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Accessibility: The West Rim Drive on the South Rim is closed to private vehicles during the summer. The drive is, however, open to physically disabled visitors; ask for a permit at the visitor center. Wheelchairs are available for temporary use at the NPS visitor centers on the North rim, the South Rim and at Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim. Mather campground has accessible for disabled visitors; ask at the visitor center for a copy of the park's Accessiblity Guide.
Backpacking: If you hike into the canyon and stay overnight you will need a backcountry permit; there is a fee. Permits should be obtained in advance. Permits may be obtained by mail, in person, or by faxing a completed application. Day hikes or a stay at Phantom Ranch Lodge do not require a permit. You must have advance reservations to stay at Phantom Ranch. Make sure that you carry and drink at least two quarts of water per person per day. Wear a hat. Remember that it usually takes twice as long to hike out as to hike in.
Camping: All camping is limited to established campgrounds. Staying overnight at overlooks and parking lots is not allowed. Mather campground on the South Rim has no hookups; but showers, a laundry, and a dump station are nearby. Trailer Village on the South Rim, operated by Amfac Parks and Resorts, has hookups available. Desert View campground, 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village, is open only during the summer and sites are available first-come, first-served; no hookups. There is only one National Park Service campground on the North Rim. Other nearby campgrounds are listed in The Guide.
Climate: The elevation on the South Rim averages 7,000 feet above sea level. In the summer temperatures rage from the 50°sF to the 80°sF and in the winter from below 0°sF to the 30°sF. The elevation at the North Rim averages 8,000 feet and temperatures are about 10°F cooler than the South Rim. Afternoon rain showers are common on both rims in summer. Heavy snowfall in the winter closes the North Rim and also usually blankets the South Rim.
Designations:
National Monument - January 11, 1908
National Park - February 26, 1919
World Heritage Site - October 26, 1979
Food: Food service is available at most of the lodges. Groceries are abailable at the General Store on the South Rim, at the Camper Store on the North Rim, and at Babbit's Store at Desert View.
Getting There: By PLANE - Commercial air carriers serve Las Vegas, Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Grand Canyon Airport (in Tusayan, just south of the park).
By 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.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - South Rim: Bus Service between Grand Canyon National Park and Flagstaff, Arizona is offered by Nava-Hopi Tours and by South Rim Travel. Greyhound Bus Lines offers service from Flagstaff and Williams to points nationwide. Grand Canyon Railroad offers service between Williams and the canyon. North Rim: A shuttle service is provided seasonally between the North Rim and the South Rim by Trans-Canyon Shuttle.
Lodging: Lodging on both rims fills up early within the park on the South Rim and in the bottom of the Canyon at Phantom Ranch is provided by Grand Canyon National Park Lodges. Phantom Ranch is accessible only by foot, raft, or mule. Lodging is available outside the park; consult The Guide or contact local chambers of commerce.
Mule Trips: Mule trips from the South Rim are booked up to a year in advance. For information about one- and two-day mule trips into the Canyon, check at the Bright Angel Transportation Desk. It is often easier to book a mule trip from the North Rim on short notice. Check at Grand Canyon Lodge.
Other Services: Many additional services are available on the South Rim. Fewer services are offered at Desert View and on the North Rim, but both have gas stations and groceries during the summer.
Parking: On the South Rim parkings spaces are difficult to find in the busy summer months. Park your vehicle in one of the large parking lots and take the free shuttle bus.
Park Programms: Hikes along the rim, nature walks, talks about geology and prehistoric peoples, campfire programs, and children's nature talks are just some of the programs available for visitors on both rims. Check The Guide (South or Noth Rim edition) or check at the NPS visitor center for more information.
Regulations and Safety: To prevent accidents, stay on trails and stay away from the cliff edges. Stay away from the rims during lightning storms. Pets must be leashed at all times and are not permitted on any trails below the rim. All vehicles, including mountain bikes, are restricted to maintained roads only. Do not hike into the canyon unless you are carrying sufficient food and water, and wearing adequate sun protection, clothing, and footwear. Consult the Grand Canyon Backcountry Office for hiking precautions. Visitors have been kicked, chased, and bitten while trying to feed wildlife. It is illegal to feed deer, squirrels, or any other wild animals in the park.
Reservations: For an enjoyable visit make reservations as far in advance as possible for each activity you plan to do at the Grand Canyon. Mule rides, backcountry hikes, river trips, lodging facilities, and camping areas are booked month ahead. If you do not have reservations, make sure to secure a room or campsite as soon as you arrive.
Shuttle Bus: Three shuttle routes operate on the South Rim during some parts of the year. Check The Guide for dates of operation, route maps. schedules and stops. The shuttle buses are free.
The Guide: The Guide is a free park newspaper that gives information on all aspects of visiting Grand Canyon National Park. Pick up a copy at the visitor center, Tusayan Museum, or Yavapai Point museum. A separate edition is produced for the North Rim.
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