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Grand Canyon National ParkViewing the Grand Canyon from Mather Point
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Grand Canyon National Park
Operating Hours & Seasons
 
Jump to:   The North Rim      Remote Tuweep  
 

The South Rim: Open All Year

The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All visitor services: camping, lodging, and restaurants are available year round. Reservations are strongly recommended during the busy summer season. Some facilities are closed during the winter.

A free shuttle bus system operates in the Grand Canyon Village area. Make your visit easier by parking your car and using the shuttle to get around. Make sure you stop at the park's visitor center at Canyon View Information Plaza, which are reached only by shuttle.

 
The average distance across the canyon “as the condor flies” is ten miles (16 km). However, traveling from the North Rim to the South Rim requires a five-hour drive of 215 miles (345 km).


 

The North Rim: Mid-May to Mid-October

North Rim  Lodging and camping along with all other visitor services and facilities are only open from mid-May to mid-October. Reservations are strongly recommended. Additional facilities are available in the surrounding Kaibab National Forest, the Kaibab Lodge area, and Jacob Lake.

During winter months, the road to the North Rim, Highway 67, is often closed due to snow. After the close of visitor facilities in mid-October, there may be a period when the North Rim is open for day use only. (before the snow comes) During this time there are no services or overnight facilities available inside the park. The road from Jacob Lake to the North Rim (Highway 67) is subject to closure due to snow with little or no notice during this interval and then remains closed until mid-May. 
Read more about off-season visits to the North Rim.

 
2009 Grand Canyon Trip Planner
2009 Grand Canyon Trip Planner
A handy source of information / maps (1.09MB PDF File)
more...
2009 South Rim Spring Guide (cover)
2009 South Rim Spring Guide Download
Mar. 1 - May 24, 2009 (2.54MB PDF File)
more...
North Rim Guide Newspaper
The 2009 Season North Rim Guide
Information & Maps (2.59MB PDF File)
more...
link to park maps
Park Maps
Chart Your Course
more...
COLORADO RIVER AT THE BOTTOM OF GRAND CANYON  

Did You Know?
From Yavapai Point on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the drop to the Colorado River below is 4,600 feet (1,400 m). The elevation at river level is 2,450 feet (750 m) above sea level. Without the Colorado River, a perennial river in a desert environment, the Grand Canyon would not exist.

Last Updated: November 29, 2008 at 11:16 EST