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Grand Canyon
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Grand Canyon - Fun Vacation for All!

The Grand Canyon was carved out by the Colorado River over millennia. It offers an awe-inspiring view, called the "house of stone and light" by Indian tribes. It offers fun and adventure for families. You can explore roads, hike the trails, or float the currents of the turbulent Colorado River.

The Colorado River flows along the bottom of the canyon.. Because of the enormous depth of Grand Canyon, the river is visible only from certain viewpoints.

The Grand Canyon is a National Park. The South Rim, the most popular to visit averages 7000 feet above sea level. The South Rim is open 24/7. Park visitor services and facilities are open and available every day of the year (including holidays).

Reservations for camping and in park lodging are essential. . There are several hotels, and motels near the park too. When making reservations for lodging and camping, remember to identify the rim you plan on visiting. Day-use visitors should expect traffic congestion and parking problems, particularly in summer. The least crowded time is November through February. However, winter weather can cause problems when visiting during these months.

It is easy to use the Park shuttle to get around and avoid traffic. Shuttles run every 15 - 30 minutes, with stops at all look out, camping, parking and in park hotel areas.

SUMMER
Summer temperatures on the South Rim, at 7000 feet (2134m) are relatively pleasant 50s-80s°F (10°-20°C). Thunderstorms frequently occur during July, August, and early September. Inner canyon temperatures are extreme. Daytime highs at the river, 5000 feet (1500m) below the rim, often exceed 105°F (40°C).

WINTER
Winter conditions on the South Rim can be extreme. Be prepared for snow, icy roads and trails, and possible road closures. Roads on the South Rim are plowed when needed. Canyon views may be temporarily obscured by fog during passing storms. Entrance fees are not refundable because of weather conditions.

SPRING AND FALL
Spring and fall weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather at those times of year. May and October can be some of the driest months, although snowstorms may occur. Late April and May can be windy. Spring and fall can be the best times to be hiking in the canyon.

How to Get There

Visitor's Center

Canyon View Information Plaza is the park's visitor facility, which includes, a large bookstore, restrooms. It is located within a short walk of Mather Point.

Areas of Interest Phantom Ranch (INNER CANYON)

Programs are given daily at Phantom Ranch, reachable only by hiking or riding the mules to the bottom of the canyon. Talks cover a wide range of natural and cultural history topics. Upon arrival check the Bright Angel Campground bulletin board or the Phantom Ranch Canteen for program locations and subjects.

There are many areas accessible by car that offer wonderful views of the canyon. Desert View Drive (Highway 64) follows the canyon rim for 26 miles east of Grand Canyon Village to Desert View. Desert View Drive is open to private vehicles throughout the year. Hermit Road follows the rim for 8 miles/ 13 km west from Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest. Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles much of the year, take the park shuttle bus to this area.

A hiking trail, known as the Rim Trail, follows the rim from Pipe Creek Vista to Hermits Rest. The section of the Rim Trail between Pipe Creek Vista and Maricopa Point is paved, and mostly wheelchair accessible. Unpaved portions of the trail, between Maricopa Point and Hermits Rest, are narrow and close to the edge. Bicycles are not permitted on the Rim Trail.

Yavapai Observation Station at Yavapai Point offers panoramic views of the canyon, including the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch. Yavapai Observation Station is open all year.

For viewing and photographing the canyon, the best light is early or late in the day. Mid-day sun tends to flatten the view and soften the colors. Remember that days are short in the winter and long in the summer. If you plan to see the canyon at sunrise or sunset, it is recommended that you be on the rim at least an hour before.

Havasupai Indian Reservation

The Havasupai Indian Reservation is in a large tributary canyon on the south side of the Colorado River. This land lies outside the boundary and jurisdiction of the National Park Service and is administered by the Havasupai Indian Tribe. The village of Supai is accessible only by foot (an 8-mile hike) or horseback. Hiking is by tribal permit only. Inquiries should be directed to Havasupai Tourist Enterprises, P.O. Box 160, Supai, AZ 86435. (928) 448-2121 or (928) 448-2141 for the tourist office, (928) 448-2111 for lodging.

Canyon Safety

A surprising majority of victims rescued from Grand Canyon are young, healthy males between the ages of 18 and 40 attempting to hike to the river and back in one day. No matter what your age or health status, here are some tips to help you enjoy the Grand Canyon by hiking smart.

• stay hydrated (drink plenty of water and electrolyte drinks)
• avoid hiking in the heat of the day (10am to 4pm)
• eat often (carbohydrates & salty foods)
• rest often (sit in the shade)
• get wet (wet your shirt, hat, & wear a wet bandana around your neck)
• DO NOT attempt to hike down to the river & back in one day

Ravens, Coyotes and Scorpions - If you are between 4 and 14, pick up a Junior Ranger magazine when you arrive at the park and complete the requirements listed in the magazine for your age group. There are three separate age groups: Ravens for ages 4-7; Coyotes for ages 8-10; and Scorpions for ages 11-14. This program is available throughout the year.

Dynamic Earth Junior Ranger - If you are between 9 and 14, we offer a special Junior Ranger Program just for you. To become a Dynamic Earth Junior Ranger, you must attend the Junior Ranger Dynamic Earth Program. Participants earn a Dynamic Earth certificate and Junior Ranger badge. This program is only offered during the summer months.

Discovery Pack Junior Ranger - The Junior Ranger Discovery Pack is for aspiring naturalists between the ages of 9 and 14. After attending a one and a half hour ranger-led program, you can check out a "Discovery Pack" for the day. It is complete with binoculars, hand lens, field guides, and other important tools of a real Park Ranger Naturalist. This program is only offered during the summer months.

Phantom Rattler Junior Ranger - There are two requirements to become a Phantom Rattler Junior Ranger - first, you have to make it to Phantom Ranch, and second, you must complete the activities in the Junior Ranger booklet. If you do both you will receive your badge, certificate and patch. This program is available throughout the year.

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