Grand Canyon NP Hiking Map & Guide
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Grand Canyon NP Hiking Map & Guide
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Park Details
Location Information
Location:
Grand Canyon, AZ
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.
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.
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.
Reservations/Permits/Fees
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.
Fees, Costs, Rates:
Entrance Fees
Private vehicle - $20.00
Individual (pedestrians, bicycle, etc) - $10.00
Annual Grand Canyon pass - $40.00
(individual or vehicle)
Annual Golden Eagle pass - $50.00-(all U.S. recreation sites)
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), Golden Eagle Passport or Golden Access Passport are admitted without additional charge.
Backcountry Fees
Permit Fee (per permit) - $20.00
Frequent Hiker (all permits annually) - $50.00
Nightly Impact Fee (per person) - $4.00.
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.
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).
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).
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).
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.
Visitation
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.
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.
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.
Books, maps, and other educational materials may be obtained through the Mountain Zone bookstore. Or you can write Grand Canyon Association, P.O. Box 399, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 or call (520) 638-2481.
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