Discovering Arizona - Experience the Grand Canyon

Only a few people see the Canyon from the North Rim, which lies just 10 miles (as the crow flies) directly across the Canyon from the South Rim. However, the North Rim (that rises a thousand feet higher than the South Rim) is much less accessible. Heavy snows close the road to the North Rim from late October to mid May of each year. Even in good weather it's harder to get to. It is 220 miles by car from the South Rim, or 21 miles by foot across the Canyon by way of the North and South Kaibab Trails.

Inside the canyon is experienced mainly by hikers, mule riders, or river runners and includes everything below the rim. There are many opportunities here for adventurous and hardy persons who want to backpack, ride a mule to Phantom Ranch, or take a river trip through the Canyon on the Colorado River (which can take anywhere from a few days to three weeks - there are no one-day river trips through Grand Canyon).

Getting across the Canyon

If you are hiking across the canyon, the South Kaibab Trail crosses the Colorado River on a narrow foot bridge approximately 70 feet above the water. It’s 21 mile hike to go "Rim To Rim," with a vertical descent - followed by a climb. That makes this an overnight hiking trip for 99.5% of hikers.

There is only one way to cross by automobile, and that is 137 miles from the South Rim Village (at Marble Canyon, AZ) via the Navajo Bridge, a few miles downstream from Lee’s Ferry, where the Canyon is only 400 feet wide. The North Rim village may only be reached by driving all the way around - or by hiking across the canyon.

Grand Canyon National Park is a designated Federal Recreation Fee Area. Fees collected directly benefit the park, and the National Park Service. This program allows the park to keep eighty percent of the revenue from most fees charged.

The entrance fee to Grand Canyon National Park is $25 per private vehicle. The fee for an individual entering by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or non-commercial group is $12.00 per person. Admission is for seven days and includes both the North Rim and South Rim. No refunds are given due to inclement weather.

Reservations for camping and lodging are essential. When making reservations, remember to identify the rim you plan on visiting.
Camping fees are in addition to entrance fees, and are charged per night. Campsite reservations fill up fast; make reservations as far in advance as you can.

Plan your trip to the canyon by visiting the National Park’s Website