Park Services
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is a place of remarkable beauty, peace, and scenic grandeur. Designated as a national park in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson, this park holds an important position in our American heritage and Western legacy.
The park encompasses 277 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands in northern Arizona. Its lush forest of Pinyon and Ponderosa Pine and Utah Juniper interspersed with shrubby cliff rose, blackbrush and sagebrush provides the botanical backdrop for squirrels, mule deer and the silver-gray coyote, known as the Song Dog of the West. Hawks and eagles soar majestically above the rim. Ravens are the most common bird observed soaring above the rim.
Open year-round, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim offers something for everyone!
Getting to the Park
Visit our How to Get Here section of this site for information regarding transportation, driving directions and maps.
Getting into the Park: Entrance Fees, Passes & Permits
Grand Canyon National Park is a designated Federal Recreation Fee Area. Fees collected directly benefit Grand Canyon National Park and the National Park Service. Entrance fees are not refundable (even due to inclement weather) and may not be sold or given to another person.
Visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for additional information about entrance fees.
Getting Around in the Park: Accessibility
Facilities vary a great deal. The National Park Service provides wheelchairs for temporary day use by park visitors. No rental fee is charged. A wheelchair is usually available at the Visitor Center at Canyon View Information Plaza. To obtain a temporary parking permit for designated parking, inquire at the Entrance or Yavapai Observation Station.
Note: Accessible shuttle buses are available in response to requests made the day prior. Call 928.638.0591 or visit the Grand Canyon National Park Web site for more information regarding accessibility in the park.
Getting Around in the Park: Shuttle Buses
Free shuttle buses operate on three routes at Grand Canyon National Park:
- Hermits Rest Route
- Kaibab Trail Route
- Village Route
No tickets are required, and bus stops are clearly marked throughout the park by signs.
The National Park Service offers a selection of maps, including a map of parking and shuttle bus routes in the park. To view maps, visit the Grand Canyon National Park Service Web site.
Getting Around in the Park: Going Rim to Rim
The Trans-Canyon Shuttle runs between the North and South rims once each day, in each direction, and the travel time is about 4 1/2 hours each way. There is a fee for this service. For more information call 928.638.2820.
Parking in the Park
When visiting the South Rim, park your vehicle and ride the Village shuttle bus to Canyon View Information Plaza, then plan your visit. At Canyon View Information Plaza you will find informative exhibits about Grand Canyon and an inspiring view of the canyon is only a short stroll away.
Parking is available in lots throughout Grand Canyon Village. Please avoid parking along the roadside except where signs or lines on the road indicate that it is permissible.
The National Park Service offers a selection of maps, including a map of parking and shuttle bus routes in the park.To view maps, visit the Grand Canyon National Park Service Web site.
Park Information Centers
The Visitor Center at Canyon View Information Plaza
Located near Mather Point and open daily year-round, additional open hours vary seasonally:
- Winter: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Summer: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Available facilities include restrooms, pay phone, bookstore, and shuttle bus stops. Several outdoor exhibits provide a variety of information about Grand Canyon National Park and what to do once at the park.
Canyon View Information Center can be reached by riding the free shuttle bus or walking the short distance from Mather Point. You can not drive to Canyon View Information Plaza.
Desert View Information Center
Located at the park's east entrance on the South Rim. Open daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except during the winter months when open as staffing permits. Orientation, park information, and books are available. Public restrooms are located nearby.
Programs in the Park
National Park Service rangers offer a wide variety of interpretive programs throughout the year on the South Rim. All ranger programs are free and open to the public. Schedules and programs vary seasonally.
- Just for Kids!
- Ranger / Interpretive Programs
- Environmental Education
Learn More
To learn more about this park's history, nature and activities visit the following links to the Grand Canyon National Park Web site Main Site
- Online Visitor Center
- Park Trip Planner
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