Grand Canyon National Park

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Grand Canyon National Park encompasses canyons, river tributaries, and surrounding grounds. The Grand Canyon is situated in Arizona's northwestern quadrant. With five million visitors making the trip to the canyon each year, Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. In addition, the park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

The Grand Canyon had a long and arduous road to becoming a national park, beginning in the 1880's with several failed congressional bills. After making multiple visits to the area, Theodore Roosevelt declared the Grand Canyon a National Monument in 1908. The bill to grant national park status to the area was passed in 1919 and signed by then-President Woodrow Wilson.

There are two public areas of Grand Canyon National Park, the North and South Rims. At 7,000 feet above sea level, the Grand Canyon South Rim is the most accessible section of the national park, with numerous places where visitors can pull over to admire the views. The Grand Canyon North Rim, 1,000 feet higher than its southern sibling, isn't as popular because it is harder to get to, especially when harsh winter weather closes access roads. By car, the trip from one rim to the other is 220 miles. However, if traveling by foot, the distance across the canyon is 21 miles via the Kaibab Trails.

Grand Canyon Tours

Access to Grand Canyon National Park requires an admission fee per vehicle or individual on foot or bicycle. The one-time fee is good for a visit of seven consecutive days. Annual passes can also be purchased at the park's various visitor centers or directly through the National Park Service. Grand Canyon camping in the park itself is on a first come, first serve basis as well as via reservation. Commercial campsites are also available outside of the park area.

Grand Canyon tours are numerous and cater to many particular interests. Mule trips, reserved through the National Park Lodges system, take visitors on a 2-day round trip down to the bottom of the canyon. While popular, this type of tour does have restrictions. Other tours include whitewater rapid rides down the Colorado River, hikes that last a day or more, or helicopter and hot air balloon tours that provide visitors a panoramic view of the entire Grand Canyon. Visitors can also acquire a Grand Canyon map through the National Park Service to guide their exploration or find informational pamphlets to read about Grand Canyon facts. There are several things to do at Grand Canyon National Park and many areas to explore that the whole family will enjoy.

Grand Canyon Weather

Though open 365 days a year, Grand Canyon weather can present a few extremes. While the South Rim is pleasant in the summer, it's also very busy and the temperature on the canyon floor can reach over 100 degrees. Spring and fall can be pleasant, but unpredictable. Make sure to review all information when planning ahead for a trip to Grand Canyon National Park.

If you would like further information on Grand Canyon activities, camping, the Grand Canyon address (including directions) and more, the visitor center will be happy to assist you with your future travel plans.

Come see for yourself why Grand Canyon National Park is so popular.

NPF'S Impact at Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park Active Trails

Grand Canyon National Park promoted use of its park to local tourism industry workers – about 5,000 local residents who rarely use the park for recreation or physical activity. The Passport to Healthy...

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