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, California condors, and eagles soar majestically above the rim, though ravens are the most common bird observed.
Grand Canyon National Park South Rim is open year-round, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Visit our Location section for information regarding transportation, driving directions and maps.
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.
Facilities vary a great deal. Wheelchairs can be rented from Bright Angel Bicycles. To obtain a temporary access pass to Yaki Point Road and Hermit Road, inquire at entrance stations, visitor centers, or transportation desks.
NOTE: The National Park Service is operating limited, modified shuttle bus transportation inside the park. To learn more, click here.
Free shuttle buses operate on four routes at Grand Canyon National Park:
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. Visit Grand Canyon National Park Service website for additional information.
The Trans-Canyon Shuttle runs between the North and South rims once each day, in each direction, and the travel time is about five (5) hours each way. There is a fee for this service. For more information call 928-638-2820.
Parking is available in lots throughout Grand Canyon Village and at the Visitor Center. 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. Visit Grand Canyon National Park Service for additional information.
The Grand Canyon Visitor Center is located near Mather Point and is open daily year-round. Seasonal hours:
Available facilities include restrooms, bicycle rentals, bookstore, and shuttle bus stops. Several indoor and outdoor exhibits provide a variety of information about Grand Canyon National Park and what to do once at 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.