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Grand Canyon National Park, a World Heritage Site, encompasses 1,218,375 acres. The land is semi-arid and consists of raised plateaus and structural basins typical of the southwestern United States. Drainage systems have cut deeply through the rock, forming numerous steep-walled canyons. The park gained national status during Theodore Roosevelt’s term as he claimed it a national monument in 1908. Congress established the Grand Canyon National Park in 1919. Grand Canyon is heavily visited for most of the year and it is imperative to plan ahead for lodging, camping, backcountry permits, or mule trips. Persons planning day visits only should arrive early in the day as parking is limited.

Canyon View Information Plaza is the park’s visitor facility. Here you will find the visitor center (Canyon View Center), a large bookstore, and ample restrooms, all within a short walk of Mather Point. Because this facility was designed as the terminus for a mass transit system that is not yet operating, you cannot drive to it. Park your car and ride the free shuttle or walk the short trail from Mather Point. Several outdoor exhibits provide a variety of information about Grand Canyon National Park and what to do once at the park. The canyon rim is only a short stroll away.

The South Rim is open 365 days a year, 7 days a week. Visitor services and facilities are open and available every day of the year (including holidays). The South Rim Backcountry Information Center is open daily for walk-in visitors from 8AM-noon and 1-5PM Mountain Standard Time.Desert View Information Center is located at the park’s east entrance on the South Rim. It is open daily 9AM to 5PM, except during the winter months when it is open as staffing permits. Orientation, park information, and books are available. Public restrooms are located nearby.

North Rim Visitor Center is open from 8AM to 6PM mid-May to mid October. Interpretive programs are offered seasonally. The North Rim Backcountry Information Center is open mid-May to mid-October for walk-in visitors from 8AM-noon and 1-5PM Mountain Standard Time. It is located adjacent to the parking lot on Bright Angel Peninsula. You can find park and regional information, maps, brochures, exhibits, and a bookstore. Public restrooms are located in the back of the building.

Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center is open as staffing permits and is located at Jacob Lake, 45 miles/75 km north of the North Rim. Information, exhibits, and ranger programs can be found here. KAIBAB National Forest offers a wide variety of interpretive programs seasonally on the North Rim. All ranger programs are free and open to the public. Yavapai Observation Station is open all year from 8 AM to 5PM. It is located 5 miles north of the park’s south entrance and contains temporary exhibits about the fossil record at Grand Canyon. A panorama of the canyon is visible through the building’s large windows, including the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch.

Grand Canyon National Park Library is a service library in the park headquarters building that is available for anyone who wants more in-depth information or is working on a research project. It is open 8:30AM- noon and 1PM- 4PM Monday – Thursday, except holidays. Kolb Studio is located in the Village Historic District, at the Bright Angel trailhead. It is open daily year-round, 8AM to 6PM, additional open hours vary seasonally. Once the home and business of the Kolb brothers, pioneering photographers at Grand Canyon, this building has been restored. The bookstore and auditorium are open to the public. Art exhibits are on display in the auditorium and admission is free. Tusayan Museum is located three miles west of Desert View and 22 miles east of Grand Canyon Village on Desert View Drive. It is open daily year-round (but may be closed due to inclement weather), 9AM to 5PM. A visit to Tusayan Museum will provide a glimpse of Pueblo Indian life at Grand Canyon some 800 years ago. Admission is free. A self-guiding trail leads through the adjacent 800-year-old ruin. Ranger-led ruin tours are offered daily. Educational materials about the park and region are sold in the non-profit bookstore.

The park contains several major ecosystems. Its great biological diversity can be attributed to the presence of five of the seven life zones and three of the four desert types in North America. The five life zones represented are the Lower Sonoran, Upper Sonoran, Transition, Canadian, and Hudsonian. This is equivalent to traveling from Mexico to Canada. The park also serves as an ecological refuge, with relatively undisturbed remnants of dwindling ecosystems (such as boreal forest and desert riparian communities). It is home to numerous rare, endemic (found only at Grand Canyon), and specially protected (threatened/endangered) plant and animal species. Its large size, relatively unfragmented and diverse habitat, and range of elevations and associated climates have made Grand Canyon National Park a valuable wildlife preserve. Over 1,500 plants, 355 bird, 89 mammalian, 47 reptile, 9 amphibian, and 17 fish species are found in the park.

The park spans nearly 8,000 ft. in elevation, from the Mohave Desert scrub regions along the Colorado River in the park’s western end to the Kaibab Plateau’s subalpine conifer forests on the North Rim. As a result, three broad wildlife habitats exist: the Colorado River corridor and inner canyon riparian areas (Riparian), inner canyon desert uplands (Desert Scrub), and the coniferous forests (Coniferous Forest). The three most common amphibians in the Grand Canyon are the canyon tree frog, red-spotted toad, and Woodhouse’s rocky mountain toad. The Utah tiger salamander and the Great Basin spade foot toad are two amphibians that are common in the rim forests.

The lush vegetation and diversity of plant species along the riparian zone create many bird habitats in a relatively small area. Of the 355 bird species recorded in the greater Grand Canyon region, 250 are found in the Colorado River corridor so bring your binoculars for some extensive bird watching. Only 48 bird species regularly nest along the river while others use the river as a migration corridor or as over wintering habitat. The Bald eagle is one species that uses the river corridor as winter habitat. Approximately 30 bird species breed primarily in the desert uplands and cliffs of the inner canyon. There are no endemic birds here. Virtually all bird species present breed in other suitable habitats throughout the Sonoran and Mohave deserts. Park biologists estimate that at least 100 pairs of peregrine falcons nest along the cliffs of the inner canyon. The abundance of bats, swifts, and riparian birds provides ample food for peregrines, and suitable eyrie sites are plentiful along the steep canyons walls. Also, several endangered California condor individuals, re-introduced to the Colorado Plateau on the Arizona Strip, have made the eastern part of the Park their home. Of the approximately 90 bird species that breed in the coniferous forests, 51 are summer residents and at least 15 of these are known to be neotropical migrants.

There are approximately 1,737 known species of vascular plants, 167 species of fungi, 64 species of moss and 195 species of lichen found in Grand Canyon National Park. It boasts a dozen endemic plants (known only within the Park’s boundaries) while only ten percent of the Park’s flora is exotic. Sixty-three plants found here have been given special status by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Park contains 129 vegetation communities, and the composition and distribution of plant species is influenced by climate, geomorphology and geology. Along the Colorado River and its perennial tributaries, a riparian community exists. Coyote willow, arrowweed, seep willow, western honey mesquite, catclaw acacia are common along with rare plants such as the white-flowering redbud tree, haploppapus and flavaria. Above the river corridor a desert scrub community, composed of North American desert flora, thrives with creosote bush, white bursage, brittle brush, catclaw acacia, ocotillo, mariola, western honey mesquite, and four-wing saltbush. Above the desert scrub and up to 6,200 feet are a pinyon pine, Utah and one seed juniper woodland. Ponderosa pine forests grow at elevations between 6,500 feet and 8,200 feet, on both North and South rims. Above 8,200 feet, spruce-fir forests characterized by Engelmann spruce, blue spruce, Douglas fir, white fir, aspen, and mountain ash. Montane meadows and subalpine grassland communities are rare and located only on the North Rim. Grand Canyon cacti most commonly have flowers of red, purple or yellow. The majority grow in the inner canyon, although several species are found on the rim. Some of the common cactus species found in the park are the California barrel, fishhook, beavertail, desert prickly pear, and claretcup hedgehog. The Park is home to hundreds of flowering plants. There are approximately 650 herbaceous (having little or no woody stem) wildflowers in the park. Some of the common species are sacred datura, evening primrose, tidy fleabane, broom snakeweed, yellow ragweed, hymenopapus, groundcherry, common mullein, red columbine, skyrocket, penstemon, Indian paintbrush, Rocky Mountain bee plant, fleabane, Palmer lupine, toadflax penstemon, and Grand Canyon phacelia.

In the recent geologic past, volcanic activity dramatically impacted the Grand Canyon. In the western Grand Canyon hundreds of volcanic eruptions occurred over the past two million years. At least a dozen times, lava cascaded down the walls of the Inner Gorge, forming massive lava dams that blocked the flow of the Colorado River. Three of these lava dams were over 1,000 feet high, forming lakes similar to reservoirs such as Lake Powell or Lake Mead. Some of the lakes were over 100 miles long and filled the lower portion of the Grand Canyon for many years before finally over-topping the dam and eroding much of it away. Cinder cones and the remnants of lava flows and dams are visible in the Toroweap area and from the river near Lava Falls. About 45 earthquakes occurred in or near the Grand Canyon during the 1900’s. Of these, five registered between 5.0 and 6.0 on the Richter scale. Dozens of faults cross the canyon, with at least several active in the last 100 years.

Exposed in the walls of the Grand Canyon, are numerous faults that document the region’s earthquake – or tectonic – history. Since faults in the Grand Canyon are not only exposed on horizontal surfaces, but also in the walls of the canyon, geologists are provided with a rare opportunity to study what faults look like thousands of feet down into the earth’s crust. Faults are seen cutting through practically every geologic layer in the canyon, from the oldest, two-billion-year-old Precambrian rocks through some of the most recent lava flows less than 10,000 years old. The amount of movement measured on the faults varies from 15 feet to 16,000 feet. One of the most famous faults at the Grand Canyon is the Bright Angel Fault. Originating south of the canyon, it is oriented northeast and slices through Grand Canyon Village, down past Indian Gardens and Phantom Ranch, and northward up Bright Angel Canyon – which is a fault-oriented canyon – and terminates near the North Rim. The Bright Angel Trail descends steeply down the broken, shattered rocks along the fault line, which provides one of the few breaks in the massive cliff faces that generally prohibit descent into the canyon.

Monoclines seen in the Grand Canyon are another expression of the region’s faults. Monoclines are folds, or bends, in the otherwise horizontal rock layers that dominate the canyon. Folds form when a fault deep underground becomes active but doesn’t actually break the surface rocks. Instead, the surface layers bend to form a fold that is draped over the displacement along the underlying fault. The most visible example is from Desert View Watchtower, where the East Kaibab monocline traverses the canyon and has folded the rock layers seen on the north side of the canyon.

Hidden within the Grand Canyon are an estimated 1,000 caves. Of those, 335 have been recorded. Very few have been mapped or inventoried. Most have developed in the limestone of the Redwall and Muav formations, although some are known to exist in other formations. Some caves are well known and, over the years, have been frequented often by visitors, such as the Cave of the Domes on Horseshoe Mesa. Cave resources include unique cave formations or “speleothems,” mummified remains of extinct Ice Age fauna, archeological remains (including split-twig figurines), and unique biological systems. Many caves also play a major role in regional hydrology, as evidenced by incredible waterfalls and substantial streams emerging from places like Vaseys Paradise, Cheyava Falls, and Roaring, Thunder, and Tapeats springs.

Paleontological resources in Grand Canyon’s sediments are diverse. The semi-arid climate and cold temperatures deep within canyon caves have combined to create a perfect environment for preservation of ancient materials. Pleistocene and Holocene remains have been unearthed within many of these caves. Some of the paleofauna and paleoflora that have been found include algal mats and bacterial spores over a billion years old, mummified dung and hair about 11,000 years old, and a multitude of additional body and trace fossils from the Paleozoic Era, 550-250 million years ago. Also, sedimentary units exposed throughout the Canyon, are rich with marine fossils such as chrinoids and brachiopods. Under the current park policy, all caves are closed to visitation except for research purposes.

Grand Canyon’s Inner Canyon (below the rim) is a place of extremes. All trails below the rim are steep and precipitous. Fifteen trails and numerous obscure routes provide access to the inner canyon, but the vast majority of the park is inaccessible due to the predominance of cliffs, and inhospitable to all but desert plants and animals. Do not attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day, especially during the months of May to September. If you choose to hike from rim to river to rim, you will have to deal with an elevation differential of more than 10,000 feet from start to finish.

The majority of Grand Canyon hikers are here for the first time, and although many are avid hikers, they find that hiking and backpacking the Grand Canyon is very different from most other backpacking experiences. They tend to react to the experience in one of two ways: either they can’t wait to get back, or they swear they’ll never do it again. You will be hiking in a desert climate, where water and protection from the elements make the difference between life and death. Your trip begins at a high elevation (7000-8000 feet) and requires a bone-jarring descent at the beginning of your trip, when your pack is heaviest. You will face a long climb out when you are already tired. The Colorado River bisects the canyon; hikers can cross the river only at Phantom Ranch.

Despite the fact that canyon hiking is extremely demanding, requests for backcountry permits far exceed the use that the canyon’s fragile desert environment can sustain without serious resource damage. Therefore, overnight camping in the canyon and in undeveloped areas along the rim is carefully monitored and controlled, and demand usually exceeds availability. Each year the park receives approximately 30,000 requests for backcountry permits. The park issues 13,000 permits, and close to 40,000 people camp overnight in the backcountry at Grand Canyon.

Day hiking is a rewarding alternative if you are unable to obtain an overnight permit. Day hiking can be a safer and more enjoyable choice than an overnight trip into a difficult area that is beyond the capabilities of any single member of your group. A good rule to follow is to decide how many hours you wish to hike. When 1/3 of the time has passed, turn around and begin to hike back. Be sure to prepare for your day hike as carefully as you would an overnight trip, and do not attempt excessive mileages. Permits are not required for non-commercial day hikes. Several great choices for day hikes in the North Rim are Bright Angel Point Trail, Transept Trail, Uncle Jim Trail, North Kaibab Trail, Widforss Trail, Ken Patrick Trail, Cape Final Trail, Cliff Springs Trail, Cape Royal Trail, Point Imperial Trail, and Roosevelt Point Trail. The distances vary and hiking time varies from 20 minutes to 7-8 hours, but they provide some pretty spectacular scenery. The South Rim also offers several day hikes: Rim Trail, Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Hermit Trail, and Grandview Trail. These hikes are more strenuous and range in length of 2 to 12 miles. Rim Trail follows the rim from Pipe Creek Vista to Hermits Rest. The section of the Rim Trail between Pipe Creek Vista and Maricopa Point is paved, and mostly wheelchair accessible. Unpaved portions of the trail, between Maricopa Point and Hermits Rest, are narrow and close to the edge. Bicycles are not permitted on the Rim Trail.

The most enjoyable and safest seasons for hiking are spring and fall. It is desirable to schedule at least two nights in the canyon. This allows a rest and recovery day before the hike out and reduces the distance to be covered each day. You should consider elevation gain and loss, not just mileage, when researching possible itineraries. No trail is easy, and since most people live at elevations near sea level, they find that hiking at high elevations greatly contributes to their fatigue. Only the South Kaibab, Bright Angel, and North Kaibab are maintained and patrolled on a regular basis. These three trails meet at the bottom near the only bridges that span the Colorado River. Together they create a popular cross-canyon “corridor.” These wider corridor trails offer expansive views, reliable water sources, great camping, and the opportunity for hiking in and out on different trails. Backcountry rangers highly recommend this area, especially for a first Grand Canyon adventure. Most visitors begin and end their hikes from the South Rim.

The hiking distance from the North Rim to the Colorado River is twice as far as from the South Rim to the river. The minimum time recommended for a round trip from the North Rim is three nights. Some of the trails available are North Kaibab Trail, Cottonwood, Bright Angel, and Indian Garden. South Kaibab Trail begins on the South Rim near Yaki Point, and descends to the Colorado River. Elevation change from rim to river is 4860 ft (1480 m), along a 6.3 mile (10.1 km) trail. Because of the unavailability of water and steepness of this trail, rangers recommend hiking down this trail only – and recommend using the Bright Angel Trail for the hike out on the next day. River Trail has little elevation variation and follows the Colorado River for 1.7 miles (2.7 km) between the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails. Two foot bridges permit access to the north side of the Colorado River. Bright Angel Trail begins on the South Rim just west of Kolb Studio, and descends to the Colorado River. Elevation change from rim to river is 4460 ft (1360 m), along a 7.8 mile (12.6 km) trail. Tonto Trail crosses the Tonto Platform approximately 3900 ft (1200 m) below the South Rim, intersecting both the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails. North Kaibab Trail begins on the North Rim at the head of Roaring Springs Canyon and descends to the Colorado River. Elevation from rim to river is 5850 ft (1780 m), along a 14.2 mi (22.9 km) trail.

The three developed viewpoints on the North Rim offer a sense of looking across the expanse of the canyon, rather than into its depths. Views of the Colorado River are rare and distant. Point Imperial, the highest point on the North Rim at 8,803 feet, overlooks the Painted Desert and the eastern end of Grand Canyon. Here the canyon transforms as the narrow walls of Marble Canyon, visible only as a winding gash, open dramatically to become “grand.” Layers of red and black Precambrian rocks, not visible at Bright Angel Point, add contrast and color. Part of the viewpoint is accessible. Cape Royal provides a panorama up, down, and across the canyon. With seemingly unlimited vistas to the east and west, it is popular for both sunrise and sunset. The sweeping turn of the Colorado River at Unkar Delta is framed through the natural arch of Angels Window. Look for the Desert View Watchtower across the canyon on the South Rim. This popular viewpoint is accessible via a paved, level trail. It takes a bit of effort, and four-wheel drive, to reach Point Sublime, the western-most of the North Rim viewpoints. The rough, two-hour (one-way) trip to this remote point is rewarded by a view that lives up to its name. Inquire about road conditions and possible closures before heading out.

Day use of trails by visitors with equines does not require a permit. However special care should be taken to ensure compliance with other general park rules. The following 6-8 hour day rides are recommended from the South Rim (there is no water past Indian Gardens on either of these rides): Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point and return via the Bright Angel Trail; Bright Angel Trail to Indian Gardens, east on the Tonto Trail to South Kaibab Trail to the rim.

Until Glen Canyon Dam was completed in 1963, the Colorado River’s aquatic system was dominated by native fish. These native species were specifically adapted to highly variable seasonal fluctuations in sediment load, flow, and temperature, and were severely impacted by dramatic changes resulting from the dam. The introduction of non-native fish contributed to competition and direct mortality. Twenty-four species of non-native fishes have been reported in Grand Canyon since 1958 with approximately 12 present today. This number may increase in the future, as fish stocked in Lake Mead continue to move upriver into the park. Fishing in the park requires an Arizona state fishing license. Licenses are available at Canyon Village Marketplace in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. Call (928) 638-2234 or (928) 638-2262. Licenses are also available at Marble Canyon Lodge, located 2.5 hours north from the South Rim, near Lees Ferry. Licenses are not available at the North Rim. Make sure you know the regulations before you fish. Most fishing opportunities require an overnight backcountry use permit.

The area known as both Tuweep and Toroweap is on the northwest rim of the Grand Canyon in the remote Arizona Strip. The Kanab Plateau rises sharply to the east, while the volcanic Pine/Uinkaret Mountains form the western margin of Toroweap Valley. The view from Toroweap Overlook, 3000 vertical feet above the Colorado River, is breathtaking; the sheer drop, dramatic! Equally impressive are the volcanic features, cinder cones and lava flows, which make this viewpoint unique in Grand Canyon National Park. Renowned Lava Falls Rapid is just downriver and can easily be seen and heard from the overlook.

In 1932 the Tuweep area was protected within Grand Canyon National Monument, despite opposition from local residents. Congress added the area to Grand Canyon National Park in 1975. Toroweap, a Paiute term meaning “dry or barren valley,” refers to many local features, including the geologic formation and fault, the valley, and the overlook. Tuweep came into use to describe the local white settlement and later the park district. Tuweep in Paiute refers to “the earth,” but this place name may be derived from a longer Paiute word meaning “long valley.” A visit here can be challenging, but rewarding. Since the National Park Service manages the area for its primitive values, improvements and services are minimal. Maps are available at the Bureau of Land Management office in St. George, Utah, at nearby Pipe Springs National Monument, and at the U.S. Forest Service office in Fredonia, Arizona. All routes are secondary county roads, graded occasionally and generally in good condition. The last three miles across the slickrock are the roughest. Allow 2-3 hours travel time from the highway to the overlook. RVs, trailers, or low-clearance vehicles are not recommended. Tuweep, accessible year-round, is managed for its undeveloped recreational experiences: solitude, natural history exploration, photography, camping, and limited hiking. Trails in the campground area are relatively easy. The Lava Falls Route down to the river is extremely rough, steep, and exposed to the sun. The Tuckup Trail is mostly flat to Tuckup Canyon, but has few water sources.

The geologic history of the Tuweep area is similar to the rest of Grand Canyon, but includes a more recent chapter of volcanism. The Toroweap Fault underlies the valley, crosses the Colorado River, and continues south up Prospect Canyon. Volcanic activity began along this fault around seven million years ago. Over time lava issued from more than 60 vents. Beginning about 1.2 million years ago some flowed into Toroweap Valley, forming the flat-bottomed valley we see today. Vulcans Throne, Mount Trumbull and the Uinkaret Mountains are other features that are the result of volcanic activity. More than a dozen times, lava spilled over the canyon rim, damming the Colorado River. Remnants of these flows and dams are easily visible just west of the overlook. Sediments clinging to the canyon walls high above the river indicate the formation of large lakes. The river eroded the lava dams and continued its downward cutting. It is now 50 feet (15m) deeper than the base of the dams. Despite its name, Lava Falls Rapid was formed from debris washed down Prospect Canyon, not from remains of the lava flows.

It is less than one mile across the canyon to the Hualapai Indian Reservation on the South Rim, making this one of the narrowest and deepest segments of the inner canyon. The colorful redrock of the Hermit Shale and Supai sandstones to the east contrasts with the black, basaltic lava flows to the west, making Toroweap Overlook a memorable, and often-photographed, viewpoint in Grand Canyon. Tuweep sits at an elevation of 4600 feet (1400 m) on a landform known as the Esplanade which forms a flat shelf situated about halfway between the coniferous forests of the North Rim and the hot canyon bottom.

In Toroweap Valley a chaparral community exists with juniper and pinyon pines, sagebrush and saltbush, Mormon tea and other woody shrubs, and various grasses. Nearer the Esplanade succulent cacti, yucca, and agave predominate. In years of abundant winter moisture, wildflowers may proliferate. Some life forms, like the crusty black “cryptobiotic” soil, are rare and sensitive. Please avoid stepping on these fragile living organisms.

The first humans in the Tuweep region were likely ice-age hunters who lived a nomadic hunting-gathering existence in what was a milder climate. The Ancestral Puebloans farmed in this area, arriving about 2000 years ago and migrating eastward around A.D.1300. The most recent American Indian group to live here is the Paiute, who have a reservation to the north. Evidence of past human presence in this region includes dwellings, rock art, and numerous lithic/artifact sites. Many different Native American tribes still call the Grand Canyon area home; the Navajo, Havasupai, Hopi, Zuni and Hualapai. The Hopi still regard the canyon area as their place of origin. There are more than 3,000 archeological sites and many artifacts dating back 10,000 years left behind by the Hopi’s predecessors. In the 1500s Spanish missionaries and many gold prospectors came through the area.

“The glories and the beauties of form, color and sound unite in the Grand Canyon—form unrivaled even by the mountains, colors that vie with the sunsets, and sounds that span the diapason from tempest to tinkling raindrop, from cataract to bubbling fountain.” –Major John Wesley Powell. John Wesley Powell visited Tuweep in 1870 while unsuccessfully searching for missing members of his 1869 river expedition. He mapped and named many of the local features. More recently, European-Americans ranched, mined, and settled in the area. While ranchers used this valley seasonally in the early 1900s, the first year-round homestead was the Lower Kent Ranch, built in 1927, located just north of the park. Other pioneers in the region included the Schmutz, Cunningham, Craig, and Bundy families. Henry Covington herded sheep and mined on the Esplanade off and on for over 20 years. There are still many sites that speak of his determination to live and prosper in this arid region.

Over the years, human activities have impacted the natural resources of Grand Canyon National Park in many ways. Humans have introduced non-native plant and animal species into the park, which out compete native flora and fauna for space, food and water. Air pollution has routinely drifted into the Canyon from metropolitan areas and nearby coal-fired power plants, affecting visibility from scenic vistas. Water in some streams has been tainted with fecal coliform from trespass cattle and from human waste. The construction of Glen Canyon Dam in 1963 irreversibly altered the riparian and aquatic ecosystems within the park. The natural quiet of Grand Canyon has been disturbed by rumbling aircraft noise, and forest landscapes have been altered by decades of wildland fire suppression. Today, many laws have been passed and programs put in place to protect and restore the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon in order “to preserve them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” Park scientists use integrated pest management techniques to eradicate and relocate non-native and pest species.

In 1963 the diversion tunnels around Glen Canyon Dam were closed and water began backing up to form Lake Powell. With that act the Colorado River that had flowed through Grand Canyon for millions of years was radically changed. The new river that runs in the same riverbed bears little resemblance to its predecessor. The old Colorado River carried a heavy load of sand and soil particles, which was why it was named “Colorado,” Spanish for red. Now upstream sediments are trapped in Lake Powell and the river water flowing from the dam is clear. The volume of flow of the old river varied tremendously over a yearly cycle, from late spring floods that frequently topped 100,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to late summer flows of only a few thousand cfs.
Today Colorado River flows typically range from 8,000 to 25,000 cfs with greatly reduced seasonal variation in flows. Water temperature that once ranged from near freezing to 80 degrees F (27 C) now runs year-round within a few degrees of 46 F (8 C), because water for power generation is drawn from well below the surface of Lake Powell. These changes in the characteristics of the river have had a dramatic impact on the ecology of the river corridor through Grand Canyon.
Without the seasonal variations in river flow and temperature, native fish are not stimulated to spawn. The clear water favors non-native fish species, including predators that feed on the native species. Of the original eight species of native fish, three are no longer found in Grand Canyon, and two of those remaining are now endangered. Vegetation along the original river was sparse due to the scouring effect of annual floods. With more constant flows vegetation grows nearer the waterline, although little reproduction of cottonwood trees is occurring, since they depended on floods to stimulate their seeds to sprout. Tamarisk, also called salt cedar, an exotic tree that crowds out native species, has become established.

The physical characteristics of the river corridor were changed, too. Beaches dependent on annual replenishment during spring floods are eroded away. Rocks and boulders washed into the mainstream from side canyons are not redistributed during high water, making some rapids more hazardous. With fluctuating flows, rafters and anglers could be affected by sudden changes in river flows.

Glen Canyon Dam was operated first for water storage and delivery, and secondarily for power generation. When the people of the West needed more electricity, water flow from the dam increased. When demand decreased, water flows dropped. Archaeological sites are being exposed or damaged, as the annual replenishment of beach sand is now limited to tributary inputs, a small fraction of pre-dam levels. The potential loss of 10,000 years of history continues to be of great concern to park managers.

A basic premise in ecology is that an ecological community is one in which all parts contribute to its health. Take one part out, and community structure will be altered. When species are lost the community loses its integrity, and a cascading effect takes place. Eventually the original community is completely lost. We know that community structure has evolved over long periods of time. We also know that communities are not static, and that a certain number of species extinctions or extirpations would occur naturally, as would a certain amount of natural colonization from new species. In general, we expect these processes to be fairly slow, unless there is some community perturbation (such as fire, flooding, sudden changes in climate, or human caused disturbances). Thus, the introduction of exotic species can be quite disruptive to the natural process of community evolution. It also is problematical because introduced species do not arrive with the natural controls that keep their population in check. These principals hold true for introduced plants as well as animals, and the underlying principles of how to deal with exotics is the same whether we are speaking of burros or camelthorn.

The natural controls on flora and fauna include such processes as predation, competition, and parasitism. These forces prevent one species from dominating. For exotics, not only are the checks on population size lacking or limited, but introduced species are also often hardy organisms, with broad tolerances for environmental variability. Freed from the constraints of their usual habitats, exotics are typically able to take over large tracts. Sometimes they are so successful that they create a monoculture. Other cases are more subtle, where an exotic species replaces a native species or two. Some exotics are predators in their own right, and because they prey on organisms that are unfamiliar with the exotic’s predatory techniques, the new predator may have the advantage.

It is no exaggeration to state that the ecology of a place can be irreparably harmed by the introduction of exotics. In Grand Canyon National Park, we find numerous exotics, from approximately 155 non-native plant species (out of the Park’s more than 1500 total plant species) to exotic animals such as burros, trout, and mud snails. We also find unnaturally large populations of native organisms (such as ravens, cowbirds, and in some locations, deer) sometimes due to the presence of non-native species. In the park service, there are guidelines and policies for dealing with exotics. These ultimately relate to the mission of the National Park Service, “… to conserve the scenery and the natural and cultural objects therein….”

Unfortunately, there are constraints upon these lofty goals. As one might expect, these include lack of money and people to do monitoring and inventory of park resources, but also that the park must deal with systems which have been altered beyond repair. In Grand Canyon, the Colorado River community today is very different from the one European settlers found, in part due to the Glen Canyon Dam. In some instances, exotic species are a benefit to one native species while they harm another (e.g. endangered bald eagles feeding on non-native trout, which in turn compete with endangered humpback chubs). Management decisions in such cases are difficult. Sometimes, managers face problematical species which have become so well established that there is no effective way to fight them (cheatgrass, mullein, and tumbleweed.)
Where the park can take effective action it does, using integrated pest management techniques, with the ultimate goal being preservation of the natural ecological processes and native species. The Habitat Restoration Team works to eradicate exotic plants and to plant natives. One success story comes from the way the park dealt with the ferral burros in the 1970s. By removing the burrows, we helped to ensure the success of the bighorn sheep population.

The Grand Canyon itself influences weather. Tremendous changes in elevation cause large gradients in temperature and precipitation. Deep canyons and rough terrain strongly influence solar heating and air circulation. Consequently, many different microclimates are found throughout the canyon. In general, temperature increases 5.5°F with each 1,000 feet loss in elevation. North Rim summer temperatures are cooler than those on the South Rim due to increased elevation and can range from 40s-70s°F (5°-21°C). The North Rim is 8000 feet (2438 m) above sea level. Thunderstorms frequently occur during July, August, and early September. Inner canyon temperatures are extreme. Daytime highs at the river, 5000 feet (1500m) below the rim, often exceed 105°F (40°C). The North Rim can get heavy snowfall during the winter months, averaging 142” per year, with a record snowfall of 272.8” (almost 23 feet) in 1978. The South Rim averages 58” of snow, and Phantom Ranch less than 1”. Spring and fall weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather at those times of year. May and October can be some of the driest months, although snowstorms may occur.

During your hike, watch continually for changing weather conditions. For lightning go to low-lying areas away from cliff edges, lone trees, poles or metal objects. Do not seek shelter in caves or alcoves. Become a smaller target by squatting low on the ground. Place hands on knees or back of neck with head between knees. Do not line down or touch the ground with you hands. Minimize contact with the ground and nearby rocks to minimize ground current effects caused by a nearby strike. Lightning can strike 10 miles across the canyon, so being below the rim does not make you at a low spot. Make sure this area is not subject to flashfloods. The possibility of rainfall and flash flooding should be taken seriously if you plan to hike the canyons of Northern Arizona. Before you begin any hike always check the weather forecast. Be prepared to change your plans if storms threaten. Be especially careful hiking the Grand Canyon, Marble Canyon and Glen Canyon regions. The slot canyons in these areas are beautiful, but can be extremely dangerous when it rains. Hikers have been killed in flash floods generated by thunderstorms as far as 25 miles away. Be cautious and/or avoid areas subject to flooding – stream beads, narrow canyons and washers. Do not cross-flowing water or flooded trails where water is above your knees. When near or in any creek or drainage, always face upstream. Always be alert! Remember that it does not have to be raining where you are to cause a sudden flash flood in your area. If you see or hear a flood coming, move to higher ground immediately! Do not try to outrun a flood. Warn other people downstream when a flash flood occurs. Watch and listen for rock falls and slides, especially during and after downpours. Do not stand at places where rocks have obviously fallen there before.

Grand Canyon Threshold Zone hikes are for experienced hikers. If you have Grand Canyon backpacking experience in the corridor (Bright Angel, Indian Garden, and Cottonwood campgrounds) you may have the experience needed to safely complete a non-corridor hike, or you may want another corridor itinerary. Non-maintained trails, scarce water sources and occasional pit toilets are all factors to consider in the Threshold Zones.

If you wish to camp anywhere in the park, other than in developed campgrounds on the North Rim, South Rim, or Tuweep, you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. A backcountry permit is required for all overnight use of the backcountry including overnight hiking, overnight horseback riding, overnight cross-country ski trips, off-river overnight hikes by river trip members, and overnight camping. A backcountry permit is not required for overnight stays at the dormitories or cabins at Phantom Ranch. The earlier you plan your hike and apply for permits, the more likely you will be to get the dates and itinerary of your choice. The earliest you can apply for a permit is the first of the month, four months prior to the proposed start month. Rangers recommend that you plan your trip well in advance of your arrival at the park, and when possible, indicate flexibility as to the dates and routes you request. Persons arriving without permits may put their names on a waiting list for cancellations. Permit requests for popular hiking seasons – spring, summer, and fall – generally must be made as early as possible. While summer is definitely not the ideal time to hike in the canyon, it remains the busiest hiking season. Backcountry travelers must have their permit in their possession while in the backcountry. Once a camp is established, the permit must be attached to a pack, tent, or other equipment in plain view so it can be easily checked by rangers.

Hiking in the Grand Canyon during the summer months presents unique hazards, the result of extreme heat and some of the steepest and most rugged terrain on Earth. Every year scores of unprepared hikers, lured by initially easy downhill hiking, experience severe illness, injury and death from hiking in the canyon. Consequently, for public and employee safety, the National Park Service urges special caution for all hikers during the summer months. Be aware that efforts to assist you may be delayed during the summer months due to limited staff, the number of rescue calls, employee safety requirements, and limited helicopter flying capability during periods of extreme heat. For your safety, plan your trip to avoid hiking in the hottest part of the day. Do not hike uphill in direct sunshine between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. experienced desert hikers know that the timing of their hike is the most important factor in avoiding hazards. When inner canyon temperatures are extremely high, access to inner canyon trails may be restricted to early morning and evening. Information on trail restrictions and trail closures is available at (928) 638-7888 (press 1-3-1). While many hikers have experience in the mountains, the inner canyon is a desert. The hot, dry environment and the hiker’s exertion combine to complicate the effects of fatigue. During the summer season when inner canyon temperatures routinely exceed 100°F (40°C), dehydration is common and can lead to heat exhaustion. More serious illnesses associated with desert hiking are heat exhaustion, hyponatremia, heatstroke, and hypothermia: the hazardous H’s!

Before you go, plan ahead. Hiking and canyoneering involve unavoidable risks that every person assumes. You are entirely on your own. Over 250 people are rescued from the canyon each year; the majority involves people on their first hike in the canyon. Remember, there are no easy trails into or out of the Grand Canyon. Your descent marks your entry into a world in which preparation, self-reliance, and common sense are crucial. Everyone who hikes in the canyon for the first time reports that it was more difficult than they expected. Be conservative in planning your hikes! Don’t hike alone! Know what your destination will be. Don’t overestimate your capabilities. Hike intelligently. If you can talk while you hike, you are walking at the right speed. When you huff and puff, your legs, your digestive system, your whole body does not get enough oxygen to function efficiently. Your energy reserves get used up very quickly. It may seem like you are walking too slow, but at an aerobic pace (sometimes baby sized steps when the trail is steep) your energy reserves will last many times longer, and you will get there feeling well. You are responsible for your own safety as well as that of everyone in your party. Your safety depends upon your good judgment, based on experience and a realistic assessment of your hiking ability as well as weather and route conditions. Plan on taking twice as long to hike up as it took to hike down. As a courtesy, give uphill hikers the right of way. Also, due to extreme cold water and swift currents, do not attempt to swim in the Colorado River.

The South Rim of Grand Canyon averages 7000 feet/2134 m above sea level. Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties. All walking at this elevation can be strenuous. If you have asthma, heart problems, diabetes, knee, back or any other health or medical problem, please limit your exertion and especially your exposure to the heat. The altitude, the strenuous climbing, dehydration, and the intense inner canyon heat, all combine to make any medical problem worse. Please stay within your training, physical limitations, abilities, and do not attempt to go to the river and back in one day! Take a five to seven minute break every half hour to one hour. A break of five to seven minutes can remove approximately 20% to 30% of the waste products that have built up in your legs while hiking. Sit down and prop your legs up above the level of your heart and let gravity help drain these metabolic waste products out of your legs. Take this kind of serious break at least every hour. Eat some food, drink some fluids, and take this break time to really enjoy and appreciate the view. These efficient breaks can really recharge your batteries. In the long run, these breaks will not slow you down. Eat and drink more than you normally do. Eat before, during, and after you hike. Eat before you are hungry. Drink water before you are thirsty. No matter what the temperature, you need water and energy to keep going. Your best defense against illness and exhaustion is to eat a healthy breakfast, a snack every time you take a drink, and a rewarding full dinner at the end of the day. This is not a time to diet. Eating adequate amounts of food will also help guarantee that you are replacing the electrolytes (salts) that you are sweating out.

You sweat around 1/2 to 1 quart of water AND electrolytes for every hour you walk in the heat. This fluid/electrolyte loss can even exceed 2 quarts per hour if you hike uphill in the direct sunlight and during the hottest time of the day. Because inner canyon air is so dry and hot, sweat evaporates instantly, making its loss almost imperceptible. Your body can only absorb about 1 quart of fluid per hour, so drink ½ to 1 quart of some type of water or electrolyte replacement drink each and every hour that you are hiking in the heat. Carry your water bottle in your hand and drink small amounts often. If you replace the water, but not the electrolytes that you have sweated out of your body, you can develop a serious and dangerous medical condition known as hyponatremia (water intoxication) which, if left untreated, can lead to seizures and possibly death. Balance your food and water intake. You need to eat about twice as much as you normally would to meet your energy and electrolyte needs while hiking in the Grand Canyon. Also, soaking yourself whenever you are near water will help to keep you cool as you hike in the heat of summer.

Occasionally, true emergencies occur in the backcountry. Never abandon someone who is in trouble! Call for help, use your signal mirror, or send a message with another hiker. Almost all emergencies can be avoided with proper forethought and, when closely examined, are not truly critical and can be resolved by those involved. If someone asks you for help, try to obtain the following information: nature of problem, number of people involved, physical description of people involved, and the location. Rangers are prepared to respond to problems of all kinds and will, if available, provide a necessary and appropriate level of assistance. Evaluate your situation rationally and thoroughly before requesting help. Helicopter evacuations are an ambulance service only. Evacuations are very expensive – costing at user’s expense $2000 or more per flight. Flying a helicopter in the canyon is risky, given the uneven terrain for landings and the odd wind currents. It is taken so seriously that full leather boots, flame resistant gloves, flame resistant flight suits, and crash helmets must be worn by every passenger.

The less you carry, the more enjoyable your hike/backpacking trip will be. Travel as light as possible. The heaviest items in your pack should be your food and water. Hiking sticks can take some of the stress off your legs. Wear well-fitting and broken-in lightweight hiking boots. Bring a small lightweight flashlight and a change of batteries and bulb. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A good additional backpacking checklist is: a map, compass, signal mirror, moleskin, water purification tablets (as a backup), collapsible water container, 1-2 quart water bottle, cooking utensils, food, camp stove, fuel, matches, tent, repair kit, backpack, sleeping bag and mat, adequate layered clothing for the season, first aid kit, and extra medication. Stay on the trail and never shortcut switchbacks. Human fecal waste should be buried under 6″-8″ of mineral soil and the toilet paper carried out of the canyon in plastic bags. All trash (including biodegradable) needs to be carried out of the canyon. Use the Leave-No-Trace principles. Fires are prohibited below the rim. Never camp in a dry wash. If you must camp near a wash, camp as high as possible and check for indication of past high water, such as stains on rock walls and debris lines.

Water from the Colorado River, side streams, seeps and springs, or other sources has the potential to cause illness if it is not properly and carefully filtered and treated. NOTE: If you use a water filter, you must also use bleach or iodine, since filtering by itself will not kill all disease-causing microorganisms. Or boil water for one minute, plus one additional minute for every 1,000 feet above sea level. All filtered and disinfected or boiled water must be stored in clean and sanitized containers. Streams where radionuclides have been found include the Little Colorado River, the Paria River, Havasu, Kanab and Lava Chuar creeks, and Pumpkin Springs. The Paria River, Lava Chuar Creek and Pumpkin Springs have also tested higher in concentrations of arsenic, chromium, lead, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, and beryllium than other waters. Drinking and bathing in these waters is not advisable.

During the winter season (approximately late October through mid-May); a Backcountry Permit is required for overnight use of the North Rim from the park’s northern boundary to Bright Angel Point on the canyon rim. Winter access is by hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing only. Permittees are allowed to camp at-large between the park’s north boundary and the North Kaibab trailhead but not at the trailhead itself. Between the North Kaibab trailhead and the Bright Angel Point area, camping is permitted only at the North Rim Campground group campsite. Human waste may not be buried in the snow in areas that will be in view of summer users.

Cultural resources in the canyon are fragile and irreplaceable. The remains of prehistoric and historic cultures belong to us all. When artifacts are stolen or moved, archaeological sites are destroyed and we lose important clues about the past, forever! Sites and artifacts are protected by strict laws that provide for rewards for information concerning looting and vandalism. The past belongs to the future, but only the present can preserve it. Defacing or collecting of any kind is illegal in Grand Canyon. It is your responsibility to aid the National Park Service in preserving the Grand Canyon as you found it for the enjoyment of others.

Equines (i.e. horses, mules, donkeys, and burros) are allowed on a few specific Grand Canyon trails, as long as certain restrictions and requirements are met. Llamas and other private stock are not allowed. Animals must be kept on the trails and off the fragile areas along trail borders. Riders accept responsibility for their personal safety and for the removal of their dead or injured animals from the park. Notify park rangers immediately of any animal injury or fatality. Trails open to equines are Bright Angel Trail, River Trail (between South Kaibab and Bright Angel along the Colorado River), South Kaibab Trail, North Kaibab Trail, Tonto Trail between the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails (register with Ranger at Indian Gardens when using this trail) and Plateau Point Trail from Indian Gardens. A group will not be permitted to bring more than 12 equines, and each mounted rider will be permitted to lead no more than 5 animals. Pack stock must be led, tied together in single file. Loose herding and grazing are not allowed. Please pack certified weed-free hay and feed to help stop the introduction of non-native plant species to the park. It is important that all animals be watered whenever possible. Check with the park for further details.

No one should attempt a driving trip in the desert without ample preparation and knowledge of the hazards associated with remote desert travel. Travelers should carry extra water, food, and gasoline; good tires including at least one useable spare; plus parts and tools to handle vehicle and tire repairs.

Current Weather

Wildlife includes coyotes, mule deer, jackrabbits, rodents, and numerous species of birds and reptiles. Raccoon, weasel, bobcat, gray fox, and mountain lion are also present, but are much rarer. Mule deer and desert bighorn sheep are the ungulates that frequent the river corridor. Since the removal of 500 ferral burros in the early 1980′s, bighorn sheep numbers have rebounded. Mule deer are generally not permanent residents along the river, but travel down from the rim when food and water resources there become scarce. The conifer forests provide habitat for 52 mammal species. Porcupines, shrews, red squirrels, tassel eared Kaibab and Abert squirrels, black bear, mule deer, and elk are found at the park’s higher elevations on the Kaibab Plateau.

There are approximately 47 reptile species in the park. Ten are considered common along the river corridor and include lizards and snakes. Many snake species, which are not directly dependent on surface water, may be found both within the inner gorge and the Colorado River corridor. Since many snakes feed on lizards, higher prey densities along the river probably result in higher snake densities as well. Six rattlesnake species have been recorded in the park. Two are species rarely encountered, the South-western speckled rattlesnake and the Northern black-tailed rattlesnake. The other four rattlesnakes are subspecies of the Western Diamondback rattlesnake complex: the Grand Canyon pink rattlesnake, Great Basin rattlesnake, Mojave “green” rattlesnake, and Hopi rattlesnake. Of these, the Grand Canyon pink rattlesnake is the most common.

As the demand for reptiles in the pet trade increases and collectors seek new sources of supply, many national parks are having problems with illegal reptile collection, especially rattlesnakes. Approaching and feeding wildlife in the park is illegal and poaching is a punishable crime.

An often-overlooked and little-understood biotic community exists seasonally in the slickrock water pockets on the Esplanade. Fairy and horseshoe shrimp, tiny frogs, and microscopic organisms emerge from the muddy bottom when moisture fills these pools for sufficient periods of time. The desert is truly a beautiful and amazing place to those who take the time to explore and study it.

Enjoy wildlife from a safe distance. If the animal obviously knows you are there, you are too close. Seemingly tame squirrels, ravens, coyotes, deer, and elk, accustomed to human handouts, can turn aggressive without warning. You could be harmed! If wildlife approaches you, back slowly away and give them space. See the Wildlife Precautions page for further animal safety tips. It is unlawful to approach, feed, or harass wildlife in any way. Violators may be subject to fines or imprisonment.

Individuals are charged $12 for 7 days. This admits one individual when entering by foot, bicycle, or motorcycle. Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.

Vehicle charges are $25 for 7 days. This admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. Organized non-profit groups, (service organizations, scouts, church groups, college/school clubs) are not eligible for the $20.00 vehicle permit, regardless of the type of vehicle utilized.

A Backcountry Fee: There is a non-refundable fee of $10 per permit plus $5 per person per night camped below the rim and $5 per group per night camped above the rim. Permit cancellations will incur a $10 cancellation fee. All fees paid to the Backcountry Office continue to be non-refundable. Frequent users may wish to purchase a one-year Frequent Hiker membership for $25 that waives the initial $10 fee for each permit obtained by the trip leader for twelve months from the date of purchase. Permit holders will be responsible for paying park entrance fees upon arrival. South Bass Trail and Pasture Wash Trail visitors may be charged an additional fee by the tribe for crossing the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

An annual Grand Canyon Pass is $50. It is valid for twelve months from the date of purchase, for unlimited visits to Grand Canyon National Park. It admits the purchaser and any accompanying persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the purchaser and accompanying immediate family (spouse, children, parents) when entry is by other means (train, shuttle, bicycle, foot, and boat). This passport covers entrance fees only and is not refundable and/or transferable.

A new Interagency Pass Program was created by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and in December 2004.The new passes went on sale January 1, 2007. Participating agencies include the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture – Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. The pass series, collectively known as the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, is shown below with a brief explanation of each. The cost of this annual pass is $80.

Backcountry Camping is allowed all year. To camp in the park in a location other than a developed campground on the rim you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center, this includes Bright Angel Campground at Phantom Ranch. All campsites in the Inner Canyon require a backcountry permit. Applying well in advance is recommended although a small number of permits are sometimes available for the same day. Camping in the Corridor, Hermit, Monument, Horseshoe Mesa, and Tapeats Use Areas is limited to designated campsites or campgrounds only. Camping in these designated campsites or campgrounds is limited to two nights (consecutive or non-consecutive) per campsite or campground per hike. One exception is made to this rule: from November 15-February 28, up to four nights will be allowed in popular corridor campgrounds. Outside the use areas named above, “at-large” camping is permitted, meaning that camps are not limited to designated sites. Trips are limited to a maximum of 7 nights per use area; however, overall trip lengths are not limited. More permits are available for small groups (1-6 people) than for large groups (7-11 people). Because there are only a few large group sites, limiting the size of your group will increase your chances of obtaining a permit. Larger groups tend to cause a disproportionately higher amount of damage to the canyon, largely due to the effects of “social” trailing. For this reason, the park’s Backcountry Management Plan does not allow groups larger than eleven people to camp in the same campground or use area. Seasonal water on the Bright Angel and North Kaibab trails is not expected to remain available after October 15. These water sources include 1 ½ mile rest house and 3 mile rest house on the Bright Angel Trail; and Supai Tunnel, Roaring Springs and Cottonwood Campground on the North Kaibab Trail. Water is typically available year-round at Indian Garden and Bright Angel Campgrounds.

Tuweep is open all year. Eleven primitive, first-come, first-served sites are available near the rim, including one group site. The group site may be reserved by calling (928) 638-7870. Sites may fill during spring months, especially on weekends. Picnic tables, fire grates, and composting toilets are provided, but no electricity or water is available. Bring your own firewood. There is no garbage collection, or other services provided. Pets must be on a leash at all times.

Desert View Campground is located 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village (South Rim) and is open mid-May (weather permitting) though mid-October. Desert View Campground is available on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations). Fees are $10 per site per night. Hook-ups are not available. Pets must be on a leash at all times.

Mather Campground, South Rim is open year-round. Operated by the National Park Service and located in Grand Canyon Village, this campground offers tent and RV camping (no hook-ups, 30 foot trailer or RV maximum). Reservations are strongly recommended from April through November. For online reservations, visit http://reservations.nps.gov/ or call (800) 365-2267; outside the U.S. call (301) 722-1257. Fees are $18 per site per night. A maximum of two vehicles, six people, and three tents are allowed per site. (A vehicle which is towing a trailer, pop-up, tent trailer, fifth wheel, or a motor home pulling a vehicle is considered 2 vehicles.) Group sites are also available, $50/night, maximum of 50 people and three vehicles per group site. Sites may be reserved up to five months in advance. From November until March 1st reservations are not available and campsites are $12 per site per night on a first-come first-served basis. Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times and may not be left unattended. Wood and charcoal fires are permitted in provided campsite grills only. No gathering of downed wood is allowed and wood may be purchased at the general store. Laundry and showers are located near the campground for a fee. Golden Age or Golden Access passport holders pay only ½ price year round (passport number is needed when making reservation and passport holder must be camping at the site). Accessible campsites and restrooms are available.

North Rim Campground is open from mid-May to mid-October. It is located inside the park in the North Rim developed area. From Highway 67 south, enter the park at the north entrance and follow the entrance road for about 11.5 miles. The entrance for the campground is the second right after the North Kaibab Trailhead parking area. Operated by the National Park Service, campsites are $18-$25, with no hook-ups or dump station available. Laundry and showers are located near the campground for a fee. A maximum of two vehicles, six people, three tents are allowed per site. (A vehicle which is towing a trailer, pop-up, tent trailer, fifth wheel, or a motor home pulling a vehicle is considered 2 vehicles.) Reservations are required. For online reservations, visit http://www.recreation.gov/ or call Spherix at 877-444-6777; outside the U.S. call (301) 722-1257. Reservations may be made up to, but not more than, five months in advance. Check at campground for last-minute availability. Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times and may not be left unattended. Wood and charcoal fires permitted in provided campsite grills only. No gathering of down wood, wood may be purchased at the general store. Laundry and showers are located near the campground for a fee. Golden Age or Golden Access passport holders pay only ½ price year round (passport number is needed when making reservation and passport holder must be camping at the site). Accessible campsites and restrooms are available. After mid-October, weather permitting, a limited number of campsites at the North Rim Campground with limited services, (portable toilets), will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until snow closes Highway 67.

The Forest Service operates 2 campgrounds: 16 and 45 miles north of the North Rim. Dispersed camping is permitted in the national forest outside the park. There are also several commercial campgrounds.

The Havasupai Indian Reservation and Hualapai Indian Reservation are both just outside of the national park. Bryce Canyon National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Navajo National Monument, Petrified Forest National Park, Pipe Spring National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Zion National Park, and Kaibab National Forest are all nearby.

Commercial air carriers serve Las Vegas, Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Grand Canyon Airport (in Tusayan, just south of the park). There is limited air service into St George Airport (north of the park in Utah) from Salt Lake City.

Amtrak provides rail service to Flagstaff with connecting bus service to the canyon. Grand Canyon Railway offers train service from Williams.

Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim) is located 30 miles south of Jacob Lake on Highway 67; the canyon rim is an additional 14 miles south. Jacob Lake is located in northern Arizona on Highway 89A, not far from the Utah border. Grand Canyon lies entirely within the state of Arizona. Grand Canyon Village (South Rim) is located 60 miles north of Interstate 40 at Williams via highway 64, and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff via highway 180. Only ten miles from rim to rim as the crow flies, the North Rim is 215 miles (about 4 1/2 hours) from the South Rim by car.

There is no public transportation to the North Rim other than the Trans Canyon Shuttle from the South Rim. Once the Arizona Department of Transportation closes Highway 67 south of Jacob Lake to vehicle traffic for the winter season (usually from the first heavy snow in November or early December to mid-May), the North Rim of the park also closes to vehicle traffic. During the winter period when the North Rim entrance station gate is closed, the only public access into the national park is on foot, skies, or snowshoes. Snowmobiles are not allowed inside Grand Canyon National Park.

A shuttle service is provided seasonally between the North and South Rims for a fee by Trans Canyon Shuttle (a park permittee). One trip is made each way daily. Call (928) 638-2820. Reservations are required. It departs North Rim at 7:00 a.m. and arrives at South Rim at noon; then it departs South Rim at 1:30 p.m. and arrives at North Rim at 6:30 p.m. Scheduled service is available until Oct. 15. Charter service is available until Oct. 31.

A shuttle to the North Kaibab trailhead for hikers is available at 5:20 a.m. and 7:20 a.m. daily. Purchase tickets at Grand Canyon Lodge front desk. Pick-up point is in front of the lodge.

Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Grand Canyon National Park:

By Car:

Flagstaff, AZ – 88.09 miles

Phoenix, AZ – 228.75 miles

Bullhead City, AZ – 206.32 miles

Las Vegas, NV – 276.96 miles

Colorado City, UT – 249.78 miles

St. George, UT – 294.84 miles

By Plane:

Grand Canyon National Park Airport – 7.44 miles

Grand Canyon National Park, Backcountry Information Center, P.O. Box 129
Grand Canyon AZ, 86023
Visitor Information 928-638-7888
By Fax 928-638-7797
Backcountry Information Center- 928-638-7875
By Fax- 928-638-2125

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