Both a natural resource and natural wonder, Grand Canyon National Park preserves over 270 untamed miles of the Colorado River, thousands of archaeological sites, and three of four desert types in North America. But you don’t have to be a geologist, archaeologist, or historian to appreciate the Grand Canyon. Join the 5.5 million visitors who come each year to sightsee, hike, backpack, or raft in the Grand Canyon.
Perhaps the hardest thing about planning a trip to the Grand Canyon is choosing which piece of it to explore. People spend lifetimes adventuring in the canyon yet never see every nook and cranny. So, rule number one: accept that you can't see it all.
For most casual park-goers, a trip to Grand Canyon National Park begins at either the South or North rims. Traveling between the two takes time and gasoline. Though only 10 miles apart as the crow flies, it's a 200-mile drive between the two rims by car. Which part of the park you visit depends on how much time you have and the park experience you're looking for.
While you can expect stellar views, you also can expect crowds — over 90 percent of park tourists visit the South Rim. But as the most popular part of the canyon, the South Rim also has the most services, amenities, and attractions. Grand Canyon Village includes the main park visitor center, campgrounds, lodges, museums, gift shops, restaurants, and shuttle buses to major viewpoints.
The South Rim, open year-round, also grants access to two of the Grand Canyon's most popular trails — the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails — where many rim-to-rim hikers start or end their trip. Camping below the rim requires a backcountry permit ›
Getting there: You can reach the South Rim and Grand Canyon Village from Williams, Arizona via Hwy 64, or from Flagstaff, Arizona via Hwy 180 or Hwy 89 towards Cameron.
Trails: Bright Angel Trail | South Kaibab Trail | Hermit Trail | Boucher Trail | Grandview Trail | New Hance Trail | Tanner Trail | Tonto Trail: Grandview to Bright Angel | Tonto Trail Bright Angel to Hermit | Tonto Trail: Hermit to Boucher
North Rim
The North Rim receives far fewer visitors than the South Rim, but what it lacks in infrastructure it makes up for in solitude and seclusion. The views from the porch at Grand Canyon Lodge alone make the long trip worthwhile, and if you're trail legs are up for it, a jaunt down the North Kaibab Trail is a must.
The North Rim is also about 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim, making it a cool respite and perfect summertime destination. Because it gets significantly more snow in the winter, the North Rim's services and roads close each year from mid-October to mid-May. But in good snow years, cold-hardy soles can cross country ski into the park starting from Jacob Lake.
Getting there: Take Hwy 89A to Jacob Lake, Arizona. From there, continue south on Hwy 67 for an additional 43 miles.
Trails: North Kaibab Trail | Widforss Trail | Ken Patrick Trail | Clear Creek Trail | Cliff Spring Trail | Uncle Jim Trail
Many of the hikes and destinations featured on the Colorado Plateau Explorer are located in remote areas or near rural communities with limited healthcare resources. Counties in southern Utah have closed campgrounds, RV parks, hotels, and Airbnbs in an effort to avoid straining local healthcare systems. We hope you'll use the Colorado Plateau Explorer to plan your trip for the future. These magnificent lands will be here waiting for you then.
The oldest rocks at the bottom of the Grand Canyon are nearly 2 billion years old.
From rim to river, the deepest vertical point in the canyon is 6,000 feet.
The width of the canyon ranges from 10-18 straight-line miles across rims.
The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long by river, from Lee’s Ferry to the Grand Wash Cliffs.
Water is life in the Grand Canyon, but uranium mines located on public land mere miles from the North and South Rims threaten to contaminate the Grand Canyon's waters. The Park Service warns hikers not to drink out of several creeks along the Tonto Trail because of contamination from a uranium mine that closed in 1969.
We’ve been committed to protecting the Grand Canyon and surrounding landscapes for over 30 years. Will you consider join us as the canyon's champion by making a gift today? Donate ›
Sometimes we need supporters to speak up for the Grand Canyon on short notice, whether that be submitting comments or sending letters to lawmakers. Sign up for action alerts ›
Was it love at first sight, or did sore knees make you vow never to hike in the canyon again? We’re collecting stories about first impressions of the Grand Canyon. Tell us why you love the place ›
Native voices set the tone for the next era of Grand Canyon National Park in this collection of stories about cultural identities, histories, and ties to the Grand Canyon.
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