No matter what you've heard about its legendary beauty, the first time you peer over the edge of the Grand Canyon, you'll probably be amazed. Many visitors sum up the view from the rim with one word: Wow. An immense landscape spreads below your feet, dropping cliff by cliff into a winding, ragged gorge. In the distance, imposing walls and towers of stone rise to a green line of forest.
About 5 million visitors go to behold this Grand Canyon sight each year, the vast majority of them visiting the canyon's more popular South Rim. It's one of the most visited natural wonders in the world. As incredible as the views are, as long as you stay above the rim, be prepared to deal with crowds. Those with the time and conditioning to venture below the rim, however, will receive a special treat.
The best strategy is to visit the park at the times of year when it won't be packed with sightseers and to explore the less-developed areas. Summer is Grand Canyon's peak season. Spring and fall see lighter crowds, especially in early March and late October. Even a winter visit is possible on the South Rim, though the snow may deter most travelers.
A visit to the more remote North Rim (usually open mid-May to October, depending on the snowfall) will help you avoid crowds. The northern route also gives you the opportunity to visit Pipe Spring National Monument, an early Mormon settlement near the border with Utah.
If you have to visit during the summer, reserve accommodations and specialty tours at least a year in advance. If you're just visiting the Grand Canyon for the day, arrive early, as parking is limited.
Try to arrange a trip into the canyon, which is the best way to appreciate its size and topography. Options include hiking, riding a mule down from the top or passing through the canyon on a river excursion. A prime destination for overnight hikes is Havasu Falls on the Havasupai Reservation, with the option of a helicopter ride to the falls for the leg-weary. A neighboring tribe, the Hualapai, offers raft trips through the Canyon's western extremities. Should you decide to stick to the topside, as most visitors do, you'll hardly be disappointed. The vistas from the rim are incomparable.
Must See or Do
Sights—Any of the 14 official viewpoints along the South Rim, especially Mather Point and Yavapai Point; Hopi Point and Hermits Rest overlooks; the historic El Tovar Hotel; the Hopi House and Lookout Studio, which blend into the landscape; Bright Angel Point and Point Sublime on the North Rim.
Museums—Bright Angel Lodge for its architecture and history; the century-old Kolb Studio and galleries in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim; Tusayan Ruin and Museum to explore an 800-year-old Puebloan site.
Memorable Meals—El Tovar Dining Room for fine dining on seafood and steaks with a southwestern flair; The Arizona Room at Bright Angel Lodge; the Yavapai Cafeteria.
Late Night—El Tovar bar for the best views; the lounge at Bright Angel for its occasional live music; campfire fun.
Walks—Trails between the South Rim overlooks; wander the Grand Canyon Village and its historic buildings; hike part or all of the Bright Angel Trail (but make sure you are prepared for steep inclines and heat).
Especially for Kids—The Mule Barns; a movie at the National Geographic Theater.
History
The Grand Canyon was formed over hundreds of millions of years by erosion, with the Colorado River cutting into the Colorado Plateau. The rock formations along the rim, known as the Kaibab Formation, are the youngest of the canyon's geological features (270 million years old). About 5,000 ft/1,550 m below the rim, in what's known as the "basement," rocks range from 800 million to 1,850 million years old.
More than 3,000 prehistoric archaeological sites have been uncovered within the park. The first human inhabitants were bands of hunters who passed through the area toward the end of the last Ice Age. The region's indigenous Pueblo cultures peaked around the 13th century.
In 1869, Civil War veteran John Wesley Powell became the first non-native explorer to successfully float the length of the canyon. Nearly three decades later, a group of businessmen from Flagstaff, Arizona, built the first tourism accommodations on the South Rim. U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt designated the canyon as a game preserve in 1906, and Congress established the Grand Canyon National Park in 1919. Today, the park sees about 5 million visitors each year, and it has an operating budget of more than US$18 million.
Potpourri
At 6,000 ft/1,860 m above sea level, the South Rim is more than 1,000 ft/310 m below the North Rim. At Grand Canyon Village, the two are separated by 10 mi/16 km, but there's no easy way across.
Endangered California condors, which nest along the South Rim, are the largest land bird in North America. They have a wingspan of 9.5 ft/3 m, and can be seen flying near Grand Canyon Village.
The tallest tree on the South Rim is the ponderosa pine. Many smaller pines also are part of the forest. Most are much older than they appear, because they grow slowly in the arid, windy climate.
Drought conditions upstream of Grand Canyon National Park have revealed the walls of Glen Canyon, a spectacular area long hidden beneath the waters of Lake Powell. Some say Glen Canyon is even more beautiful than the Grand Canyon itself.
Born in 1869, architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter was a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright and sought to build structures that would not distract from their surroundings. The Hopi House, Desert View Watchtower, Bright Angel Lodge and Lookout Studio are all examples of her wonderful designs. They reflect both Native American and Mexican influences.
Sightseeing
Entrance to the park for a visit of seven days or fewer costs US$25 per passenger vehicle, or US$12 per walk-in visitor or cyclist. Seniors age 62 and older are eligible for the America the Beautiful Senior Pass, which costs US$10. A yearly local pass for the Grand Canyon is US$50, but a better value for those making multiple visits is the National Parks Pass, which costs US$80 per year and allows unlimited entry to all National Parks in the U.S. If you plan to camp below the rim, you'll need to pay US$10 for a permit, plus US$5 per person per night
Recreation
Just to see the Grand Canyon is enough for most people, but beyond that the main attraction in the area is hiking. There are plenty of options, both around the rim and down into the Canyon to various degrees. There are plenty of other recreational opportunities, too, including bicycling, fishing, mule-riding, rafting and other watersports.
Bicycling
Construction is complete on the first two sections of the Grand Canyon Greenway Trail, a new multi-use trail system that will eventually total 73 mi/127 km. Bicyclists can currently pedal greenways from Yavapai Point to Pipe Creek Vista on Desert View Drive, and from Canyon View Information Plaza to Grand Canyon Village, with another trail to Tusayan almost complete. Keep an eye open for wildlife, not to mention hikers and other slower-moving trail users. And keep in mind that the rim trail remains closed to bikes.
Boating & Sailing
Boat trips down the Colorado are an exciting way to see the canyon up close. Many travelers report that riding the river through the canyon was one of their top vacations. More than a dozen river outfitters offer a variety of expeditions lasting from two to 22 days, and you can choose between flatwater and white-water options. Advance reservations are absolutely necessary: You may have to wait a year after signing on with a commercial guide before your trip takes place. Choose from several different craft: motor-driven rafts, oar-driven rafts and oar-driven aluminum dories. The outfitters generally provide all food, sanitation facilities and camping equipment. Prices start at around US$250 per day (don't forget to add a tip for your guide—it's expected).
Many multiday commercial trips through the canyon begin at the town of Lees Ferry, northwest of the national park, near Page, Arizona. If you choose a river trip that ends at Phantom Ranch, keep in mind that it is at least an 8-mi/13-km hike on steep terrain between the Ranch and the rim. For a list of river outfitters, contact Grand Canyon National Park. Phone toll-free 800-959-9164. http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/whitewater-rafting.htm.
In the past, some individuals (usually those with extensive white-water experience) have been lucky enough to receive permits for private, noncommercial trips. These are now allocated by weighted lottery, which costs US$25. Permits cost an additional US$100 per person, plus other park fees. Write to Grand Canyon River Permits Office, Grand Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023. Phone 928-638-7843 or toll-free 800-959-9164. http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/weightedlottery.htm.
Fishing
Trout can be found primarily in the upper reaches of the Colorado River, and many anglers are drawn to Lees Ferry and Lake Powell. The state of Arizona also stocks Bright Angel Creek, which flows from the North Rim, and good fishing can be had near Phantom Ranch. You will need a state fishing license, available at Canyon Village Marketplace on the South Rim (phone 928-638-2262). Licenses are also available at Marble Canyon Lodge near Lees Ferry. Licenses are not available at the North Rim.
Hiking & Walking
Those wanting to enjoy the canyon on foot have a variety of options ranging from a short jaunt along the rim to a multiday backpacking trip into the canyon. All hikes require forethought, however: Heat exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke are very real threats. Always carry water with you, even on the briefest of walks, and avoid hiking during the heat of the day. We also recommend that you talk to a ranger before setting out on any hike. The advice may well save you from becoming a rescue case. For more information regarding hikes in the park, visit http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm.
One relatively easy hike is the Rim Trail that runs along Hermit Road (formerly known as West Rim Scenic Drive) from Pipe Creek Vista to Hermits Rest. The route is paved from Pipe Creek Vista to Maricopa Point. Farther west, it's unpaved, narrow and close to the edge, offering a taste of the steep, exposed hiking found on the trails going into the canyon.
For a more demanding day hike, you can journey below the rim, but don't underestimate what you're in for: Walking down the trail on a morning stroll can seem effortless, but climbing back out under the afternoon sun can strain the most fit individual. Those with knee or back problems may find even the downhill hike into the canyon uncomfortable, though carrying walking poles can help take strain off the joints. (You can rent or buy walking sticks and other backcountry supplies at the Grand Canyon Village Marketplace on the South Rim.) Plan ahead, go prepared with sun protection (both a hat and sunscreen are advisable), food and plenty of water, and allow twice as much time to climb out as the slowest in your group took to descend. The displays at the Canyon View Information Plaza have detailed descriptions of various hikes.
The upper portions of the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails are two good options for daylong hikes. Plateau Point, located on the very edge of the Tonto Platform overlooking the Colorado River, is a common, though strenuous, day hike for people traveling down from the rim. The round-trip distance from the rim, via the Bright Angel Trail to the Plateau Point Trail, is about 12 mi/20 km—a very long day. Those seeking to avoid the sometimes-crowded main trails might consider the Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa off Desert View Drive, which leads to the site of an abandoned mine. Another less-trafficked route is the beautiful Hermit Trail, which drops down to Santa Maria Spring and the Dripping Springs Trail.
On the North Rim, one short hike is the Bright Angel Point Trail. It begins near the lodge and runs for 0.5 mi/0.8 km. It's a thrilling route, with a few steep sections, that leads to a good vantage point for sunrises or sunsets. Also on the North Rim, the Transept Trail is well-maintained and easy to follow. It runs between the North Rim campground and the lodge, following the canyon edge for 1.5 mi/2.4 km. If you're up for a 10-mi/16-km hike (round-trip), the Widforss Trail offers a rewarding trek.
Those wishing to make an extended backpacking trip into the canyon will need to plan in advance. Access to the canyon is strictly controlled by permits, which are required for all overnight hikes into the canyon. Detailed instructions for obtaining a backcountry permit are available at http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm, or you can contact the Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon AZ, 86023. You can phone 928-638-7875 or 928-638-7888, although fax requests are preferred, at 928-638-2125.
We recommend that you send in your permit request as soon as you're allowed to submit it—generally four months in advance. Available trails and campsites are snapped up quickly. However, it is sometimes possible to obtain a permit at the last moment when there has been a cancellation. To try for one, you should arrive at the Backcountry Information Center by 8 am and get on the waiting list. The South Rim Backcountry Information Center is located in Grand Canyon Village and is open year-round. The North Rim Backcountry Information Center (at the North Rim Ranger Station) is only open to walk-in visitors May-October.
Plan on at least a three-day hiking excursion to reach the Colorado River and return to the top, though four or five days is preferable (you'll need a full day to go down and a full day to hike out). There are numerous trails from both the South Rim and the North Rim, but only the South Kaibab, Bright Angel and North Kaibab trails are maintained and patrolled by trail crews on a regular basis. We recommend them for first-time hikers. Serious, experienced hikers may enjoy journeying rim-to-rim. Take a few nights to make the trip and enjoy your surroundings. Although the distance is 10 mi/16 km as the crow flies, it's a 25-mi/40-km trek.
Preparation is crucial. The heat below the rim can be intense. Each person will need a gallon of water per day, and you'll need to locate and purify whatever water you can't carry with you. Food and proper gear (especially heavy-duty hiking boots) are essential as well. Failure to heed these requirements can be costly: Every year there are hundreds of cases of dehydration, heatstroke, injury and exhaustion, many requiring rescue. By planning an itinerary that passes through Phantom Ranch, which has food and water, you can ease the burden. (In which case, you'll want to take along cash.) Again, make reservations early. Those who prefer solitude will want to look at more self-sufficient options. But everybody who ventures below the rim should make sure to inform someone of their route, and planned time of return, just in case.
The safest way to undertake a multiday hike is to hire an experienced guide. The Grand Canyon Field Institute, a private nonprofit organization cosponsored by the national park, conducts backpacking trips, day hikes and other organized outings. Many of these trips take an educational perspective, teaching about the geology, flora and fauna of the canyon. For more information, contact the Grand Canyon Field Institute, P.O. Box 399, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023. Phone 928-638-2485 or toll-free 866-471-4435. http://www.grandcanyon.org/fieldinstitute.
Horseback Riding
Descending into the canyon on the back of a mule can be the highlight of a Grand Canyon visit, but you'll need to make arrangements well in advance of your visit. The expeditions depart from the South Rim by using the Bright Angel Trail, which begins near Grand Canyon Village. There are some restrictions on who can go: Mule riders must be at least 55 in/140 cm tall, weigh less than 200 lbs/90 kg with equipment and be able to understand English. Women who are visibly pregnant are not allowed to make the journey.
There are two trip options from the South Rim. A one-day excursion goes to Plateau Point and does not reach the canyon bottom. It lasts eight hours and includes a box lunch at Indian Gardens in the Canyon. Cost is about US$154. Another choice is the two-day trip that goes all the way to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon, where food and lodging are available and included in the excursion price. The ranch provides simple, rustic accommodations and enjoys a lovely setting among huge cottonwood trees and a clear-running stream on the north bank of the Colorado River. The overnight trip, including all meals and lodging at Phantom Ranch, costs about US$420 for the first person, with discounts for more than one rider per party. There is also a two-night stay at Phantom Ranch available, but only 1 November-31 March, for about $593 per person. Make reservations well in advance, as spaces sell out quickly.
Reservations for the mule trips can be made 23 months in advance of departure; they sell out quickly. For more information and reservations, contact Xanterra Parks and Resorts, 14001 E. Illiff, Suite 600, Aurora, CO 80014. Phone 303-297-2757 (7 am-6 pm Mountain Time) or toll-free 888-297-2757. http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com. Occasionally, cancellations will open up space on the trips at the last minute: Check with the transportation desk at Bright Angel Lodge for availability. Phone 928-638-2631.
Half-day and full-day mule trips are also possible from the North Rim mid-May to mid-October. Prices range US$65-$125. Children age 12 and older are allowed on the full-day rides (children age 8 and older can participate in half-day trips), and weight restrictions are the same as for South Rim trips. A one-hour ride along the top of the rim is also available for US$30 per person. Contact Canyon Trails for information or reservations at 435-679-8665. http://www.onlinepages.net/canyonrides/pkgrandcanyon.html.
Nightlife
There are cocktail lounges at Bright Angel Lodge and El Tovar Hotel on the South Rim. Bright Angel Lodge has a joke-telling guitar player who specializes in oldies and cowboy songs. On the North Rim, enjoy a drink at the Grand Canyon Lodge. Both are open daily 11 am-11 pm.
Shopping
You'll find no shortage of souvenirs with the words "Grand Canyon" on them. Those who hike into the canyon—or who want to claim that they did—can buy an "I Hiked the Canyon" T-shirt. Native American crafts, including pottery, jewelry and blankets, are available in gift shops in the park. More can be found at roadside stands located east of Desert View, once you exit the national park.
If you continue on Highway 64 to Cameron, you'll find the Cameron Trading Post, established in 1916. It continues to serve as an active trading and cultural center, blending modern commerce with traditional Native American customs. A good selection of arts and crafts is on display.
Day Trips
To
Havasupai Indian Reservation. This reservation, which contains Havasu Canyon, is an off-the-beaten-path site at the western end of the Grand Canyon (it's accessible only on foot or by horseback). Hikers must obtain a permit from the Havasupai tribe. Guided horseback tours are available and include accommodations in a rustic lodge in the town of Supai, at the canyon's bottom. You can also camp. The spectacular waterfalls, massive travertine rock formations and sheer canyon walls make visiting this tiny Native American village an unforgettable experience. It is, however, a decidedly isolated area. Although it attracts many tourists each year, Supai is far from a tourist town, and local customs prevail despite the influence of outsiders. We recommend this trip only for those who enjoy outdoor activities, exploring other cultures, and may be looking for something out of the ordinary. Phone 928-448-2121. http://www.havasupaitribe.com.
Local Tours
The National Park Service and the nonprofit Grand Canyon National Park Foundation both offer a wide range of talks and walking tours. Choose between walks and talks dealing with the park geology, California condors or indigenous southwestern cultures. A good starting place is the Canyon View Information Plaza, where activities are posted. Be sure to pick up a copy of the park-produced tabloid,
The Guide, which lists up-to-date activities. The foundation, which also runs educational backcountry trips, can be contacted at Grand Canyon National Park Foundation, 625 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Phone 928-774-1760. http://www.gcnpf.org. The free public buses provide a fine introduction to the South Rim.
Individuals with disabilities can reserve a space on one of the handicapped-accessible shuttles and sightseeing buses that travel along the South Rim. To request a wheelchair-accessible park shuttle, phone 928-638-0591 at least 24 hours in advance of your visit. People with disabilities can also arrange to take their own vehicle on the road. To arrange a wheelchair-accessible coach tour, stop by any of the lodge transportation desks, or phone 928-638-2631. All of the scenic walking trails at the top of the canyon are paved, though some portions of them may be too steep to negotiate in a wheelchair.
Flyover tours can be arranged through operators at Grand Canyon Airport on the South Rim near the town of Tusayan, Arizona. Chose between a helicopter or airplane tour. Helitour rates range US$145-$205 per hour. Airplane tour rates range US$125-$249 for 45-100 minutes.
Day By Day
Ideally, you should spend at least a weekend exploring the canyon at the South Rim, which will let you discover its different moods in the changing light at various times of day. With more time to spend, you can discover the three distinct sections of the park: the North and South rims, the world below the rim, and the area along the mighty Colorado River. The best way to take advantage of the park is to arrange a mule trip or day hike, make time to visit the park's historic sites and take a scenic drive or two. To visit the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West, you will need to allow for the 242-mi/390 km drive from the South Rim, plus a day to experience the activities included in the entrance package. Day trips to the Skywalk are available from Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dining Overview
Grand cuisine is probably not your motivation for going to the Grand Canyon, and that's good: You're not going to find much of it. You will pay a high price for whatever you want, even if it's a hamburger or pizza.
Expect to pay within these general guidelines for a dinner for one, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than US$15; $$ = US$15-$25; $$$ = US$26-$50; $$$$ = more than US$50.
Personal Safety
Most of the problems that visitors have at the Grand Canyon can be avoided by being prepared. Approach overlooks along both the North and South rims cautiously, and be aware of your footing. More importantly, if you plan on hiking into the canyon, know your limits. Hundreds of healthy individuals are forced to call officials for assistance when it comes to hiking out. Extreme heat toward the canyon floor can lead to dehydration.
Other concerns include snakebites, which are rare, but rattlesnakes do live in the region. Scorpion bites also pose a limited threat, especially to campers. Keep in mind that wildlife is wild, and park officials would like to keep it that way. Deer around campsites should not be considered docile, and even those charming village squirrels sometimes bite visitors.
Crime is rare, but given the number of visitors seen at the canyon (and the target they represent) it remains a concern. Keep an eye on your possessions, especially valuables and cameras, and secure your campsite or vehicle before heading out for your daily exploration.
Health
A clinic and pharmacy are located in the Grand Canyon Village area. There's a walk-in medical clinic, the North Country Grand Canyon Clinic, located just 2.5 mi/4 km south of the South Rim park entrance. Phone 928-638-2551.
In emergencies, park rangers can provide some medical services.
Disabled Advisory
The Grand Canyon has made its best effort to accommodate special-needs visitors. Visitors with mobility impairments can obtain a special permit in order to drive Hermit Road. There are "windshield views" both there and along the Desert View Drive. Handicapped parking is available at most visitor centers and accommodations. And although getting into the canyon, with its steep unpaved trails, may present a problem for visitors with mobility limitations, plenty of pavement and other development along the South and North Rims provide even wheelchair-bound visitors with rich opportunities. The park produces an accessibility guide available at Canyon View Center, Yavapai Observation Station, Kolb Studio, Tusayan Museum and Desert View Information Center.
If you have mobility limitations and plan to visit the park without your own vehicle, there's on-call transit service (phone 928-638-0591). Grand Canyon National Park Lodges can also arrange wheelchair-accessible tours (phone 928-638-2631).
Dos & Don'ts
Do make sure to take a camera, extra film (or an extra memory card) and batteries.
Don't litter. If you pack it in, you must also pack it out.
Do watch your step along the rim.
Don't feed the wildlife, and if you see a snake, back off slowly.
Do take sun protection (a hat, sunscreen and long-sleeved shirt).
Don't call Native Americans "chief" or make other potentially offensive references.
Hotel Overview
If you plan to spend a night near the Grand Canyon, remember these three words: Reserve in advance. Try to make your arrangements at least several months before your trip, as much as a year in advance if you're visiting in summer.
At the South Rim, there are hotels in the park and also in the nearby town of Tusayan. Among the park properties is the splendid El Tovar Hotel, a landmark that is much in demand year-round. The historic Bright Angel Lodge has cabins on the canyon rim that have wonderful views. In addition, the South Rim has four other lodges, two campgrounds and a recreational-vehicle area.
Lodging at the North Rim is available from mid-May to mid-October at the Grand Canyon Lodge. The view from the lobby is spectacular, and guests can choose between motel rooms or cabins. Outside the park, limited lodging is available at the Kaibab Lodge (18 mi/30 km north of the rim.
Accessible only by mule or foot, Phantom Ranch is the only indoor lodging at the bottom of the canyon. Guests stay in cabins or dormitories. Do not walk into Phantom Ranch without an advance reservation: You'll soon be walking out, and it's a long haul to the next hotel. Also, if you plan to eat at the ranch, you must request all meals in advance. Camping is the only other option below the rim, and most of it is primitive (some areas have pit toilets, some don't). Campsites and backcountry permits must be booked in advance through the Backcountry Information Center.
Reservations for all park properties (except campgrounds) are handled by Grand Canyon Lodges (operated by Xanterra Parks and Resorts), 14001 E. Illiff, Suite 600, Aurora, CO 80014. Phone 303-338-6000 (7 am-6 pm Mountain Time), or toll-free 888-297-2757. http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com.
There are two developed, non-backcountry campgrounds and one recreational-vehicle park on the South Rim. Mather Campground in Grand Canyon Village is open year-round and has sites for tents and RVs, as well as shared walk-up and bike campsites that are much less expensive (phone 301-722-1257 or toll-free 800-365-2267). Adjacent to the campground is Trailer Village, an RV campground with hookups and other facilities (phone 928-638-2631 or toll-free 888-297-2757). Desert View Campground at the end of Desert View Drive only operates mid-May to mid-October and does not accept reservations. Arrive early to secure a campsite.
Geostats
Passport/Visa Requirements: Canadians need to show proof of citizenship including a photo ID (we recommend a passport) to enter the U.S. and re-enter Canada. Reconfirm travel document requirements with your carrier prior to departure.
Time Zone: 7 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-7 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Telephone Codes: 928, area code;
Currency Exchange
There's a bank and ATM at the Market Plaza on the South Rim. It's open Monday-Thursday 9 am-5 pm, Friday 9 am-6 pm. A second ATM is in the lobby of Maswik Lodge.
Taxes
Arizona has a state sales tax of 5.6%, and rooms at the Grand Canyon have a 6.73% tax. Food and liquor are subject to a tax of 6.4%.
Tipping
Tip 15%-18% of the bill in restaurants and bars both within and outside the park. If you hire a guide service or employ a driver, tip the person 10%.
Weather
The canyon offers spectacular scenery any time of year. Spring and fall offer the best combination of moderate temperatures, colorful scenery, active wildlife and smaller crowds. April and May have cooler nights than September and October. Visitors will want a warm coat or jacket for lows of 37-49 F/3-9 C. Expect daytime highs of 69-79 F/20-25 C in the spring and 68-85 F/19-29 C in early fall. Spring and fall are also best for those journeying to the inner canyon, where the lower elevation makes for much warmer temperatures. Though the spring and fall highs in the inner canyon (80-90 F/30-35 C) can be a bit uncomfortable, they're much better than the summer readings, which can get dangerously high—up to 115 F/46 C.
If you visit the South Rim in the summer, expect temperatures to reach around 85 F/29 C. The North Rim is cooler in summer—temperatures there usually only get up around 75 F/24 C. July and August are the height of the monsoon season; be prepared for sudden and sometimes severe thunderstorms during these months.
Winter weather closes the road to the North Rim from late October to early May. Roads are open to the South Rim year-round. Winter temperatures there run 20-43 F/-7 to 6 C. Even though travel is a little more difficult in winter, many people find that the lack of crowds and the sight of snow on the rim make winter an excellent time to visit. Trails can become icy in the winter, however.
If possible, we suggest avoiding the South Rim between Memorial Day and Labor Day because of the large number of visitors. The crowds are gone by late October and early November, well before the winter snow starts to stick, which usually happens around Christmas. For 24-hour weather information and road conditions, phone 928-638-7888.
What to Wear
Regardless of the season, protection from the sun is the single most crucial apparel consideration when visiting the Grand Canyon. Pack sunglasses, a hat with a brim, and a shirt with sleeves. Light cotton can be fine in the summer, although in cooler seasons, synthetic fabrics that stay warm when wet are recommended, as is a raincoat or Windbreaker. Layering will allow you to adjust for weather variations throughout the day, or when traveling from the rim to canyon floor. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for most outings, and those planning on departing the pavement and rim trails should pack sturdy, supportive footwear, such as hiking boots. There are no dress codes at the area restaurants—a pressed, collared shirt or blouse and clean jeans will pass muster, even at the El Tovar.
Telephone
Many cell phones do not work in the park, but you can buy a phone card at any gift shop to use the ubiquitous pay phones.
Internet Access
On the South Rim in the Grand Canyon Village, there's an Internet kiosk located in the laundry and shower complex near Mather Campground. Open in summer daily 6 am-11 pm; in winter daily 8 am-6 pm.
Mail & Package Services
Most of the park hotels have a post-office box for mailing postcards. The Market Plaza on the South Rim has a post office with window service Monday-Friday 9 am-4:30 pm, Saturday 11 am-1 pm. Stamps are available in the lobby, which is open daily 5 am-10 pm.
The canteen at the Phantom Ranch sells stamps and postcards and also has a drop-box, where you can stamp your mail with a "Mailed by Mule from the bottom of the Grand Canyon" imprint.
Newspapers & Magazines
The National Park service produces the seasonal
The Guide, which is an excellent resource for visitors, available in several languages. It contains program listings and additional services, as well as updates concerning various projects. Pick it up at the entrance, any visitors center or on the free shuttles operating in the park. The park also publishes a
Trip Planner.
Grand Canyon News is a small-town paper, but the publisher is also responsible for a regional guide covering Tusayan and Williams. http://www.grandcanyontourguide.com.
For news, you can find the Flagstaff-based Arizona Daily Sun at either the Market Plaza or the newsstand in the El Tovar Hotel on the South Rim. http://www.azdailysun.com.
Transportation
Thanks to ongoing public-transportation projects, park authorities have essentially eliminated the need to drive between most Grand Canyon sites—at least along the South Rim.
Catching a cheap flight to Las Vegas, and making the five-hour drive to the park is the most popular way to make the trip to the canyon. One alternative to driving is to fly into either Flagstaff or Phoenix, Arizona, and arrange a shuttle. Train enthusiasts, meanwhile, will want to park in Williams, Arizona, and take the old-fashioned Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim.
Car
Parking can be a serious hassle, especially near the hotels in Grand Canyon Village. Once you reach the park, you might do better to hop on a free shuttle rather than risk road rage on park roads, particularly in the summer season.
Public Transportation
The park provides two free shuttle-bus routes that operate year-round on the South Rim: one within Grand Canyon Village and one to the South Kaibab Trailhead and Yaki Point. There is also a free shuttle along Hermit Road March-November. During this period, there is no private automobile access on either Hermit Road or to the South Kaibab trailhead (private vehicles are allowed on both routes December-February).
A free hiker shuttle is also available year-round, running to the South Kaibab trailhead from the Bright Angel Lodge, with a stop at the Backcountry Information Center. The shuttle departs twice daily December-February, and three times daily March-November.
Taxi
Taxis run by Grand Canyon National Park Lodges are available on the South Rim. Phone 928-638-2822 or 928-638-2631, ext. 6563.
Train
Those interested in traveling to the Grand Canyon area by long-distance train can take Amtrak to Flagstaff. Connecting bus service to the canyon is offered by Open Road Tours.
Additional Reading
Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon by Thomas M. Myers and Michael P. Ghiglieri (Puma Press). Written by a biologist and a medical doctor, chronicles the ways people have died in the canyon, many through their own carelessness and lack of caution.
