VISITATION:
Close to five million a year. Peak season runs from April through October; winter holiday week-ends are also crowded. Summers are extremely crowded.

LOCATION:
Grand Canyon, AZ

ADDRESS:
Grand Canyon National Park P.O. Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

TELEPHONE:
All general park inquiries should be directed to (520) 638- 7888. For lodging reservations (in-park) & most other concession activities (including mule rides, Phantom Ranch, etc.) call (520) 638-2401.

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The North Rim is closed from late October to mid-May.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
The South Rim is 7000 feet above sea level, which means snow in winter and cool nights even in summer. Inner canyon hiking (below the rim) is another story, however: summer temperatures along the Colorado River at the canyon bottom can reach 120o F. The North Rim is 8000 feet above sea level and can receive snow throughout most of the year. Weather is particularly changeable in spring and fall; visitors should be prepared for a variety of climates.

DIRECTIONS:
Grand Canyon Village (South Rim) is located 60 miles north of Interstate 40 at Williams via highway 64, and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff via highway 180. Only ten miles from rim to rim as the crow flies, the North Rim is 215 miles (about 4 1/2 hours) from the South Rim by car. The North Rim is 44 miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ, via highway 67.

TRANSPORTATION:
To Park: commercial air carriers serve Las Vegas, Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Grand Canyon Airport (in Tusayan, just south of the park). Bus service is available from Flagstaff and Williams via Nava-Hopi Bus Tours ((520) 774-5003). Historic steam train service is available from Williams (call 1(800) THE TRAIN). In Park: free shuttle service is available throughout Grand Canyon Village and along the West Rim Drive during peak season only (generally Memorial Day to September). At that time of the year the West Rim Drive is closed to private vehicles. Shuttle service is also available (for a fee) to Tusayan, as well as the South Kaibab Trailhead. Taxis are available (on call) from Grand Canyon National Park Lodges, call (520) 638-2631.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:
Entrance to the park (a 7-day permit, good on both rims) is $10.00 per vehicle, $4.00 for pedestrians or bicyclists. Fees for those arriving by commercial bus or tour vary. Persons holding a Golden Age Passport (available to U.S. citizens or residents 62 years of age or older for a one-time fee of $10.00) or Golden Eagle Passport are admitted free of charge.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits: The main park visitor center (South Rim) is located just east of Grand Canyon Village, approximately six miles north of the south entrance station. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (longer hours during peak season). Interpretive centers are also located at Yavapai Observation Station, Tusayan Museum, Desert View, and the North Rim (mid-May through late October only; located in the lobby of Grand Canyon Lodge).

Trails, Roads:
The inner canyon is accessed via the so-called "Corridor Trails": The Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail from the South Rim, and the North Kaibab Trail from the North Rim. There are other less heavily traveled and more remote inner canyon trails, as well. All overnight travel below the rim requires a Backcountry Permit (see Permits, below). The Rim Trail on the South Rim offers vistas along the South Rim; a variety of rim trails are also available through the more heavily forested regions on the North Rim. All main park roads are paved. A large network of gravel roads exists in the Kaibab National Forest outside the park (on both rims).

Programs/Activities:
The park offers free ranger-led programs throughout the year, including a wide variety of walks, talks, and a nightly evening program (outdoors in summer, indoors during cooler weather). See also Special Events, below.

Lodging and camping facilities:
All in-park lodging is available through Grand Canyon National Park Lodges; call (520) 638-2401. Camping is available in the park at Mather Campground; reservations for Mather Campground are available through DESTINET; call 1(800) 365-2267 (from outside the U.S. call (619) 452-8787)) or write P.O. Box 85705, San Diego, CA 92186-5705). Mather Campground is handled on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations) from December 1 to March 1 of each year. Camping in the park is also available at Desert View Campground (26 miles east of Grand Canyon Village; closed mid-October through mid-May), and at the North Rim Campground (also through DESTINET; see information above). Camping with hook-ups is available in Grand Canyon Village at Trailer Village (adjacent to Mather Campground; call (520) 638-2631).

Food/supplies:
Groceries and supplies are available on the South Rim at Babbitt's General Store (both in Grand Canyon Village and at Desert View). There is a small camper store on the North Rim, adjacent to the North Rim Campground.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
There are many. Mule trips and bus tours are available throughout the year. In addition to the main park visitor centers, historic Kolb Studio is open to the public for most of the year and features a variety of canyon-related exhibits. The park offers free ranger-led programs 12 months a year. There are six lodges in the park (including the historic El Tovar Hotel) and a wide variety of eating establishments (from cafeterias to formal dining at the El Tovar Hotel).

Accessibility:
Facilities vary a great deal. Write for a copy of the park's free eight-page Accessibility Guide.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
The canyon may be viewed from the rim at a number of overlooks along the East Rim Drive (26 miles from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View) and the West Rim Drive (nine miles from Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest; closed to private vehicles from Memorial Day through September, when it may be accessed by free park shuttles). Visitors may also hike along the rim on the Rim Trail or below the rim on a number of inner canyon trails. All hiking at Grand Canyon is strenuous, due to altitude (the South Rim is 7000 feet above sea level) and extreme temperatures (up to 120o F in the inner canyon). A trip from rim to river and back is a two-day trip for most; visitors may spend the night at Phantom Ranch (with advance reservations) or camp at Bright Angel Campground, adjacent to Phantom Ranch (with a Backcountry Permit). Phantom Ranch is also accessible by mule (a two-day trip). The park offers free programs throughout the year. The concessioner offers a variety of activities (mule trips, bus tours, etc.) throughout the year.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
Reservations for camping and lodging must be made in advance, particularly during peak season. Permits are required for all overnight hikes; permits must be obtained in person or by written request (phone reservations are not accepted). Write and request a copy of the park's Backcountry Trip Planner for additional information on backpacking in the park. Permits are not required for day hikes.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
Grand Canyon is heavily visited for most of the year and it is imperative to plan ahead for lodging, backcountry permits, or mule trips. Persons planning day visits only should arrive early in the day as parking is limited. Write the park in advance to request a Trip Planner (or Backcountry Trip Planner if you are planning to backpack).

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:
Regularly scheduled special events at Grand Canyon include the Grand Canyon Chamber Music Festival each September, regularly scheduled theatrical productions in summer, art exhibits at Kolb Studio on the rim (April through October), and others. Check THE GUIDE upon arrival for details and schedules of current activities.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
The town of Tusayan is just outside the south entrance station and offers additional opportunities for lodging, dining, and shopping. The Grand Canyon IMAX theater is located in Tusayan. Just south of Tusayan is Grand Canyon National Park Airport. Ten-X Campground (U.S. Forest Service) is also located just south of Tusayan.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Write Trip Planner, Grand Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 or call (520) 638-7888. Check out the REAL TIME Stream flow information for Lees Ferry on the Colorado River! A more comprehensive on-line Trip Planner for Grand Canyon National Park is available. Books, maps, and other educational materials may be obtained through the park's cooperating association. Write Grand Canyon Association, P.O. Box 399, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 or call (520) 638-2481.

GRAND CANYON FIELD INSTITUTE:
Explore the natural and cultural history of the Grand Canyon region with a variety of outdoor educational opportunities, including seminars, backpacking trips and river trips. For information write Grand Canyon Field Institute, P.O. Box 399, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 or call (520) 638-2485.