The Grand Canyon is located in northwestern Arizona. It is up to one mile deep, four to 18 miles wide, and more than 200 miles long.Although it is not the deepest canyon in the world, it’s geologic features are unique because of the spectacular erosion that has exposed a well-preserved variety of ancient rocks that reveal much of the early geologic history of the North American continent.

Coordinates:  36°3′27″N, 112°8′15″W

Google Earth - Get a bird’s eye view of the Grand Canyon. If you have Google Earth installed, you can double-click on the linked Placemark file and it will fly you to the Grand Canyon. If not, you will need to install Google Earth first (available at http://earth.google.com).

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--Area Map

--Backcountry use area and map

 South Rim Maps

--Grand Canyon Village Map

--Desert View Drive Map

--Parking/Shuttle bus map

 North Rim Maps

--Trail Map

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The interior of the Grand Canyon is 30 degrees hotter then on the rim.

Humans once lived in the Grand Canyon around 4,000 years ago.

In 1540 the first white man Francisco Coronado discovered the Grand Canyon.

In 1869 Major John Wesley Powell made a journey through the Grand Canyon by way of the Colorado River.

The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

The gorge ranges between one mile and 18 miles wide.

Author and backpacker, Colin Fletcher, was the first man to walk the length of Grand Canyon National Park entirely within the rim of the canyon. He chronicled his adventure in his 1963 bestselling memoir The Man Who Walked Through Time.

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South Rim

The South Rim is approximately 60 miles north of Williams, AZ and 80 miles north of Flagstaff. It is the most popular with visitors because it is open year ‘round and is easily accessible.  It also has almost every conceivable facility, as well as many excellent overlooks and choice of hiking trails.

South Rim Day hikes

South Rim Campgrounds

South Rim Backpacking Trails

Downloadable South Rim Guide (Very large file that’s worth the wait)

North Rim 

The North Rim is about 30 miles south of Jacob Lake on Highway 67 with the easiest access being from southern Utah or the Lake Powell area. The nearest towns to the park's North Rim village are Fredonia, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah. The North Rim can only be reached by road, as there is no airport or rail service. It is a five-hour, 215-mile drivebetween the park's South Rim Village and North Rim Village. The north rim is much more remote and higher in elevation (8,000 feet) and is closed due to snow from November – April.

North Rim Day hikes

North Rim Campgrounds

--Point Sublime

North Rim Backpacking Trails

Havasu Canyon

The third approach to Grand Canyon National Park is an eight-mile hike through land administered by the Havasupai Indian Tribe, outside the boundary and jurisdiction of the National Park Service.  Hiking is by tribal permit only and may involve a cash fee on the spot. Inquiries should be directed to Havasupai Tourist Enterprises, P.O. Box 160, Supai, AZ 86435. (928) 448-2121 or (928) 448-2141 for the tourist office; (928) 448-2111 for lodging.

Rim-to-Rim

Rim-to-rim can be done as an extreme day hike for experienced Grand Canyon hikers, or as a more moderate three-day backpacking trip.  The hike is about 21 miles from South Kaibab trail or 24 miles on the Bright Angel trail with a total elevation differential of more than 10,000 feet.  An attempt to complete it in one day is not recommended for Grand Canyon novices. 

Rim-to-Rim Planning Tips

North Rim to South Rim Hike Description

Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim Run photo essay

OTHER ROUTES & RESOURCES

Backcountry Campsites

Day hikes for First Timers

Shuttles

Hiking Mileage Chart

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Due to its popularity, you must make reservations for camping, lodging and backcountry use far in advance.  We’ve included many links and tips below to assist with planning, but also recommend visiting several of the on-line resources available.  Here are a few of our favorites:

Grand Canyon Explorer (Kaibab.org)

Hit the Trail

Historic photos and archives

NPS.gov (Grand Canyon)

Grand Canyon Field Institute

Grand Canyon National Park Hiking Guide

LODGES & CAMPGROUNDS

In-park lodging

North Rim Camping

South Rim Camping

Backcountry camping

Phantom Ranch--Overnight hikers may arrange to stay and eat at Phantom Ranch. Reservations for meals and lodging at Phantom Ranch are required.  Phone: Toll-free within the U.S. 888.29.PARKS (888.297.2757) or Outside the U.S. 303.29.PARKS (303.297.2757); Fax: 303.297.3175; or write:

Xanterra Parks & Resorts®
Central Reservations
6312 South Fiddlers Green Circle, Suite 600N
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111

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(also see the permit section below)

Top tips from Becky's Backyard:

• Be an early bird
• Pre-purchase a National Park Pass and bypass the long lines at the entrance to the park
• Park the car as soon as you can
• Walk or take the free shuttle bus as often as you can
• To avoid traffic at the South Rim, start early and purchase a prepaid park entry ticket at a vending machine near the Pizza Hut in the IMAX theater in Tusayan (follow signs off Route 64). At the gate, zip through the prepaid ticket line, then park at your hotel, the South Rim Visitor Center or the Maswik Transportation Center lot and wait for the park's shuttle bus. More parking tips.

From the bus, you can explore all of the South Rim, historic Grand Canyon Village and the eight-mile West Rim Drive. To see the 26-mile East Rim Drive, take your own car and go early or late in the day

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A backcountry permit is required for all overnight use of the backcountry including overnight hiking, overnight horseback riding, overnight crosscountry ski trips, off river overnight hikes by river trip members, and overnight camping at rim sites other than developed campgrounds. A backcountry permit is not required for overnight stays at the dormitories or cabins at Phantom Ranch.

Critical Backcountry Updates

When to Apply

To improve chances of obtaining an overnight backcountry use permit, requests should be made on the first of the month, four months prior to the proposed start date. It is best to fax your request at midnight or early a.m. if you can. This is the earliest allowable time.

Tips to increase your odds of obtaining a permit:

• Be as flexible as possible on the request (i.e. “any day(s)” in a month). At the very least, request three alternative hikes, in order of preference, and more than one start date.
• Submit your permit request as early as possible. You may submit a permit request up to four months prior to the desired start date for your trip.
• Specify more than one possible itinerary. If possible, request a different use area for each alternate itinerary.
• Be flexible on dates. Note that you will accept alternate dates and alternate trip lengths.
• Be flexible on trails. Note that you will accept alternate trail choices.
• Keep your group as small as possible. More permits are available for small groups (1-6 people) than for large groups (7-11 people). Since there are only a few large group sites, limiting the size of your group will increase your chances of obtaining a permit. At no time will more than 11 people be permitted to travel on a permit.

Only one large group (7-11 people) or one small group (1-6 people) from the same organization may be in the same corridor campground or non-corridor use area on the same night. This limitation applies to both commercial and non-commercial organizations.

No more than four large groups or eight small groups from the same organization may camp within the backcountry on the same night

If you're not sure how many are going or are concerned about dropouts, reserve for one or two people. You can always add more up to six at will, by simply paying their fee anytime up to the last minute

• Make your permit request in person. Immediate assistance is given to walk-in visitors, essentially moving them ahead of unprocessed requests. All written requests received by 5 p.m. on the first allowable date are processed randomly regardless of when the request was received. 

•  Plan your Grand Canyon hike for fall. Temperatures in the inner canyon are again more moderate, kids are back in school, and you’ll miss the spring break crowds. September, October, and November permits will become available May 1, June 1, and July 1 (respectively).

If you are unable to obtain a permit, here are some OPTIONS:

1. Obtain a Last-Minute Permit: Several campsites in each campground (Bright Angel, Indian Garden, and Cottonwood) are made available each morning for the next day. For best chance of success, arrive at Grand Canyon National Park two or more days before you wish to backpack. Go to the Backcountry Information Center and get a waitlist number. Return to the Backcountry Information Center by 8:00 a.m. the next morning. Campsites are awarded to the lowest numbers present. Those who do not obtain a permit the first morning will receive a lower number for the following morning.

   Other last minute permits may sometimes be obtained from rangers on duty at the following ranger stations for a limited number of use areas in their vicinities:

   Meadview Ranger Station (928) 564-2918,

   Lees Ferry Ranger Station (928) 355-2234

   Tuweep--- Located on the northwest rim of the Grand Canyon in the remote Arizona Strip. Eleven primitive, first-come, first-served sites are available near the rim, including one group site. The group site may be reserved by calling (928) 638-7870. Sites may fill during spring months, especially on weekends. Picnic tables, fire grates, and composting toilets are provided, but no electricity or water is available. Bring your own firewood.

   Pipe Spring National Monument near Fredonia, Arizona

   Bureau of Land Management offices in St. George, UT(435) 688-3200

   Bureau of Land Management office Kanab, UT(435) 644-4600

   With all of these options, a valid credit card will be needed.

2. Go with a guide: Guides often have last-minute openings. It is more expensive, but the permits, food and details are taken care of for you. Here are a few resources:
   

   Four Season Guides

   Grand Canyon Field Institute

   Pygmy Guides

Museum of Northern Arizona

3. Car Camp & Day Hike South Rim: Camp at South Rim Campgrounds and day hike on South Rim trails (some links may take several minutes):

   Rim Trail—Easy. Hikeextends from the village area to Hermits Rest.

   Bright Angel Trail –Steep.  Hike begins just west of Bright Angel Lodge and offers day hikes that range in distance up to 12 miles (round trip).

   South Kaibab Trail—Steep. Trail begins south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. Access to the trailhead is by shuttle bus (Kaibab Trail Route). Hikes range in distance up to 6 miles (round trip).

   Hermit Trail --Unmaintained; Steep. Desert trail begins 500 feet west of Hermits Rest and offers hikes to Santa Maria Spring, 5 miles (round trip), and Dripping Springs, 7 miles (round trip).

   Grandview Trail--Unmaintained; Very Steep.  Desert trail begins at Grandview Point on Desert View Drive (12 miles east of village) and offers hikes to Coconino Saddle, 2.2 miles (round trip), and Horseshoe Mesa, 6.4 miles (round trip).

4. Car Camp & Day Hike North Rim: Camp at the North Rim Campgrounds and day hike on North Rim trails (mid-May to Mid-Sept only):

   Bright Angel Point Trail—Easy,0.5 mile round-trip; Trail begins at the log shelter in the parking area by the Visitor Center or at the corner of the back porch behind the lodge.

   Transept Trail—Easy, 3.0 miles round-trip; Follows the canyon rim from Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Rim Campground.

   Uncle Jim Trail—Moderate, 5.0 miles. Trail winds through the forest to a point overlooking the canyon and the North Kaibab Trail switchbacks and begins at the North Kaibab Trail parking lot.

   North Kaibab Trail—Easy to extremely strenuous. 1.5 miles round-trip to Coconino Overlook; 4 miles round-trip to Supai Tunnel; 9.4 miles round-trip to Roaring Springs.

   Widforss Trail—10 miles round-trip. Trail begins near the Widforss Trail parking area.

   Ken Patrick Trail—10 miles one-way. Trails winds through the forest and along the rim from Point Imperial to the North Kaibab Trail parking area.

   Cape Final Trail—4 miles round-trip

   Cliff Springs Trail—1.0 miles round-trip; Trail begins directly across the road from a small pullout on a curve 0.3 miles down the road from Cape Royal.

   Cape Royal Trail—0.6 mi. round-trip; Trail begins at the southeast side of the Cape Royal parking area.

   Point Imperial Trail—4.0 miles round-trip

   Roosevelt Point Trail—0.2 miles round-trip

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Wunderground.com

Nps.gov

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Vasque footwear is field tested by top athletes on the world’s wildest peaks. Their reputation for durable, high performance outdoor footwear is legendary.

The rugged Vasque® Mantra cross-training shoe provides all-day comfort for hiking, trail running, rock hopping and exploring.

The Vasque® waterproof, breathable, Switchback GTX hiking and backpacking shoe provides excellent support on strenuous hikes and rough terrain. 

Vasque Blur Trail Running Shoes won the 2006 Outside Magazine Gear of the Year award for the amazing control and stability on rough trails. This lightweight, well-cushioned shoe has an exceptional feel for the trail and is designed for fast-paced runners, or those making the switch from road to trail.  With mid-foot straps that connect the lacing system directly to the sole, your foot stays in place and doesn’t slosh around.

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American Park Network Complete Guide to the Grand Canyon—Free at all Adventure 16 stores.

Classic Hikes of the World by Peter Potterfield; $39.95, Available at all Adventure 16 stores.

National Geographic Maps Grand Canyon National Park Trail Map; $9.95, Available at all Adventure 16 stores.

Web cam from Yavapai point

Historic Train Tours to Grand Canyon National Park-- Reservations may be booked online for traintours on one of five classes of service on a vintage train to Grand Canyon National Park.  Each train engine, both steam and diesel, and each train car, has been restored to its original state. During the train tour, the enthusiastic crew is bursting with local and Grand Canyon folklore, history, and Grand Canyon Railway knowledge. Strolling musicians, an old-fashioned shoot out and train robbery complete the experience.

Boot lacing techniques for downhill hiking

Phantom Ranch Stew

Grand Canyon Place Names

Grand Canyon Wallpaper Download

Send a Grand Canyon e-card:

--Colorado River near Phantom Ranch

--North Rim: Point Sublime of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

--North Rim: Views from the Top of Angels Window

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Staying Healthy and Fit

In warm weather, plan for a predawn start and a late afternoon finish. Avoid hikinguphill in direct or you will overheat and use up a lot of your energy trying to stay cool. Take a break near shade and water between the hours of around 10:00 am until 4:00 pm to avoid the worst heat of day.

Health tips for hiking the Grand Canyon

Summer hiking tips

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Grand Canyon Trust - a regional, non-profit conservation organization that advocates collaborative, common sense solutions to the significant problems affecting the region’s natural resources.

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Hiking, backpacking, and other wilderness activities, are potentially dangerous and unpredictable.  Adventure 16 assumes no liability for injuries associated with the use of information provided on this site. The trails, activities and areas described on this site are to be used for informational purposes only and should not be your sole source of guidance.  Always thoroughly research any outdoor area you plan to visit using various resources--including contacting local ranger stations--to obtain the most up to date information for your destination. Contact your physician if you are unsure about your health or physical abilities.

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