Grand Canyon National Park
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, a massive canyon carved by the Colorado River in northern Arizona.
The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona, United States. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (6,093 feet or 1,857 meters). The canyon and adjacent rim are contained within Grand Canyon National Park, the Kaibab National Forest, Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument, the Hualapai Indian Reservation, the Havasupai Indian Reservation and the Navajo Nation.
President Theodore Roosevelt was a major proponent of preservation of the Grand Canyon area and visited it on numerous occasions to hunt and enjoy the scenery. The Grand Canyon became an official national park in 1919.
Park Information
Visitor Information
Photos
Popular Hiking Trails
Bright Angel Trail Moderate to Difficult
One of the park's most popular hiking trails, descending from the South Rim to the Colorado River. Distance varies based on how far you hike, with several rest houses and water stations along the route (seasonal water availability).
Length: Up to 12 miles (round trip to Plateau Point)
Elevation Change: 3,060 feet
South Kaibab Trail Difficult
A steep trail offering some of the most spectacular views of the Grand Canyon. No water available on trail.
Length: 3 miles round trip to Cedar Ridge, 6 miles round trip to Skeleton Point
Elevation Change: 2,040 feet to Skeleton Point
Rim Trail Easy
Mostly flat trail that follows the canyon rim, offering stunning viewpoints. Partially paved and accessible.
Length: 13 miles total, but can be accessed from various points
Elevation Change: Minimal
North Kaibab Trail Difficult
The only maintained trail from the North Rim to the Colorado River. Seasonal water available at Supai Tunnel and Roaring Springs.
Length: 14 miles one way (to the Colorado River)
Elevation Change: 5,850 feet
Frequently Asked Questions
The South Rim of Grand Canyon is located 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona (via route 64 from Interstate 40) and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff (via route 180). The North Rim is located 30 miles south of Jacob Lake on Highway 67. The North Rim is closed in winter.
The nearest major airports are:
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (about 3.5 hours drive to South Rim)
- McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas (about 4.5 hours drive to South Rim)
- Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (about 1.5 hours drive to South Rim)
The South Rim is open year-round and receives about 90% of park visitors. It has more services, facilities, and viewpoints. The North Rim is about 1,000 feet higher in elevation, has fewer visitors, and is only open from mid-May to mid-October due to heavy winter snowfall. The North Rim offers a different perspective of the canyon and a more secluded experience.
The driving distance between the North and South Rims is about 220 miles (4-5 hours), as there is no bridge across the canyon.
The National Park Service strongly discourages hiking from the rim to the river and back in one day due to extreme heat, steep terrain, and the significant physical exertion required. The round trip distance is about 14-16 miles with an elevation change of nearly 5,000 feet.
If you want to reach the Colorado River, it's recommended to plan for an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch or one of the campgrounds at the bottom. Reservations for Phantom Ranch are extremely competitive and are available 15 months in advance.
The best times to visit Grand Canyon National Park are March through May and September through November when temperatures are cooler and crowds are smaller. Summer (June-August) is the busiest season but can bring extremely hot temperatures, especially in the inner canyon.
Winter offers a unique, less crowded experience on the South Rim with potential for snow, but some services may be limited. The North Rim is closed during winter.
Nearby Attractions
Antelope Canyon
120 miles northeast, famous slot canyon on Navajo land
Horseshoe Bend
135 miles northeast, horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River
Sedona
110 miles south, known for red rock formations and spiritual vortexes
Monument Valley
175 miles east, iconic sandstone buttes on Navajo land
Lake Powell
140 miles northeast, large reservoir on the Colorado River
Flagstaff
80 miles southeast, mountain town with Lowell Observatory