View It
Visit It
Grand Canyon
Arizona
Visit Grand Canyon
Visiting the Grand Canyon, one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, is an unforgettable experience that captivates the senses and invigorates the soul. Located in northern Arizona, this immense chasm, carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, stretches an impressive 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and reaches depths of over a mile. The Grand Canyon is not just a single viewpoint, but a vast national park with countless vistas, each offering unique perspectives and breathtaking scenery. For those planning a visit, the Grand Canyon is primarily divided into the South Rim and the North Rim. The South Rim is the most accessible and popular section, open year-round and featuring well-developed amenities such as visitor centers, walking trails, and a variety of guided tours. Walking along the rim or hiking down into the canyon, visitors can explore layers of red and orange rock that tell tales of Earth's geological history. The more remote North Rim provides a quieter experience, with a higher elevation and lush forests enhancing its rugged beauty. It is typically open from late spring to early fall due to heavy snowfall in the winter months. Adventurous travelers can enjoy a range of activities from leisurely walks along paved paths to rigorous hikes and backcountry adventures. The Bright Angel and North Kaibab Trails are popular hiking routes that offer challenging yet rewarding journeys into the depths of the canyon. For a different perspective, rafting trips on the Colorado River provide an exhilarating way to experience the Grand Canyon's majesty from below, revealing hidden waterfalls and secluded beaches along the way. Moreover, helicopter and airplane tours offer spectacular aerial views, showcasing the vastness and grandeur of the canyon in a way that ground-based tours cannot match. Each visit to the Grand Canyon can be a deeply personal journey. Whether watching the sunrise paint the canyon walls in hues of gold and pink, or observing a thunderstorm roll in, creating dramatic light and shadow plays across the peaks and gorges, the Grand Canyon's ever-changing landscape continues to inspire and amaze. It's a profound reminder of nature's power and beauty, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and those seeking a moment of awe and wonder.
Grand Canyon Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
20°F
41°F
8
February
30°F
47°F
8
March
31°F
56°F
8
April
42°F
63°F
8
May
42°F
76°F
3
June
56°F
85°F
3
July
55°F
85°F
3
August
55°F
85°F
8
September
42°F
76°F
6
October
42°F
66°F
6
November
42°F
55°F
8
December
20°F
41°F
8
Need to Know Before You Go To Grand Canyon
Nickname:
Grand Canyon is often nicknamed "The Grand Canyon State.
Primary Language:
English
Time Zone:
America/Phoenix
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type A and Type B
Annual Visitors:
Approximately 4.5 million
Primary Export:
Tourism
Busiest Travel Months:
May, March, April
Quietest Travel Months:
January, December, February
Find your Next Adventure in Grand Canyon
Explore Grand Canyon
Iconic Landmarks
Grand Canyon Village
This is the most popular entry point for many visitors. The village offers a historical perspective of the canyon and includes several lookout points, including the famous Mather Point. It's also home to the Grand Canyon Railway Depot.
Bright Angel Trail
Known for being one of the most traveled hiking paths in the Canyon, the Bright Angel Trail offers stunning views and connects the rim to the Colorado River. It starts near the Grand Canyon Village and is a great way for visitors to experience the depth of the canyon.
Hopi Point
Famous for its sunset views, Hopi Point is one of the most expansive viewpoints on the South Rim. It provides panoramic views of the canyon and is a popular spot for photographers.
El Tovar Hotel
Opened in 1905, this historic hotel offers a touch of luxury and a step back in time. It's located on the South Rim and provides spectacular views and easy access to various viewpoints.
North Rim
Less accessible and more secluded than the South Rim, the North Rim provides a different perspective of the Grand Canyon. It's open seasonally and offers a quieter, more intimate experience with equally breathtaking views.
Havasu Falls
Although technically not within the Grand Canyon National Park (it's in the Havasupai tribal lands), Havasu Falls is often associated with the Grand Canyon experience. Known for its stunning blue-green waterfalls, it's a popular destination for those willing to make the trek.
Cultural Experiences
Hopi House
Located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Hopi House is a historic building designed by architect Mary Colter in 1905 . It was built to resemble a traditional Hopi pueblo and serves as a venue for Native American arts and crafts. Visitors can explore the architecture and purchase authentic Native American jewelry, pottery, and artworks, providing insight into the Hopi culture.
Navajo Tribal Park (East Rim)
This area offers a different perspective of the canyon and is managed by the Navajo Nation. The highlight here is the majestic Horseshoe Bend, a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River. Visitors can also explore Navajo culture through guided tours, storytelling, and traditional craft markets.
Grand Canyon Skywalk at Eagle Point
Managed by the Hualapai Tribe on the West Rim, the Skywalk is a glass bridge that extends out over the canyon, offering spectacular views. The nearby Eagle Point provides cultural demonstrations and presentations about the Hualapai tribe, their history, and their connection to the land.
Cultural Demonstrations at the Visitor Centers
Both the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon offer cultural demonstrations by Native American tribes throughout the year.
Havasupai Village
Located in a remote part of the canyon, Havasupai Village is accessible only by helicopter, on foot, or by mule. It is home to the Havasupai Tribe, known for their blue-green waterfalls. Visiting the village offers a unique insight into the tribe's way of life and their deep connection to the canyon's ecosystem.
Grand Canyon Railway
While not a cultural experience in the traditional sense, the Grand Canyon Railway offers a historical experience that transports you back in time. The train journey from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim features Western musicians and cowboy characters, providing historical context about the area and the early days of tourism at the Grand Canyon.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking the Rim Trails
For those who want a relatively easy way to experience the Grand Canyon, hiking along the rim trails is ideal. The trails offer spectacular views of the canyon. The South Rim's Rim Trail stretches from the South Kaibab Trailhead west to Hermits Rest, and you can hop on and off the trail at various viewpoints.
Backpacking in the Canyon
For a more immersive experience, consider a multi-day backpacking trip into the depths of the canyon. Popular routes include the Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, and North Kaibab Trail.
White Water Rafting on the Colorado River
Experience the thrill of navigating the rapids of the Colorado River that cuts through the Grand Canyon. Rafting trips can vary from a few days to three weeks, offering a unique perspective of the canyon from the river level.
Mule Rides
For a traditional and unique way to see the Grand Canyon, consider a mule ride.
Helicopter Tours
For a bird's-eye view of the Grand Canyon, helicopter tours are available.
Biking Along Hermit Road
If you prefer cycling, the Hermit Road offers a scenic route along the South Rim that is closed to most vehicle traffic. You can rent bicycles at the visitor center and enjoy a ride with numerous stops at overlooks for different perspectives of the canyon.
Off the Beaten Path
Toroweap Overlook
Located in a remote area of the Grand Canyon on the North Rim, Toroweap Overlook offers a dramatic and less crowded view of the inner canyon. The viewpoint sits over 3,000 feet above the Colorado River and provides stunning, sheer vertical views. The access road is unpaved and rugged, deterring most casual tourists, which makes it a serene place to visit.
Havasu Falls
While somewhat popular among those who know of it, Havasu Falls still remains a hidden gem due to its accessibility which requires a 10-mile hike, a helicopter ride, or a horseback ride. Situated in the Havasupai Indian Reservation, this breathtaking waterfall with its turquoise waters offers a paradise-like experience. Note that you must obtain permits well in advance.
North Bass Trail
For a truly secluded experience, the North Bass Trail offers solitude and untouched natural beauty. This trail is less maintained and less traveled, providing a rugged and challenging hike that takes you deep into the canyon, where you can enjoy pristine wilderness.
Tuweep Campground and Surrounding Trails
This area offers a quiet, minimalistic camping experience with basic facilities. It's an excellent base for exploring the surrounding trails and enjoying uninterrupted night skies. The journey to Tuweep is tough, with rough backcountry roads requiring high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles, making it a perfect spot for adventure seekers.
Desert View Watchtower
While Desert View Watchtower itself is a popular spot, many visitors do not explore beyond the tower. The surrounding area offers numerous trails and viewpoints where you can enjoy panoramic views of the canyon with fewer crowds. Early morning or late evening visits can provide a more solitary experience.
Shoshone Point
This is one of the Grand Canyon's best-kept secrets for solitude and sunset views. It's an unmarked trailhead that leads to a stunning, secluded viewpoint. The area is also available for private events, making it a unique spot for a quiet picnic or contemplative moment away from the more crowded areas.
Grand Canyon Fun Facts
The Grand Canyon, one of the world's most stunning natural wonders, is a treasure trove of fascinating facts. Here are the top 10 fun facts about the Grand Canyon:
- Age and Formation
The Grand Canyon is estimated to be around 5-6 million years old, formed by the erosive power of the Colorado River. However, the rock layers exposed at the bottom are up to 1.8 billion years old.
- Size
The Grand Canyon stretches about 277 miles (446 kilometers) long, up to 18 miles (29 kilometers) wide, and over a mile (1,857 meters) deep, making it one of the largest canyons on Earth.
- Visibility from Space
The Grand Canyon is visible from space, highlighting its vast size and distinctive topography.
- Human History
People have inhabited the Grand Canyon area for at least 10,000 years. The Native American tribes such as the Pueblo, Navajo, Havasupai, and Hualapai have deep historical and spiritual connections to the canyon.
- Unique Ecosystem
The Grand Canyon hosts a unique range of ecosystems due to its varying elevations. It is home to over 1,500 plant, 450 bird, 90 mammal, and 25 reptile and amphibian species.
- Skywalk
The Grand Canyon Skywalk, opened in 2007, is a glass bridge that extends 70 feet over the rim, offering breathtaking views 4,000 feet above the riverbed.
- Supai Village
Located within the Grand Canyon is the village of Supai, managed by the Havasupai Tribe. It is considered one of the most remote communities in the contiguous United States and is only accessible by helicopter, on foot, or by mule.
- Geological Museum
The canyon is like a geological museum, showcasing layers of rock that record much of the Earth's history. Each layer represents different environments from the past, such as seas, swamps, deserts, and tropical forests.
- Weather Extremes
The weather in the Grand Canyon can vary dramatically, with the North Rim being much cooler than the South Rim. The inner gorge can reach temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in summer.
- Astronaut Training
The Apollo astronauts trained at the Grand Canyon in the 1960s to prepare for the lunar missions. The canyon's terrain was considered a good geological analog for the lunar surface.
Featured Picture Gallery
The Grand Canyon is a Great Challenge to Hike
Get Up Close and Personal with the Sand that Formed the Grand Canyon
Experience the Goregous Views of the Sunset Over the Grand Canyon
Although the Grand Canyon is Located in Arizona the Colorado River Flows Right Through It
Explore Similar Locations
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, located in the heart of Australia's Red Centre, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning natural beauty and cultural significance. The park is home to the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the majestic rock formations of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), which are deeply sacred to the Anangu, the traditional Aboriginal owners of the land. Visitors can explore the unique flora and fauna, learn about Aboriginal culture through guided tours and interpretive centers, and witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets that illuminate the rocks in vibrant colors.
Sedona
Sedona, Arizona, is a stunning desert town renowned for its vibrant red rock formations and dynamic art scene. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, state parks, and spiritual retreats that offer breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility. Sedona is also a hub for wellness, with plenty of spas, galleries, and gourmet eateries that cater to those seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is a stunning natural wonder known for its towering red cliffs, narrow canyons, and beautiful waterfalls. Visitors can explore scenic drives, hike trails like the famous Angels Landing and The Narrows, or enjoy peaceful river walks along the Virgin River. The park's diverse ecosystems and rich history offer a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is renowned for its stunning geological structures called hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations resulting from erosion. The park offers breathtaking views from numerous overlooks along its main road, particularly at Sunrise and Sunset Points. Visitors can explore the scenic beauty through a network of hiking trails or enjoy a night under one of the darkest skies for stargazing.