The South Rim and Grand Canyon Village can be accessed by air, train and automobile. It is a 90 minute drive north from the town of Williams, Arizona on Interstate 40 and approximately 4 hours from Phoenix.

The North Rim is more remote and is only open from May 15th through October 15th yearly. This is a quiet retreat that only receives 10% of the park’s visitors. It is located a short distance south of the Utah state line. The park entrance is about 30 miles south of Jacob Lake on Az Hwy 67. It is approximately 3 hours from exit 16 on Interstate 15 in St George, Utah to the North Rim.

The North Rim offers relatively quick access to other national parks in the Grand Staircase. It is about a two-hour-drive to Zion and nearly the same to Bryce Canyon.

NPS – Grand Canyon Directions

You may also access the park with a Military Pass (free) Annual 4th Grade Pass, a Senior Pass, an Access Pass or a Volunteer Pass.

These passes can be purchased at the gate to most national park units and can also be ordered online.

Park Passes

NPS – Grand Canyon – Fees

South Rim Visitor Centers

Grand Canyon Visitor Center: Located in Grand Canyon Village, near Mather Point. Here you can obtain information, and explore numerous exhibits that provide a glimpse into the history of the area. You can also watch the park movie, Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder. The movie is 20 minutes long and starts every 30 minutes on the hour and half-hour. The Park Store offers books and gifts. A small café and coffee bar is attached. Bicycle rentals and guided bike tours can be arranged here as well.

NPS – Visitor Centers

Verkamp’s Visitor Center: This visitor center and curio shop has been in operation since 1906. It is smaller, but offers access to rangers who can answer questions. There is a gift shop which offers Grand Canyon books and tchotchkes.

NPS – Visitor Centers

South Rim Backcountry Information Center: This is the place to ask more detailed questions relating to trail conditions and wilderness preparedness. Backcountry permits can be acquired here, although the permit reservation system will likely be of advantage to would-be backcountry users. Located in the Village Historic District to the east of Maswik Lodge. Visitors can access the info center from Parking Lot D.

Phone: no permit by phone-information only – 928-638-7875

NPS – Visitor Centers

NPS – Backcountry Permit

Desert View Visitor Center: This is the first stop for most visitors who arrive at the South Rim from the east on Az Hwy 64. Desert View Drive begins here and continues 25 miles to the west, along the South Rim, ending at Grand Canyon Village. Services are minimal at this location. A small visitor information station with restrooms is here, and a bookstore is available in the Desert View Watchtower, which is worth the stop. Gas is available, and a small market and deli offer coffee and ice cream along with typical deli options.

Location closed in winter.

NPS – Visitor Centers

North Rim Visitor Center

North Rim Visitor Center: The North Rim is closed for the winter season between October 15 and May 15. The Visitor Center is located next to the Grand Canyon Lodge and provides access to rangers, a number of exhibits and a small bookstore.

NPS – Visitor Centers

North Rim Backcountry Information Center: The North Rim has its own backcountry information center, although it is only open during the summer season. Backcountry permits, more detailed trail information and wilderness preparedness information can be acquired here. This Info Center is located just north of the actual North Rim Village, along a side road. A small sign designates the turn.

Phone: no permit by phone-information only – 928-638-7875

NPS – Backcountry Permits

Winter: Winter conditions at the Grand Canyon can vary from mild to extreme. Both the South and North Rim can experience heavy snowfall, although the North Rim’s higher elevation usually guarantees a larger amount.

Both the North and South Rims can experience a variety of winter conditions that can arrive as early as October, but usually set in during November. Early morning temperatures along the rim average in the teens, although the afternoons normally enjoy higher temperatures in the 40s and 50s, due to clear and sunny desert skies.

Along the Colorado River, temperature swings are not as drastic, with lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s.

The Grand Canyon receives an annual snowfall that averages 50 to 100 inches along the canyon rim, and snow occasionally accumulates along the river. High pressure systems result can result in temperatures that dip below zero in the higher elevations.

The North Rim is closed during the winter months due to what is usually a thick snowpack. Roads are not open, and snowmobiles are not permitted. Guests who choose to enter the park via snowshoe or skis must obtain a backcountry permit if overnight stays are part of the planned itinerary.

Spring: Spring is a fabulous time in the Grand Canyon. The park awakens to a new season of life and the rugged landscape emerges from the harsh winter cold and upper level snowpack begins to recede.

Snowfall can still occur deep into the spring in the park’s higher regions. However, this time of year generally produces pleasant temperatures for hiking, with daytime averages peaking in the 50s and 60s during April and nighttime lows below freezing along the rim.

By contrast, the riverside campers will see average highs near the 80s in April which usually rise to well above the century mark by June. Average lows at the canyon’s bottom range from the 50s in April to the 70s in June.

Higher winds are normal in the spring, and gusts that exceed 40mph are somewhat common as fronts push through quickly. Frosts are still possible during the spring, and although uncommon, the North Rim has seen freezing temperatures as late as July.

Summer: This is the most popular season at the Grand Canyon, and the climate can be quite pleasant, especially along the North Rim. The South Rim usually maintains a hospitable atmosphere which allows strenuous activity above the rim, although the temperature can rise quickly once hikers descend below the rim.

Average temperatures range from the mid 80s along the South Rim and will likely exceed 100 degrees daily on the Colorado River. Nighttime temps average in the 40s and 50s at the South Rim, while they remain in the 60s and 70s at the river’s edge near Phantom Ranch. Meanwhile, the North Rim’s higher elevation spares such high temperatures, with daytime averages in the 70s, and nighttime numbers occasionally dropping below freezing. Bring a warm sleeping bag to the North Rim.

Late summer normally brings the monsoon season, which can produce daily thunderstorms that release torrential rains, rods of lightning and massive flash floods. Most of these violent storms are prone to occur in the afternoon, although they can hit at any time of the morning as well.

Fall: As the summer warmth retreats to the south, fall brings cooler evenings and the perfect environment for camp fires and early morning hikes at either the South or the North Rim.

Daytime highs range from the upper 60s in September to the low 50s by November along the South Rim. Riverside averages maintain a warm 90 in September and dip to the 70s by November. Nighttime lows regularly fall below freezing along the Rim, but offer pleasant camping conditions at the river, with averages in the 50s and 60s.

Summer’s monsoon season usually passes by mid-September, offering a couple months of relatively dry weather. Early winter storms can occur however, with some years seeing significant snowfall on the North Rim by mid-November.

These buses are white and green with the name of the bus route on the front and side. They run every 15-30 minutes, depending on the time of day and provide access to bicyclists as well as hikers on the Rim Trail.

The South Rim has three shuttles that transport visitors from place to place in the most visited part of the park. These routes are individually named, and color coded. Routes interconnect, but never overlap, meaning you can catch one bus to connect to another to access various areas on different routes. No pets are allowed on the buses. No buses run to the east of Yaki Point on Desert View Drive.

Village Route (Blue): Year-round service – This shuttle provides access to the Visitor Center, lodges, museums, markets and campgrounds in Grand Canyon Village.

Kaibab Rim Route (Orange): Year-round service – This route provides transportation between the Visitor Center and various points of interest along the South Rim such as Yaki Point Mather Point and Yavapai Point.

Hermit Route (Red): March 1 – November 30. This option shuttles visitors to scenic views along the Hermit Road, which departs Grand Canyon Village at the western edge of the village. This road is closed to private vehicles when the shuttle is in operation.

Tusayan Route (Purple): March 1-mid Sept. This is the park and ride option at the South Rim. Given the congested parking situation exists in the nation’s second-most-visited national park, you may be well suited to just park in the town of Tusayan and ride the free shuttle into the park. Many of the South Rim’s most desired views can be accessed by the various shuttle systems, so there may not be any real restriction to your itinerary.

Hikers Express Shuttle: Year-round service – The Hiker Express Shuttle offers a convenient service for those who wish to hike the South Kaibab to Bright Angel Trail loop, or those who simply want to hike the Rim Trail one-way. The Express stops at the Backcountry Information Center, the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and the South Kaibab Trailhead.

Hikers Express departs Bright Angel Lodge at:
7 am, 8 am, 9 am in March
6 am, 7 am, 8 am in April
5 am, 6 am, 7 am in May
4 am, 5 am, 6 am in June, July, August
5 am, 6 am, 7 am in September
6 am, 7 am, 8 am in October
7 am, 8 am, 9 am in November
8 am, 9 am in December, January, February

Grand Canyon Shuttle Map

Grand Canyon – South Rim Shuttle Pocket Map – PDF

NPS – Shuttle System

Rim-to-Rim Shuttle

For hikers considering a Rim-to-Rim journey, a shuttle service offers transportation back and forth between the North and South Rims. It is worth investigating whether this service can save your group the inconvenience of shuttling your own cars back and forth between the 225 miles. It could also relieve the need to hike the 23 miles back to the other side.

Trans Canyon Shuttle

Grand Canyon Parking

Parking can be a frustrating affair at the South Rim, but an early arrival can usually assure success. There are numerous lots throughout the Grand Canyon Village, & patience will pay off. The National Park Service website probably paints a pretty clear picture.

NPS – Parking

Grand Canyon Lodging

Lodging options abound at the Grand Canyon Village, as well as the North Rim, although you’ll want to book your accommodations well in advance. Six separate hotels and lodges provide cozy abodes for a variety of budgets. Hotels at the South Rim offer an opportunity to stay in some of America’s most historic hotels, such as the El Tovar, while the North Rim’s accommodations provide much greater solitude.

South Rim

El Tovar: The El Tovar first opened to the public in 1905. Designed by Charles Frederick Whittlesey, this classic hotel is hailed as the most expensively constructed pointed log house in America. At the time of its construction, the El Tovar was considered the pinnacle of opulence west of the Mississippi. Housing 78 rooms, none of which are alike, the El Tovar today maintains a hallowed reputation in the realm of Historic National Park Hotels and Lodges.

El Tovar Reservations

History of El Tovar

Bright Angel Lodge: Designed by renowned Southwest architect Mary Colter, the Bright Angel Lodge was configured to offer a more budget conscious option than the El Tovar, located just “up the hill”. Colter’s genius is displayed in the Geologic Fireplace that graces the hotel’s lobby. This work of art features each of the major rock layers in the Grand Canyon. From Vishnu Schist to Kaibab Sandstone, each section is layered in the fireplace, just as it is in the Grand Canyon below.

Bright Angel Lodge Reservations

Bright Angel History

Kachina Lodge: This contemporary lodge offers a central location and immediate access to the Rim Trail, which passes by on the Rim of the Grand Canyon, just outside its doors. The Kachina Lodge opened its doors in the 1960s and provides easy access to a number of shopping and dining options while many of its rooms offer what its proprietors advertise as partial canyon views.

Kachina Lodge Reservations

Thunderbird Lodge: This contemporary lodge offers a central location and immediate access to the Rim Trail, which passes by on the Rim of the Grand Canyon, just outside its doors. The Thunderbird Lodge provides a family-focused atmosphere and provides easy access to a number of shopping and dining options while many of its rooms offer what its proprietors advertise as partial canyon views.

Thunderbird Lodge Reservations

Maswik Lodge: Located a mere 1/4 mile from the canyon rim in a quiet stand of Ponderosa Pine, the Maswik Lodge offers contemporary style and holds 280 rooms. This lodge was completed in the late 1920s by the Fred Harvey Company to accommodate the growing crowds arriving by automobile.

Maswik Lodge Reservations

Yavapai Lodge: This lodge is slightly removed from the others, yet offers quick access to the village market, bank and post office. It is 1/8 of a mile from the Rim Trail and is located on the village bike path. This hotel is pet friendly and offers three Tesla chargers for guests who have already moved into the 21st century.

Yavapai Lodge Reservations

North Rim

Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim: Lodging options at the North Rim are limited. There are a number of traditional motel rooms available, and a number of cabins of various sizes are located in stands of tall pines.

North Rim Cabins

Phantom Ranch

Phantom Ranch Cabins and Dorms: Occupying a most-unique position in the Grand Canyon, and indeed in all of the national parks, Phantom Ranch offers a classic opportunity to stay in one of America’s classic retreats. Designed by Mary Colter, the cabins in this remote setting can only be reached by foot, mule, or raft. Phantom Ranch reservations book out well in advance, so you’ll want to plan ahead for this one.

Phantom Ranch Reservations

South Rim

Mather Campground: The South Rim’s largest campground is located at nearly 7,000 feet, and many of its sites are nicely nestled in the pines. Tent and RV sites are available, although there are no hook-ups and the vehicle lengths are restricted to 30-foot total length maximum.

This campground is operated by the NPS and has more than 300 campsites. All sites feature picnic tables and fire rings. The nearby Camper Services Store offers camping supplies and snacks, in addition to laundry and hot showers.

Reservations are available 5 months in advance and can be made at Rec.gov.

NPS – Mather Campground

Trailer Village: This campground is adjacent to the Mather Campground, but is designed for RV occupancy. There are more than 120 sites here with full hook-ups up to 50 amp, and can accommodate vehicle lengths up to 50 feet. This is an RVers village with common areas and community programs.

Trailer village is operated by Delaware North, and authorized concessionaire in Grand Canyon National Park. Reservations are recommended.

RV Park Reservations

Desert View: Located at the South Rim’s east entrance, the Desert View campground is 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village at an elevation of 7,500 feet. This campground is likely your option if you don’t have reservations. The 50 tent and RV sites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. The campground usually fills by noon and has a self-registration system.

All sites have a picnic table and campfire grill. There are two water outlets and restrooms with flushing toilets and sinks that lack hot water. There are no showers or laundry facilities at Desert View. Nearby is the Desert View Watchtower, which has a small gift shop on the ground level that offers very basic supplies. The maximum total vehicle length is 30 feet and there are no hook ups or dump stations.

The Desert View Campground is closed in winters.

NPS – Desert View Campground

North Rim

North Rim Campground: There is only one campground inside the park on the North Rim. Reservations can be made at Rec.gov, and are highly recommended. For those without reservations, an early arrival is essential to secure a site. The campground is operated by the NPS and is only open during the summer months.

Tent and RV sites are available, although there are no hook ups for RVs. However, there is a dump station. The campground features restrooms, picnic tables and fire rings. Potable water is on site and there is a shower and laundry facility available, along with a small camp store that offers very basic supplies, including firewood.

Group sites are available, and there is also a hiker/biker section which offers shared sites for those without vehicles. The North Rim Campground is above 8,000 feet.

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed in winter.

Rec.Gov – North Rim Camping

NPS – North Rim Camping

There is a kennel service available at the South Rim. It is open year-round and is operated by Xanterra Parks and Resorts. Call 928-638-0534

Another option is the Grand Canyon Railway Pet Resort, located 60 miles south of the Grand Canyon, in Williams, Arizona.

Grand Canyon Railway Pet Resort

NPS – Pets

For those riding the shuttle into the park, this is the place to park. Click the link below to access a map of the shuttle route and more information.

NPS – Tusayan Shuttle

Tusayan, Arizona

Grand Canyon Camper Village: Located just two miles from the south entrance to the park. This campground offers both tent and RV sites. Some sites can accommodate large rigs and have either 50 Amp or 30 Amp hook ups. Camper Village has an array of amenities including showers and laundry. Sites have picnic tables and some sites have fire rings. A small camp store offers basic supplies. Campground is privately owned.

Camper Village

Ten X Campground: This campground is located 4 miles south of the park’s south entrance. There are 70 sites that accept tents or RVs up to 50 feet. The campground elevation is 6,600 feet. Sites feature picnic tables and grills. There is water available, as well as pit toilets. There are no showers or hook ups.

Reservations can be made for some of the sites through rec.gov, while most are available on a walk-in basis. The campground is open seasonally and closes during winter months.

Rec.Gov – Camping

A number of Forest Service Roads lead into the forest that surrounds the South Rim. Numerous sites are available along Forest Rd 302, which runs to the East, just across from the Best Western Squire Inn in Tusayan. Forest Service Fire Road 688 is another good option.

Another area of particular interest may be just south of the Desert View Drive, which is accessed from inside the park. Coconino Rim Road leads to the south from the Drive, and a 2 mile drive will take motorists outside the park and into the Kaibab National Forest. Here the road meets Forest Service Rd 307, along which are a number of dispersed sites.

Jacob Lake Inn: Built in 1944, this quaint little retreat sits nestled in a forest of towering pines at 7,900 feet. The Inn features both motel rooms or rustic cabins. There is a dining room on location which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The exciting option here however, is the bakery which serves some of the best homemade cookies you’ll have on your entire trip.

Jacobs Lake Inn

Cliff Dwellers Lodge: Another option, although much farther removed, is the Cliff Dwellers Lodge and Restaurant. Given its location on Hwy 89A, near Marble Canyon, some 75 miles from the North Rim, this may only be a nice place to stay along the way. Nevertheless, Cliff Dwellers is renowned for clean rooms, friendly service and a dining room that serves delicious meals.

Cliff Dwellers Lodge

Demotte Campground: Located 7 miles north of park’s north entrance on SR 67, the Demotte Campground offers 38 sites that include picnic tables and grills. Both tent and RVs sites are available, although there are no hook ups. Half of the sites may be reserved, while the remaining are held for walk-ins. There is no group site.

Rec.Gov – Camping

Jacob Lake Campground: Located 45 miles north of the North Rim, this campground provides an option if the Demotte Campground is full and you don’t want to “rough it” with dispersed camping. There is a small store and dining facilities within walking distance.

Rec.Gov – Jacobs Lake Campground

Forest Service Road #22 is the main route through the forest, and runs between Fredonia, Arizona and Az Hwy 67, where it connects a few miles north of the park entrance. Many of the spur roads lead out from Road #22 and provide access to beautiful a canyon overlooks.

Campsites at Timp Point, North Timp Point, Locust Point, Fence Point and several others are absolutely fabulous. You can have pets, fires and it’s free. Be respectful and don’t be a loser. Do your part to keep this place clean and free…

There is a rewarding mountain biking trail that runs for nearly 23 miles (one-way) along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The trail can be accessed from any of the points listed above, and offers breathtaking views of the canyon from numerous vistas scattered along the ride.

This is the map I use, but I may balk at purchasing it at this price. It can usually be found at surrounding Forest Service Ranger Stations and should not be more than $15.

Amazon – Kaibab Map