Grand Canyon National Park
- Location
- Arizona
- Designation
- National Park
- Entrance fee
- $35 / vehicle
- Track it
- Free in Park'd
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.
Things to do in Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon offers a range of activities for visitors in Arizona:
When to visit & weather
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.
Getting to Grand Canyon
South Rim: Open all year, is located 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona (via route 64 from Interstate 40) and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff (via route 180). Grand Canyon lies entirely within the state of Arizona. ---- North Rim: Select areas are open to public access between Oct 1 and Nov 14. View the park's news releases for details. The North Rim entrance station is located 30 miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ, on Highway 67; the actual rim of the canyon is an additional 14 miles south.
Track your visit to Grand Canyon
Check Grand Canyon off your national parks passport, log the trails you hiked and the wildlife you spotted, and see it on your personal map — free on iPhone with Park'd.
Explore more national parks
Planning a bigger trip? Browse the full list of all 63 US national parks, or keep exploring: