National Park · AZ
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is a mile deep, 277 river-miles long, and almost impossible to photograph in a way that conveys it. The South Rim is open year-round and gets 90% of visitors. The North Rim is 1,000 feet higher, closed in winter, and feels like a different park.
Best time to visit
April-May or September-October on the South Rim. Summer is hot at the rim and lethal in the canyon. The North Rim is open mid-May to mid-October only.
How long you need
Two days on the South Rim is enough for a first visit. Add a third for a hike below the rim or a North Rim drive.
Don't miss
- Sunrise at Mather Point or Yaki Point
- A descent on the South Kaibab Trail at least to Ooh Aah Point — even a mile down changes the scale
- Desert View Watchtower at the east end of the South Rim
- Hermit Road by shuttle or bike at sunset
- If you have a permit: Phantom Ranch at the bottom
What people get wrong
Trying to hike to the river and back in a day. The Park Service literally puts up signs telling you not to. The climb out gains 5,000 feet in desert heat. Every year people die doing this. Hike down a third, turn around, and feel zero shame.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers, up to a 15 person passenger van. Organized non-commercial groups over 16 passengers require different charges. Commercial groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit.
$35.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
$30.00
Entrance - Per Person
Individual ($20 valid for 7 days): for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians.
$20.00
Nonresident
Each non-US resident aged 16 and older visiting Grand Canyon National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
$100.00
Operating hours
South Rim - South Entrance
Both Desert View (East Entrance) and South Entrance are Open 24 hours/day and 7 Days/week. Credit cards, and America the Beautiful passes are accepted for entry. Cash is not accepted at this time. The South Entrance Station, near Tusayan, Arizona, receives the most traffic, an experiences long lines and up to 2 hour wait times between 9:30 am and 4 pm. The East Entrance at Desert View - 32 miles east of the village (accessed via US 89 to Cameron, AZ, then west on SR 64, usually has shorter wait times.
South Rim - Desert View (East Entrance)
The East Entrance to the park at Desert View is open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Visitors traveling through the Navajo Nation on US 89, turn west at Cameron, Arizona onto State Route 64, then drive 25 miles (40 km) to the park's East Entrance. A stop at Desert View provides spectacular first views of Grand Canyon and Colorado River. Most Desert View services are open for visitors. Desert View Campground will be open for the 2025 season between April 12 and October 12. 2025. Reservations are required.
Campgrounds
Desert View Campground (Reservations Required)
Mather Campground - South Rim
Trailer Village RV Park - South Rim
FAQ
- South Rim or North Rim?
- South Rim for your first visit — more views, more services, open year-round. North Rim if you want quiet and a different perspective.
- How do I see the canyon from the bottom?
- Either a multi-day backpack with a backcountry permit, a mule trip, or a Colorado River raft trip. All three book out a year or more in advance.
- Is the Skywalk part of the national park?
- No. The Skywalk is on Hualapai tribal land, far west of the park, and a separate paid attraction.