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Planning Your Trip Grand National Park

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trip planner A WHAT’S INSIDE About this Guide 1 Lodging Outside the Park 8 Grand Canyon Association 1 Hiking 9 Grand Canyon National Park 2 Other Popular Activities 10 Getting to the Park 3 Grand Canyon Association Field Institute 12 General Park Information 4 Seasonal Information 13 Visitor Centers and Museums 5 Grand Canyon Association Park Stores 14 Lodging Inside the Park 6 Attractions Outside the Park 15 Camping in the Park 7 Other Helpful Trip Planning Resources 16 B grandcanyon.org ABOUT THIS GUIDE Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular places on earth. We are excited you are thinking about visiting, and we want to help you make the most of your experience. Grand Canyon Association has developed this guide to provide general information that you may find useful as you make your plans. It is not intended to be the only resource with which you plan your trip. An abundance of helpful materials are available, including many in our online store at www.grandcanyon.org.

GRAND CANYON ASSOCIATION

Grand Canyon Association is the nonprofit, planning kits, maps, books, gear, clothes, gifts, philanthropic partner of Grand Canyon National and more, both online and at our stores in the Park. Federal dollars support baseline operations park. You’ll also receive a 10 percent discount at and activities at the park, however, these funds lodge gift shops at Grand Canyon National Park, do not cover all of the park’s needs, including discounts on most Grand Canyon Association trail preservation, educational programs, and the Field Institute classes, and early registration protection of wildlife in their natural habitat. opportunities. But the best part for most of That’s why we work with supporters and visitors our supporters is the satisfaction of knowing to raise private funds to benefit the park. you’re helping to preserve this iconic park for generations to come! For more As you begin planning a trip, it’s the perfect information, click here. Or, sign up time to consider becoming a Grand Canyon for our monthly e-newsletter, “Call of Association supporter. You will enjoy wonderful the Canyon,” to get insider information benefits that will enhance your Grand Canyon about what’s happening at Grand experience, like a 15 percent discount on trip Canyon. To subscribe, click here.

grand canyon trip planner 1 ABOUT GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK Grand Canyon. An iconic American landscape that inspires art, music, poetry, a love of nature, and sheer awe for millions of people around the world. One of the crown jewels of the National Park System, Grand Canyon is home to some of our nation’s greatest natural, historic, and cultural treasures. It is a powerful and memorable experience for those who visit and a beacon for those who have not been yet.

Grand Canyon is among the top twenty most “liked” destinations in the world, according to Facebook. Visitors come to the canyon from every state and more than 150 countries.

Spanning 277 miles of the River and adjacent lands, Grand Canyon is located entirely in northern . Most visitors choose to see the park from the overlooks along the South Rim, which includes historic Grand Canyon Village, Hermit , and Desert View Drive. The South Rim is open all year long, even on holidays.

If you’re the more adventurous type, the North Rim is 10 miles across the canyon from the South Rim, and is seen by only 10 percent of all Grand Canyon visitors. Driving from the South Rim to the North Rim by car is a five-hour drive of Photo courtesy NPS 220 miles. The North Rim has a shorter season, with lodging and restaurants open from May 15 to October 15 each year.

2 grandcanyon.org GETTING TO THE PARK Airports and Drive Times INSIDER TIP There are several ways to arrive at Grand Canyon National Park. Most visitors Walk the Trail of Time drive, while others fly into Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, . There are also A good walk along the limited flights arriving in Flagstaff, Arizona. You will need to rent a car from these rim provides an intimate airports, reserve a shuttle to the park from Phoenix or Flagstaff, or take the Grand experience with from Williams, Arizona (30 miles west of Flagstaff). Canyon. Walk 100 yards in either direction of a main Drive time to South Rim viewpoint or bus stop, and you will be surprised at Albuquerque, New 393 miles/approximately 6 hours the quiet solitude in Denver, Colorado 656 miles/approximately 10.75 hours a place that sees Flagstaff, Arizona 81 miles/approximately 1.5 hours almost six million Las Vegas, Nevada 278 miles/approximately 4 hours annual visitors. Los Angeles, 494 miles/approximately 8 hours Phoenix, Arizona 231 miles/approximately 3.5 hours If you have limited Salt Lake City, 380 miles/approximately 6 hours time in the park, a fun and educational option For directions, click here. is to walk the Trail of Time. You’ll enjoy stunning vistas Free Shuttle Bus Service and almost 50 large From Outside the Canyon samples illustrating Grand The Tusayan Route provides free direct shuttle bus service, between the gateway Canyon’s geologic history community of Tusayan and Grand Canyon Visitor Center from mid-May to early through time. For more September. Tusayan, Arizona is located seven miles south of Grand Canyon Village information, click here. on the South Rim. To board the bus, you must present a valid park entrance pass. Entrance passes may be purchased at park entrances or at various businesses in Tusayan.

Within the Canyon There are several free shuttle routes within Grand Canyon National Park, connecting lodges, campgrounds, restaurants, and shops with Market Plaza, the Visitors Center, and Grand Canyon Association Park Stores. For maps of shuttle bus routes and more information about specific routes, availability, or how to effectively combine hiking with shuttle bus stops, click here.

Grand Canyon Railway The Grand Canyon Railway travels 130 miles round-trip from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim, with daily departures scheduled from both locations. For more information, click here.

grand canyon trip planner 3 GENERAL PARK INFORMATION Fees Pets Private Vehicle: $30 Pets are permitted in the park if leashed, but not below Motorcycle: $25 the rim, in park lodging, inside buildings, or on buses, Pedestrian, Bicyclist: $15 with the exception of service animals. If you have a Admission is for seven days and includes entrance to service animal and want to take it below the rim, you both the South and North Rims. must check in at the Backcountry Information Center For information on Annual, Active Military, Senior, and in Grand Canyon Village. Access passes and fees, click here. A kennel is available for dogs and cats at the South Free Entrance Days Rim, and is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The offers free entrance days Learn more here. several times a year. Typically, days with free entrance are holidays like Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day Weekend, Veterans Day, and others. For more information, click here. INSIDER TIP Reduce, Reuse, Refill! Park Hours and Seasonality Did you know that disposable plastic Park Entrances: Open 24 hours bottles at one time comprised an North Rim Facilities: Open mid-May through mid-October estimated 20 percent of Grand Canyon’s Desert View Campground: May 1 through mid-October waste stream and 30 percent of the South Rim Facilities and Grand Canyon Village: Open park’s recyclables? In 2012, in order to year-round reduce plastic waste originating at the While park entrances are open 24 hours a day, stations are not always manned. canyon, litter along trails and walkways, and greenhouse gas emissions, Grand Canyon National Park eliminated the Accessibility sale of water packaged in individual Many of the facilities at Grand Canyon are historic, disposable containers. and were built before current accessibility standards were set. The terrain is rugged, with narrow, rocky Remember to bring a reusable water trails and steep cliffs. Visitors using wheelchairs or who bottle or buy one at any Grand Canyon have visual impairments may need assistance. For more Association Park Store when you arrive. Water refilling stations are located throughout the park information, click here. for your convenience.

4 grandcanyon.org VISITOR CENTERS AND MUSEUMS South Rim Desert View INSIDER TIP Grand Canyon Visitor Center Family Activities at Grand Canyon location: By location: 25 miles east of 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. daily Grand Canyon Village Junior Ranger: Stop by a visitor center (summer hours) Kiva Shop open 8:00 a.m.– to pick up a Junior Ranger booklet. 7:00 p.m. daily Children four and older attend a free Backcountry Information Watchtower Stairs open ranger program and complete activities Center 8:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. daily to become Junior Rangers. location: In the Village Historic District just east of Maswik Tusayan Museum and Park ranger program: Attend a fossil walk, Lodge Tusayan Ruin geo-glimpse, or condor 8:00 a.m.–noon; location: Three miles west of talk and have your kids 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. daily Desert View get their Junior Ranger 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. daily booklet signed. Verkamp’s Visitor Center Free admission location: Just east of El Tovar Stroll the village: Walk Hotel and House with your family along the canyon rim through historic 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. daily North Rim Grand Canyon Village. Take (summer hours) North Rim Visitor Center in the view, grab a bite to and Park Store eat, and learn about early Yavapai Museum location: Adjacent to parking visitors to the canyon. and Park Store lot on Bright Angel Peninsula, location: One mile east of by Market Plaza 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. daily, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. daily mid-May to mid-October (summer hours)

Kolb Studio location: Village Historic Sunrise/sunset: Explore Yavapai Geology District at the Bright Angel Museum and stay to watch the sunset at Trailhead Yavapai Point. 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. daily (summer hours) grand canyon trip planner 5 LODGING INSIDE THE PARK

South Rim Lodging A variety of historic lodges, motels, and hotels are located inside Grand Canyon National Park. From the (opened INSIDER TIP in 1905) and to the more modern Maswick, Want to stay near the rim? Thunderbird, and Yavapai Lodges, the park offers a perfect place Follow these tips! from which to explore the canyon. • Plan early. Book a room at Grand Canyon up to a year in advance. Xanterra Parks & Resorts • Time your trip after a major www.grandcanyonlodges.com holiday. Generally, the two-week North Grand Canyon period after a holiday is less crowded. In summer, the best availability is www.visitgrandcanyon.com during the first two weeks of June (after Memorial Day) or the first two North Rim Lodging weeks of September (after Labor Day). The last two weeks of August also The Grand Canyon Lodge is the only lodging inside Grand see fewer travelers. January is the Canyon National Park on the North Rim. Located at Bright slowest month of the year, followed Angel Point, the lodge offers comfortable guest rooms and cabins. by November and February. • Try for last-minute cancellations. Forever Resorts Many travelers reserve rooms ahead of www.grandcanyonforever.com time, then cancel at the last minute, freeing up rooms. • Stay in Tusayan. The town of Lodging Below the Rim Tusayan adjoins Grand Canyon’s South is Grand Canyon’s only lodging below the rim. Rim. The Ranch is reached by , by foot, or by the Colorado • Try the off-season. Consider a River. winter excursion to enjoy smaller crowds, a frosting of snow on the rim, Phantom Ranch brilliant early sunsets, and great photo www.grandcanyonlodges.com/lodging/phantom-ranch/ opportunities.

6 grandcanyon.org CAMPING IN THE PARK Great places to unwind, National Park Service INSIDER TIP campgrounds are available on both the North and Experience tribal culture at Grand Canyon South Rims of Grand Canyon National Park. They • Desert View Watchtower offer large sites, fire/BBQ pits, picnic tables, potable was constructed in 1932 water, and are adjacent to showers and laundry facilities. in the style of Ancestral Puebloan towers. It South Rim commands a magnificent Mather Campground view of Grand Canyon, $18/night the Painted Desert to the Open year round east, and the to the south. The interior walls of the tower (877) 444-6777 feature murals by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie. Trailer Village • Tusayan Ruin and Museum provides a glimpse of From $36/night Pueblo Indian life around 800 years ago. Tusayan Ruin is located three miles west of Desert View. Open year round • , designed by , opened Desert View in 1905. This Pueblo-style building features a $12/night large selection of authentic Native American handicrafts and a Native American art gallery. Open mid-April through mid-October Hopi dancers put on a demonstration seasonally No reservations. at Hopi House plaza. • American Indian Heritage Days are held annually in August, honoring North Rim Grand Canyon’s original inhabitants. North Rim Campground The event has grown over the years $18–$25/night to include a variety of presenters Open in season from Grand Canyon’s Traditionally (877) 444-6777 Associated Tribes.

For more information about reserving a campsite, click here.

grand canyon trip planner 7 LODGING OUTSIDE THE PARK Tusayan There are a number of options for lodging near Grand Canyon National Park. Tusayan, seven miles south of Grand Canyon Village, has a number of hotels and is a convenient place to stay. During the busy season, the park provides free shuttle service between Tusayan hotels and the South Rim Visitor Center (see page 3).

Grand Canyon Association partners with several of Tusayan’s hotels:

Best Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn

The Grand Hotel

Red Feather Lodge

Flagstaff, Williams, and Sedona There are also several communities located within two hours of the park, including Flagstaff (1.5 hours), Williams (1 hour), and Sedona (2 hours). Consider staying in one of these towns if you plan to visit more than one park or attraction while in .

For more information about staying in Flagstaff, click here.

For more information about staying in Williams, click here.

For more information about staying in Sedona, click here.

8 grandcanyon.org HIKING Many people choose to test their skills by hiking Be conservative in planning your hike, and stay within Grand Canyon’s world-famous trails. For more your training, physical limitations, and abilities. You’ll information about elevation changes, water availability, be rewarded by enjoying some of the most rest rooms, distances, and stopping points, click here. beautiful views in the world!

Popular Trails To avoid trouble, Hike Smart: South Rim • Plan your hike before you start. • Balance your food and water intake. Eat salty snacks and drink water or sports drinks. North Rim • Go slowly, rest often, stay cool. Allow the weakest Bright Angel Point hiker to set the pace. • During the summer, hike during the cooler, shadier times of the day. Learn more here.

Grand Canyon and North Bass Hike Smart South Trail Guide Grand Canyon Even experienced hikers face high temperatures in Guides Trail Guide the summer and steep terrain year-round. Be sure For official park trail guides, to thoroughly research each trail you’re thinking of shop the Grand Canyon hiking. You’ll be at high elevation in hot, dry desert Association Store. conditions with a steep climb out at the end of the day.

grand canyon trip planner 9 OTHER POPULAR ACTIVITIES With almost six million visitors annually, Grand Canyon National Park attracts individuals with wide-ranging recreational and educational activities. River Trips Many commercial companies offer trips to raft the through Grand Canyon, where you can experience some of the best whitewater in the world. Each outfitter offers something a little different, with trips ranging from several days to several weeks. For a list of companies licensed to provide multi-day whitewater rafting trips within Grand Canyon National Park, visit the Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association.

Backpacking Backpacking is a great way to experience the canyon. Grand Canyon National Park requires permits for all overnight backcountry camping, including hiking, horseback riding, cross- country ski trips, off-river hikes by river trip members, and camping at rim sites other than developed campgrounds. Day hiking, day horseback riding, river trips, mule trips, and overnight stays in dorms or cabins at Phantom Ranch do not require permits. www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm.

If you’re backpacking for the first time, we highly recommend that you read a backpacking book and/or find informational videos online prior to your trip.

Bicycle Rentals One of the top ways to see the spectacular sights at Grand Canyon is by bike riding. Bright Angel Bicycles offers bike rentals, stroller rentals, and maps of bike routes to give you options for cruising the canyon on wheels.

10 grandcanyon.org INSIDER TIP Venturing below the Rim If you plan a hike that involves staying overnight at one of the many backcountry areas of Grand Canyon, you must obtain a permit.

• Familiarize yourself with Grand Canyon National Park’s Backcountry Use Area Map to choose trails and campsites. • Get your permit first, then book your Guided Hiking Trips, Backpacking Classes, and Tours airline and lodging reservations. If you’re interested in an educational guided hiking trip or • Be flexible on dates. Tell the rangers you tour on the South or North Rim during your Grand Canyon will accept alternate dates and alternate stay, consider the Grand Canyon Association Field trip lengths. • Submit your permit request as early as Institute. possible, up to four months prior to the desired start date for your trip. Offering everything from single-day classes and tours to multi- • Specify more than one possible itinerary day backpacking and river rafting, the Field Institute serves for a better chance for a permit. thousands of visitors each year. • Be flexible on trails. If possible, tell the rangers you will accept alternate trail Mule Rides choices. • Consider a Grand Canyon Association Experience the canyon the way many Field Institute trip to learn more about of the area’s first tourists did in the early the canyon from expert guides. Let them 1900s. Mule trips make daily excursions and do the planning and permitting for you! overnight trips into the canyon. Xanterra Click here for more information or to Parks and Resorts offers two guided rides place a permit request. using this time-honored method of canyon transportation with the sure-footed mule. For more information, click here.

Air Tours If you’re interested in experiencing a view of Grand Canyon from above, there are companies that offer helicopter and fixed-wing tours. All scenic air tours originate from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, Arizona, just outside the South Rim of the park. For a full list of companies offering air tours, click here.

grand canyon trip planner 11 GRAND CANYON ASSOCIATION FIELD INSTITUTE Grand Canyon Association Field Institute is a program of Grand Canyon Association, the nonprofit park partner, and serves thousands of Grand Canyon visitors each year. Offering fun and informative educational classes and guided hiking tours, the Field Institute is perfect for everyone, from seasoned backpackers to families with children on their first visit to the canyon.

Day Hike Classes There are many different types of and Tours classes you may enjoy, including: One-day classes and tours • Family are perfect for individuals, • Beginner Backpacking Classes families, and small groups • Natural History with limited time who • Cultural History want an engaging insider’s • Photography, Art, and Yoga tour of the South Rim and • Service-Based its famous trails. • Wilderness Skills • Women Only Backpacking Classes and Trips Backpacking classes are for adventurous On day hikes, overnight backcountry types! Trek to remote areas in the heart treks, and rim-based learning of Grand Canyon. See waterfalls, wildlife, adventures, you’ll share geologic wonders, and more. the wonders of Grand Canyon with Field Multi-Day Rim Classes and Tours Institute experts! Multi-day rim classes and tours are for those seeking breathtaking views, rim walks, day hikes below the canyon’s rim, and in-depth instruction on a variety of intriguing topics.

12 grandcanyon.org SEASONAL INFORMATION When it comes to weather at Grand Canyon, we recommend that you expect the unexpected! Weather conditions vary greatly, so be prepared for all conditions in all seasons.

Summer During the summer, visitors may experience dramatic changes in temperatures. Excessive heat in the canyon may be dangerous or fatal during the day, while at night you may want a jacket. Monsoon weather patterns also bring swift and sudden rainfall with the threat of lightning and flash floods.

Fall and Spring These transition months bring a variety of weather conditions. Cooler temperatures make these times more suitable for hiking and overnight camping, however, it may take more time to obtain permits. Snow may appear on the rims in October. In late April and May, it is often windy.

Winter The park plows South Rim , but the North Rim closes with the first heavy snowfall. With significant snow, temporary closures of the South Rim may also occur.

Average Rim Average Inner Season Temperatures Canyon Temperatures

Summer 40˚F to 84˚F 92˚F to 106˚F

Spring/Fall 29˚F to 65˚F 56˚F to 84˚F

Winter 18˚F to 41˚F 36˚F to 56˚F

Dangerous Conditions Summer storms bring dangerous lightning to the rim, and floods and falling rocks to the canyon. If you plan to hike, be prepared. While many hikes are initially easy on the downhill path, coming out of the canyon can be tough. In any season, be aware of weather conditions and sign up for park alerts to ensure your comfort and safety.

For more detailed weather conditions, visit the Grand Canyon National Park website.

grand canyon trip planner 13 GRAND CANYON ASSOCIATION PARK STORES Grand Canyon Association operates seven retail stores at Grand Canyon and one outside the canyon, and your purchase supports the park. The stores feature a wide variety of books, maps, and DVDs to help you plan your trip to Grand Canyon, learn more about its geology, ecology, and human history, or just find the perfect canyon- inspired gift.

Park store purchases help fund new exhibits, scientific research, trail restoration, wildlife protection, habitat restoration, support for the arts, Junior Ranger and education programs, and historic building preservation.

Grand Canyon Association supporters receive a 15% discount on all purchases in Grand Canyon Association stores and online orders. Sign up today! We look forward to welcoming you to Grand Canyon! Join Now!

South Rim Grand Canyon Visitor Center Tusayan Museum & Bookstore Open daily Open daily, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Spring/Summer hours: 8:00 a.m.– Desert View Watchtower 8:00 p.m. Open October 15–February 29, Fall hours: 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; March 1–May Winter hours: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. 20, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; May 21– Yavapai Geological Museum September 6, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Open daily September 7–October 14, Spring/Summer hours: 8:00 a.m.– 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Fall hours: 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. North Rim Winter hours: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Bookstore and National Park Visitor Center Verkamp’s Visitor Center Open May 15–October 15, 8:00 Open daily a.m.–6:00 p.m. Spring/Summer hours: 8:00 a.m.– 8:00 p.m. Outside the Canyon Fall hours: 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Kaibab Visitor Center, Winter hours: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Jacob Lake, Arizona Open daily, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Open daily Spring/Summer hours: 8:00 a.m.– 8:00 p.m. Fall hours: 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Winter hours: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

14 grandcanyon.org ATTRACTIONS OUTSIDE THE PARK There are several areas visitors might want to see while on a trip to Arizona and Grand Canyon. These areas are not part of Grand Canyon National Park, so you should plan extra time on your trip if you want to visit them.

Havasupai Indian Reservation The Skywalk at Grand Canyon West Havasu Canyon, a side canyon located in Located west of Grand Canyon National Park, western Grand Canyon, is home to the the Skywalk is a glass walkway protruding Indian Reservation and beautiful about 70 feet over the rim of the canyon on . Outside the boundaries of the Indian Reservation. A Hualapai the national park, the Havasu Trail can be Tribal business, it is located 250 miles from reached from Arizona Highway 18. Havasupai the South Rim and 90 miles from Las Vegas, tribal lands include a large tributary canyon Nevada. The Hualapai Tribe collects fees to on the south side of the Colorado River, enter any part of the reservation, which are approximately 190 miles (310 km) west of subject to change at any time. Food service is Grand Canyon Village. Many feel that Havasu limited, and is usually part of a package tour. Canyon’s blue-green waterfalls are some of the most stunning in the world. Access the For information, or to make reservations, Village of Supai by taking an eight mile (13 contact the tribe directly at (888) 868-9378, km) hike or horse ride. (928) 769-2636, or www.grandcanyonwest.com. To obtain a hiking permit or to make reservations at the lodge at Supai: (928) 448-2121 Tourist Office Surrounding both the South and North (928) 441-2111 Lodging Rims, discover one of the country’s largest www.havasupai-nsn.gov pine forests. www.fs.usda.gov/main/ kaibab/home.

grand canyon trip planner 15 OTHER HELPFUL TRIP PLANNING RESOURCES INSIDER TIP Grand Canyon Association Online Store Trip Planning Package Get ready for Grand Canyon with Grand Grand Canyon Association’s online store offers a trip planning Canyon Association’s Trip Planning Package, package for savings on a special selection of books, guides, including popular hiking guides, trail maps, and maps. and field guides to set you on the right course for your trip. Offered exclusively at Grand Grand Canyon National Park Trip Planner Canyon Association’s online store. www.nps.gov/grca/parknews/upload/trip-planner-grca.pdf The National Park Service has a comprehensive guide about visiting the park, with detailed information on lodging, camping, hiker safety, trails, food, recreation, permit requirements, and more. This is a great resource for your next steps in planning a trip to Grand Canyon National Park.

Grand Canyon National Park Website www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

Grand Canyon Trip Planning Publications www.nps.gov/grca/parknews/newspaper.htm

Please note: Grand Canyon Association does not control and cannot guarantee the relevance, timeliness, or 16 grandcanyon.org accuracy of the materials provided by other agencies or organizations, nor does Grand Canyon Association endorse other agencies or organizations, their views, products, or services.