With the mighty Colorado flowing almost a mile below its rim, the Grand Canyon is probably the most famous of its kind in the world. With the river’s flow a geological history of over 1,800 million years is revealed, allowing for a glimpse into the heart of our planet. For about five million the Colorado River has been carving this marvelous formation in the desert stone. Several factors led to such an impressive canyon being formed here; the first – the rise of the Colorado Plateau to an elevation of over 9,000 feet above sea level, the second – water sources in the Rocky Mountains which the Colorado River with the power it needed to accelerate erosion, and the third – lack of vegetation, which accelerates erosion. These two opposing forces – the sharp rise of the Colorado Plateau on one hand and the strong erosion of the Colorado River on the other created this majestic creation, the natural wonder which is Grand Canyon.
While not the deepest Canyon in the world or even in the United States (Hell’s Canyon and Kings Canyon are 7,800 and and 8,200 feet deep respectively), the Grand Canyon attracts countless visitors each year, and is by far one of the most popular national parks in the United States.
Grand Canyon National Park can be divided into two parts: The South Rim, which is the most popular (and most beautiful) and crowded with visitors in the summer months, and the North Rim, which is less visited, open only in the summer months (this is a high area that is covered with snow in the winter. The North and South Rims are 8,500 and 7,500 feet above sea level respectively). While a short aerial distance away, just 10 miles, to travel between them you will need to drive about 200 miles. In addition an isolated area called Tuweep, accessible only by off-road vehicle, is located in the park’s west and has wonderful viewpoints over the canyon. There are also two Native American reservations along the canyon cliffs, the Havasupai Indian Reservation and the Hualapai Indian Reservation. This area is also known as Grand Canyon West, and is the closest to Las Vegas of all the canyon’s areas. Skywalk, a glass-foor observation deck which overlooks the canyon, is also located in Grand Canyon West.
The Grand Canyon Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and is one of the most visited national parks in the world. The view from the cliffs is truly astonishing, yet due to the steep terrain, for most visitors the Grand Canyon is largely a place of: coming, seeing, taking pictures and leaving. Most visitors do not experience it by foot, but only from observation points. For these reasons, in the eyes of many (including my own), the Grand Canyon is less exiting that the neighboring Zion and Bryce National parks.
When to visit the Grand Canyon:
The South Rim can be visited year-round, while the access road to the North Rim is usually closed during winter (the road closes depending on snow accumulation. Accommodations in the North Rim are open May 15 to October 15). Temperatures in the park vary greatly, depending on your location and elevation. Average temperatures in the North Rim are 40 degrees lower than those in the South Rim and 60 degrees lower that those in the canyon floor.
Spring (March-May): Spring brings a gradual warming to the park, but winds can still be very strong and nighttime temperatures are around freezing on both rims. Snow storms, while rare, can still hit the park even during May. Spring time temperatures in the canyon floor are pleasant and even quite hot, making spring a great time to camp in the canyon floor. March and April are to cold to camp on the rims, but May is usually suitable.
Summer (June-August): Summer temperatures on both rims are usually hot yet pleasant, at an average 77 degrees. Temperatures at the canyon floor are hot, at an average 95 degrees. As part of the Southwest Monsoon Season, afternoon thunderstorms frequent the area during July and August. Nighttime temperatures are pleasant in the South Rim and chilly in the North Rim, making summer a great season for camping in the park.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn sees the summer monsoons give way to drier weather, but snow begins to hit both rims towards the season’s end. The road to the North Rim usually closes in mid-October, and temperatures fall drastically to freezing in both rims. Nights in the canyon floor are still pleasant and suitable for camping.
Winter (December-February): The elevated North Rim is closed for visitors during winter. Temperatures in the South Rim are low and drop well below freezing during the night, While skies might be clear, leading to stellar views, snowstorms frequent the area. Temperatures in the canyon floor are low as well, averaging 50 degrees during the day.
See here lodging options near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon (Tusayan).
Location and Arrival Directions:
The closest major cities to the park are Las Vegas and Phoenix, both 4-6 hours away, depending on the rim you’re travelling to.
Where to Visit and for How Long:
A driving distance between the two rims is long, most visitors will choose to visit just one rim (visiting both rims is recommended only for those who have a ample amount of time). You should dedicate a day for visiting the rim of your choice (if on a tight schedule half a day in the early morning or afternoon might also be enough). On your visit you can stop at the many observation points along the canyon rim. If visiting the South Rim you can rent a bike and go on a ride. Those who wish to take a long hike to the canyon floor will need to extend their stay.
Road opening schedule and shuttle services:
Some of the roads in the South Rim (especially those the Grand Canyon Village area as well as the roads leading to Yaki Point) are closed to private vehicles. Hermit Road, leading to Hermits Rest, is closed to private vehicles from March to November. The rest of the roads in the South Rim are open year-round to all vehicles, but may close temporarily during spring or winter. If visiting in winter, be sure to bring snow chains with you. The access road to the North Rim is closed December-May. When open the road is good for all vehicle types, except the short road to Cape Royal, which is not recommended for long RVs and trailers.
A free shuttle service operates in the South Rim, with four shuttle lines connecting the park’s different hiking trails, visitor centers and lodges. A shuttle from the town of Tusayan to the South Rim also operates during summer.
Lodging and Camping in the Grand Canyon:
Lodging – Visitors to the South Rim can stay at one of the park’s six lodges or in the nearby town of Tusayan. Be sure to book your place in advance. Visitors to the North Rim can stay at the Grand Canyon Lodge, which is located in a spectacular location, and reservations must be made about a year in advance. The town of Jacob Lake also has accommodations and is about an hour’s drive from the North Rim. Those staying in the canyon floor can lodge at Phantom Ranch, on the banks of the Colorado.
Camping – The South Rim has two campgrounds, Mather and Desert View as well as a trailer park. Apart from a few sites in Mather Campground, both campgrounds require reservations in summer. In winter, Desert View Campground is closed while Mather Campground operates on a first come first serve basis. There are also several campgrounds in Tusayan. Those vising the North Rim can camp at the North Rim Campground, which is reservations only, or at Jacob Lake. Dispersed camping is also permitted in Kaibab National Forest, which borders both rims.
For a map of Grand Canyon National Park click here.
For more destinations in the American Southwest click here.
For all 50 national parks in the lower 48 ranked by beauty click here.
The Grand Canyon, as seen from the South Rim
The South Rim cliffs
