Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
At 277 river-miles long, an average of ten miles wide and nearly one mile deep, the Grand Canyon is widely proclaimed as one of the wonders of the natural world. Unique combinations of geologic color and erosional forms decorate this immense canyon that will surely overwhelm your senses.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Stephen MartinPhone Number: 928-638-7888
Entrance Fees: Individual Pass (valid for 7 days): $12; Vehicle Pass (valid for 7 days): $25
Sights: Grand Canyon of the Colorado River; Bright Angel Lodge; Canyon View Plaza; Desert View Watchtower; El Tovar Hotel; Hermit's Rest; Kolb Studio; Mather Point; Yavapai Observation Station
Endangered Species: Humpback Chub; Razorback Sucker; Kanab Ambersnail; California Brown Pelican; Yuma Clapper Rail; Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
Important Dates
Established as Park: February 26, 1919By The Numbers
Acres: 1,217,400.00Highest Point: Lookout Tower Ridge (9180 feet)
Annual Visitation: 4,279,439 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :36.114530 / -113.240010 (map it)
State: AZ
Nearby Big City: Grand Canyon, AZ
Gateway Communities: Grand Canyon, AZ; North Rim, AZ
Nearby Airports: Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS); Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX); Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : Yes
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Bright Angel Trail Hike
Tom Grundy
Canyon Landscape
Sourav and Joyeeta Chowd...
Cedar Ridge
Ryan Morgan
View More Grand Canyon Photos
In Detail
Activities & Programs The South Rim of the park is open all year. Each magical season has its own mood and activities. SPRING, SUMMER AND FALL Spring comes late in the high country, but a trip into the canyon brings dese ... read more.
At Your Fingertips Park Headquarters and Information: (928) 638-7888; www.nps.gov/grca Emergencies—911: If calling from a lodge: 9-911 Emergency Vehicle Repair/Towing: (928) 638-2631, ext. 6502 Backcountry Inform ... read more.
Field Institute In its 14th season, the Grand Canyon Field Institute (GCFI) offers visitors the opportunity to explore one of North America's premier destinations in the company of seasoned guides. A program of the ... read more.
Flora & Fauna Because the Grand Canyon ranges from 1,200 feet at the canyon's western bottom to more than 9,100 feet on the North Rim, it supports a variety of plant and animal life indigenous to both desert and m ... read more.
Fred Harvey Known as the "Civilizer of the West," Fred Harvey helped make the West more comfortable for travelers. An immigrant from England, he started his first restaurant in 1876 in Topeka, Kansas. Eventually ... read more.
Getting to the North Rim By Air: Delta Connection serves St. George, Utah, the near--est public transportation departure points to the North Rim. Airlines also serve Las Vegas, Nevada, where you can take connecting flights ... read more.
Grand Canyon Campgrounds ON THE RIM Mather Campground Located one mile southwest of Canyon View Information Plaza, the most popular of the South Rim campgrounds, Mather requires reservations from March 1 through mid-November ... read more.
Grand Canyon Camping Campers have their choice of two campgrounds and one RV campground on the South Rim. There are numerous primitive backcountry campgrounds, as well as two campgrounds located just outside the park. Pa ... read more.
Grand Canyon Geology Grand Canyon attracts the attention of the world for many reasons, but perhaps its greatest significance lies in the geologic record preserved and exposed here. The rocks at Grand Canyon are not inhe ... read more.
Grand Canyon History The Paiutes call the plateau that the canyon cuts through Kaibab, or "Mountain Lying Down." John Wesley Powell was the first to consistently use and publish the name, "Grand Canyon," in the 1870s. N ... read more.
Grand Canyon Railway ALL ABOARD TO THE GRAND CANYON! More than 100 years ago the first passenger train arrived at the South Rim. Today, Grand Canyon Railway continues this tradition by providing daily service between Wi ... read more.
Grand Canyon Regulations More than 4 million people visit Grand Canyon every year. Help preserve and protect the park for your fellow visitors and for future generations. Honor these key NPS regulations: Camping To protect ... read more.
Hopi House Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, Hopi House has been selling authentic American Indian arts and crafts to visitors since the Fred Harvey Company opened its doors in 1905. Hopi House w ... read more.
In A Nutshell Open year-round, the South Rim has two entrances. The South Entrance is on Highway 64, from Flagstaff or Williams. The East Entrance is on Highway 64, via Cameron and Highway 89. Fees and Passes En ... read more.
Indian People The American Indian communities surrounding Grand Canyon actively maintain their ancient cultures and traditions. They have long been associated with exquisite but functional crafts which reflect the ... read more.
John Hance Captain John Hance, who built a trail and guest ranch east of Grandview Point, was one of Grand Canyon's most colorful characters. One visitor declared: "To see the canyon only, and not to see Captai ... read more.
Just For Kids Here are just a few of the many activities kids can enjoy at Grand Canyon National Park. Become a Junior Ranger By completing a list of activities -described in the Junior Ranger Activity Book, kid ... read more.
Lodging & Dining LODGING After an active day exploring Grand Canyon, visitors can relax at any of Xanterra's 922 rooms, cabins and suites. Choose from among three historic rustic lodging establishments and four mot ... read more.
Mary Elizabeth Architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter was fascinated by Southwestern and American Indian cultures. Her talent and determination to reflect the heritage of the region led to her designs of the Desert V ... read more.
North Rim Activities The North Rim offers spectacular scenery on the cool, moist Kaibab Plateau. Warm-weather activities include hiking, camping, sightseeing, photography, wildlife observation, pack tours, ranger program ... read more.
Recent News
- Town Government Rejected by Tusayan September 5, 2008, 1:15 pm
- Canyon Gateway Tusayan Awaits Vote on Town Status August 25, 2008, 12:16 pm
- Typo Vigilantes Answer to Letter of the Law August 22, 2008, 11:51 am
- Looking for Labor Day Park Lodging? It's Not Too Late August 21, 2008, 11:11 am
- Grand Canyon National Park Remains Unscathed by Nearby Flooding August 20, 2008, 12:44 pm
- Maplewood Boy Scouts Are Evacuated near Grand Canyon August 18, 2008, 5:29 pm
- Off-Roaders Drive the Grand Canyon August 18, 2008, 3:39 pm
Grand Canyon In Depth
News from the Parks
Ken Burns on Vacation/Location at Glacier National Park
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
Town Government Rejected by Tusayan
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
Tauck Hosts its 10,000th Guest-Volunteer in Yellowstone National Park
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
Dupuyer Elementary School Offering Students Unique Learning Experiences
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
Boston Trustees Discuss Township Issues
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
