An amazing wonder of nature, well worth visiting – book a few days if you can as there's so much to see and experience. We hiked the Bright Angel Trail but be careful as it was scorching hot! A hat, sunscreen and plenty of water is essential.
Trip Snapshot
Best Time to Visit
Early mornings on weekdays, April–May & September–October
Open
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00 (administrative); outdoor info panels available 24/7
Price Range
$ (services free)
Parking
Lot A (Park Headquarters) – standard & ADA spaces; RV overflow at Lot D
Ideal For
Outdoor information & safety panels, ADA‑accessible parking spaces, Ranger contact phone outside entrance, Drinking water refill station (seasonal), Restrooms (currently closed)
Awesome, of course. The walkway at Mathers point behind the visitors center from the south entrance is great and easy way to see a lot of the scenic overlooks. The grocery store in the park is expensive. The shuttle buses are a great addition, too. Be sure to google and see if they are having their night star gazing with interpreters pointing out constellations. That was a great bonus activitiy.
I don't think we should even be able to rate something like the Grand Canyon. What is there to say? It's absolutely huge and gorgeous. The south rim is a dog friendly paved trail! Highly recommend going to the south rim if you're traveling with a dog. Tons of overlook pulloffs as well. I was so happy to see Elk as well!! A herd of 15!
We visited 2 days in a row. The cost was reasonable. You pay by car load. We bought a senior pass for all National Parks for a year and it was $20. No charge for the second day obviously. If I remember right it was $17 for a car for 3 days without a pass but I can't guarantee it. The first day we got there around noon. It was an hour wait to get in the gate. The second day we drove right in at about 8:30 am. Both days the Visitor Center area was packed. You could barely get to the Rim. Once there you had to wait to get a clear shot. Don't get me wrong, do it if it's what you can do. I was shocked that all across the top of the rim was asphalt trails and it made for much easier walking. It was relatively easy to get to the rim at the Visitor Center area and handicap accessible. I had flown over the Canyon a few times, I'd seen lots of pictures. When you look over the rim of it the first time…. it will take your breath away. I've traveled to a lot of beautiful places, this was truly awe inspiring. So glad I could check it off my bucket list while I was still pretty mobile. The second day, we drove on past the visitor center. We found an empty parking lot and a sign that said 'To Rim'. We had a bottle of water apiece and set off UP the trail. I hadn't realized we were at 7,400 ft or so until we started a steady climb. My husband and I are in our mid 60's and after about 20 minutes of a steady up grade he was ready to turn back. I talked him into a few more yards and we saw the opening in the trees. We walked out of the trees and we were totally alone with the Canyon. We almost cried because it was so incredibly beautiful. We spent about 2 hours walking the edge of the rim. We maybe saw 6 people.
Absolutely phenomenal! The visitor center is closed Tuesday and weds and the other days it closes at 12noon, so be aware. There are plenty of gift shops!We hiked south kaibab to ooh aah point and it was worth it.
Why Visit National Park Headquarters
Grand Canyon National Park Headquarters is the park’s administrative hub for commercial tour oversight. While the headquarters building is not open to visitors, you can consult the outdoor information panels, park staff by phone, and nearby rangers to understand permits, concessioner options, and tour regulations.
Highlights
Official National Park Service source for tour permits and policy questions
24‑hour outdoor kiosks with up‑to‑date tour, shuttle, and safety information
Steps from Blue Route shuttle stop and Market Plaza services
Description
Opened in 1957 under the Mission 66 program, the headquarters building originally served as the South Rim Visitor Center before administrative functions took over in 2001. Today it houses the Commercial Services, Concessions, and Backcountry offices that authorize guided bus, van, air, mule, and hiking tours inside the park. Visitor‑facing services are limited to exterior panels and posted phone numbers, but the office remains the definitive authority for current tour operators, permit requirements, and safety standards. Parking Lot A, an accessible shuttle stop, and proximity to Market Plaza make it a convenient first stop if you need official clarification before booking a trip.
History
1957
Mission 66 headquarters building opens as the first South Rim Visitor Center.
1970s
Administrative offices for park management move into the building.
2001
New Grand Canyon Visitor Center debuts; headquarters closed to public entry.
2010
Outdoor information kiosks installed to assist self‑guided trip planners.
2024
Digital Commercial Use Authorization portal added for tour operators.
Features
Outdoor information & safety panels
ADA‑accessible parking spaces
Village (Blue) Route shuttle stop “Park Headquarters”
Ranger contact phone outside entrance
Drinking water refill station (seasonal)
Restrooms (currently closed)
Getting There
Car: From the South Entrance Station drive 1.5 mi/2.4 km north; turn right into Parking Lot A. Shuttle Bus: Board the free Village (Blue) Route and exit at “Park Headquarters.” Bicycle/Foot: Shared‑use Greenway Trail links the Visitor Center Plaza to Market Plaza and Headquarters (1 mi/1.6 km). Taxi/Commercial Tour: Ask the driver for Park Headquarters stop in Market Plaza area.
Insider Tips
Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.
01Good to know
Check the QR codes on the exterior panels for real‑time tour availability before calling operators.
02Be prepared
Lot A fills by mid‑morning in summer; use the Blue Route shuttle from the Visitor Center if spaces are gone.
03Local tip
Bring a refillable bottle
there’s a seasonal water station beside the east entrance.
04Save time
If you need backcountry permits, the Backcountry Information Center is a 10‑minute walk west.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a tour directly at the NPS Office?
No. The office regulates tours but does not take reservations; use the concessioner contacts listed outside.
Is the building open to visitors?
Interior access is closed. All visitor information is provided on outdoor panels and via phone.
Where do I park an RV?
Oversize vehicles should use Lot D near Market Plaza; standard vehicles fit in Lot A.
