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.

At Sunset, swirling rain clouds above a vast canyon filled with colorful peaks and cliff walls.

National Park · Arizona

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.

About Grand Canyon National Park

Entirely within the state of Arizona, the park encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homelands of 11 present day Tribal Communities, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—a mile deep canyon unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors from both north and south rims.

Things to do

Arts and Culture
Cultural Demonstrations
Auto and ATV
Scenic Driving
Astronomy
Stargazing
Biking
Road Biking
Boating
Camping
Backcountry Camping
Car or Front Country Camping
Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
Fishing
Food
Flying
Guided Tours
Hands-On
Volunteer Vacation
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Horse Trekking
Paddling

Weather & when to go

Since Grand Canyon has elevations that range from 2,500 feet at the bottom to 8,400 feet on the North Rim, weather can vary significantly depending on the season and the specific location within the park. Winters tend to be cold and snowy, and summers have periods of excessive heat. High temperatures inside the canyon tend to be 20 to 30 degrees warmer then on the canyon's rims. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so it's wise to check forecasts before visiting.

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)
Reserve ↗NPS info ↗
Mather Campground - South Rim
Reserve ↗NPS info ↗
Trailer Village RV Park - South Rim
Reserve ↗NPS info ↗

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.