A hiker checks out the view of the Colorado River from the South Kaibab Trail. Photo by Jeff Scheid
The park encompasses 277 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. One of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world, Grand Canyon is unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers to visitors on the rim.
The South Rim as seen from Phantom Ranch. Photo by Jeff Scheid
From Las Vegas, travel south on U.S. Highways 93/95 (also known as Interstate 515). When the highways split at Railroad Pass, follow U.S. 93 through Boulder City, over Hoover Dam to Kingman, Ariz. Take Interstate 40 from Kingman to Williams, Ariz. Grand Canyon Village is 60 miles north of Interstate 40 at Williams via highway 64. Total mileage from Las Vegas is 275 miles and driving time is four to five hours.
North Rim
From Las Vegas, travel north on Interstate 15 to Hurricane, Utah, then south on state routes 59 and 389 to Jacob Lake, Ariz., and then south on state route 67 to the North Rim. Driving time is about 4 to 5 hours.
The main park visitor center (South Rim) is just east of Grand Canyon Village, approximately six miles north of the south entrance station. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (longer hours during peak season). Interpretive centers are located at Yavapai Observation Station, Tusayan Museum, Desert View and the North Rim (in the lobby of Grand Canyon Lodge). The North Rim is open mid-May through late October only.
Entrance Fees
Private vehicle (good for 7 days) - $20
Individual (pedestrians, bicycle or motorcycle; good for 7 days) - $10
Annual Grand Canyon pass - $40
(individual or vehicle)
Annual Golden Eagle pass - $50
(all U.S. recreation sites)
A thermometer at Indian Garden informs hikers of the temperature as they head up Bright Angel Trail. Photo by Jeff Scheid
The inner canyon is accessed via the so-called "Corridor Trails": Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail from the South Rim, and North Kaibab Trail from the North Rim. There are other less heavily traveled and more remote inner canyon trails. All overnight travel below the rim requires a Backcountry Permit (see Permits, below). The Rim Trail on the South Rim offers vistas along the South Rim; a variety of rim trails are available through the more heavily forested regions on the North Rim. All main park roads are paved. A large network of gravel roads exists in the Kaibab National Forest outside the park (on both rims).
A staff member rings a bell to signal dinner at Phantom Ranch. Photo by Jeff Scheid
South Rim
Camping is available in the park at Mather Campground and at Desert View Campground. Mather Campground, located in Grand Canyon Village, is handled on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations) from December 1 to March 1, the rest of the year reservations are accepted. Advance reservations for Mather Campground can be made through Biospherics by calling (800) 365-2267. Reservations can be made up to three months in advance. Desert View Campground is located 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village and is open mid-April (weather permitting) through mid-October. Desert View Campground is available on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations). Camping with hook-ups is available in Grand Canyon Village at Trailer Village adjacent to Mather Campground; call (303) 297-2757 for reservations.
North Rim
Camping is available in the park at the North Rim Campground. After April 1st call Biospherics at (800) 365-2267 for reservations. The North Rim Campground is open from late May to late October. Camping with hookups is not available on the North Rim.
A hiker checks out the view of the Colorado River from the South Kaibab Trail. Photo by 
The South Rim as seen from Phantom Ranch. Photo by 
A thermometer at Indian Garden informs hikers of the temperature as they head up Bright Angel Trail. Photo by 
A staff member rings a bell to signal dinner at Phantom Ranch. Photo by 