Grand Canyon

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Grand Canyon National Park Grand Canyon, Arizona Trip Planner Table of Contents WELCOME TO GRAND CANYON ................... 2 GENERAL INFORMATION ............................... 3 GETTING TO GRAND CANYON ...................... 4 WEATHER ........................................................ 5 SOUTH RIM ..................................................... 6 SOUTH RIM SERVICES AND FACILITIES ......... 7 NORTH RIM ..................................................... 8 NORTH RIM SERVICES AND FACILITIES......... 9 TOURS AND TRIPS .......................................... 10 HIKING MAP ................................................... 12 DAY HIKING .................................................... 13 HIKING TIPS .................................................... 14 BACKPACKING ................................................ 15 GET INVOLVED................................................ 17 OUTSIDE THE NATIONAL PARK ..................... 18 PARK PARTNERS ............................................. 19 Navigating Trip Planner This document uses links to ease navigation. A box around a word or website indicates a link. Welcome to Grand Canyon Welcome to Grand Canyon National Park! For many, a visit to Grand Canyon is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we hope you find the following pages useful for trip planning. Whether your first visit or your tenth, this planner can help you design the trip of your dreams. As we welcome over 6 million visitors a year to Grand Canyon, your safety is of the utmost importance to us. We want you to have an enjoyable and memorable visit but most importantly we want you to have a safe visit. Use this information to start planning how you will explore Grand Canyon but don’t be afraid to check in with park staff when you get here. Our knowledgeable rangers can help perfect any itinerary you put together and ensure you leave with happy memories. Exploring any park, Grand Canyon included, can have some dangers. Be sure you are drinking enough water and eating salty snacks (if hiking). Look down to see where your feet are; we know the views are breathtaking, but don’t forget to keep a safe distance from the rim of the Canyon. Wildlife can be cute or even majestic but maintaining a safe distance and not feeding the animals is best for you and the animal. Just by being aware of these few safety best practices and using all of the trip planning resources available here, we know that you will have a fantastic experience visiting us at Grand Canyon National Park! Grand Canyon National Park Trip Planner 2 General Information National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Located entirely in northern Arizona, the park encompasses 277 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. One of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world, Grand Canyon is unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers to visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. Grand Canyon National Park PO Box 129 Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023 USA Park Headquarters 928-638-7888 Website www.nps.gov/grca/ Park Openings and Closings Park Entrance Fees The Village and Desert View on the South Rim are open all year and park entrances remain open 24 hours a day. North Rim facilities open mid-May and close midOctober. Park entrances remain open 24 hours a day during this time. Hours for visitor centers and businesses vary throughout the year. Fees collected support projects in the park. Admission to the park is $35 per private vehicle; $30 per motorcycle; and $20 per person entering the park via Grand Canyon Railway, park shuttle bus, private rafting trip, walking, or riding a bicycle. The pass can be used for seven days and includes both rims. Pay fees at park entrance stations or at some businesses outside the park. Every year the National Park Service offers entrance fee free days. For complete fee information, including Annual, Active Military, Senior, and Access passes visit Park Information The park produces a Pocket Map with a North Rim and South Rim edition that contains a map and information about services, facilities, and park ranger programs. It is available in French, German, Japanese, Italian, Spanish, Korean, and Chinese. A hiking brochure is available for those planning to hike one of the park’s main trails down into Grand Canyon. An Accessibility Guide is also available. Obtain publications at entrance stations, visitor centers, or at go.nps.gov/136ojl Accessibility For information about accessibility in Grand Canyon National Park, see go.nps.gov/y5uu6f Sustainability Grand Canyon National Park incorporates sustainability into all aspects of its operations. Use your refillable water bottle to fill up on free Grand Canyon spring water at major trailheads, visitor centers, grocery stores, and lodges. Please recycle—recycling receptacles are conveniently located and as common as trash receptacles. Discover what else you can do to protect the environment while traveling here and beyond at go.nps.gov/1b2rzt go.nps.gov/1rtxl2 Pets Pets must be leashed at all times and may not be taken below the rim, inside buildings, or on shuttle buses. Persons wishing to take service animals below the rim must check in at the Backcountry Information Center. A kennel on the South Rim provides animal boarding. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. go.nps.gov/loxbia EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™ Grand Canyon National Park Trip Planner 3 Getting To Grand Canyon To Salt Lake City 50 Miles 15 168 93 169 NEVADA North 59 Las Vegas 89 Kanab KAIBAB INDIAN RESERVATION L. Powell UTAH ARIZONA Page Fredonia 389 ALT 89 GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK 67 Lake Mead Pearce Ferry o ad Tuweep er Riv Grand Canyon ol or C Skywalk HAVASUPAI INDIAN RESERVATION 95 HUALAPAI INDIAN RESERVATION Lake Mohave A A D A NI EV OR F LI CA N Peach Springs 93 Colorado R 66 AMTRAK Stops at Williams and Flagstaff, Arizona. Shuttle service runs from Flagstaff to the South Rim. ALT 89 Sedona 179 d ora Col 93 o Ri ve r Blythe From the north—take US 89 or AZ 160 to 95 AZ 64 in Cameron, Arizona. Proceed west on AZ 64 to the East Entrance of the park. NORTH RIM Take US 89A to Jacob Lake, Arizona, and turn south onto AZ 67 to the North Entrance of the park. Shuttle PrescottService 69 To Phoenix 260 17 GROOME TRANSPORTATION 89 Service between Flagstaff and Grand Payson Canyon three times a day; also serves Phoenix, Tucson, and other locations in 71 Arizona.Wickenburg 928-350-8466 groometransportation.com 87 60 TRANSCANYON SHUTTLE Phoenix Provides daily 10 trips each way between the North and South rims from mid-May to mid-October. Also runs in off-season from October 16 through November 15, but must call first to confirm. 928-638-2820 trans-canyonshuttle.com 800-872-7245 amtrak.com GRAND CANYON RAILWAY The train leaves Williams Depot at 9:30 am and arrives at Grand Canyon Depot at 11:45 am. The train departs Grand Canyon at 3:30 pm, arriving in Williams at 5:45 pm. A second departure may be offered during peak periods; call for information. 800-843-8746 thetrain.com Bus GREYHOUND Serves Flagstaff and Williams, Arizona. 800-231-2222 greyhound.com Tusayan Route Shuttle Bus Coordinates* PARK AND RIDE: WE’LL BE YOUR GUIDE GRAND CANYON VISITOR CENTER (SOUTH RIM) Latitude, Longitude: 36° 03’32”N 112° 06’33”W UTM Zone 12, NAD 83: 400093 East, 3991074 North DESERT VIEW WATCHTOWER (DESERT VIEW) Latitude, Longitude: 36° 2’38”N 111° 49’33”W UTM Zone 12, NAD 83: 425584 East, 3989159 North NORTH RIM VISITOR CENTER (NORTH RIM) Latitude, Longitude: 36° 11’51”N 112° 03’09”W UTM Zone 12, NAD 83: 405379 East, 4006465 North Fly from Boulder City, Nevada, near Las Vegas, to Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, Arizona. Ride a taxi from the airport to the South Rim; rental cars not available at Grand Canyon Airport. Train 40 Flagstaff 89A GRAND CANYON AIRLINES grandcanyonairlines.com Seligman 66 Airlines serve Phoenix, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Limited flights go to Flagstaff, Arizona. Rent a car at any of these airports to continue to Grand Canyon National Park or reserve a shuttle to the park from Phoenix or Flagstaff. 866-235-9422 180 64 89 From the south—exit I-40 at Williams, Arizona, and proceed north on AZ 64; or exit on US 180 in Flagstaff, Arizona, and follow US 180 to the intersection with AZ 64, then turn north and follow AZ 64 to the 60 To LosSouth Angeles Entrance of the park. 10 Cameron 89 To Los Angeles SOUTH RIM 160 Valle 40 Private 95Vehicle The Gap 64 Tusayan 64 Ash Fork Kingman NAVAJO NATION Desert View Williams 68 89T North Rim South Rim Grand Canyon Village Boulder City 163 89 Jacob Lake 169 95 Airport 9 9 iv er 0 St. George Colorado R 50 Kilometers ARIZONA UTAH 18 0 To Bryce Canyon N.P. 17 *GPS may be unreliable in the area. Be prepared with a map or atlas. Why wait in lines and drive in circles looking for parking? During the busy season, long entrance station lines and difficult to find parking can take the enjoyment out of your trip. Park in the gateway community of Tusayan and ride a shuttle bus into the park. The Tusayan Route operates from March to September. After making four stops in Tusayan, the shuttle bus heads straight to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, where you can begin your Grand Canyon experience. No lines, no hassles, no fuss! go.nps.gov/1nw8ff Grand Canyon National Park Trip Planner 4 Weather Current and Year-Round Weather and Road Conditions go.nps.gov/grca_wr SUMMER SPRING AND FALL WINTER June through August on the rims May to September in the canyon April, May, September, and October on the rims. March, April, October, and early November in the canyon November through March on the rims December to February in the canyon Beautiful weather shines on the rims, while brutal heat tortures the inner canyon. The high elevation and low humidity causes dramatic changes in temperature from day to night; bring a jacket. The excessive heat in the canyon can be dangerous and even fatal to unprepared hikers. Average rim temperatures range from 48°F (9°C) to 83°F (28°C). Inner canyon temperatures range from 72°F (23°C) to 104°F (40°C). Come prepared for a variety of conditions during these changeable seasons. May and October are typically dry, but snow on the rims is not unusual. Late April and May feature strong wind on the rims. Seasonable weather in the canyon offers some of the best times for hiking, making permits harder to obtain for overnight camping. Average rim temperatures range from 32°F (0°C) to 63°F (17°C). Inner canyon temperatures range from 56°F (13°C) to 82°F (28°C). While the South Rim remains open yearround, the road to the North Rim closes with the first heavy snowfall. Canyon views may be obscured during passing storms, but canyon formations highlighted by snow are unforgettable. Grand Canyon National Park does not refund entrance fees due to weather. The park plows South Rim roads, but temporary closures may occur. Average rim temperatures range from 19°F (-7°C) to 45°F (7°C). Inner canyon temperatures range from 36°F (2°C) to 56°F (13°C). LIGHTNING DANGER Common during summer, monsoon storms bring dangerous lightning. When you hear thunder, move away from the canyon rim. Do not stand under trees. Seek shelter inside vehicles, shuttle buses, or buildings; note that shuttle buses only stop at designated bus stops and will not pick you up on the side of the road during a storm. Be aware of possible floods and falling rocks during and after storms. Grand Canyon National Park Trip Planner 5 South Rim Yavapai Point and Geology Museum (No bike s) Rim Tr a Visitor Center il m ) 0.7 mi (1.1 km ) 1. 4m i( 2. 3k Throwing rocks hurts hikers. Village Bright Angel Trailhead Hermits Rest Route Transfer Hopi House El Tovar Kachina Hotel Lodge Verkamp’s Visitor Center Thunderbird Lodge o n e- one-wa y o e-way d. Maswik Lodge ik R ndry d. L au Train Depot r. ) Garage Backcountry Grand Canyon Visitor Center Park Store Lots 1–3 Ro a pai Yava (RV parking, Lot 1) Lot 4 d Market Plaza Westbound Park Headquarters Community Library Shrine of the Ages Westbound e Shrine of the Ages Eastbound r Ro ad Market Plaza Lot D Information Center (RV parking available) Kennel Yavapai Lodge Lot A Bank Ce nt e Bus Parking Bike Rentals and Cafe McKee Amphitheater Way Zuni Ma sw y es l D Lot C ay w op o- Lo Center Road Vil tw lag R wa Mule Barn n Village East ik ob (N m Tr ai s) ike t Res its m er Ri ob (N To H Village Route Transfer l el W we Ro Lookout Studio Kolb Studio Mather Point Trail of Time: Geology exhibits on Rim Trail between Yavapai Point and Verkamp’s Visitor Center Bright Angel Lodge South Ent rance Roa d Hermit Road accessible via shuttle bus only March 1 to November 30. Lot B Post Office Market Plaza Eastbound Trailer Village Market 64 Camper Services Clinic Mather Campground A riz Road A ri z on a a N ut So al ti o n Sc e ni e anc ntr hE c Tr ai l 64 o na Na t ion al S cen iew Driv e ic Tr ail d Roa ad ic in Cl To Desert View 22mi (35.4km) De ser tV Mather Campground Map not to scale. For detailed maps see go.nps.gov/x4kiir Ma r k e t P laz a Ro Cen t e r Parking and Shuttle Buses Viewpoints The South Rim experiences crowded conditions throughout the year. Parking near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center fills by 10 am during busy periods. For surviving busy times see go.nps.gov/ gc_tips Choose from dozens of beautiful and unique overlooks. Enjoy fantastic vistas no matter the viewpoint. Consider using the free shuttle bus system. Running on natural gas, these fullyaccessible buses offer easy access to many popular viewpoints and hiking and bicycling opportunities along the South Rim. go.nps.gov/gc_shuttle R Find additional parking found in lots A–D. Find shuttle bus stops in or near all parking areas. go.nps.gov/gc_parking oa d To Tusayan 6.7mi (10.8km) 64 HERMIT ROAD Travel the 7-mile (11 km) Hermit Road. Stop at nine scenic viewpoints and numerous unnamed overlooks. Shuttle buses and bicycles only March 1 to November 30. Things to do SEE THE PARK FILM Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder, a 22-minute introductory film, repeats on the hour and half-hour in Grand Canyon Visitor Center. ATTEND A FREE PARK RANGER PROGRAM Daily programs help you discover more about Grand Canyon. Check visitor centers or go.nps.gov/gc_programs for a full listing of park ranger programs. DESERT VIEW DRIVE Drive along 22 miles (35 km) for views of the Colorado River. Climb to the top floor of Desert View Watchtower for a 360-degree view. GO ON A HIKE COLORADO RIVER VIEWS RIDE A BICYCLE Look down on portions of the Colorado River from viewpoints along Hermit Road, Desert View Drive, and from Yavapai and Mather points. See page 13 for rim and inner canyon day hiking information. Use free shuttle buses to access trails. Journey through the forest and along parts of the canyon rim on the Greenway Trail. go.nps. gov/1v2hmb Tusayan Grand Canyon National Park Trip Planner 6 South Rim Services and Facilities Information The National Park Service staffs several visitor centers on the South Rim. Open every day of the year; hours vary. VILLAGE Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plan your visit, and learn about Grand Canyon through the free park film and exhibits. Offers close access to Mather Point. Backcountry Information Center Learn about inner-canyon hiking; obtain backcountry information and permits. Kolb Studio View exhibits in the restored 1904 Kolb brothers’ home and photography studio. Verkamp’s Visitor Center Visit one of the oldest buildings in the Village and explore more than 100 years of community history. Yavapai Geology Museum Find answers to your questions with 3D maps and exhibits about the geologic story you see through the windows. DESERT VIEW Desert View Watchtower Inspired by ancient pueblos, this Mary Jane Colter building offers spectacular views of Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert. Tusayan Museum and Ruin Look into the past and present day lives of thriving American Indian communities. Located 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Desert View. Camping Lodging Desert View Campground (NPS) $12/night; no hookups. Maximum vehicle length: 30 feet (9.1 m). Open mid-April to mid-October on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations. Located 22 miles (35 km) east of the Village. Reservations should be made well in advance as facilities tend to be full for much of the year. Offseason rates available. Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts Offers accommodations at Yavapai Lodge. 877-404-4611 visitgrandcanyon.com IN THE PARK Mather Campground (NPS) $18/night; no hookups; dump station available. Maximum vehicle length: 30 feet (9.1 m). Open year-round; reservations strongly recommended April through October. Operates first-come, firstserved from the end of November to early March. 877-444-6777 recreation.gov Trailer Village (Delaware North Companies) Pull-through sites with hookups. Reservations recommended. Open year-round. 877-404-4611 visitgrandcanyon.com OUTSIDE THE PARK, TUSAYAN, ARIZONA Camper Village (Private) Hookups, coin-operated showers, laundry, propane, dump station, and store; open year-round. 928-638-2887 grandcanyoncampervillage.com Ten-X Campground (Kaibab National Forest) No hookups or showers. Most individual sites firstcome, first-served. Some individual and all group sites available by reservation. Open May through September. Reservations: 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov Information: 928-638-2443 IN THE PARK Xanterra Parks & Resorts Offers accommodations at El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel, Kachina, Maswik, and Thunderbird, lodges. 888-297-2757 grandcanyonlodges.com OUTSIDE THE PARK IN TUSAYAN, ARIZONA Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn 800-622-6966 grandcanyonsquire.com Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel 800-995-2521; pets ok grandcanyonplaza.com The Grand Hotel 888-634-7263 grandcanyongrandhotel.com Holiday Inn Express 928-638-3000 gcanyon.com Red Feather Lodge 800-538-2345; pets ok redfeatherlodge.com 7 Mile Lodge 928-638-2291; no reservations Other Services The Village features a variety of services, including restaurants, gift shops, post office, bank, general store, garage, kennel, laundry, showers, taxi, and more. go.nps.gov/o2ib4w Tusayan, Arizona, offers additional restaurants, gift shops, groceries, and a gas station. Grand Canyon National Park Trip Planner 7 North Rim 2 Miles Approximate scale foreground area only To Kaibab National Forest KAIBAB B A SIN 5. North Rim O I AR No 3.3k Roosevelt Point m) CA NY Tra ON il A N Y O WALHALLA N 5040ft 1537m EL PT T Manzanita Point H BR IG Obi Point 7928ft 2417m Cottonwood 4000ft 1220m Francois Matthes Point 8020ft 2445m NATCHI CANYON Cap e F i nal Tr a i l Walhalla Overlook NORTH RIM VISITOR CENTER Explore exhibits, talk to a park ranger, and visit the bookstore operated by the Grand Canyon Association. BACKCOUNTRY INFORMATION CENTER Located in the Administrative Building, learn about inner-canyon hiking and obtain backcountry information and permits for overnight hikes. Cape Final 7916ft 2413m Cape Royal OTTOMAN THEATER To Phantom Ranch Less visited than the South Rim, the North Rim offers quiet canyon views. North Rim facilities are open mid-May to mid-October. N Atoko Point 8400ft 2561m 7998ft 2438m Thor Temple 6741ft 2055m Information YO DE S A SE AN P L AT E A U GLA AN P C WAL HALL A C Roaring Springs TR NA Tritle Peak mi (2 i Br ab ib E 14.5 EA PR Ka INGS h TH k W NK O S rt 8255ft Bright 2516m Angel Point Oza Butte 8066ft 2549m NG North Rim Visitor Center Widforss Point 7900ft 2403m Uncle Jim Point 8336 ft 2541 m R O U el C re e s Trail Transept Trail Tiyo Point 7766ft 2367m 8480ft 2585m gh tA ng ON NY Uncle Jim Trail fors Wid Greenland Lake Vista Encantada TL ET CA Unpaved roads may be impassable when wet. Patric n Ke Trail Bourke Point 6542ft 1995m 8803ft 2684m km k Trail Four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles recommended. Point Imperial km) i (4.2 2.6m 7 8. i( 4m o na To Point Sublime 17.8mi (28.6km) P L AT E A U ) A ri z THE 67 G 0 To North Entrance Station and Jacob Lake 2 Kilometers 0 N North Things to Do Driving Viewpoints Discover Grand Canyon's hidden secrets. See the current list of park ranger programs at the North Rim Visitor Center. go.nps.gov/gc_activities Travel 11 miles (18 km) from the visitor center to view Mount Hayden and Marble Canyon along this beautiful 20-minute drive each way. ENJOY THE VISTAS CAPE ROYAL View the canyon from Grand Canyon Lodge, trails along the rim, or the scenic drives on the Walhalla Plateau leading to Point Imperial and Cape Royal. Drive 23 miles (37 km) from the visitor center to explore Angels Window and ancestral Puebloan ruins at Walhalla Glades. Allow plenty of time to enjoy this 45-minute drive each way. ATTEND A FREE PARK RANGER PROGRAM POINT IMPERIAL GO ON A HIKE See page 13 for rim and inner canyon day hiking information. RIDE A BICYCLE Note: Vehicles longer than 30 feet (9 m) not recommended on the roads to Point Imperial and Cape Royal. Permitted on all roads unless posted; prohibited on all trails, except the Bridle and Arizona trails. Grand Canyon National Park Trip Planner 8 North Rim Services and Facilities Camping Lodging Food and Beverage North Rim Campground (NPS) $18–$25/night. No hookups; dump station available. Stays limited to seven days per season. Open May 15 to October 31. Campground fills most nights; advanced reservations strongly recommended. 877-444-6777 recreation.gov Grand Canyon Lodge Make reservations with Forever Resorts; books well in advance. Check the lodge for same day availability. Open May 15 to October 15. 877-386-4383 grandcanyonforever.com Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room Offers a view of the canyon; reservations for dinner recommended; open daily. OUTSIDE THE PARK Roughrider Saloon In the Grand Canyon Lodge complex; open daily. IN THE PARK OUTSIDE THE PARK DeMotte Campground (US Forest Service) 18 miles (28 km) north of North Rim. $20/night; no hookups or reservations. Open May 15 to October 15. Reservations for half the sites: 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov Information: 928-643-7395 fs.usda.gov Jacob Lake Campground (US Forest Service) 45 miles (75 km) north of North Rim. $20/night; no hookups. Open May 15 to October 15. Reservations for camp site: 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov Information: 928-643-7395 fs.usda.gov IN THE PARK Kaibab Lodge Located 18 miles (30 km) north of North Rim; open May 15 to October 15 and includes a restaurant and store. 928-638-2389 kaibablodge.com Jacob Lake Inn Located 45 miles (75 km) north of North Rim in Jacob Lake, Arizona; open year-round. Includes a restaurant, store, and gas station with pay at pump available 24 hours daily. Propane available. 928-643-7232 jacoblake.com IN THE PARK Deli in the Pines In the Grand Canyon Lodge complex; open daily. Coffee Shop Located in the Roughrider Saloon; offers coffee, bagels, and baked goods in the morning and light fare, appetizers, and cocktails later in the day. Chuckwagon Buffet Located in the Grand Canyon Lodge. Purchase an all-you-can eat or a one-time-through ticket and take your dinner from the auditorium to the veranda. Other Services The North Rim offers a variety of other services including fuel, garage, laundry, showers, post office, and more. go.nps.gov/o2ib4w Kaibab Camper Village (Private) Located 0.25 mile (0.5 km) south of Jacob Lake on Arizona Highway 67. Open May 15 to October 15; full hookups available. 928-643-7804 928-526-0924, during the off-season kaibabcampervillage.com Grand Canyon National Park Trip Planner 9 Tours and Trips Air Tours Mule Trips Bus Tours All scenic air tours originate from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, Arizona, outside the South Rim of the park. Companies offer both fixed-wing and helicopter tours daily. Mule trips make daily excursions and overnight trips into the canyon. For information visit FIXED-WING SOUTH RIM Grand Canyon Airlines 866-235-9422 grandcanyonairlines.com Xanterra Parks & Resorts 303-297-2757 or 888-297-2757 grandcanyonlodges.com Daily South Rim tours to Hermits Rest and Desert View, as well as sunrise and sunset tours. Tour guides explain history and geology while you relax and enjoy canyon views. Wheelchair-accessible coaches available by prior arrangement. Westwind Air Service 888-869-0866 westwindairservice.com NORTH RIM HELICOPTER Grand Canyon Helicopters 855-326-9617 grandcanyonhelicopter.com Maverick Helicopters 888-261-4414 maverickhelicopter.com Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters 888-635-7272 papillon.com go.nps.gov/14jx4c Xanterra Parks & Resorts 303-297-2757 or 888-297-2757 grandcanyonlodges.com Grand Canyon Trail Rides May 15 to October 15 435-679-8665 canyonrides.com Bicycle Rentals and Tours Bicycle, wheelchair, and stroller rentals are available from March to January, weather permitting. Rent a bicycle for a self-guided tour of the rim or enjoy seasonally offered guided bicycle tours. Closed Christmas Day. Bright Angel Bicycles and Café 928-638-3055 bikegrandcanyon.com Grand Canyon National Park Trip Planner 10 River Adventures For an ultimate adventure and a life-changing experience, raft the Colorado River through Grand Canyon. Several options allow exploring the river on a diversity of time frames and budgets. 1-DAY COMMERCIAL TRIPS 2 – 5 DAY LOWER GORGE RIVER TRIPS Half-day and all-day smooth-water float trips travel 15 river miles (24 km) from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry, March 1 to November 30. Private river trips can float 52 river miles (84 km) from Diamond Creek to Lake Mead. Permits available starting one year in advance on a first-come, first-served basis. The National Park Service does not assess permit fees for this section of the river, but the Hualapai Tribe charges access fees for crossing their reservation. For information and applications visit: go.nps.gov/sxsoub Glen Canyon Rafting Hospitality 800-992-8022 riveradventures.com/glen-canyon-float-trips/glencanyon-float-trip-experience/ 3 – 18 DAY COMMERCIAL TRIPS The following companies offer three- to 19-day river trips through Grand Canyon, traveling 226 river miles (364 km) from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek. Companies offer a variety of trips in large motorized rafts, oared rafts, paddle rafts, and dories. Aramark-Wilderness River Adventures 800-992-8022 riveradventures.com Grand Canyon Expeditions Co. 800-544-2691 gcex.com Arizona Raft Adventures 800-786-7238 azraft.com Grand Canyon Whitewater 800-343-3121 grandcanyonwhitewater.com Arizona River Runners 800-477-7238 raftarizona.com Hatch River Expeditions 800-856-8966 hatchriverexpeditions.com Canyon Explorations/ Canyon Expeditions 800-654-0723 canyonexplorations.com O.A.R.S. Grand Canyon 800-346-6277 oars.com Canyoneers, Inc. 800-525-0924 canyoneers.com Colorado River & Trail Expeditions, Inc. 800-253-7328 crateinc.com Grand Canyon Dories 800-346-6277 oars.com/grandcanyon/dories.html Outdoors Unlimited 800-637-7238 outdoorsunlimited.com Tour West 800-435-9107 twriver.com Western River Expeditions 866-904-1160 westernriver.com 12 – 25 DAY PRIVATE TRIPS Since demand far exceeds supply, the park dispenses non-commercial permits to travel from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek via a weighted lottery. Each February, a main lottery assigns the majority of launch dates for the next year. Additional follow-up lotteries occur throughout the remainder of the year to re-assign cancelled trips. go.nps.gov/ig4s55 Grand Canyon National Park Trip Planner 11 Hiking Map Legend North Kaibab Trailhead North Rim 0.7mi (1.1km) Coconino Overlook Full services May 15 to October 15 located 1.7 miles (2.7 km) from trailhead Toilets Drinking Water: Year-Round Always carry backup water purification. 1.3mi (2.1km) Supai Tunnel 0.6mi (1.0km) Ca Redwall Bridge ny on Ri Drinking Water: Seasonal m Always carry backup water purification. North Rim Visitor Center 2.1mi (3.4km) Roaring Springs Emergency Phone Campground Camp in designated sites only; permit required 0.7mi (1.1km) Ranger Station: Year-Round Manzanita Rest Area Ranger Station: Seasonal North 1.4mi (2.3km) First Aid Cottonwood Campground 7.2 mi (11 .6k m) Ribbon Falls Phantom Ranger Station Bright Angel Campground River Resthouse 1.8mi (2.9km) Plateau Point Tip Off 1.5mi (2.4km) Indian Garden Campground 2.6mi (4.2km) Do not swim in the Colorado River! Dangerous currents and cold water temperatures can be deadly. 1.4mi (2.3km) 3.2mi (5.2km) Skeleton Point 1.5mi (2.4km) 1.5mi (2.4km) 1.5mi (2.4km) 0.5mi (0.8km) Lower Tunnel 3-Mile Resthouse Cedar Ridge Can yo nR im 1½-Mile Resthouse Ooh Aah Point 0.8 mi (1.3km) Upper Tunnel 0.2mi (0.3km) Bright Angel Trailhead 0.6mi (1.0km) Grand Canyon Visitor Center 0.9mi (1.4km) South Kaibab Trailhead South Rim Services available year-round South Kaibab Trailhead closed to private vehicles. Access only via free shuttle bus. Grand Canyon National Park Trip Planner 12 Day Hiking If you desire an overnight hike see pages 15–16 and contact the Backcountry Information Center for permits. Hiking in Grand Canyon creates life changing experiences and lasting memories. Proper planning ensures good hiking memories. See page 14 for hiking tips. Hiking to the Colorado River and back in one day is dangerous and not recommended. Summer heat occasionally causes fatalities. In winter, cold temperatures and slippery trails can cause accidents and hypothermia. South Rim Destination Distance Time Round Trip Round Trip Elevation Change Notes Follows the rim for 13 miles (21 km) Your choice 15 minutes to all day 200 feet 60 m Mostly paved, except dirt from Monument Creek Vista east to Powell Point 1 ½-Mile Resthouse 3 miles 4.8 km 2 – 4 hours 2,112 feet 644 m Toilets Water May – October 3-Mile Resthouse 6 miles 9.6 km 4 – 6 hours 2,112 feet 644 m Toilets Water May– October Indian Garden 9.2 miles 14.8 km 6 – 9 hours 3,060 feet 933 m Water year-round Toilets Trail begins south of Yaki Point at the South Kaibab Trailhead; you must ride the free shuttle bus to the trailhead. Best views for a relatively short and steep hike, but no water. Upper portion of trail subject to strong afternoon sun with little or no shade. Signs identifying turn-around spots may not be in place. Ooh Ahh Point 1.8 miles 2.9 km 1 – 2 hours 600 feet 180 m No water First view east Cedar Ridge 3 miles 4.8 km 2 – 4 hours 1,140 feet 347 m No water Toilets Skeleton Point 6 miles 9.6 km 4 – 6 hours 2,040 feet 622 m No water Hitching rail North Rim Destination Distance Time Round Trip Round Trip Elevation Change Notes Bright Angel Point 0.5 miles 0.8 km 30 minutes 200 feet 60 m No water Widforss Point 9.6 miles 15.5 km 6 hours 200 feet 60 m No water Self-guiding trail brochure available at trailhead Coconino Overlook 1.4 miles 2.3 km 1 – 2 hours 800 feet 245 m No water Expansive view Supai Tunnel 4 miles 6.4 km 3 – 4 hours 1,450 feet 445 m Water May–October Rim Trail Mostly flat; many sections suitable for wheelchairs. Easy walks and quiet views. Follows the rim from Hermits Rest east to South Kaibab Trailhead. Begin from any viewpoint and use the free shuttle buses to customize your trip; see the South Rim Pocket Map for route information. Bright Angel Trail This popular, steep trail into the canyon begins west of Bright Angel Lodge. Upper portion provides some afternoon shade. Water availa