Grand Canyon Visitor Information

Grand Canyon National Park is located in northern Arizona near the southern border of Utah and the southeastern tip of Nevada.
There is no "address" for the Grand Canyon.  However, you will see businesses with a Grand Canyon city address and a 86023 postal code.  These businesses are generally located in Tusayan, AZ near the entrance to the South Rim.  If you're using a GPS or search engine software like Google Maps or Mapquest, you may enter the following latitude and longitude coordinates to find the entrance to the South Rim of the National Park: 35.990372,-112.123353

Expect heavy crowds during the spring, summer, and fall months. You will find fewer crowds in the late fall and winter. The South Rim and West Rim are open year round, but heavy snows close the road to the North Rim from mid October to mid May of each year.

The South Rim is open all year, whereas the more remote North Rim visitor area is open from mid-May to mid-October. Summer temperatures on the South Rim are relatively pleasant (50°s - 80°s F; 10°s to high 20°s C) but inner canyon temperatures are extreme. Daytime highs at the river, 5,000 feet below the rim, often exceed 100° F (38° C). North Rim summer temperatures are cooler that those on the South Rim due to the increased elevation.

Winter conditions at the South Rim can be extreme: expect snow, icy roads, and possible road closures. Temperatures are low, and with the wind-chill factor can at times drop below 0° F (-18° C). Canyon views may be temporarily obscured during winter storms; in such cases, entrance fees are not refundable. The North Rim is closed in winter. The West Rim experiences moderate temperatures most of the year from October through May, with average high temperatures between 64 to 89 degrees F and average low temperatures between 38 and 48 degrees. Windy conditions at the top of the rim can lower the temperature dramatically. Most imporantly at the West Rim, no matter when you visit, is that you wear practical layered clothing, apply lots and lots of sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed secure-fitting hat and drink ample amounts of water. There is little shade at the West Rim and visitors can find themselves standing in sunny conditions for an hour or so waiting in line for the Skywalk and shuttles.

Spring and Fall weather is extremely unpredictable; be prepared for sudden changes in the weather during these seasons. Most visitors come to the Grand Canyon from May through September.  If you decide to come then, be aware that the high season, while beautiful, means large crowds and parking at a premium.  In the off-season from October through April, crowds are minimal and seeing the Grand Canyon with a dusting of snow is worth the trip!

Yes, entrance fees to the park is $25 per private vehicle, $12 pedestrian or cyclist; fees for commercial bus/tour van passengers vary. Admission is for 7 days and includes both rims; there are no refunds due to inclement weather. U. S. citizens aged 62 or older may obtain an America the Beautiful Senior Pass for a one-time fee of $10 and gain free admission. Persons holding a current National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (obtainable for $80 at any national park) are admitted free. Annual Grand Canyon passports, valid for the calendar year, are available for $50. U.S. citizens who have a permanent physical, mental or sensory impairment may apply in person for an America the Beautiful Access Pass, which provides the same privileges as the Senior Pass.

The South Rim and Grand Canyon Village are open year round and accessible throughout the day and night, 7 days a week. The North Rim is open from mid-May through mid-October before closing for the winter. During that time the North Rim visitor center is open 24 hours x 7 days a week. The West Rim is open year-round from sunrise to sunset every day of the week.

Grand Canyon National Park operates a free shuttle bus system on the South Rim in Grand Canyon Village and along Hermit Road (formerly knows as the West Rim Drive). These shuttles provide transportation; they are not tour buses. You must get off the bus to see the Grand Canyon. Most shuttles are inaccessible to wheelchairs.

Shuttle bus transportation between the South and North Rims of Grand Canyon is available from mid-May through mid-October. This service is provided by Transcanyon Shuttle. Group rates for 10 or more people are available. Rates are available by calling Transcanyon Shuttle directly. The shuttle departs North Rim at 7:00am and arrives at South Rim at 12 noon. Shuttle departure from South Rim is at 1:30pm, arriving back at North Rim at 6:30pm. Special schedule arrangements can be made with advance notice. Reservation deposit is requested at least 30 days in advance (deposit is 1/2 of the total price). Deposit can be made by personal check, cashier's check or money order. No credit cards are accepted at this time. Mail your reservation payment to: Transcanyon Shuttle PO Box 348 Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023 Or, call them at (928)-638-2820 for more information.

Most of the scenic viewpoints can accommodate individuals with mobility issues. The trails are not. Not all park facilities meet the accessibility standards that have been set in recent years, and many of the buildings in the park are historic. A Grand Canyon National Park Accessibility Guide is available at the Visitor Center or upon request (PO box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023; (929) 638-7888).

Pets are allowed in the park but must be on a leash at all times. Leashed pets are allowed on rim trails throughout the developed areas in the park but not below the rim, in park lodging or on park buses. The only exception is certified service dogs. Persons wishing to take a certified service dog below the rim must check in first at the Ranger Office (at the corner of Center Road and Village Loop Drive.) There is a kennel at the South Rim; call 928-638-2631, extension 6549. Reservations are suggested. Kennel services are not available on the North Rim; pets are not recommended.

• Driving directions to the South Rim
• Driving directions to the North Rim
• Driving directions to the West Rim

Read our West Rim vs. South Rim page

Read our South Rim vs. North Rim page