Grand Canyon National Park - General Park Information

The South Rim is open all year; however, heavy snows close the North Rim roads from about late October until mid-May. For road conditions and weather information phone (928) 638-7888. During the summer travel season visitors may encounter slow traffic; an early start is suggested to avoid difficulties with parking.

During the winter snow accumulates in the pine and juniper forests along the South Rim, but trails into the canyon are usually open. Anyone attempting the trails should be in good physical condition. Trail conditions should be verified at the Backcountry Office or at park headquarters. Since nights are cool even in summer, visitors should bring warm clothing. However, be prepared for high summer temperatures at the bottom of the canyon.

The park presents a variety of scheduled activities and programs. All are outlined in detail in The Guide, a newsprint publication, and in a recorded message; phone (928) 638-7888. Schedules of these activities also are posted at various points throughout the park. Among the programs offered are campfire talks, ranger-led hikes, children's programs, and nature, history and geology walks.

Visitors planning to backpack anywhere in the park or camp below the canyon rim must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023. Permits and back-country camping reservations are accepted by mail or in person. For information about backpacking below the rim phone (928) 638-7875, Mon.-Fri. 1-5, or write the park directly to request a "Backcountry Trip Planner."

Several campgrounds are near the rim and just outside the park's boundaries. Reservations for National Park Service-operated campgrounds on the North and South rims can be made up to 5 months in advance by phoning Spherix at (800) 365-2267; reservation requests by mail should be sent to National Park Reservations Service, P.O. Box 1600, Cumberland, MD 21501.

At the South Rim shuttle service along Hermit Road is available from about mid-March through November; shuttles run year-round in Grand Canyon Village. Passenger vehicles are not permitted on Hermit Road during the summer months.

Shuttle bus transportation is available for a fee for rim-to-rim hikers and others who need transportation between the canyon's North and South rims from mid-May to mid-October. Reservations are required; phone Transcanyon Shuttle at (928) 638-2820 for information and reservations.

Sightseeing buses departing from Yavapai Lodge and Bright Angel Lodge offer the following tours: Hermit's Rest Tour ($16.75, 2 hours); Desert View Tour ($29, 4 hours); Sunrise and Sunset Tour ($12.75, 90 minutes). Children under 17 are free. Phone (928) 638-2631 or (888) 297-2757 for information.

Flightseeing tours are offered from the South Rim and from many airports in cities, including Page, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Williams.

Another way to see the Grand Canyon is by tours conducted in four-wheel-drive vehicles. These back road sightseeing trips are led by guides well-versed in the ecology of the canyon, its history, wildlife and legends. Contact Grand Canyon Jeep Tours & Safaris at (928) 638-5337 or (800) 320-5337.

Pedestrians and bicyclists may view the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Greenway, a paved trail with three segments on the South Rim. A 2-mile segment currently connects Yavapai Observation Station to Pipe Creek Vista on East Rim Drive. The second segment is 2.1 miles from Canyon View Information Plaza to Grand Canyon Village. Another segment runs from Canyon View Information Plaza to the Grand Canyon Railway Depot.

The Greenway is wheelchair-accessible, with an average width of 12 feet and rest areas every 30 feet where the slope approaches 5 percent. When completed, the Greenway will provide up to 45 miles of trails on the South Rim and 28 miles on the North Rim.

ADMISSION to the park area is $25 per private vehicle or $12 per individual on foot or by bicycle (both valid for up to 7 days). Admission includes both rims.

PETS are permitted in the park only if they are leashed, crated or otherwise physically restrained at all times. Pets are excluded entirely from back-country areas and are not allowed below the rim; kennels are available.

ADDRESS inquiries to the Superintendent, Grand Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023; phone (928) 638-7888. Information also is available from the Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 3007, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023; phone (928) 638-2901.