Grand Canyon Travel Information
- Operating Hours & Seasons
- Getting to the Grand Canyon
- Seeing the Grand Canyon
- Weather & Climate
- Accessibility
- Getting Around
- Medical Services
- Bringing Pets
Operating Hours and Seasons
The SOUTH RIM - Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services are available and facilities are open year round.
The NORTH RIM - Visitor services and facilities inside the national park on the NORTH RIM are only open from mid-May to mid-October. Weather permitting; the North Rim is open for day use only following the close of facilities in mid-October. During this time there are no services or overnight facilities available inside the park. The road from Jacob Lake to the North Rim (Highway 67) is subject to closure with little or no notice during this interval and then remains closed until mid-May.
Getting to the Grand Canyon
PLANE - Commercial air carriers serve Las Vegas, Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Grand Canyon Airport (in Tusayan, just south of the park).
CAR - Grand Canyon Village (SOUTH RIM) is located 60 miles north of Interstate 40 at Williams via highway 64, and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff via highway 180. Only ten miles from rim to rim as the crow flies, the North Rim is 215 miles (about 4 1/2 hours) from the South Rim by car. The NORTH RIM is 44 miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ, via highway 67. Visitor services and facilities on the North Rim are only open from mid-May through mid-October.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - SOUTH RIM: Bus Service between Grand Canyon National Park and Flagstaff, Arizona is offered by Nava-Hopi Tours, 800-892-8687, and by South Rim Travel, 928-638-2748. Greyhound Bus Lines offers service from Flagstaff and Williams to points nationwide. Grand Canyon Railroad offers service between Williams and the canyon, 1-800-THE-TRAIN. NORTH RIM: A shuttle service is provided seasonally between the North Rim and the South Rim by Trans-Canyon Shuttle, 928-638-2820.
Seeing the Grand Canyon
Nearly five million people see Grand Canyon each year. Most of them see it from overlooks along the South Rim, including Grand Canyon Village, Hermits Rest Road, and Desert View Drive. The South Rim, 60 miles/97 km north of Williams and 80 miles/129 km northwest of Flagstaff, Arizona, is the most accessible part of the park and is open all year.
A much smaller number of people see the canyon from the North Rim, which lies just 10 miles/16 km (as the raven flies) directly across from the South Rim. The North Rim rises 1000 feet/305 m higher than the South Rim and is much less accessible. Heavy snows close the North Rim from mid-October to mid-May each year. Even in good weather the North Rim is harder to get to. It lies 220 miles/354 km by car from the South Rim, or 21 miles/34 km by foot across the canyon by way of the North and South Kaibab Trails.
The Inner Canyon includes everything below the rim and is seen mainly by hikers, mule riders, and river rafters. Many opportunities exist here for adventurous and hardy persons who want to backpack, ride a mule to Phantom Ranch, or take a river trip down the Colorado River with many of the popular Grand Canyon River Tours.
How do people get across the Colorado River within Grand Canyon? The South Kaibab Trail crosses the river on a narrow suspension bridge 70 feet/21 m above the water. Only one way across the canyon is accessible by automobile - the Navajo Bridge, located downstream from Lees Ferry, where the canyon is only 400 feet/122 m wide.
Weather and Climate
The South Rim is 7000 feet above sea level, which means snow in winter and cool nights even in summer. Inner canyon hiking (below the rim) is another story, however: summer temperatures along the Colorado River at the canyon bottom can reach 120º F. The North Rim is 8000 feet above sea level and can receive snow throughout most of the year. Weather is particularly changeable in spring and fall; visitors should be prepared for a variety of climates.
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.
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 Observation 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, Tusayan Museum, and Desert View Information Center. Or write for a copy.
SOUTH RIM: Most shuttles are inaccessible to wheelchairs. Accessible shuttle buses are available in response to requests made the day prior. Call 928-638-0591.
Getting Around
SOUTH RIM: Free shuttle service is available year round throughout Grand Canyon Village and out to the South Kaibab Trailhead. March - November free shuttle service is available along Hermit Road. When the Hermits Rest shuttle bus is running, Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles. Taxis are available (on call) from Grand Canyon National Park Lodges, call (928) 638-2631 ext. 6563.
NORTH RIM: There is no shuttle service on the North Rim.
Medical Services
The South Rim Walk-In Clinic is open all year. Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm, (928) 638-2551. Emergency medical services are provided by rangers and clinic staff. A dentist serves the South Rim by appointment only. Call (928) 638-2395. North Rim emergency medical services are provided by rangers on duty.
Bringing 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 (928) 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.
