Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park, located in Arizona and visited by more than five million people annually, is one of America's most popular travel spots. Nowhere else will you find such a spectacular landscape teeming with a plethora of plant and animal life. It's this combination that makes the destination the crown jewel of the National Parks system.

Quick Facts: Grand Canyon National Park

• Established: 1919, by an act signed by President Woodrow Wilson
• Size: 1.2 million acres — roughly the size of the state of Rhode Island
• Canyon dimensions: 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, over a mile deep
• Annual visitors: 5+ million
• Designation: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Hours: South Rim open 24/7, 365 days a year; North Rim open mid-May through mid-October

Entrance Fees & Passes

A private vehicle pass covers everyone in the car and is valid for seven consecutive days at both rims. Motorcycles and individuals entering on foot, bike, or by shuttle pay a lower per-person rate. If you're visiting more than one national park this year, an America the Beautiful annual pass typically pays for itself after two or three park visits. Rates change periodically, so check the National Park Service site before you go — but budget for an entrance fee either way, since it funds trail maintenance and ranger programs.

Grand Canyon Village

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is where most people enter the park. Just north of the rim's main entrance is Grand Canyon Village, the commercial hub and home to:

• A ranger station
• Various restaurants (the one in Bright Angel Lodge is the best)
• Museums
• Gift shops
• Churches
• Lodging (El Tovar is the crowd favorite)
• A supermarket
• RV Park
• Campground
• Hospital

Grand Canyon Village offers some great rim-side views of the Dragoon Corridor and is a great place to plan a hike or arrange for a guided tour of the area.

Best Viewpoints in the Park

Naturally, people come to Grand Canyon National Park for the amazing views. The best lookouts are Mather Point, Yaki Point, and Yavapai Observation Station:

• Mather Point: The most-photographed viewpoint in the park and the first one most visitors see — a short walk from the main visitor center.
• Yaki Point: Reached by shuttle only (no private vehicles), which keeps it noticeably quieter than Mather Point, with sweeping views up and down the canyon.
• Yavapai Observation Station: Built specifically for the view, with floor-to-ceiling windows and geology exhibits explaining what you're looking at.

For a scenic drive, head eastward along the South Rim and use the Navajo Bridge to cross the Colorado River's Marble Canyon. The stunning views of both the river and the canyon will give you a glimpse of the more remote areas of this national park.

Grand Canyon National Park — Things to Do

If you are physically active and looking for challenging ways to interact with Grand Canyon National Park, you can arrange to walk and hike the many trails that crisscross the area. The most popular trails are Bright Angel, right behind the lodge, and the South Kaibab Trail.

A safety note: Do not hike to the Colorado River and back in a day. Those who try often succumb to heat exhaustion — rangers rescue dozens of unprepared day hikers every year, mostly in summer. If you want to reach the bottom, plan an overnight backcountry permit or book a mule ride well in advance — these trips are popular and often need to be reserved up to a year ahead.

Beyond hiking, the park offers ranger-led talks, stargazing programs (it's an International Dark Sky Park), the Rim Trail for an easy, mostly flat walk with constant views, and the Grand Canyon Railway for a no-driving way to arrive in style.

Wildlife & Geology

The park is home to California condors (one of the rarest birds in North America), mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and over 90 species of mammals total. The exposed canyon walls reveal nearly two billion years of geologic history — one of the most complete rock records on Earth, which is a big part of why scientists and geology buffs treat this as a bucket-list destination in its own right.

West Rim vs. South Rim

The West Rim of the Grand Canyon has recently become a popular place for Las Vegas visitors to experience the canyon. This rim is on Hualapai Indian land and borders the national park. There are no direct flights between the two rims, and I don't recommend trying to do both by car, either — the distance is too great and you'll end up spending more time in the car than at the canyon. Pick one rim per trip and do it right.

Grand Canyon West & the Skywalk

The West Rim, also known as Grand Canyon West, is home to the world-famous Grand Canyon Skywalk. The glass bridge extends 70 feet past the edge and lets you enjoy 360-degree views of the canyon. Many say it feels like you're surrounded by the canyon's walls. The other neat thing about the Skywalk is that you're 4,000 feet above the raging Colorado River. I definitely recommend getting your picture professionally taken on this incredible horseshoe-shaped structure.

Where to Stay

Inside the park, El Tovar is the historic favorite — book it as far ahead as possible, since it sells out fast. Bright Angel Lodge and the Yavapai and Kachina lodges offer more budget-friendly options a short walk from the rim. If you're flying in for the day from Las Vegas or Phoenix, staying overnight isn't necessary — most South Rim day tours have you back at your hotel by evening.

Grand Canyon Tours

Grand Canyon National Park tours include:

• South Rim Helicopter
• South Rim Airplane

Go here for a complete list of Grand Canyon Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Grand Canyon National Park?

A private vehicle pass covers everyone in the car for seven days. Prices are set by the National Park Service and adjust periodically, so check the official NPS site for current rates before your trip.

How many days do you need at the Grand Canyon?

A single day is enough to see the highlights of the South Rim — the main viewpoints, a short section of the Rim Trail, and time in Grand Canyon Village. Two or three days lets you add a hike below the rim, a mule ride, or a visit to both rims (on separate trips, not the same day).

Is the North Rim worth visiting?

If you value quiet over convenience, yes. It's less crowded, higher in elevation, and has a different feel than the South Rim — but it's only open mid-May through mid-October and is a five-hour drive from the South Rim, so it requires more planning.

Can you fly directly into the Grand Canyon?

Grand Canyon Airport (GCN) serves the South Rim directly. For the West Rim and Skywalk, helicopter and airplane tours typically depart from Las Vegas rather than landing at a commercial airport near the site.

Make It a Grand Day!

Grand Canyon National Park is a wonderful vacation destination. The natural beauty alone will enthrall you. But when you throw in the fact that there's so much to do for kids, parents, hikers, couples, and groups, it's irresistible. The South Rim can be reached from Phoenix, Sedona, and Flagstaff. Vegas travelers can reach the West Rim by bus, helicopter, or airplane. Regardless of how you get there, this canyon is renowned for creating memories that last a lifetime.