Grand Canyon National Park is a mile-deep geologic wonder in northern Arizona, stretching 278 miles along the Colorado River. The park offers breathtaking views, rich tribal history, diverse wildlife, and a variety of visitor experiences from rim walks to river rafting. Open year-round at the South Rim, with seasonal North Rim operations.
Overview
Grand Canyon National Park preserves one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes—a vast, mile-deep canyon carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. The park encompasses 278 miles of river and adjacent uplands, with striking vistas visible from both the North and South Rims. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is located on the ancestral homelands of 11 present-day Tribal Communities .
Plan Your Visit
The Grand Canyon features two main visitor access points: the South Rim, open year-round and the most visited, and the North Rim, which is open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October.
South Rim
The South Rim is the primary destination for 90% of Grand Canyon visitors. It is open 24/7 all year with full visitor services—including campgrounds, lodging, restaurants, and shuttle buses. The elevation averages 7,000 feet, and the area features iconic viewpoints such as Hermit Road, Grand Canyon Village, Desert View Drive, and Desert View Watchtower.
Reservations are strongly recommended during peak seasons for both lodging and camping.
- Viewpoints are accessible by both private vehicle and a free shuttle bus system, which helps reduce congestion in the Grand Canyon Village area.
- Visitor centers, such as the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and Yavapai Geology Museum, provide orientation, exhibits, and ranger programs.
- Scenic drives include Hermit Road and Desert View Drive, which offer pullouts for spectacular canyon views.
- Detailed map and visitor guide: South Rim Pocket Map and Services Guide .
North Rim
The North Rim is higher in elevation (over 8,000 feet), cooler, less crowded, and more remote. It operates mid-May through mid-October, with limited services and seasonal camping and lodging.
- The North Rim offers stunning viewpoints such as Bright Angel Point, Cape Royal, and Point Imperial.
- Access is more difficult, with winter closures and restrictions on vehicle access.
- Lodging and campground reservations are recommended.
- More information: North Rim Overview .
Desert View Area
Located 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village along the South Rim, Desert View features the historic Desert View Watchtower, panoramic overlooks, and opportunities for deeper canyon exploration.
Orientation and Visitor Centers
The park has multiple visitor centers that provide maps, orientation, ranger-led programs, and information on hiking and safety.
- Grand Canyon Visitor Center (South Rim)
- Yavapai Geology Museum
- Tusayan Museum and Ruin
- North Rim Visitor Center
- Desert View Museum and Watchtower
Hiking and Backcountry Exploration
The park offers a range of hiking experiences—from rim walks to strenuous descents into the canyon’s interior.
- Popular rim trails include the Rim Trail, Bright Angel Trail, and South Kaibab Trail.
- Backcountry permits are required for overnight camping below the rim.
- Safety information, trail conditions, and permit details are available through the park.
- Key Hiking Messages
- Backcountry Camping Permits .
River and Mule Trips
Adventurous visitors can experience the Colorado River by kayak, raft, or on a multi-day river trip.
- Mule rides are available to Phantom Ranch and for rim-to-canyon trips.
- Full details: Whitewater Rafting and Mule Trips .
Camping and Lodging
The park offers both campgrounds and historic lodging at the rim.
- Campgrounds: Mather, Desert View, North Rim Campground
- Lodging: El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Kachina, Thunderbird, North Rim Lodge
- Reservations are essential during peak seasons.
- More info: Camping, Lodging .
Wildlife
Grand Canyon National Park is home to a variety of wildlife adapted to its diverse elevations and ecosystems.
Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
Mule deer are commonly seen along the rims and in forested areas, grazing on native vegetation and shrubs.
Kaibab Squirrel (Sciurus aberti kaibabensis)
The Kaibab squirrel, found primarily on the North Rim, is easily recognized by its tufted ears and bushy white tail.
Mountain Lion (Puma concolor)
Mountain lions roam the park’s remote areas but are rarely seen by visitors. They are apex predators in the canyon ecosystem.
California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus)
The endangered California condor soars above the canyon, using thermal currents to survey the landscape. Conservation efforts have helped stabilize their population.
Grand Canyon Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus abyssus)
This unique rattlesnake is endemic to the Grand Canyon area and blends perfectly with the rocky terrain.
Habitats and Adaptations
The park’s wildlife must adapt to extreme temperatures, varying elevations, and scarce water sources, especially within the inner canyon. Many species are most active during dawn and dusk to avoid the heat.
Geology
The Grand Canyon is one of the most studied geologic landscapes in the world—revealing nearly 2 billion years of Earth’s history.
Formation
The canyon was carved primarily by the Colorado River over the past 5 to 6 million years, cutting through layers of rock and exposing ancient geologic formations.
Rock Layers
The canyon’s walls reveal a sequence of sedimentary rocks including limestone, sandstone, shale, and ancient metamorphic and igneous rocks at the river’s edge.
Key Geologic Features
- Vishnu Schist: The deeply eroded, oldest rock at the canyon’s base.
- Unconformities: Visible gaps in the geologic record that tell of erosion and non-deposition.
- Telling Time at Grand Canyon .
History and Culture
The Grand Canyon has been home to humans for over 11,000 years and holds deep cultural significance for numerous tribes.
Indigenous Peoples
Eleven tribes, including the Hopi, Havasupai, Hualapai, Navajo, and Zuni, have ancestral and ongoing ties to the canyon, viewing it as sacred land.
European Exploration
European explorers reached the region in the 16th century, with increased exploration and tourism in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Park Establishment
Grand Canyon was designated a National Park in 1919, preserving its vast landscape for future generations.
Cultural Programs
The park offers cultural demonstrations, including Indigenous art and storytelling, to share the rich human history of the canyon.
Management and Protection
The National Park Service manages the Grand Canyon with an emphasis on preserving its natural and cultural resources while providing safe visitor access.
Conservation Efforts
Programs focus on habitat restoration, endangered species protection, and water resource management.
Visitor Safety
The park provides extensive information on heat safety, wildlife interactions, and safe hiking practices.
Permits and Commercial Activities
Permits are required for backcountry camping, special events, commercial filming, and guided tours.
Additional Resources
- Grand Canyon National Park – NPS
- Plan Your Visit
- Maps
- Camping & Lodging
- Park Lodging
- Grand Canyon Geology
- Wildlife at Grand Canyon
- Backcountry Hiking
- Entrance Fees and Passes
- Current Conditions and Alerts .
Links
Hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025
