Park Services for the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park is a place of remarkable beauty, peace, and scenic grandeur. Designated as a national park in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson, this park holds an important position in our American heritage and Western legacy.
The park encompasses 277 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands in northern Arizona. Its lush forest of Pinyon and Ponderosa Pine and Utah Juniper interspersed with shrubby cliff rose, blackbrush and sagebrush provides the botanical backdrop for squirrels, mule deer and the silver-gray coyote, known as the Song Dog of the West. Hawks and eagles soar majestically above the rim. Ravens are the most common bird observed soaring above the rim.
Open year-round, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Grand Canyon National Park South Rim offers something for everyone!
ALERT: GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM ROADS IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Starting on January 2, 2018, the Federal Highway Administration is resurfacing and improving several intersections and about 15 miles of roads at the South Rim. The resulting construction may cause delays, detours and some road closures while work is being completed. It is anticipated that the road work will be completed by July 25, 2019 with many improvements made throughout 2018. To get the most up-to-date information regarding the project, please go to the National Park Service’s dedicated page found here.
During the roadwork, all Grand Canyon National Park Lodges will remain open. Please be alert and follow any instructions given by park employees, rangers, or construction personnel during this project.
Avoid the Construction by Riding the Train
Due to the construction, heavy traffic may be encountered at times for those who choose to drive to the South Rim. Our sister company, Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, offers daily trains from the historic town of Williams, Arizona directly to the South Rim. Experience the comfort of traveling to Grand Canyon National Park by train, witness all the beauty that northern Arizona provides through your window, and scratch having to worry about traffic or parking at the South Rim during your stay. Train packages that include lodging at one of the historic Grand Canyon National Park Lodges are available and can be found here.
Getting to Grand Canyon National Park
Visit our Location section for information regarding transportation, driving directions and maps.
Getting into the Park: Entrance Fees, Passes & Permits
Grand Canyon National Park is a designated Federal Recreation Fee Area. Fees collected directly benefit Grand Canyon National Park and the National Park Service. Entrance fees are not refundable (even due to inclement weather) and may not be sold or given to another person.
Visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for additional information about entrance fees.
Getting Around in the Park: Accessibility
Facilities vary a great deal. Wheelchairs can be rented from Bright Angel Bicycles. To obtain a temporary acess pass to Yaki Point Road and Hermit Road, inquire at entrance stations, visitor centers, or transportation desks.
Note: Accessible shuttle buses are available in response to requests made the day prior. Call 928-638-0591 or visit the Grand Canyon National Park Web site for more information regarding accessibility in the park.
Getting Around in the Park: Shuttle Buses
Free shuttle buses operate on three routes at Grand Canyon National Park:
- Hermits Rest Route
- Kaibab / Rim Route
- Village Route
No tickets are required, and bus stops are clearly marked throughout the park by signs. The National Park Service offers a selection of maps, including a map of parking and shuttle bus routes in the park. Visit Grand Canyon National Park Service for additional information.
Getting Around in the Park: Going Rim to Rim
The Trans-Canyon Shuttle runs between the North and South rims once each day, in each direction, and the travel time is about 4 1/2 hours each way. There is a fee for this service. For more information call 928-638-2820.
Parking in the Park
When visiting the South Rim, park your vehicle and ride the Village shuttle bus to the Visitor Center. At the Visitor Center you will find informative exhibits about Grand Canyon, a movie, and an inspiring view of the canyon is only a short stroll away.
Parking is available in lots throughout Grand Canyon Village and at the Visitor Center. Please avoid parking along the roadside except where signs or lines on the road indicate that it is permissible.
The National Park Service offers a selection of maps, including a map of parking and shuttle bus routes in the park. Visit Grand Canyon National Park Service for additional information.
Park Information Centers
The Grand Canyon Visitor Center is located near Mather Point and open daily year-round, additional open hours vary seasonally:
- December to February 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- March to November 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Available facilities include restrooms, bicycle rentals, bookstore, and shuttle bus stops. Several indoor and outdoor exhibits provide a variety of information about Grand Canyon National Park and what to do once at the park.
Programs in the Park
National Park Service rangers offer a wide variety of interpretive programs throughout the year on the South Rim. All ranger programs are free and open to the public. Schedules and programs vary seasonally.