Hiking

• Nature walks. Many visitors take a stroll along portions of the rim trail to enjoy the magnificent views. Deer, elk, big horn sheep are just a few of the animals that can be seen at Grand Canyon. This is one of the few places on earth where you may spot the endangered California Condor soaring in the seemingly primordial sky.
• Hiking. Trails range in difficulty from fifteen minute loops to multi-week treks. The most popular trail is the Bright Angel Trail leaving from Grand Canyon Village near the Bright Angel Lodge. During the summer months water is available at the 1.5 mile (2.4 km) resthouse, the 3 mile (4.8 km) resthouse and Indian Gardens (4.5 miles or 7.2 km). However, check to ensure that the water is functioning before departing; water main breaks are common. The South Kaibab Trail down to Cedar Ridge (1.5 mi one-way) is also quite popular. There are numerous unmaintained trails throughout the park for the more adventurous. A few outfitters offer guided hikes (see guided tours in the 'Get In' section).

Whitewater rafting

Whitewater rafting expeditions depart daily during the summer months from Lee's Ferry. Commercial trips range from 3 to 18 days and cover from 87 to 300 miles. Trips book up fast so be sure to book your trip about a year in advance or you will have to get lucky with cancellations. The most popular section of river for the "true" Grand Canyon river experience lies between Lee's Ferry and Diamond Creek. The Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association provides a complete list of outfitters for this section of river.

The only one day whitewater trip is available from the Hualapai Tribe's Hualapai River Runners in the far Western portion of the canyon (outside of the park boundary) near Las Vegas. The only other option for a one day river trip is a one day flat water float by Colorado River Discovery in Glen Canyon (just outside Grand Canyon National Park).

Private (non-commercial DIY) river permits are also available for river trips up to 30 days in length. The new Colorado River Management Plan has changed a 12-20 year waitlist to a new weighted lottery. For more information on obtaining a non-commercial permit, visit the Grand Canyon Private Boaters Association.

• Colorado River and Trail Expeditions, +1-800-253-7328, [16]. Offers all inclusive rafting vacations. Expeditions range from 4 to 12 days. Special Interest Trips include Natural History, Hiking, and Kayak Trips. There is truly no better way to see the Grand Canyon than from the River. Not only is the canyon incredible, but so are all of the side canyons. Waterfalls, Indian ruins, springs, slot canyons, and old miner hideouts abound in the side canyons of the Grand Canyon.

Other activities

• Ranger programs. Programs include interpretive talks, rim walks, movies, and museums. At the South Rim, special Junior Ranger programs are available for children in the summer. Check "The Guide", a free publication distributed throughout the park for dates and times.
• Motorcoach tours are available year round at the South Rim. Tours are offered for the East Rim/Desert View, West Rim/Hermit's Rest, and for Sunrise and Sunset. Smaller naturalist and geologist lead van tours originate from outside the park in Flagstaff, Williams and Tusayan (see guided tours in the 'Get In' section).
• Mule rides. South Rim trips operate year round, and should be booked well in advance due to demand. Individuals can book by calling Xanterra at 888-297-2757 (1-303-297-2757 from outside of the US). Weight limits of 200 pounds (90.7 kg), and other restrictions are strictly enforced.
• Star gazing. On your own (fantastic for meteor showers), or with the Grand Canyon Star Party every June at Yavapai Point.
• Imax Movie. Visitors to the south rim can go to the National Geographic Imax theatre outside of the park in Tusayan to see half hour presentation of "Grand Canyon, the Hidden Secrets". Showtimes are every hour on the half hour.
• Air Tours. Fixed-wing (airplane) and Helicopter tours are offered by providers outside of the south rim in Tusayan at the Grand Canyon Airport, and also from Las Vegas, NV. Scenic flights are no longer allowed to fly below the rim within the national park. However, some helicopter flights land on the Havasupai and Hualapai Indian Reservations within Grand Canyon (outside of the park boundaries). Helicopter tours are available with Maverick Helicopters, for those who prefer fixed wing aircraft try Air Grand Canyon.
• Bicycling is only allowed on park roads. It is not allowed on rim trails or in the inner canyon. The best mountain biking can be found on the North Rim and just outside the park in the Kaibab National Forest. Rim Tours offers multiday mountain bike tours on the North Rim, and bike rentals may soon be available on the South Rim.
• Educational Courses The Grand Canyon Field Institute offers short (1 to 5 day) courses at the canyon. Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff offers a Grand Canyon Semester for college credit.

South Rim

• Grand Canyon Village. Good views, the trailhead of the Bright Angel Trail, historic buildings, and massive crowds.
• Desert View. The historic Watchtower is a popular stop for many travelers and provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the canyon and Colorado River.
• Hermits Rest. Located at the West end of Hermit Road. This gift shop/snack bar was designed by Mary Colter (the same person responsible for the Watchtower at Desert View) so as to resemble a Hermit's abode, and fit in harmoniously with the landscape. Constructed of a mix of stone and wood.

There are several other viewpoints along the road between Hermit's Rest and Grand Canyon Village (West Rim) or Desert View and the village (East Rim).

North Rim

Located only ten miles from the South Rim by air, the North Rim is a 215 mile (346 km), five hour drive from Grand Canyon Village. At 8,000 feet (2,440 m) the elevation of the North Rim is approximately 1,000 feet (305 m) higher than the South Rim, and as a result features more coniferous trees and cooler temperatures. The roads to the North Rim are open only during the summer (from approx May 15 to the first fall snow fall), while the in-park facilities usually close by October 15, regardless of the weather. With far fewer visitors, this area can be a great place to enjoy the peace and majesty of the canyon. The main viewpoints are Bright Angel Point, Cape Royal (where the Colorado River can be seen), and Point Imperial (the highest viewpoint in the park).

Havasupai Indian Reservation

WARNING: Currently Closed to Visitation due to Flood Damage. It is expected to re-open to visitors in the Spring of 2009.

A popular destination in the canyon lies southwest of the park on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Havasupai can be loosely translated as "People of the Blue-Green Water". Entry into this remote portion of the canyon requires a $35 per person entry fee (plus an additional $17 per person/night to stay in the campground). Those venturing into Havasu Canyon are greeted by spectacular world class waterfalls. Although the Havasupai Reservation is somewhat impacted (trashy), the incredible canyon below the Supai Village is worth the visit. Access to Havasu Canyon is from Hualapai Hilltop north of Peach Springs, Arizona. It is an eight mile hike or horse back ride to Supai Village. Helicopter transportation to and from the village is available on a first come basis four days a week. An extremely rustic lodge is the only public accommodation available in Supai. A large mile long campground is located two miles down canyon between Havasu and Mooney Falls. This campground can be extremely crowded in the summer months; advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Hualapai Indian Reservation (Grand Canyon West)

The Hualapai Reservation borders Lake Mead NRA to the West, and Grand Canyon National Park to the North and East. Tribal head quarters are located in the heavily impoverished town of Peach Springs, Arizona. The Grand Canyon Resort Corporation is a collection of tourist enterprises wholly owned by the tribe. Activities include motorized rafting trips on last few miles of white water in the canyon, and pontoon boat rides on the smooth waters of Lake Mead. In addition, Grand Canyon West (located in the remote Northwest corner of the reservation) is a collection of viewpoints overlooking the last few miles of Grand Canyon and the stagnant waters of the Colorado River as it flows into Lake Mead. The Hualapai have partnered with dozens of commercial tour operators from the Las Vegas area, and a tour package purchase (ranging from $29-$109 per person) is required for entry to the Grand Canyon West area. Literally hundreds of helicopter flights ferry passengers from the "West Rim" to a multitude of landing zones near the lake shore.

At Eagle Point, the Grand Canyon Skywalk (a glass bottomed walkway extending over the rim) is now completed. This construction has received much recent news coverage. Access to this part of the Canyon is rather difficult, it requires you to drive for approximately 14 miles on a dust road ("Diamond Bar Road") after the town of Dolan Springs, Arizona.

Hualapai Reservation (West Rim) Fees:

• 25$ parking fee per vehicle at West Grand Canyon Airport (a bus tour is required to visit any of the points)
• 25$ per person for a bus tour which will take you to Eagle Point and a pile of stones beyond
• 25$ per person to enter the skywalk
• No photographs may be taken by yourself on the skywalk for security reasons, you may instead have a photograph taken of you (25$ per photograph)

By car

The majority of visitors to the South Rim of the park arrive from the south on Arizona Route 64 (AZ 64) (conjoined with US highway 180). Alternately, one can enter the south rim from the east on AZ64.

For the south entrance: from Flagstaff, you can take US Route 180 (US 180) northwest to Valle where it joins with AZ 64, and continue north to the south rim; or take I-40 west toward Williams to the junction with AZ 64 and continue north to the south rim. Both routes are approximately 80 miles (129 km). The approx 60 miles (97 km) on US 180 is a narrow 2-lane mountain road through a heavily forested area. The I-40 west is a wide multi-lane interstate for approx 20 miles (32 km), to AZ 64 which is a slightly wider, less mountainous 2-lane highway, and the recommended route during winter weather. There are two lanes at this entrance reserved for pass and prepaid entrance fees (now lanes 1 and 4), which can be pre-purchased outside of the park at the National Geographic Theater/Visitor Center.

For the east entrance, take US 89 south from Page, AZ or north from Flagstaff to the junction with AZ 64 at Cameron. It is approx 25 miles (40 km) from the junction to the east entrance of the park, and approx 25 miles (40 km) from the east entrance to the south rim village area.

Visitors to the North Rim use ALT US 89 to AZ 67 (closed in winter).

By air

Many Grand Canyon visitors fly into one of two metropolitan airports located within half a day's drive of the South Rim: Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS), which is 275 miles from the South Rim or Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX), 230 miles from the South Rim.

Flagstaff's Pulliam Field (FLG) is the nearest commercial airport to the canyon. Two daily flights from Los Angeles (LAX) are offered by Horizon Air [2], and US Airways [3] operates five daily flights from Phoenix. Commuter flights are also available from Phoenix to Page-Lake Powell, Arizona (PGA) on Great Lakes Air [4], 145 miles Northeast of the park .

Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN) is located just outside of the South Rim entrance in the town of Tusayan. It is primarily utilized by companies who provide Grand Canyon air tours and private aircraft. Scheduled air service from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is offered by [5]Scenic Airlines, departing out of the Boulder City Municipal Airport (61B). Private charter service is available from other cities. Generally, though, visitors fly commercial airlines into the larger airports in Flagstaff, Phoenix, or Las Vegas.

By bus

Open Road Tours, 877-226-8060. [6] runs a daily shuttle service to the South Rim from Flagstaff.

There are currently no bus lines offering transportation to either rim. However, several commercial tour companies offer guided tours originating in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and other locations, either directly to the South Rim or that include the South Rim as part of an itinerary, and a few offer tours which include a visit to the North Rim.

By guided tour

A number of companies provide guided tours of the Canyon that include transportation from the surrounding areas. Some companies will provide bus travel from nearby towns while others begin in the park. Some will provide just a brief tour with small stops, while others may take you on a hike, and arrange all your meals.

• Angel's Gate Tours, 800-957-4557. [7] offers day tours, day hiking excursions, and overnight backpacking trips in the canyon. Transportation is available from Flagstaff, Williams, and the South Rim Area.

• BikeRaft.com, 1-800-624-6323. [8]offers a variety of different tours, from the beginner to the expert, of the Colorado River including most parts of the Grand Canyon.

• Discovery Treks, 1-888-256-8731 or 480-247-9266 [9]Rated one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure magazine, specializes in custom and semi-custom, guided treks at Grand Canyon National Park, Havasu Falls and Sedona. Arranges treks for small groups as well as corporate or large groups with trips for all fitness levels

• Grand-Adventures.com, 800-618-0744. [10] Offers fully guided daily walking tours from Las Vegas. All tours include small groups of 10 or less, a picnic lunch on the rim, a McDonald's breakfast, CD slideshow of your tour, free t-shirt, and 3.0 hours at the South Rim.

• Hydros Adventures Tours, 928-310-8141. [11] Offers one day and overnight hiking, rafting, backpacking, and adventure tours to the Grand Canyon, Northern Arizona, and Southern Utah. Pickups in Phoenix, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon area.

• Just Roughin' It Adventure Co, 877-857-2477. [12] Offers hikes for beginners and experts alike ranging from day hikes to multiple-day backpacking tours of Grand Canyon, Havasupai and other beautiful areas of Arizona. Just Roughin’ It takes the hassle out of planning treks by providing all gear, food, and transportation from Phoenix or Flagstaff. Tour options are also available for corporate groups, women's groups and individual hikers.

• Pygmy Guides LLC, 877-279-4697. [13] Offers all inclusive day tours, day hikes, and overnight backpacking in Grand Canyon and surrounding areas. Transportation from Flagstaff, Williams, Tusayan, and Grand Canyon South Rim hotels.

• Silver Spur Tours, 800.600.4006 [14] Offers an all-day Grand Canyon South Rim Loop Tour from Sedona and Flagstaff, Arizona. Customized Mercedes-bult Sprinter Vans limited to seven tourists. VIP pickup at your hotel. Loop Tour includes scenic Desert View Drive with stops at popular overlook points. Gourmet picnic included.

• Vaughan's Southwest Custom Tours, 800-513-1381. [15] offers both day and overnight tours, standard or customized, to the south rim from the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.

By train

The Grand Canyon Railway operates a train ride from the town of Williams to the Grand Canyon Village (travel time is 2.5 hours in each direction). The terminus at Grand Canyon Village is within walking distance of some accommodations. The train features an historic steam locomotive during the summer season, restored Pullman cars, and a staged old west style shootout. However, the Grand Canyon is not visible from the train. It is simply another option for traveling to the canyon, and takes about twice as long as driving to the canyon.

Amtrak's Southwest Chief, with trains operating daily between Chicago and Los Angeles, stops at Williams Junction, with connections to the Grand Canyon Railway.

Some of the view points are reachable by car, park service shuttle, motorcoach tour or on foot.

You can go into the canyon by horse, by mule (through guided tours on the south rim from Xanterra), on foot or by boat.

Private stock users (equines only) are required to follow a number of rules and restrictions while in the park, and must get a permit from the park service for overnight use. See Private Stock Use on the park service website for specifics.

From March through November the West Rim Drive is not accessible to most private vehicles (handicap vehicles may request a variance at the entry gate). The park service runs a shuttle during this time. The shuttles are frequent, but long lines form during the busy summer months.

Trans Canyon Shuttle an independent shuttle service runs between the North and the South Rim (No website, Tel 1.928.638.2820).

All types of tourist trinkets relating to the Grand Canyon, native American Indians, and the American Southwest are available in shops in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. The South Rim is overflowing with shopping options. The North Rim has only one shop located at the North Rim Lodge.

• Hopi House. This gift shop designed by Mary E. J. Colter turned 100 years old in 2005. It specializes in Native American crafts: Navajo Rugs, Hopi Kachina's, Zuni Fetishes, pottery, jewelry as well as t-shirts and souvenirs. The upstairs gallery offers Native American artworks.
• Lookout Studio. Also designed by Colter features spectacular views of the canyon from it's overhanging patio, and specializes in rocks and fossils along with the souvenirs.
• Hermit's Rest. Another Colter building blends into the canyon and offers a variety of souvenirs.
• Verkamps, [17]. One of the last privately held parcels within Grand Canyon National Park. Near the El Tovar hotel, it turned 100 in 2006.

South Rim

• Arizona Room. Located on the East side of the Bright Angel Lodge. Dinner 4:30pm–10:00pm (open seasonally), lunch seasonally. Also features partial canyon views.
• Bright Angel Restaurant. Located in Bright Angel Lodge. Informal dining, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• El Tovar Hotel Dining Room. Fine dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations required for dinner (not accepted at other times). Dining room is a flashback to the 1910s and features partial canyon views. $20 for lunch, $30 for dinner.

Additional Cafeterias are located in the Maswik and Yavapai Lodges. There is a grocery deli at Market Plaza inside the grocery store, as well. Just outside the park, in the gateway community of Tusayan, are a number of dining selections.

North Rim

• Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room. Open daily, Mid-May through Mid-October (exact dates vary year to year), 6:30am-9:30pm. Wonderful food and an unrivaled view of the canyon. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dinner reservations required. $7-$25.
• Cafe On The Rim. Serves cafeteria-style snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Veggie burgers, salads, sandwiches. $1-$10.
• Coffee Saloon. Located in the Rough Rider Saloon. Coffee, bagels, and pasteries. 5:30am-10:30am.

South Rim

• El Tovar Lounge. South Rim in the El Tovar Hotel. Inside seating year round, patio seating overlooking the rim seasonally.
• Bright Angel Bar. South Rim in the Bright Angel Lodge. Live entertainment seasonally.
• Maswik Sports Bar. South Rim in Maswik Lodge. Pool table, darts, big-screen TV and more.

North Rim

• Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room. North Rim. Serves cocktails.
• Rough Rider Saloon. North Rim.