Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is located in northern Arizona, USA. It stretches along the Colorado River and covers an area of approximately 1,904 square miles. The Grand Canyon itself is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River, and it is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological features.

This national park holds great historical significance. Native American tribes, such as the Havasupai, Zuni, and Paiute, have lived in and around the Grand Canyon for thousands of years. It wasn't until the mid 19th century that American exploration and interest in the area grew. Major John Wesley Powell led a famous expedition through the canyons in 1869, and it is said that President Theodore Roosevelt was so captivated by the breathtaking landscape during a visit in 1903 that he began the preservation efforts that eventually led to the establishment of the national park in 1919.

Visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park can enjoy a wide range of activities. Hiking is a popular choice, with numerous trails offering different levels of difficulty, ranging from short walks along the rim to challenging multi-day treks into the canyon. The park is also renowned for its striking viewpoints, such as Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station, where visitors can marvel at the vastness of the canyon and the changing colors throughout the day.

For those seeking a unique adventure, white-water rafting trips along the Colorado River provide an exhilarating and immersive experience. The park also offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, and stargazing. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse animal species that call the park home, including mule deer, California condors, and bighorn sheep.

There are several attractions near Grand Canyon National Park that visitors can explore as well. Just south of the park lies the town of Tusayan, where the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and The Museum of Northern Arizona can be found. The nearby Grand Canyon Skywalk, located on the Hualapai Reservation, offers a thrilling perspective with its glass walkway extending beyond the canyon's rim.

In conclusion, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is an iconic destination known for its breathtaking scenery and rich history. From hiking and camping to wildlife spotting and cultural exploration, this park offers something for everyone. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, a visit to the Grand Canyon promises an unforgettable experience.

Grand Canyon National Park is situated in the northern part of the state of Arizona, USA. Spanning approximately 1,902 square miles, the park is located in Coconino and Mohave counties. The park is further divided into two sections – the North and South Rim, with the Colorado River flowing through the canyon in between. Positioned at an elevation ranging from 2,400 to 8,800 feet, the Grand Canyon boasts its mesmerizing geological features carved over millions of years. The park's location offers visitors panoramic vistas of the expansive canyon, showcasing its vibrant palette of red, orange, and brown rock layers that contrast with the surrounding lush forests and arid desert landscape.

Address & Contact

20 South Entrance Road
Grand Canyon National Park Headquarters
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Driving Directions
Phone: 928-638-7888
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park would be from May to June and September to October. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 67°F to 82°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average precipitation during this time is around 0.8 inches to 1.3 inches, ensuring minimal rainfall. Additionally, visitor counts during these months are relatively lower compared to peak tourist season in July and August. Hence, visiting during these periods will allow you to enjoy the park with favorable weather while avoiding large crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Grand Canyon National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Guided Tours Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Fishing Backcountry Hiking Paddling Whitewater Rafting Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Volunteer Vacation Flying Cultural Demonstrations

Topics

Learn about these topics at Grand Canyon National Park: Animals Birds Caves, Caverns and Karst Geology Groundwater Freshwater Springs Night Sky Architecture and Building Archeology Arts Native American Heritage Transportation Tragic Events Cats (wild) Fish Fire Fossils and Paleontology River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Trails Unique Species Colonization and Settlement Explorers and Expeditions Watersheds Photography Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Schools and Education Forests and Woodlands Grasslands Astronomy Scenic Views Bison Elk Endangered Aviation Engineering Trains and Railroads

Visitor Centers

Verkamp's Visitor Center (South Rim)

In the Village Historic District, near Hopi House and El Tovar Hotel, Verkamp's Visitor Center features exhibits that focus on the Grand Canyon Community; what it was like to live and work here on the brink of one of the seven natural wonders. A staffed information desk and a Grand Canyon Conservancy Museum Store are also located here. Public restrooms are available in a separate building behind the Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Grand Canyon National Park

Desert View Campground (Reservations Required)

At the East Entrance, Desert View Campground offers a peaceful setting with 49 campsites. 30 feet (9.1 m) combined total length is the maximum length for RVs or vehicles pulling travel trailers. Campsites are available by reservation only at www.recreation.gov and can be made up to 6 months in advance between Sat. April 13, through the night of Sun. October 13, 2024. Make reservations online or call (877-444-6777). It is possible to make same day call-in and/or online reservations.
Fees (US$): 18.00 (Campsite), 9.00 (Campsite (Senior or Access Pass))
Total Campsites: 49
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Mather Campground - South Rim

Mather Campground is located in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. There are 327 sites. Each includes a campfire ring/cooking grate, picnic table, parking space and room for up to six people, three tents, and two vehicles. There are flush toilets and drinking water throughout the campground. No hookups are available, however there is a free dump station. Most RV spaces are pull-through. Pine loop is a tent-only area where generators are not permitted.
Fees (US$): 18.00 (Family Site), 9.00 (Family Site with Senior or Access Pass/ Golden Age/ Golden Access), 50.00 (Group Site), 6.00 (Communal Hiker Biker Sites), 3.00 (Communal Hiker/ Biker Sites - with Senior or Access Pass/ Golden Age/ Golden Access), 25.00 (Horse Camp), 12.50 (Horse Camp with Senior or Access Pass/ Golden Age/ Golden Access)
Total Campsites: 327
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

North Rim Campground

The North Rim Campground, open from May 15 through October 15, 2024, is located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona. The canyon's rustic and less populated North Rim is home to abundant wildlife, hiking trails, and unparalleled views of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The facility is at an elevation of 8,200 ft., with pleasant summer temperatures and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Fees (US$): 18.00 (Family Site), 9.00 (Family Site with Senior or Access Pass/ Golden Age/ Golden Access), 50.00 (Group Sites), 6.00 (Hiker/Bicyclist (Communal Site))
Total Campsites: 87
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Trailer Village RV Park - South Rim

Trailer Village is the only in-park RV campground with full hookups (sewage, water, and electrical with 30 amp and 50 amp sites available) Open year-round, Trailer Village features paved pull-through sites which can accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet long. Trailer Village is operated by Delaware North. Reservations can be made up to 13 months in advance. If visiting during the busy season (May through October) making reservations 1 year in advance is recommend. Visit their website to make reservations.
Fees (US$): 71.00 (Paved RV Site up to 28 feet/8.5 meters total vehicle length), 71.00 (Paved RV Site 29 feet/8.5 meters to 50 feet/15 meters total vehicle length), 61.00 (Classic RV Site up to 28 feet/8.5 meters total vehicle length), 61.00 (Classic RV Site 29 feet/8.5 meters to 50 feet/15 meters total vehicle length)
Total Campsites: 123
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Hotels within or near Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel

Located in Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel is in the historical district, just a 3-minute walk from National Geographic Grand Canyon Visitor Center and a 3-minute drive from Grand Canyon National Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 406 Canyon Plaza Lane, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023
Web: Link

Yavapai Lodge - Inside the Park

When you stay at Yavapai Lodge - Inside the Park in Grand Canyon, you'll be in a national park, within a 5-minute drive of Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent's Residence and Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Featured amenities include a computer station, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 11 Yavapai Lodge Road, PO Box 159, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023
Web: Link

Maswik Lodge - Inside the Park

When you stay at Maswik Lodge - Inside the Park in Grand Canyon, you'll be in a national park, within a 10-minute walk of Grand Canyon Backcountry Information Center and Bright Angel Trailhead. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 202 South Village Loop, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023
Web: Link

El Tovar - Inside the Park

When you a stay at El Tovar - Inside the Park in Grand Canyon, you'll be in a national park, just steps from Mary Jane Colter Buildings and Verkamp's Visitor Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: Grand Canyon Village, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023
Web: Link

Thunderbird Lodge - Inside the Park

When you a stay at Thunderbird Lodge - Inside the Park in Grand Canyon, you'll be in a national park, within a 5-minute walk of Bright Angel Lodge and Lookout Studio. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7 North Village Loop, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023
Web: Link

Bright Angel Lodge - Inside the Park

With a stay at Bright Angel Lodge - Inside the Park in Grand Canyon, you'll be in the historical district, just a 4-minute walk from Grand Canyon Railway and 6 minutes by foot from Grand Canyon Backcountry Information Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023
Web: Link

Kachina Lodge - Inside the Park

When you a stay at Kachina Lodge - Inside the Park in Grand Canyon, you'll be in a national park, within a 5-minute walk of Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent's Residence and Bright Angel Lodge. Planning an event in Grand Canyon? This hotel has 12917 square feet (111 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 5 North Village Loop, Grand Canyon Village, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023
Web: Link

Trailer Village RV Park

With a stay at Trailer Village RV Park in Grand Canyon, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent's Residence and Mary Jane Colter Buildings. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: Trailer Village Rd, Grand Canyon, Arizona az86023
Web: Link

Canyon Plaza Premier Studios and Apts

Located in Grand Canyon, this apartment is a 4-minute drive from Grand Canyon National Park and 14 minutes from South Kaibab Trailhead. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 415 RP Drive, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023
Web: Link

Maswik Lodge

With a stay at Maswik Lodge in Grand Canyon, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Grand Canyon Backcountry Information Center and Bright Angel Trailhead.
Address: 202 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023
Web: Link