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Grand Canyon?
A private vehicle pays US$35 for seven days at either rim; motorcycles US$30 and people arriving on foot, by bike or by shuttle US$20 (2026 estimate). The US$80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers this park and most other federal fee areas for a year.
What are the best hikes in Grand Canyon?
For a first visit, walk part of the Rim Trail, then descend Bright Angel Trail to the 3-mile resthouse or South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point and climb back out. The full rim-to-river routes are overnight trips; the rim-to-rim crossing is a two-day hike with no easy way out.
When is the best time to visit Grand Canyon?
April, May, September and October give dry trails, mild temperatures and long days. July and August bring monsoon storms and lightning. Winter is quiet but icy on the rim, and the North Rim road closes from about mid-October to mid-May.
Do I need a permit to hike into the canyon?
No permit is needed for a day hike below the rim. Overnight camping below the rim needs a backcountry permit, and river trips need a commercial booking or a private lottery permit.
Can I visit both rims in one day?
No. There is no road, bridge or ferry across the canyon, so the drive between the rims is about 340 km and five hours. Treat the North Rim as a separate trip.
Is the Grand Canyon crowded?
The South Rim gets millions of visitors a year, mostly between 10:00 and 16:00 in summer. Arrive before 8:00, use the shuttle buses, and walk 15 minutes along the Rim Trail away from the parking areas.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialNational Park Service — Grand Canyon National Park
- officialNational Park Service — Fees and passes
- officialNational Park Service — South Rim shuttle buses
- officialNational Park Service — North Rim
- officialUNESCO World Heritage Centre — Grand Canyon National Park
- secondaryWikivoyage: Grand Canyon, revision 5339683 (CC BY-SA 4.0)