RoadRangeROADRANGE
At Sunset, swirling rain clouds above a vast canyon filled with colorful peaks and cliff walls.
NATIONAL PARK

Grand Canyon National Park

Entirely within the state of Arizona, the park encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands.

Photo: NPS/M. Quinn / NPS

AZ
state
32
things to do
$20
to enter
6
parks within a day
OVERVIEW

About Grand Canyon National Park

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.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

Driving times from Grand Canyon National Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

BEFORE YOU GO

Entrance fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle

$35.00

Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers, up to a 15 person passenger van. Organized non-commercial groups over 16 passengers require different charges. Commercial groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit.

Entrance - Motorcycle

$30.00

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Entrance - Per Person

$20.00

Individual ($20 valid for 7 days): for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians.

Nonresident

$100.00

Each non-US resident aged 16 and older visiting Grand Canyon National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

South Rim - South Entrance

Mon
All Day
Tue
All Day
Wed
All Day
Thu
All Day
Fri
All Day
Sat
All Day
Sun
All Day

South Rim - Desert View (East Entrance)

Mon
All Day
Tue
All Day
Wed
All Day
Thu
All Day
Fri
All Day
Sat
All Day
Sun
All Day
THINGS TO DO

Activities

Arts and CultureAstronomyAuto and ATVBackcountry CampingBackcountry HikingBikingBirdwatchingBoatingBookstore and Park StoreCampingCar or Front Country CampingCultural DemonstrationsFishingFlyingFoodFront-Country HikingGuided ToursHands-OnHikingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Horse TrekkingJunior Ranger ProgramMuseum ExhibitsPaddlingPark FilmRoad BikingScenic DrivingShoppingStargazingVolunteer VacationWhitewater RaftingWildlife Watching
PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to enter Grand Canyon National Park?
Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park starts at $20. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
What is there to do at Grand Canyon National Park?
Popular activities include Arts and Culture, Astronomy, Auto and ATV, Backcountry Camping, Backcountry Hiking, Biking.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Grand Canyon National Park?
Within about a day's drive you can reach Wupatki National Monument (1 h 46 min), Walnut Canyon National Monument (1 h 50 min), Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (1 h 59 min), Montezuma Castle National Monument (2 h 17 min), Tuzigoot National Monument (2 h 29 min), Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (2 h 32 min).