National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS/M.Quinn
Grand Canyon National Park
Entirely within the state of Arizona, the park encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homelands of 11 present day Tribal Communities, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—a mile deep canyon unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors from both north and south rims.
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
9 mi · 3,040 ft gain · out & back
The most popular trail into Grand Canyon, descending via switchbacks with seasonal water, resthouses, and some shade. Day hikers commonly turn around at the 1.5-Mile Resthouse (3 mi RT), 3-Mile Resthouse (6 mi RT), or Havasupai Gardens (9 mi RT).
Starts at: Bright Angel Trailhead, west of Bright Angel Lodge
3 mi · 1,120 ft gain · out & back
Offers the best canyon views for a relatively short hike, following an exposed ridge with 360-degree panoramas. Cedar Ridge is the recommended turnaround for day hikers. No water or shade on the trail.
Starts at: South Kaibab Trailhead (shuttle bus access only)
13 mi · 200 ft gain · point to point
A mostly paved path stretching along the South Rim from South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest, with spectacular canyon views the entire way. Walk any section and use shuttle buses to return. Partially wheelchair accessible.
Starts at: South Kaibab Trailhead (east) to Hermits Rest (west)
6 mi · 2,040 ft gain · out & back
Descend along an exposed ridge to Skeleton Point for dramatic views of the Colorado River and inner canyon. This is the furthest recommended day hike turnaround point on the South Kaibab — do not continue further as a day hike.
Starts at: South Kaibab Trailhead (shuttle bus access only)
Upcoming Events
Step into the adventurous world of the Kolb Brothers at the “Amazing Kolb Brothers Exhibit” inside historic Kolb Studio — a dramatic house-turned-museum clinging to the edge of the canyon in Grand Canyon Village. Examine antique cameras used by the pioneering photographers, view paintings inspired by Grand Canyon landscapes, and watch the brothers’ groundbreaking 1912 motion picture travelogue documenting their river journey down the Colorado River through Grand Canyon. Saved from demolition in the 1960s, Kolb Studio remains one of the park’s most recognizable landmarks. Today, it serves as a museum, art gallery, bookstore, and gathering place for visitors near the start of the Bright Angel Trail. Operated by the park’s nonprofit partner, Grand Canyon Conservancy, the studio offers books, artwork, gifts, hiking essentials, park information, and the “Amazing Kolb Brothers Exhibit,” celebrating the lives and adventures of two brothers who helped shape Grand Canyon history. This summer, visitors will also have a rare chance to go behind the scenes as Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute guides lead special tours of the historic house and photo studio. Stay tuned for tour details.
Grand Canyon Geology Talk Ranger ProgramEnhance your afternoon with quick insights into the geologic story of Grand Canyon at our "Geology Talk" ranger program. Meet in front of Yavapai Geology Museum. Learn how this immense canyon formed and the science behind the landscape. The program is 30 minutes long and is accessible. Grand Canyon is one-mile deep, up to 18 miles wide, 277 river miles long, and displays more than 20 layers of rock The layers tell stories of oceans, deserts, mountains, and swamps that were once here, brought into existence, then swept away over the vast expanse of time. Grand Canyon is a geologically young landscape being sculpted from very old rocks. Knowing some of the stories encoded in the rock layers enriches your understanding of our planet and enhances your experience at Grand Canyon. The program is free of charge. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The Geology Talk is subject to cancellation, or may be moved indoors due to inclement weather or when lightning danger is present.
9 am Daily: Guided Rim Walk —Meet at Bright Angel Trailhead Learn about Grand Canyon's natural world on a one-hour guided walk on a paved pathway along the canyon rim. Topics vary and may include: animals and plants adapting to changing seasons, man's impact on nature, how nature inspires writers and poets, rare and endangered species, or Indigenous people's use of plants and animals. Program duration: 60 minutes. Presented daily. Perfect for Junior Rangers!The program is free of charge. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This program is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or when lightning danger is present.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: January, November
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
Since Grand Canyon has elevations that range from 2,500 feet at the bottom to 8,400 feet on the North Rim, weather can vary significantly depending on the season and the specific location within the park. Winters tend to be cold and snowy, and summers have periods of excessive heat. High temperatures inside the canyon tend to be 20 to 30 degrees warmer then on the canyon's rims. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so it's wise to check forecasts before visiting.