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Everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon timings

Grand Canyon National Park

  • Visitor Center hours: South Rim: 9am to 4pm, North Rim: 8am to 4pm, from mid-May to mid-October
  • Bus tour timings: 6am to 7pm
  • Hummer tour timings: 9am to 3:30pm (based on option selected)

West Rim

  • Visitor Center hours: 8am to 5pm, from October to March & 7am to 7pm, from April to September
  • Bus tour timings: 7am to 5pm
  • Boat tour timings: 8am to 3pm (based on option selected)
  • Floor landing tour timings: 7am to sunset

Best time to visit the Grand Canyon

Summer months, June to August, get the most visitors coming to the Grand Canyon. Both the North Rim and the South Rim are accessible during these months, and the West Rim has a lot of day trip tours from Las Vegas as well, despite the hot temperatures.

If you want to avoid crowds and explore the Grand Canyon more peacefully, it’s recommended that you visit during the spring. March to May has fewer crowds, and all the sections of the canyon are open as well (the North Rim is accessible until mid-May). The weather is pleasant, and there is very little chance of snowfall or rainfall, so you can experience the Grand Canyon to its fullest without the rush. September through November also offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds at the canyon, but there is limited accessibility because the North Rim closes to visitors from mid-October, and there are higher chances of rain and thunderstorms.

Winter months, December through February, are the coldest in the Grand Canyon. There is snowfall, but the South Rim and West Rim are still open for tours. There might be delays or closures in certain areas due to unforeseen weather conditions, so you should ideally check in advance before booking your tours.

​More on Grand Canyon timings

Where is the Grand Canyon located

Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim & South Rim)

Address (Headquarters): 20 South Entrance Road, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023, United States | Find on Maps

​Getting to Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon West (West Rim)

Address: 5001 E Diamond Bar Rd, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, United States | Find on Maps

How to get to the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim and South Rim)

  • By bus: Greyhound, FlixBus, Flagstaff Amtrak buses, and Arizona Shuttle are the three main operators that offer bus services to Grand Canyon National Park. The easiest way is to reach Flagstaff and take a direct bus to the canyon. The buses operate daily, and the frequency varies depending on the season. The trip takes approximately 2 hours.  
    Nearest station:
    Grand Canyon National Park Visitor Center (South Rim) | Find on Maps
    Maswik Lodge | Find on Maps
  • By train: The Grand Canyon Railway is the only train that goes to Grand Canyon National Park. It leaves daily from Williams, AZ, and drops you off at the Grand Canyon Railway Depot in Grand Canyon Village.
    Nearest station: Williams Depot, Williams, AZ 86046, United States | Find on Maps
  • By car:
    From Flagstaff: Take Columbus Avenue to reach US-180 W, then turn right to continue on AZ-64 N to reach Grand Canyon National Park.
    From Las Vegas: Take Mesquite Avenue to merge with US-93 S and continue till you find exit 165 toward AZ-64 N. Turn left to continue on AZ-64 N to reach Grand Canyon National Park.

Grand Canyon West (West Rim)

  • By bus: FlixBus is the only operator that provides bus services to the West Rim from Las Vegas. The other option is to book a bus tour that will provide you with round-trip transfers. 
  • By car:
    From Flagstaff: Start from S San Francisco St. and onto Historic Rte 66 leading you to I-40BL W, then take exit 51 for Stockton Hill Rd and continue till you take the right onto Pierce Ferry Rd, then take the right onto Diamond Bar Rd, and at the roundabout, continue straight onto E Diamond Bar Rd to reach Grand Canyon West.
    From Las Vegas: Take Mesquite Avenue to merge with US-93 S, then turn left onto Pierce Ferry Rd, and take the right onto Diamond Bar Rd, and at the roundabout, continue straight onto E Diamond Bar Rd to reach Grand Canyon West.

Know before you go

Public restroom sign with symbols for men, women, baby changing, and wheelchair access.
  • Restrooms: There are restrooms available at all visitor centers across the Grand Canyon, restaurants, and major viewpoints
  • Water stations: Water refill stations are available in all high-traffic areas and visitor centers at the Grand Canyon 
  • Shopping: There are souvenir stores, gift shops, and a gallery at the canyon
  • First aid: The Grand Canyon Clinic is located at the South Rim and offers first aid, urgent care, and medical services
  • ATMs: ATMs are available at Market Plaza, Yavapai Lodge, and the Maswik Lodge at Grand Canyon National Park
A close-up shot of a person's hand on the wheel of a wheelchair, preparing to move.
  • Wheelchair-accessible: Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and the Desert Watchtower are wheelchair-accessible viewpoints with paved roads in the South Rim. The Rim Trail is also accessible via wheelchairs. The Bright Angel viewpoint in the North Rim has paved roads that can be accessed with a wheelchair, but the terrain is more rugged. The West Rim Skywalk and most areas in Grand Canyon West are not wheelchair-accessible.
  • Shuttles: Shuttle buses in the South Rim are wheelchair-accessible.
  • Service animals: Service animals are allowed at the Grand Canyon in all visitor areas. 
  • Wheelchair availability: The South Rim Visitor Center offers wheelchairs for use, free of charge, but on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Accessible restrooms: The South Rim, Grand Canyon West, and the Grand Canyon Railway all offer wheelchair-accessible restrooms.
Grand Canyon Skywalk with visitors on glass bridge over canyon.
  • The South Rim offers the most family-friendly experience with multiple viewpoints, picnic areas, easy-to-navigate trails, restaurants, and stay options.
  • West Rim has attractions like the Skywalk, but the viewpoints do not have guardrails. There are restaurants, souvenir stores, and many options for round-trip tours from Las Vegas to make the region’s exploration more kid-friendly.
Hiker drinking water in a forest, emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated.
  • Pets: Only service animals are allowed in the Grand Canyon. You cannot bring your pet with you for all the experiences.
  • Drones: Strictly prohibited in all sections of the canyon. A special permit is required to be able to use a drone.
  • Hiking: Carry a reusable water bottle, and refill at the water stations available at all major trails and viewpoints. Follow the trail, and make sure you’re dressed comfortably with proper footwear, gear, and clothing based on the weather conditions.
  • Maintain the Grand Canyon’s trails and viewpoints: Avoid littering and keep any waste with you while you are exploring the canyon.
  • Wildlife safety: The Grand Canyon is home to many species of wildlife, from mountain lions and bison to sheep, squirrels, and deer, as well as many reptiles and birds. Do not approach or feed them if you spot them on your trails.
  • No collecting: Removal of rocks, plants, or any artifacts is strictly prohibited across the canyon.

South Rim

  • El Tovar Dining Room: Located in the historic El Tovar Hotel with breathtaking views of the canyon. Reservations are highly recommended. | Find on Maps
  • Bright Angel Lodge: Casual dining options are offered in two locations inside the lodge, with southwestern food at the Arizona Room, and light to-go snacks at the Bright Angel Fountain. | Find on Maps
  • Market Plaza: You can find quick bites and grab-and-go meals, or shop for groceries at the Market. | Find on Maps

North Rim (mid-May to mid-October)

  • Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room: Rustic restaurant with spectacular views of the North Rim. Open for breakfast and dinner service. | Find on Maps
  • Deli in the Pines: Offers casual dining with pizzas, sandwiches, coffee, and snacks. | Find on Maps

West Rim

  • Skywalk Café: Located at Grand Canyon West, the café offers sandwiches, nachos, burgers, and other quick snacks. | Find on Maps
  • Hualapai Ranch Restaurant: You can get classic American BBQ-style meals with sides. | Find on Maps

South Rim

North Rim

West Rim

Visitor tips

  • Book in advance: Stay, tours, and Skywalk tickets sell out quickly, so make sure you book your tours in advance. Restaurants like the El Tovar Dining Room can also get quite busy, so make a reservation before you visit.
  • Dress according to the weather conditions: Weather can get quite harsh, so carry a jacket even in the summer. Remember to wear sun protection and comfortable shoes you can hike in.
  • Stay hydrated: Carry refillable water bottles, especially for hiking.
  • Safety: Stay behind safety railings. Some areas, especially in the West Rim, have no guardrails.
  • Shuttle service: Grand Canyon National Park has a free shuttle service that operates frequently, across four routes: Village Route, Kaibab/Rim Route, Hermit Road Route, and Tusayan Route (seasonal). Use the shuttle to travel between popular viewpoints and visitor centers on your visit.
  • Keep your map handy: There is spotty reception at the canyon, so it’s best to keep a downloaded version of your map and guides in advance.
  • Do not engage with the wildlife: Avoid feeding or approaching any animals you may encounter in the canyon.

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Grand Canyon

Pack according to the season! Comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), a reusable water bottle, and layered clothing are key. Even in summer, early mornings and evenings can be cool, and winter months have snowfall.

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Timings

Timings

Directions

Directions

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