Summary
$35
7-day fee
1 live
Camera
Historic Crowd Data
Avg. monthly visitors, 2015–2024 · National Park Service
Light
Moderate
Busy
Very Busy
Peak season is June–August, when around 35% of annual visitors arrive. For lighter crowds, aim for December–February.
Plan Your Visit
Extreme Heat Danger — Inner CanyonFatalities in 2026▾
North Rim Recovery StatusReopened May 15▾
Park Access & Fees2 open · $35▾
South Rim
Open Year-Round
Grand Canyon Village & shuttle system
The Village (Blue) Route shuttle runs year-round connecting lodges, campgrounds, and Market Plaza. The Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route is the only way to reach Yaki Point and the South Kaibab Trailhead — both closed to private vehicles.
Shuttle routes & schedule ↗
North Rim
Seasonal · Limited Services
Reopened May 15, 2026 after fire recovery
1,000+ ft higher than the South Rim, ~10°F cooler on average. Typically closes mid-October for the winter. See the recovery-status notice above before planning a visit.
💡 No potable water in the developed area this season — pack your own.
North Rim status ↗
Campground Availability4 areas▾
Mather Campground Reservation Only ▾
Sites327
LocationGrand Canyon Village, South Rim
Season~Mar 1 – Nov 30
Book on Recreation.gov ↗
Desert View Campground Reservation Only ▾
Location23 mi east of the Village, 7,463 ft
Season~Mid-Apr – mid-Oct
Book on Recreation.gov ↗
Trailer Village RV Park Reservation Only ▾
NotesOnly full-hookup RV park in-park · sites up to 50 ft
BookingVia park concessioner, not Recreation.gov
Trailer Village booking ↗
North Rim Campground Reopened for 2026 ▾
Location8,200 ft, ponderosa/aspen forest
NotesNo potable water on-site · showers/laundry closed for 2026
Book on Recreation.gov ↗
Landmarks & Trails7 stops▾
South Rim3 stops▾
Mather PointRoadside
Iconic first-view overlook, near visitor center
Desert View WatchtowerRoadside
1932 Mary Colter tower, panoramic canyon & river views
Bright Angel TrailheadStrenuous
Classic corridor trail to the river — see heat warning above
Inner Canyon2 stops▾
Phantom RanchReservation/lottery
Only lodging below the rim — cabins open, dorms closed indefinitely
South Kaibab TrailheadStrenuous
Steep, exposed, no water — shuttle-only access (Orange Route)
North Rim2 stops▾
Cape Royal Scenic DriveRoadside
Open for 2026 — Point Imperial & Cape Royal overlooks
North Kaibab TrailheadStrenuous
Open on foot only — stock use suspended for 2026
Things to Do7 categories▾
Hiking Trails4 trails▾
South Kaibab TrailStrenuous
Steep, dramatic ridgeline descent from the South Rim with no water on the trail; NPS caps day hikes at Skeleton Point
Up to 6 mi RT · 2,040 ft
Bright Angel TrailMod.–Strenuous
Switchbacking South Rim descent with seasonal shade and water (May–Sept) — the only corridor trail with water for day hikers
Up to 12 mi RT
Rim TrailEasy
Mostly paved, largely flat path linking South Rim overlooks from South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest
~13 mi one-way
North Kaibab TrailStrenuous
The only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Rim; open on foot only for 2026, stock use suspended
Up to 9.4 mi RT
Mule Trips2 options▾
South Rim Mule TripsBook ~15 mo ahead · Min age 9
Xanterra-operated day rides and overnight trips to Phantom Ranch; overnight trips require an online lottery
North Rim Mule TripsMay 15–Oct 15
Grand Canyon Trail Rides offers guided rides through Kaibab National Forest near the North Rim
Colorado River Rafting3 trip types▾
One-Day Smooth Water FloatBook via outfitter
Half- and full-day motorized trips between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry; no permit lottery required
Commercial Multi-Day Trips3–18 days
3–18 day guided whitewater trips from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek; often reserved a year or two in advance
Noncommercial River PermitsWeighted lottery · 18+
Self-guided 12–25 day expeditions from Lees Ferry; permits allocated by an annual weighted lottery each February
Biking3 ways▾
South Rim Greenway & RoadsEasy
~13 mi of paved Greenway trails and roads, including the 2.8-mi Hermit Road path along the rim
13 mi
North Rim Trails1.9 + 12.1 mi
Bridle Path links Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Kaibab Trailhead; Arizona Trail adds forest riding
Bike RentalsMid-Mar–Oct 31
Canyon Adventures Bike Tours & Café, adjacent to the South Rim Visitor Center
Ranger Programs & Visitor Center4 offerings▾
Guided Rim WalkFree · 9–10 AM daily
Ranger-led walk from Bright Angel Trailhead exploring the canyon's natural & cultural stories
Geology TalkFree · 3–3:30 PM daily
Ranger talk at Yavapai Geology Museum on how the canyon formed
North Rim Ranger ProgramsFree · Seasonal
Daily ranger-led programs at the North Rim Visitor Center
Park FilmFree · Hourly
"Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder" — a 22-minute introductory film at the Visitor Center
Stargazing & Night SkyDark Sky Park▾
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Grand Canyon is a certified International Dark Sky Park. The annual Star Party each June draws astronomers with telescopes to both rims. Desert View and Lipan Point are popular low-light-pollution viewing spots away from Village lighting. NPS night sky info ↗
Bird WatchingTop 5 species▾
California Condor
Reintroduced, soars over the rims
Golden Eagle
Hunts the inner canyon
Peregrine Falcon
Nests on the canyon's sheer walls
Common Raven
Common at both rims
White-throated Swift
Fastest flier over the gorge
Colorado River Conditions2 gauges▾
Colorado River at Lees Ferry, AZ
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Colorado River near Grand Canyon, AZ
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Concession Information2 operators▾
South Rim Lodging & DiningXanterra▾
Xanterra Travel CollectionYear-round
Operates South Rim lodges, dining, Phantom Ranch, and mule rides
North Rim ServicesAramark▾
Aramark / Grand Canyon Lodge NorthSeasonal
General store & camp services — Lodge itself destroyed by 2025 fire, not yet rebuilt
Refreshing in 60s
Park Contact Information