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 the park's fragile environment, camping is allowed only within designated campsites.

Firearms and Fireworks

Firearms, including air pistols and rifles, bows and arrows, crossbows, slingshots and all fireworks are prohibited for your and other visitors' safety. 

Fires

Because of the extreme fire danger, campfires are not allowed except in the grills at Mather and Desert View campgrounds. Use portable stoves or canned heat instead.

Hang Gliding

It is strictly prohibited for your safety, and violators are subject to fines. 

Hiking

Please stay on established trails. Taking shortcuts destroys fragile desert vegetation and causes rapid erosion.

Pets

Pets are allowed on paved rim surface trails and in rim campgrounds but must remain leashed. Service animals are the only animals allowed on trails below the rim. Kennel facilities are located off Rowe Well Road; follow the signs from Maswik Lodge, south of Hermit Road. Proof of vaccinations and advance reservations are required. For more information, call (928) 638-0534.

Speed limits

Obey all posted park speed limits. The maximum speed limit is 45 mph.

Swimming

The NPS strongly discourages swimming in the Colorado River and its tributaries, as the water is exceptionally cold and the current deceptively strong. Don't risk it. 

Vandalism

Leave natural and historic features, including rocks, plants, fossils and American Indian artifacts for everyone to enjoy. Disturbing or removing any park resources is strictly prohibited. 

Numerous organizations and individuals work to protect Grand Canyon National Park and make sure each visitor's stay is enjoyable.

Wildlife

There have been a few incidents at Grand Canyon National Park where deer were purposely shot because they ingested plastic wrappers that interfered with their ability to digest food. The promise of food lures the deer to eat plastic bags, food wrappers and plastic twine along with potato chips, crackers and cookies, leaving them sick and weak. 

Deer expecting handouts can be aggressive and have kicked, butted, gored and bitten visitors at Grand Canyon. Deer are not the only concern. Bighorn sheep, coyotes and rock squirrels will also beg and bite.

For your own safety and the well-being of the animals, please do not feed wildlife, no matter how tame they may appear.