Official park context

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.

South Rim: Open all year, is located 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona (via route 64 from Interstate 40) and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff (via route 180). Grand Canyon lies entirely within the state of Arizona. ---- North Rim: Select areas are open to public access between Oct 1 and Nov 14. View the park's news releases for details. The North Rim entrance station is located 30 miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ, on Highway 67; the actual rim of the canyon is an additional 14 miles south.

Grand Canyon, AZ20 South Entrance Road

Current alerts in the NPS snapshot

  • Critical Backcountry Updates/Closures Caution

    Visit this link for the inner canyon weather forecast, current trail closures, today's heat risk, and drinking water availability.

  • INNER CANYON TRAIL CLOSURES Danger

    Current trail closures: North Kaibab Trail, Cottonwood Campground, Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, Silver Bridge, Black Bridge. Additionally South Kaibab Trail below Tip-Off Point, and Bright Angel Trail below the intersection with the Tonto Trail is closed. (River exchanges may continue at Pipe Creek Beach). Please do not attempt to access the closed areas.

  • INNER CANYON WATER SHUTOFFS Danger

    Beginning Sep. 6 at 10 a.m., no potable water will be available in the inner canyon, including along the Bright Angel Trail (1.5 Mile Resthouse, 3-Mile Resthouse, Havasupai Gardens day use and campground). All backpackers and hikers should carry water filtration and treatment OR carry all water with them.

Visitor centers and planning stops

Visitor center records help decide whether to start with a map, restroom, ranger question or same-day route check before a gentle trail.

  • Grand Canyon Visitor Center (South Rim)

    Trip planning and hiking information is available through exhibit kiosks and sidewalk signs outside of the building. Park in one of four large parking lots and get your first look at Grand Canyon by walking to nearby Mather Point. With your vehicle parked at the Visitor Center, you can also board free shuttle buses and be transported around the village and out to scenic overlooks.

  • Verkamp's Visitor Center (South Rim)

    In the Village Historic District, near Hopi House and El Tovar Hotel, Verkamp's Visitor Center features exhibits that focus on the Grand Canyon Community; what it was like to live and work here on the brink of one of the seven natural wonders. A staffed information desk and a Grand Canyon Conservancy Museum Store are also located here. Public restrooms are available in a separate building behind the Visitor Center.

Campground logistics near route planning

Campground records are useful when a trail day starts or ends from inside the park. Treat reservation and site counts as planning context, not live availability.

  • Desert View Campground (Reservations Required)

    At the East Entrance, Desert View Campground offers a peaceful setting with 49 campsites. 30 feet (9.1 m) combined total length is the maximum length for RVs or vehicles pulling travel trailers. Campsites are available by reservation only at www.recreation.gov and can be made up to 6 months in advance, Sat. April 11, through the night of Sun. October 18, 2026. Make reservations online or call (877-444-6777). It is possible to make same day call-in and/or online reservations.

  • Mather Campground - South Rim

    Mather Campground is located in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. There are 327 sites. Only dry camping is currently permitted due to Stage 4 water restrictions. Spigot access and bathroom faucets are turned off. No fires are currently allowed on the South Rim and inner canyon areas. Fire restrictions prohibit all wood burning and charcoal fires. No hookups are available, however there is a free dump station. Most RV spaces are pull-through.

  • Trailer Village RV Park - South Rim

    CLOSED as of August 31, 2026 due to Stage 4 water restrictions.

Fees and operating-hours clues

Entrance - Private Vehicle

$35

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 per

Entrance - Motorcycle

$30

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

Entrance - Per Person

$20

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

Nonresident

$100

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