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
Once you determine which city you'll be coming from, getting here is fairly simple. Because the Grand Canyon is located in a very remote part of northern Arizona, you're guaranteed to be required to put in some effort and time in getting here, but there are some approaches that are more practical than others. Of course, all rims are feasible no matter where your trip begins, as long as you have ample time and budget resources. Here are our recommendations for practicality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
If you're flying into Las Vegas, it's likely you'll want to visit Grand Canyon West, the portion of the West Rim that is owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe, not the National Park Service. Located just 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, Grand Canyon West is home of the glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk, a cantilevered walkway that allows visitors to walk out 70 feet past the edge of the Grand Canyon and look straight down to the bottom of the chasm. This trip can be done as an 8-hour self-driven trip, a 10-hour door-to-door guided ground tour, or a half-day helicopter or airplane trip. Because of the expense of the entrance packages and popular tour options, Grand Canyon West is budget-heavy compared to the South or North Rim, but it's the quickest and most practical option for visitors coming from Las Vegas.
For visitors starting their Grand Canyon trip from Phoenix, it makes the most sense to visit the South Rim. This itinerary, including the starting point and destination, are the most popular of all Grand Canyon trips. Five million people visit the South Rim each year, compared to 1 million each to the West and North Rims. The South Rim, which is the hub of the National Park, is where you'll find several visitor centers, museums, hiking trailheads, viewpoints and park lodges.
The South Rim is a pleasant 4 hour drive due north from Phoenix. Most people drive themselves and spend the day walking along the Rim Trail, snapping photos from overlooks and checking out the visitor centers. A day trip itinerary from Phoenix, whether self-guided or on a professional ground tour, takes about 16 hours. While there are a few helicopter tours from Phoenix to the South Rim, it's more likely you'll find ground tours or a combination of a self-driven trip up to rim-adjacent towns like Williams or Tusayan, and then a railway or helicopter tour to the South Rim.
Due to its very remote location and availability limited to the summer/early fall, the North Rim is the least accessible of the three Grand Canyon areas to reach, but for those visitors willing to invest the time and effort, the reward is great. The solitude afforded by the smaller crowds on trails and in campgrounds, and the quiet due to the absence of helicopters, airplanes and commercial tours are as attractive as the dramatic views from the North Rim. The North Rim is easiest to reach from southern Utah cities like St. George and Kanab, or northern Arizona towns like Page and Jacob Lake. Be prepared to drive yourself, or take a guided rafting tour of the Upper Canyon that starts beyond the North Rim in Lees Ferry. Either way, plan on spending at least one night, either at Grand Canyon Lodge inside the park on the rim, in a nearby campground, or in a hotel within 150 miles, anywhere from Jacob Lake to St. George to Page.
Driving yourself is the best way to get to the South and North Rims. The expense of renting a car or fueling your own vehicle is comparable to the total cost of taxis and shuttles, and you'll have greater freedom when it comes to where, when and how you decide to get around. Arizona is a vast state, so even in the cities and towns, you'll find that points of interest are too spread out to reach on foot, there is little to no public transportation, and cabs must be scheduled as opposed to caught; a rental or private vehicle will become necessary at some point, so you might as well drive yourself everywhere.
If you have your mind set on taking a shuttle to the South or North Rim, you certainly can, but you'll pay for it. First, you'll need to book a shuttle from the Phoenix Airport to Flagstaff, which will cost about $41-$45 per person each way. If you're flying directly into Flagstaff, you'll need to take a taxi to your hotel ($7-$15) or book a hotel with a free airport shuttle. And THEN you'll need to book a shuttle to the Grand Canyon itself. There are several companies that provide Grand Canyon shuttles or taxi cabs from Flagstaff to the South Rim, with prices averaging $42 - $58 per person each way. Shuttles to the Grand Canyon depart almost exclusively from Flagstaff, offering pickup and return to Flagstaff hotels. Once inside the Park, take the free shuttle bus system from viewpoint to viewpoint and around Grand Canyon Village. If this sounds like your itinerary, plan on spending about $200 per person on shuttles alone.
Some North Rim visitors may want to take a shuttle or taxi to the North Rim and/or to popular Colorado River rafting put-in spots. There are very few companies that provide Grand Canyon shuttles or taxi cabs from Flagstaff or the South Rim to the North Rim, but those that do offer prices ranging from $158 - $200 per person each way, including the daily TransCanyon shuttle from the South Rim to the North Rim, and vice versa. Shuttles to the Grand Canyon North Rim depart almost exclusively from Flagstaff and the South Rim (although custom options are available for additional rates.) You can also arrange with these shuttle and taxi companies to do a rim-to-rim shuttle ride, which is particularly helpful after a river rafting trip or one-way backpacking trip.
The West Rim is a slightly different story. Driving yourself is a great way to get to the West Rim if you own or rent a high-clearance vehicle (if renting, be sure to check the rental car company's policies on driving off road, as required by the approach to Grand Canyon West.) The final 9-mile stretch of Diamond Bar Road is unpaved and irregular, and is made even trickier in inclement weather. There is no option of a shuttle to the West Rim from Las Vegas or any other major gateway city, so our best recommendation is to book a guided tour to Grand Canyon West. Booking a ground tour, or an airplane or helicopter flight to Grand Canyon West is smart for several reasons: 1) The driving/getting there is done for you, and it's easier and faster (in the case of air tours) 2) Tours are almost always customizable, upgrading or downgrading the various activities and tickets available at Grand Canyon West, making them fairly budget-friendly and 3) there are almost always value-added perks like VIP "skip the line" privileges.
Year-round, you can choose any of three routes to approach the South Rim: via Highway 64 from Williams to the south (main) entrance; via Highway 180 from downtown Flagstaff to the south (main) entrance; or via US-89 from east Flagstaff to the east entrance (known as Desert View). In the winter, your best bet for road conditions and prompt snow removal is Highway 64 from Williams.
Approach the North Rim by first arriving in Jacob Lake, Arizona at the junction of US-89A and Highway 67. Take Highway 67 south 44 miles (approximately 1 hour) to the North Rim.
Most visitors approach the West Rim from Las Vegas, a 123-mile drive via Highway 93 south over Hoover Dam. Go northeast on Pierce Ferry Road (County Highway 25)to Diamond Bar Road (County Highway 261). Go east on Diamond Bar Rd to Grand Canyon West. From Kingman, go north on Stockton Hill Road to Pierce Ferry Road to Diamond Bar Road. Diamond Bar Road ends at Grand Canyon West Airport, the entrance to the West Rim, where you'll buy your entrance package and optional upgrades. Take the mandatory park-and-ride shuttle into Grand Canyon West.
Get more detailed driving directions for the South Rim, North Rim and West Rim.
RAPTOR RANCH Campground is only 20 MINUTES FROM THE SOUTH RIM ENTRANCE!
We are located close to the Grand Canyon. The campground offers 32 RV Sites, 25+ Tent Sites. FREE Raptor Flight Demonstrations to All Campers! and FREE admission to Bedrock City.
There is free WiF … More
RAPTOR RANCH Campground is only 20 MINUTES FROM THE SOUTH RIM ENTRANCE!
We are located close to the Grand Canyon. The campground offers 32 RV Sites, 25+ Tent Sites. FREE Raptor Flight Demonstrations to All Campers! and FREE admission to Bedrock City.
There is free WiFi Available in Lounge & Laundry Room. We have a Grocery Store on Site, Campfire Rings, Firewood Available at the Camp Store, Giftshop, Showers, Snacks, Coffee, and an Overflow Parking.
Check-In: 1:00 pm, Check-Out: 12:00 pm
Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | Propane Refilling Station | Pet-Friendly | Laundry | Shower | Dump Station | Community Restrooms | WiFi | General Store
Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Grand Canyon/Tusayan
Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five million people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professi … More
Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five million people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professional guides will make sure you get the most out of your trip. While touring in comfort you will learn about the geology and history of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The day tour includes short walks to some incredible "less-used" outlooks, a looking into some of the areas most impressive historic buildings, and time to browse resident art galleries and gift shops.
Family-Friendly | Leaves from Flagstaff | Optional Air Tour | Professionally Guided | Lunch Provided
Leaves from Flagstaff | Family-Friendly | Custom Options Available | Professionally Guided
Multi-Attraction Tours | Multi-Day Tours | Combination Tour | Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Flagstaff | Professionally Guided | Popular Hikes
Leaves from Las Vegas | Multi-Day Tours | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity | Popular Hikes
Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Additional Tours Available
Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly | Fireplace(s) | Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | Outdoor Pool | Hot Tub | Free Hot Breakfast | Sedona Hotels & Lodging
Family-Friendly | Lunch Provided | Multi-Attraction Tours | Combination Tour | Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Sedona
Additional Tours Available | Family-Friendly | Self-Guided
Family-Friendly | Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Grand Canyon/Tusayan | Optional Skywalk Tour
Family-Friendly
No Children Accommodated | Romantic | Award Winning | Custom Options Available | Breakfast Included | Optional Intimate Personal Chef Cooked Dinners | Private Porch or Balcony | Hot Tub | Perfect for Special Occasions
Pet-Friendly | Laundry | Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | Outdoor Pool | On-site Restaurant | General Store | UTV Friendly | Access to Trails
Family-Friendly
Private Tours Available | Multi-Day Tours | Multi-Attraction Tours
Leaves from Las Vegas | Professionally Guided | Popular Hikes | Family-Friendly
Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly | Flagstaff Hotels & Lodging
Briar Patch Inn is the #1 Ranked B&B in AZ since 2011 and has received Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence
The Briar Patch Inn features 19 cabins situated on 9 lush acres in Oak Creek Canyon, just 3 miles north of Sedona. Each individual cabin is dressed in
… More
Briar Patch Inn is the #1 Ranked B&B in AZ since 2011 and has received Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence
The Briar Patch Inn features 19 cabins situated on 9 lush acres in Oak Creek Canyon, just 3 miles north of Sedona. Each individual cabin is dressed in distinctly different southwestern decor. The lush grounds - home to wildlife, birds, and two resident sheep - showcase rambling walking paths, canyon oaks, giant pines, and sycamores, all providing the perfect setting to nurture your relationship with nature. Healthy, bountiful, homemade breakfasts are offered by the creek in spring and summer and by the lodge fireplaces in fall and winter. An attentive, longtime staff strives to provide a quality of fine service that is the hallmark of this "magical" sanctuary. A Fodor's Choice and a Frommer's favorite.
Fireplace(s) | Free Hot Breakfast | Family-Friendly | Romantic | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Good for Nature Lovers | Intimate Wedding Venue | Retreat & Workshop Venue
Marvel at the beauty that is the South Rim during this Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include a day trip to visit Arizona’s breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park, a scenic drive with views of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, and several viewpoints at the … More
Marvel at the beauty that is the South Rim during this Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include a day trip to visit Arizona’s breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park, a scenic drive with views of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, and several viewpoints at the spectacular Grand Canyon South Rim. Optional "Colors & Canyons" 45-minute helicopter upgrade available.
Professionally Guided | Hotel Pickup | Private Tours Available | Custom Options Available | Family-Friendly
Professionally Guided | Private Tours Available | Hotel Pickup | Family-Friendly
Spend a day visiting two of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend! Our Lower Antelope Canyon Tours take you into the heart of one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world. Afterward, we visit the famous Horseshoe Bend, where yo … More
Spend a day visiting two of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend! Our Lower Antelope Canyon Tours take you into the heart of one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world. Afterward, we visit the famous Horseshoe Bend, where you can peer off the edge at the mighty Colorado River!
Family-Friendly | Multi-Attraction Tours | Multi-Attraction Tours
Multi-Day Tours | Combination Tour | Leaves from Las Vegas | Motorized-Oar-Paddle-Options | Additional Tours Available | Meals Included | Additional Tours Available | Family Business
Located on Oak Creek | Family-Friendly | Fireplace(s) | Hot Tub | Sedona Hotels & Lodging
Take your loved ones on a trip they will never forget. Backland is a luxury eco-resort near the Grand Canyon. Completely surrounded by ponderosa pine forests, our one-of-a-kind tents, chef-prepared meals, and secluded location completely redefine the concept of glamping. Dine by the fir … More
Take your loved ones on a trip they will never forget. Backland is a luxury eco-resort near the Grand Canyon. Completely surrounded by ponderosa pine forests, our one-of-a-kind tents, chef-prepared meals, and secluded location completely redefine the concept of glamping. Dine by the fire in our glass-walled restaurant, relax with a massage in our tented spa, marvel at the grandeur of the universe through our complimentary telescopes, and take advantage of miles of nearby hiking trails.
Pet-Friendly | Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | Family-Friendly | Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | Outdoor Rental Equipment Available | Games Provided | Hot Drinks Provided | Spa | Eco-Friendly | On-site Restaurant | Breakfast Included
Popular Hikes | Professionally Guided | Popular Hikes | Leaves from Flagstaff | Leaves from Grand Canyon/Tusayan
Family-Friendly | On-site Restaurant | Indoor Pool | Hot Tub | Business Center | Fireplace(s)
Multi-Day Tours | Private Tours Available | Multi-Attraction Tours
Private Tours Available
Private Tours Available | Multi-Attraction Tours | Multi-Day Tours | Combination Tour
Private Tours Available | Combination Tour | Multi-Day Tours | Multi-Attraction Tours
Outdoor Pool | Free Hot Breakfast | Sedona Hotels & Lodging
Multi-Day Tours | Multi-Attraction Tours | Private Tours Available | Combination Tour