Welcome To The Most Complete Grand Canyon National Park Travel Guide

Visitation

Highest in summer; lowest in winter.

Location

Located entirely in Northern Arizona
Address: P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Visitor Information Recorded Message: 928-638-7888

Operating Hours

The SOUTH RIM is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services are available and facilies are open year round.

The NORTH RIM is open mid-May through mid-October. Weather permitting, the North Rim is open for day use only following the close of facilities in mid-October. After that time there are no services or overnight facilites available inside the park on the North Rim.

The high altitude of both the South and North Rims may cause visitors with respiratory or heart problems to experience difficulties. All walking at this elevation can be strenuous.

Summer
Summer temperatures on the South Rim, at 7000 feet/2134 m, are relatively pleasant (50°s-80°s F/10°s-20°s 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 at 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 North Rim is closed during the winter.

Spring & Fall
Spring and fall weather is extremely unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather at those times of year.

Commercial Tour
Entrance fees are charged based on vehicle capacity for all tour groups and bus companies that originate outside the 100 mile radius of an entrance station for Grand Canyon National Park.

Individual
$10 for 7 Days
Admits one individual when entering by foot, bicycle, or motorcycle. This fee also applies to organized (non-commercial, non-profit) groups. Individuals 16 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.

Vehicle
$20 for 7 Days
Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. Organized (non-profit) groups, (service organizations, scouts, church groups, college/school clubs) are not eligible for the $20.00 vehicle permit, regardless of the type of vehicle utilized, but must pay the Individual Permit Fee.

Backcountry Fee
$5 Day
Fee is per person/per night.

Backcountry Permit

$10 One Time
Permit fee (per permit)

Noncommercial River Permit
Waiting list application fee is $100.

Grand Canyon Pass - Local Passport
$40 Annual
Valid for twelve months from the date of purchase, for unlimited visits to Grand Canyon National Park. It admits the purchaser and any accompanying persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the purchaser and accompanying immediate family (spouse, children, parents) when entry is by other means (train, shuttle, bicycle, foot, and boat). This passport covers entrance fees only and NOT refundable and/or transferable.

Annual Pass: $80, good for one year at any National Park or Federal Recreation Area. Purchase your Annual Pass online Here.

ACCESSIBILITY: Facilities vary a great deal. The National Park Service provides wheelchairs for temporary day use by park visitors. No rental fee is charged. A wheelchair is usually available at Canyon View Center. To obtain a temporary parking permit for designated parking, inquire at the Entrance Gate, Canyon View Center, or Yavapai Observtion Station.

Several of the daily interpretive Ranger Programs are wheelchair accessible. Inquire at the Canyon View Center or look in the "Guide" for specifics.

A copy of the Grand Canyon National Park Accessibility Guide is available upon request at Canyon View Center, Yavapai Observation Station, Kolb Studio, Tusyan Museum, and Desert View Information Center. Or write for a copy.

SOUTH RIM: Most shuttles are inaccessible to wheelchairs. Accessible shuttle buses are available with a 48-hour advance reservation. Call 928-638-0591.

MEDICAL SERVICES: The South Rim Walk-In Clinic is open all year. Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm, (520) 638-2551. Emergency medical services are provided by rangers and clinic staff. A dentist serves the South Rim by appointment only. Call (520) 638-2395. North Rim emergency medical services are provided by rangers on duty.

PETS: Pets are allowed in the park but must be restrained at all times. Leashed pets are allowed on South Rim trails throughout the developed areas in the park but not below the rim, in park lodging, or on park buses. The only exception is for certified service dogs. Persons wishing to take a certified service dog below the rim must check in first at the Backcountry Information Center.

A kennel is available at the South Rim. Call (520) 638-0534. Reservations are suggested.

Pets are not permitted on North Rim trails. It is recommended that they be left at home. No kennels are available on the North Rim.

Aerial Tours - All scenic air tour operators are based outside of Grand Canyon National Park. They offer both fixed-wing and helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon region daily.

Bicycling - Bicycles are not yet available for rent in the park. If you plan to bring a bicycle, be aware that in Arizona bicycles are subject to the same traffic rules as automobiles. Use extreme caution when riding on park roads!

Day Hiking - Grand Canyon's inner canyon (below the rim) is a place of extremes. Hiking below the rim requires preparation. Each season brings its own hazards, and all trails below the rim are steep and precipitous. There are no easy trails into Grand Canyon!

Mule Trips - Mule trips are available in both the North and South Rim. Please contact the park for restrictions, prices and trip information.

River Trips -Whitewater rafting trips through the canyon last from one day to 30 days and require reservations well in advance. There are two types of river trips on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon; Commercial and Private River Trips.