Located in Arizona, the Grand Canyon is an enormous natural park made up of several layers of red rock and a gigantic gorge 1,600 meters deep and 450 km long, created by the Colorado River in more than 5 million years.
Until the Roosevelt presidency, the area was owned by the American Indians, who today only hold power over a small area.
It is considered one of the wonders of the world and every year it attracts millions of visitors who come here to admire this spectacle from one of the many observation points or from above during a panoramic helicopter flight.
Where is it
The Grand Canyon is located in the northern part of Arizona, the American state bordering Mexico to the south east, Baja California to the south west with Utah to the east, New Mexico to the east and Nevada to the north west.
The park extends for over 4,927 sq km, and 446 km long, 1,857 meters deep and with a width ranging from 500 m to 29 km and according to geologists there are layers of soil belonging to the Proterozoic and Paleozoic periods.
How to get
- Nearest Airports: Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (200km from West Rim / Grand Canyon Skywalk, 452km from South Rim); Phoenix Airport (375km from South Rim / Grand Canyon Visitor Center); Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (156km from South Rim / Grand Canyon Visitor Center); Grand Canyon National Park Airport (30km from South Rim / Grand Canyon Visitor Center).
- How to get there from Las Vegas : By plane from Boulder City airport to Grand Canyon National Park airport in 1 hour with “Grand Canyon Airlines” (prices from $ 180.00 / € 163.00).
Alternatively, the “Bundu Bus” buses connect Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon South in 6 hours (from $ 95.00 / € 85.00), while for the West Rim entrance it takes about 2 hours with organized buses – book yours online bus tour from Las Vegas.
Finally, by car it takes about 4 hours for the South entrance and 2 hours for the West entrance; the cost of a rental is approximately $ 50.00 per day (€ 45.00). - How to get there from Phoenix : “Groome” buses from the airport connect Phoenix to the South entrance in approximately 6 hours with a change in Flagstaff (approximately € 60.00). By car it takes about 4 hours and the cost of the daily rental is about $ 50.00 / € 45.00; alternatively organized day tours – book your tour online
- How to get there from Flagstaff : By car from the airport it takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to get to the South entrance of the Grand Canyon. Alternatively the Groome bus takes 2.5 hours from Flagstaff Amtrak to the South entrance (approximately $ 45.00 / € 40.00). Or with organized excursions – book your tour online
- How to get there from Williams : Train from Williams Depot at 9:30 am and arrive at Grand Canyon Depot station at 11:45 am. The train departs the Grand Canyon at 3:30 PM and arrives in Williams at 5:45 PM. A second departure can be offered in peak seasons, visit the official website. Prices around $ 77.00 / € 69.00. By car it takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.
When to go
Info on climate and best period
Month Average temperatures (min / max) Precipitation (days / mm) January -2 / 7 ° 5 days / 17 mm
February 0/8 ° 5 days / 17 mm
March 4/13 ° 6 days / 22 mm
April 6/17 ° 3 days / 6 mm
May 9/21 ° 2 days / 3 mm
June 15/29 ° 1 day / 3 mm
July 19/30 ° 5 days / 21 mm
August 19/30 ° 6 days / 24 mm
September 17th / 26th 4th day / 22 mm
October 10th / 19th 3rd day / 17 mm
November 4th / 13th 3rd day / 17 mm
December -1 / 7th 4th day / 25 mm
- Climate : semi-desert with significant temperature variations between day and night. Noteworthy are the differences between the North Rim (which is located 300m higher and is closed in winter) and the South Rim. Average temperatures between November and March go below freezing in the South Rim, while in the North Rim from October to April and snow showers are frequent. Inside the Canyon, the summer temperatures, on the other hand, are very high and exceed 40 °.
- Best period : spring and autumn as the daily temperatures are pleasant and the rains rare. Summer is also a good time, although during the day inside the Canyon it reaches 40 °. The best month ever is September.
- Period to avoid : winter due to the harsh climatic conditions and abundant rain and snow. In addition, the North entrance is closed from October to April. The worst month is January.
- Clothing / Equipment : in the spring a heavy fleece for the morning and evening and comfortable and cool clothing for the day. In summer, bring light clothing, while in winter heavy mountain gear. Always remember a sun hat, sunscreen and water supplies.
Entry Times and Fees
The park has three entrances : Grand Canyon North Rim, Grand Canyon South Rim, and Grand Canyon West.
Each year, the National Park Service offers free admission on select days. It is advisable to book online during the high season.
- Grand Canyon North Rim Hours and Fees : Open May 15 to October 15 8:00 – 18:00; admission is $ 35.00 / € 32.00 for the car, $ 30.00 / € 27.00 for motorcycles and $ 20.00 / € 18.00 for people entering by shuttle, on foot , with the train and bicycles.
The ticket is valid for seven days and allows you to visit both the northern and southern rim of the canyon. It can be purchased directly at the entrance stations or in some external commercial activities. - Grand Canyon South Rim Hours and Fees : Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Admission costs $ 35.00 / € 31.00 with car, $ 30.00 / € 27.00 with motorcycles and $ 20.00 / € 18.00 for those entering by shuttle bus, across the river with private rafting vehicles, on foot or by bicycle.
The ticket is valid for seven days and allows you to visit both the northern and southern rim of the canyon and can be purchased directly at the entrance stations or in some external commercial activities. - Grand Canyon West Times and Fees : 365 days a year 7:00 – 19:00. The basic admission costs $ 50.00 / € 45.00 and includes the possibility of using the shuttle bus to visit the viewpoints but does not give the possibility to access the Skywalk.
The Legacy Gold includes access to the Skywalk, a lunch of your choice in one of the two viewpoints as well as the use of the shuttle connecting the various stops and costs $ 80.00 / € 72.30.
What to see in the Grand Canyon: the park areas and the main attractions
The park includes 3 entrances, which divide it into three parts:
the North Rim which is located in the most remote part of the Canyon near the border with Utah and can be reached via the Route 67;
the South Rim within the borders of Arizona which occupies the largest part of the park and is reached by crossing Route 64;
and the West Rim , unlike the other two, is managed by the Hualapai Indians and is independent of the North and South Rim which are under the protection of the National Park Service.
While the North Rim and the South Rim can also be visited independentlyaboard your car, motorbike, on foot and using the free park shuttle, for the West Rim it is mandatory to leave the vehicle in the parking lot and use the shuttle service that runs every 15 minutes.
The North and the South are 4 hours away by car and those who want can use the park shuttles that depart from the North Rim towards the South Rim every day from May to October. It is possible to visit even just one of these areas, especially if you have little time available.
1 – Grand Canyon South Rim
Hopi House at Grand Canyon Village, South Rim
Mather Point, one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the South Grand Canyon
Yavapai Point, one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the South Grand Canyon
Yaki Point, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the South Grand Canyon
Desert View Watchtower, South Rim
Hermit Road, Trailview Overlook, South Rim
Ooh Aah Point, South Kaibab Trail, South Rim
Sunset at Hopi Point, South Rim
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Located at 96 km from Williams and can be reached in just under 2 hours by car, bus or scenic train. Alternatively, the nearest airport is Phoenix.
It is the most visited and famous part and is recommended for those who have never seen the Grand Canyon;
Given the large turnout, especially in the summer months, it is advisable to purchase packages and services at least 8 months in advanceand those who wish can stay inside the park, in one of the 7 hotels or in the camping areas.
Furthermore, this part of the park is equipped with many comforts : tourist office, ATM, post office, clinic, restaurants and bars, bookstores and gift shops.
In addition to the various locations and viewpoints, it is also possible to take numerous guided excursions such as the Rim Trail along the canyon, horseback riding, bike itineraries and panoramic helicopter flights.
- Grand Canyon Village is the transition zone to go from one side of the Canyon to the other or to reach the services available in the park.
- Mather Point, Yavapai Point and Yaki Point reachable only by Park shuttles in high season are the most beautiful viewpoints in the South Grand Canyon.
- Desert View Watchtower apparently looks like an ancient building but inside, in addition to visiting the paintings that recall the culture of the American Indians, climb the 85 steps to observe the spectacular Grand Canyon from above (tower times 8: 00- 17:30).
- Hermit Road can only be traveled by car from December to February, in the other months it is necessary to use the free shuttle. Along these 11 km you stop at 9 beautiful panoramic pitches: Trailview Overlook, Maricopa Point, Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mohave Point, The Abyss, Monument Creek Vista, Pima Point, Hermits Rest.
- South Kaibab Trail is a variable route of 3-10 km with an altitude difference between 230 and 620 meters that starts from Yaki Point and allows you to walk between chasms and wonderful viewpoints. It is recommended to do this early in the morning to avoid the scorching heat. There are three stops: Ooh Aah Point, Cedar Ridge and Skeleton Point.
- Mather Point or Yaki Point , are the most beautiful places to enjoy the day that is born.
- Hopi Point , certainly crowded but remains one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset.
2 – Grand Canyon North Rim
Bright Angel Point the most famous viewpoint of the North Rim
North Kaibab Trail, a challenging hike that reaches the Colorado River
Point Imperial, North Rim, the highest observation point of all the Grand Canyon
Roosvelt Point, on the Cape Royal Road, North Rim
Walhalla Overlook, observation point on Cape Royal Road, North Rim
View of the Wotans Throne on Cape Royal Road, North Rim
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It is the most remote part of the park , little known and much less crowded than South Rim.
It is the wildest part , the services are reduced to the essentials and it is ideal for those who want to go horseback riding, cycling and guided night excursions.
This part is open from May to October and accessible via Route 67 and cannot be visited on the same day as the South Rim; however, the ticket is the same and is valid for 7 days from the date of purchase.
The nearest town is Page connected to the North Rim via the US89A Scenic drive (duration approximately 3 hours).
This area can be visited by car, on foot, by bicycle or with the free shuttles .
- Bright Angel Point is the most famous viewpoint that can be reached on foot from the Visitor Center in 20 minutes via an asphalted path that winds along the crest of a ridge.
- North Kaibab Trail is the most demanding excursion and recommended only for experienced people that from the top of the ridge reaches the Colorado River. The trail is about 22 km one way and at least 2 days are recommended. However, if you do not have time, you can reach the nearest panoramic points such as Coconino Overlook at 1.1 km, Supai Tunnel at 3.2 km.
- Point Imperial can be reached by turning off Cape Royal Road after 8km towards Point Imperial Road.
The view overlooks the northeastern portion of the canyon and is the highest vantage point in the entire Grand Canyon. - Roosvelt Point Overlook , on Cape Royal Road, is an observation point that offers impressive views of the typical North Rim landscape.
- Walhalla Overlook is a noteworthy lookout point on Cape Royal Road that overlooks the canyon panorama and from where you can see a Colorado delta called Unkar.
From here it is possible to reach Walhalla Glades Pueblo, an archaeological site that preserves some ruins of an Indian village dating back to 900 years ago. - Cape Royal is a 1.3km round trip trail from where you can see the Angel Window and the impressive summit of Wotans Throne which stands out in a vast open canyon panorama.
3 – Grand Canyon West Rim
The Skywalk, main attraction of the West Rim, at Eagle Point
Guano Point the point from which to enjoy the best views of the West Rim
The Highpoint Hike at Guano Point, West Rim
Eagle Point, West Rim, view of the Colorado River
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It is the most convenient entrance for those coming from Las Vegas because closer to it, it attracts many visitors to the Skywalk, the horseshoe-shaped panoramic walkway .
This whole area is managed by the Hualaai Indians , therefore the entrance ticket to the North and South Rim is not valid and it is not possible to use the parks card either.
Furthermore, this area is only accessible using the shuttlesavailable every 15 minutes. To facilitate the visit there are various tours that depart from Las Vegas: sunset tours; bus and helicopter tour
- The Skywalk is the main attraction of the park located at Eagle Point featuring a transparent platform that juts out along the edge of the canyon.
- Guano Point is the point from which to enjoy the best views of the West Rim; with a short walk along the Highpoint Hike you have a 360 ° view over the entire Colorado River area.
- Tour by helicopter or on board of panoramic aircraft flying over the Grand Canyon; at the end of the flight it is possible to visit Guano and Eagle Point by land.
How to visit Grand Canyon: where to sleep, itineraries and how to get around
Main itineraries
The park occupies a very large area and it is impossible to see everything in the same day .
Usually tourists decide to visit only the part closest to the city where they are staying; others decide to dedicate more days so as to be able to see at least two areas.
Lovers of hiking and trekking are the ones who stay longer in the Grand Canyon as they walk for several days following the various trails.
Here are the itineraries we recommend :
- South Rim Grand Canyon : one or two days to discover the main points of the park by car or bus. Usually you go along Hermit Road and stop at Trailview Overlook, Maricopa Point, Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mohave Point, The Abyss, Monument Creek Vista, Pima Point, Hermits Rest.
The advice is to stay at least one night in the park to be able to witness the sunrise and sunset. - North Rim Grand Canyon : for those who want to see wild nature and uncrowded places. One day is enough if you do not go trekking to visit the Bright Angel Point and travel the Cape Royal Road stopping at the various viewpoints and take the Cape Royal path.
- North and South Grand Canyon : it takes at least 3 days and 2 nights to visit both sides. The first day you will visit the North Rim, then with a shuttle organized by the park, in 4 hours you will reach the South where you will stay overnight and the following day you will visit the main attractions
- West Rim Grand Canyon can be visited starting from Las Vegas in a day and allows you to see the Skywalk and Guano Point, as well as fly over the Canyon with a scenic flight.
- Entire Grand Canyon : It takes at least 4 days to visit the entire park. The first day we visit the North part, then we move to the South and finally we reach the West Rim Grand Canyon.
Where to sleep
The most suitable places to stay are hotels and campsites inside the park , which are the most expensive but also those that are the first to overbook.
In the South Rim there are 3 campsites and 7 resorts , alternatively if there is no place you can choose the facilities a few km from the entrance or stay overnight in Williams which is 100 km away or Tuba City at 95 km.
In the North Rim, however, there are only 1 camping and 1 hotel to book well in advance. Or you can stay in structures at 20/30 km (also often full) or in the town of Kanab at 125 km.
Finally, within the West Rim the only structure is the Hualapai Ranchbut visitors often arrive from Las Vegas in the day or sleep in Kingman about 110km from the entrance.
How to get around
Although in the less crowded periods it is possible to enter the North and South area with your own car, it is advisable to always move around the park with the free shuttle shuttles that make stops and continuous stops that allow you to get off and on when you want .
These buses are also suitable for those with disabilities or wheelchairs.
For the West Rim, however, it is always necessary to use the shuttles provided by the Park and leave the car outside.
To move from the North to the South entrance there are daily shuttles that take 4 hours, while to reach the West you need to have your own car.
How much does it cost to visit the Grand Canyon
Prices, offers and advice
The visit of the Grand Canyon, like that of other American parks, is quite expensive especially if you decide to stay inside and make the various excursions by helicopter, horseback or with the panoramic aircraft.
The best thing if you intend to save and book well in advance and sleep in the facilities just outside the parks. If you want to go on excursions, consider that the panoramic flights cost approximately € 200.00 / € 250.00 per person.
If you are staying in Las Vegas it may be convenient to join group tours.
Bookable Excursions and Tours
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