National Park Guide

Grand Canyon National Park

Arizona, US

A mile-deep chasm carved by the Colorado River, revealing nearly two billion years of Earth's geological history.

1,218,375

Acres

Trails

1919

Established

6.38 million

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

South Rim year-round; North Rim May-October

Entrance Fee

$35 per vehicle

Nearest Airport

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), 1 hour 20 minutes

Best Months

March, April, May, September, October, November

Highlights

Sunrise from Mather Point on the South Rim
Hiking Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden or Phantom Ranch
Rafting the Colorado River through the Inner Gorge
Sunset from Hopi Point along the Rim Trail
Backpacking rim-to-rim via the North Kaibab Trail
Stargazing in an International Dark Sky Park

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Grand Canyon National Park

Bright Angel Trail

Strenuous

12.2 miles round trip

4,380 ft gain

South Kaibab Trail

Strenuous

6.0 miles round trip

2,040 ft gain

Rim Trail

Easy

13.0 miles one way

200 ft gain

Hermit Trail

Strenuous

9.4 miles round trip

2,900 ft gain

North Kaibab Trail

Strenuous

14.0 miles round trip

5,761 ft gain

About Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park protects 277 miles of the Colorado River and the immense canyon it has carved through layer upon layer of colorful rock. The canyon stretches up to 18 miles wide and over a mile deep, exposing rocks dating back 1.8 billion years. The South Rim offers the most accessible viewpoints and visitor services, while the remote North Rim stands 1,000 feet higher and receives a fraction of the visitors.

In-Depth Guide

Grand Canyon Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Grand Canyon. Top hikes, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for Arizona.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

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Hotels

4 options near Grand Canyon National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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El Tovar Hotel

$$$$

The crown jewel of Grand Canyon lodging since 1905, this National Historic Landmark sits just 20 feet from the South Rim. Designed in a rustic Arts and Crafts style, it offers the finest dining and most sought-after views in the park.

Inside park$400-650/night

Check on Hotels.com

Bright Angel Lodge

A historic Mary Colter-designed lodge on the canyon rim, offering a range of rooms from rustic cabins to rim-side suites. The lodge sits at the trailhead of the popular Bright Angel Trail.

Inside park$120-280/night

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Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim

The only lodging on the North Rim, this 1937 limestone-and-timber lodge perches on the canyon edge at 8,200 feet. The sun room offers floor-to-ceiling views into the canyon's depths.

Inside park$180-300/night

Check on Hotels.com

Compare Grand Canyon National Park

See how Grand Canyon National Park stacks up against other national parks

Grand Canyon National Park vs Zion National Park

Choose Zion for immersive canyon hikes and adventure trails. Choose Grand Canyon for awe-inspiring scale and one of the most iconic vistas on the planet.

See full comparison

Grand Canyon National Park vs Arches National Park

Choose Grand Canyon for overwhelming natural scale and geological history. Choose Arches for unique rock formations, shorter hikes, and a more manageable visit.

See full comparison

Grand Canyon National Park vs Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Choose Grand Canyon for a once-in-a-lifetime geological spectacle and dramatic desert landscapes. Choose Great Smoky Mountains for accessible mountain beauty, fall foliage, and free admission.

See full comparison