Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its immense size and breathtaking vistas.
This mile-deep canyon stretches about 278 miles (447 km) along the Colorado River and exposes nearly two billion years of geologic history in its layered red and orange cliffs.
Unsurprisingly, Grand Canyon draws over 5 million visitors each year from around the globe. First-time visitors can easily feel overwhelmed by the scale. At up to 18 miles wide, you could spend a week exploring just one section of the rim and still only scratch the surface.
This guide will help you learn the basics from the park’s main entry points to must-see sights and practical tips, so you can make the most of your inaugural Grand Canyon adventure.
Learn more about the Grand Canyon
Key Entry Points
South Rim
The South Rim is the Grand Canyon’s most visited area, open year-round and hosting roughly 90% of all park visitors. It’s the easiest rim to reach (about a 3.5–4.5 hour drive from Phoenix or Las Vegas) and offers the most in terms of viewpoints, visitor centers, lodging, dining, and tours.
If you have limited time, the South Rim provides the classic Grand Canyon experience, with iconic overlooks (many accessible via short walks or the free shuttle bus system) and a wide range of services to accommodate visitors.
North Rim
The North Rim offers a quieter, more remote Grand Canyon experience. Sitting at 8,000 feet elevation (about 1,000 ft higher than the South Rim), it is cooler and sees far fewer visitors – only around 10% of Grand Canyon tourists venture here.
The North Rim is open seasonally from mid-May through mid-October due to heavy snowfall in winter. It has just one lodge and campground and generally fewer amenities, but in exchange you get serene forests and less-crowded viewpoints.
Reaching the North Rim requires a bit more effort – it’s about a 212-mile (4½ hour) drive from the South Rim by road – so many travelers treat it as a separate or return trip. Those who make the trip are rewarded with stunning overlooks and a tranquil atmosphere away from the crowds.
West Rim (Grand Canyon West)
The West Rim, known as Grand Canyon West, lies outside the national park on Hualapai Tribal lands, but it has become a popular option, especially for those coming from Las Vegas.
Grand Canyon West is privately operated and is best known for the Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that extends 70 feet out over the canyon, 4,000 feet above the canyon floor.
This area is open year-round and offers gorgeous canyon vistas at points like Eagle Point and Guano Point, though it has fewer visitor facilities than the national park. Keep in mind that Grand Canyon West is a pay-for-entry attraction run by the Hualapai Tribe (national park passes do not apply).
It is about a 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas or roughly 4–4.5 hours from Phoenix , with the final stretch of road now fully paved. If you’re short on time or based in Vegas, the West Rim can be seen on a long day trip – but expect higher costs and a more commercialized experience (involving ticket packages and shuttles) compared to the national park rims.
Airports and Road Access
Reaching the Grand Canyon typically involves some driving, as the area is remote with limited public transport.
Here’s how to get to each rim:
Getting to the South Rim
Most visitors fly into a major city and then drive. The nearest large airports are Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) and Las Vegas McCarran (LAS) – even though both are 5 hours away by car, they offer many flights and rental car options.
The closest small airport is Flagstaff Pulliam (FLG) in Arizona, about a 90-minute drive from the South Rim. There’s also a tiny regional airport in Tusayan, just outside the park, with very limited air service and tours.
From Phoenix, it’s roughly a 230-mile (4 hour) drive north to the South Rim. From Las Vegas, about 280 miles (4½–5 hours) via Interstate 40 or US-93/Route 66. If you’re driving from Flagstaff (80 miles away) or Williams, AZ (60 miles away), take I-40 and then AZ-64 north – it’s about 1½ hours from Flagstaff or 1 hour from Williams to the South Entrance of the park.
An alternate, memorable option is the Grand Canyon Railway, a vintage train that runs daily from Williams to Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. Once at the South Rim, you’ll enter either through the South Entrance (near Tusayan) or the East Entrance at Desert View, depending on your route.
Getting to the North Rim
The North Rim is more isolated – there are no nearby commercial airports or rail lines, so driving is the only way in. From Las Vegas, it’s about a 264-mile drive (roughly 4½–5 hours) via I-15 through southwestern Utah, then US-89A to Jacob Lake, and finally 30 miles south on Arizona Highway 67 to the North Rim entrance.
From Flagstaff, expect about 207 miles (4+ hours) driving via US-89 and US-89A through Marble Canyon to Jacob Lake. From Phoenix, it’s a long haul (~350 miles, 6+ hours) via Flagstaff then the same route north. Jacob Lake, AZ is the last town before the North Rim – from there, it’s a beautiful 45-mile drive through forests to the canyon.
Remember that the North Rim is only open mid-May to mid-October; outside those dates, Highway 67 is closed by snow. Plan your travel accordingly, and consider staying overnight given the long journey (the North Rim lodge or campgrounds make that possible during the season).
Getting to the West Rim
Grand Canyon West is the most easily reached from Las Vegas. By car, it’s roughly 2½ hours from Las Vegas: you’d drive south on US-93 into Arizona, then turn east on Pierce Ferry Road and follow signs onto Diamond Bar Road, which leads to the Grand Canyon West entrance area.
From Phoenix, it’s about 4½ hours: take I-17 north to I-40 west (toward Kingman), then go north on US-93 and follow directions through Kingman or Peach Springs to the West Rim.
The route is paved the entire way. Note that private vehicles are not allowed beyond the West Rim’s parking area – upon arrival you will park at the welcome center and board a shuttle bus that takes you to the various viewpoints and attractions.
Many travelers visit the West Rim via organized tours. If you’re staying in Las Vegas, there are numerous bus tours that include round-trip transportation, entry fees, and meal options for a day at Grand Canyon West.
For a truly special (and pricey) experience, you can even take a helicopter or small plane tour from Las Vegas to the West Rim, some of which land on the canyon floor or include Skywalk tickets. These can dramatically cut travel time, but be sure to book through reputable tour operators.
Park Fees and Passes
Grand Canyon National Park Fees
Entry to the South or North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park requires a park pass. As of 2025, the standard 7-day entrance fee is $35 per vehicle (private car), which covers all occupants and allows access to both South and North Rims for a week .
Other options include $30 per motorcycle or $20 per individual (for those entering on foot, bicycle, or shuttle). All park entry fees are paid at the entrance stations (credit or debit card only, no cash).
Once inside, there are no additional fees to drive the scenic roads or use the shuttle buses. If you plan to visit multiple national parks or federal lands, consider the America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80, which covers Grand Canyon and other U.S. parks for one year.
This pass admits one vehicle or up to four adults; it can pay for itself if you’re visiting several parks. Importantly, no advance reservations or timed-entry tickets are required to enter Grand Canyon National Park at this time – just show your pass or pay on arrival.
Grand Canyon West (West Rim) Fees
The West Rim is not part of the national park system, so National Park passes are not accepted there. Instead, visitors must purchase a tour package or entry ticket from the Hualapai Tribe’s Grand Canyon West.
The most common is the All-Access Pass, which includes general admission, the hop-on/off shuttle to viewpoints, the Skywalk, and some meal and souvenir vouchers. This package costs around $99 per person (adult) as of 2025 , though prices can vary by season and options.
There are often add-ons for helicopter rides, zipline, or meal upgrades. Tickets can be bought online in advance or on-site at the West Rim ticket office. Keep in mind that a visit to Grand Canyon West tends to be more expensive than a visit to the national park – it’s a more commercial experience (your entry fee supports the Hualapai Nation) and essentially functions like a private attraction.
Be sure to check current pricing and package details on the official Grand Canyon West website before you go, and plan for the extra cost in your budget.
Must-See Highlights for First-Timers
No matter which rim you visit, the Grand Canyon offers countless incredible viewpoints and experiences.
Here are some must-see highlights that first-time visitors shouldn’t miss:
South Rim Highlights
- Mather Point and Visitor Center: This is often the first stop for South Rim newcomers – and for good reason. A short walk from the main Visitor Center parking, Mather Point delivers a jaw-dropping panoramic view into the Grand Canyon’s depths. It’s an especially popular spot for sunrise, when the first rays light up the canyon walls. The nearby Grand Canyon Visitor Center is worth a visit for its helpful orientation film, park maps, and exhibits (including a large relief model of the canyon). Tip: Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds at Mather Point, then use the paved Rim Trail to wander to other nearby overlooks like Yavapai Point.
- Grand Canyon Village Historic District: The historic heart of the South Rim, Grand Canyon Village has several viewpoints and landmarks clustered together. Here you’ll find the El Tovar Hotel (a 1905 rustic lodge), the stone Lookout Studio and Kolb Studio perched on the rim, and the charming Bright Angel Lodge cabins. Take time to walk around the village: you can peer into the canyon at Hopi House and Verkamp’s Visitor Center (a small museum/shop in a 1906 building), or stroll along the Rim Trail which connects these sites. Many first-timer favorites are here – like standing on the lodge’s back porch to gaze into the canyon, or walking out to Trailview Overlook for a view of the Bright Angel Trail zigzagging below. Grand Canyon Village is also a transportation hub: park shuttles depart from here to other viewpoints, and it’s where the Grand Canyon Railway arrives.
- Hermit Road & Hopi Point: To experience some of the South Rim’s best overlooks, hop on the Hermit Road (Red Route) shuttle west of the village. This 7-mile road along the rim has multiple jaw-dropping viewpoints. If you have limited time, ride out to Hopi Point, which is famous for its expansive vistas and is often touted as the best sunset viewpoint on the South Rim. From Hopi Point, you can see the canyon opening up to the west and even catch glimpses of the Colorado River. Other stops on Hermit Road include Mohave Point (great for sunrise), The Abyss, and Hermits Rest (a historic stone structure with a snack bar/gift shop at road’s end). Note: From roughly March through November, Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles – you’ll need to use the free park shuttle or a bicycle to access these viewpoints, which keeps this area quieter and less congested.
- Desert View Drive & Watchtower (East Rim): Heading 25 miles east from Grand Canyon Village toward the Desert View East Entrance, you’ll encounter a series of viewpoints with different perspectives. Don’t miss the Desert View Watchtower, a 70-foot stone tower perched on the canyon’s edge near the park’s east gate. This historic tower (designed in 1932 by architect Mary Colter) offers a 360° view – you can climb up inside to observation decks for stunning sights of the canyon, the Colorado River, and the distant Painted Desert. The Desert View area also has services like a small visitor center, bookstore, and general store. Along Desert View Drive (AZ-64) you can stop at Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point, and Navajo Point – each offers a unique angle, such as views of the canyon’s confluence with the Little Colorado River or different lighting in late afternoon. Since these eastside viewpoints are less crowded, they’re great for a quieter experience. If you exit or enter via the East Entrance, Desert View will be your first/last look at the canyon – and it’s a memorable one.
North Rim Highlights
Bright Angel Point
This is the North Rim’s signature viewpoint, and it’s easily accessible via a short, paved trail (0.5 miles round-trip) from the visitor center area.
Bright Angel Point rewards you with a spectacular panorama of the canyon’s interior, including clear views across to the South Rim and down to Bright Angel Canyon and the inner gorge. Interpretive signs along the path explain some geology and geography.
Many visitors come here at sunset or sunrise for an ethereal scene of the canyon’s cliffs glowing in soft light. (Remember it’s cooler at this high elevation – bring a jacket for those early/late outings.) The trail does have drop-offs, so use caution, but it’s a must-do on the North Rim.
Grand Canyon Lodge & Veranda
The historic Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim is not only a place to stay; it’s also a fantastic viewpoint in itself. The lodge’s back patio and viewing deck sit right on the canyon’s edge, with comfortable chairs where you can relax and soak in the view.
Inside the lodge, large picture windows frame the canyon from the dining room and Sun Room. Even if you aren’t an overnight guest, you can enjoy a meal or drink here (reservations recommended for dinner) and enjoy the rustic ambience – stone walls, timber beams, and a classic national park vibe.
There are often ranger talks on the lodge veranda in summer evenings. Just steps from the lodge, you’ll also find the North Rim Visitor Center and a short walk to Bright Angel Point, making this area the social hub of the North Rim.
Cape Royal & Point Imperial
The North Rim’s best viewpoints beyond Bright Angel Point require a drive (or a long hike). If you have half a day or more, definitely consider the Cape Royal Scenic Drive.
This 23-mile road (one-way) from the lodge travels out along the Walhalla Plateau, with several pullouts. Notable stops include Point Imperial (at 8,803 ft, the highest viewpoint in the Grand Canyon, overlooking the eastern canyon and Painted Desert) and Vista Encantada (a picnic spot with great views).
The road ends at Cape Royal, which offers one of the North Rim’s most sweeping panoramas – you’ll see the Colorado River bending around the canyon and the Desert View Watchtower visible straight across on the South Rim.
A short, flat trail at Cape Royal leads to Angel’s Window, a natural arch in the rock you can actually stand on top of (railed for safety) to look through to the river below. These North Rim viewpoints are less visited, so you may find peace and quiet to contemplate the canyon’s grandeur.
Just keep an eye on time – it’s about a 1.5-hour drive round-trip to Cape Royal, not counting stops. (Note: Check the status of these roads at the visitor center; occasionally they can close due to forest fire impacts or early snows.)
West Rim Highlights
Grand Canyon Skywalk at Eagle Point
The Skywalk is the headline attraction at the West Rim – a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that extends 70 feet over the edge of the canyon, allowing brave visitors to look straight down through the glass floor to the canyon bottom a dizzying 4,000 feet below.
Stepping out onto the Skywalk (no personal cameras allowed on the bridge) is a thrill unlike any other, and you’ll have a unique perspective of the canyon walls curving beneath your feet.
Eagle Point, where the Skywalk is located, also features a Native American Village exhibit with replica dwellings, and an amphitheater where you might catch Hualapai tribal performances of music or dance. There’s a cafe and gift shop here as well.
Plan for extra time if the Skywalk is busy, as there may be a line to step onto the bridge. If you’re wary of heights, you can enjoy the views from the rim nearby – look for the eagle-shaped rock formation that gives the point its name.
Guano Point
Often considered the best viewpoint at Grand Canyon West for photography, Guano Point offers 360-degree canyon views and a bit of adventurous history. A short, unpaved loop trail leads out to “Highpoint Hike,” a rocky pinnacle with stunning vistas in every direction – you’ll see the Colorado River below and the sheer cliffs of the canyon rising around you.
This is an excellent spot to take in the vastness of the West Rim away from the busier Skywalk crowds. Guano Point is named for a 1950s bat guano mine – you can still see remnants of an old cable tramway stretching across a chasm, once used to haul fertilizer from a cave on the far side of the canyon.
There’s also a casual cafe (often a BBQ tent) at Guano Point where tour packages provide lunch. Find a table with a view and enjoy a meal above the canyon. If you have time, stick around for sunset – with its broad view of the western sky, Guano Point can deliver a magnificent sunset experience over the Grand Canyon’s western reaches.
Note: Grand Canyon West does not offer any below-the-rim hiking access – activities here are primarily viewpoint-based. For those keen on hiking into the canyon or reaching the river, the National Park rims are the place to do that. However, first-time visitors should be cautious about attempting inner-canyon hikes without preparation – see the separate “Hiking the Grand Canyon” guide for tips.
Essential Planning Basics
How Long to Stay
You can see the Grand Canyon in a day and be amazed, but if you can, consider spending at least 1–2 days at the park. With an overnight stay on the South Rim, for example, you’ll have time to catch both a sunset and a sunrise (highly recommended) and visit multiple viewpoints at a relaxed pace.
Many first-timers find that two days at the South Rim lets them cover the major sights without rushing. The North Rim, being quieter and farther, also warrants an overnight stay if possible – the drive is long, and the best light for views is early or late in the day.
Grand Canyon West is often done as a day trip (since accommodations are limited on-site), which can be sufficient for the West Rim’s main attractions.
Ultimately, your timing might depend on your larger itinerary, but avoid the mistake of just a quick stop – allocating extra time allows you to truly absorb the canyon’s grandeur.
And remember, distances are big – if you plan to see both South and North Rims on the same trip, you’ll need an extra travel day due to the 4-5 hour drive between them.
Visitor Centers & Ranger Info
Make the visitor center your first stop to get oriented. The South Rim’s Grand Canyon Visitor Center (near Mather Point) is open year-round and offers park maps, informational exhibits, and a short introductory film – a great primer on Grand Canyon’s geology and history.
Park rangers here and at the smaller Yavapai Geology Museum can answer questions and give advice on what to do. The North Rim Visitor Center (open mid-May to mid-Oct) is next to the lodge and has interpretive exhibits on the area’s cultural and natural history; rangers are on hand to answer questions and there’s a bookstore with guidebooks and maps.
Both South and North Rims also offer free ranger programs (walks, talks, evening presentations) – check the schedule in the park newspaper or at the visitor center. Engaging with a ranger or attending a program can enrich your first visit.
Grand Canyon West’s facilities are more focused on ticketing and tours than interpretation, but you will find staff to direct you to the shuttles and exhibits like the Native Village.
Lodging and Campsites
If you plan to stay overnight inside the park, make reservations well in advance. South Rim lodges (El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Kachina, Thunderbird, etc.) often book up months to a year ahead for the popular spring and summer season.
You can reserve these lodges through the park’s concessioner website. There are also hotels and motels just outside the South Rim in Tusayan (7 miles south of the rim) which are good alternatives if park lodges are full.
The South Rim has three campgrounds (Mather Campground in Grand Canyon Village, Desert View Campground, and Trailer Village RV park) – if you want to camp, reserve as early as possible on recreation.gov, as these fill fast in peak season.
On the North Rim, options are limited: the Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) offers cabins and motel rooms (typically booked out months in advance for the May-Oct season) and the North Rim Campground similarly requires early booking. Outside the North Rim, the nearest accommodations are at Jacob Lake Inn (45 miles away) or Kaibab Lodge (18 miles outside the park), which can serve as backup if you can’t secure in-park lodging.
Grand Canyon West has one lodging option on site – the Hualapai Ranch’s basic cabins – but many visitors opt to stay in Las Vegas or Kingman, AZ and do West Rim as a day tour.
In all cases, early planning is key for lodging. If your visit is in the busy season (roughly May through September), try to book your rooms or campsites 6+ months ahead if possible.
Food, Water, and Services
The South Rim has the most services to keep visitors comfortable. In Grand Canyon Village you’ll find multiple restaurants, cafes, and lodges offering food – from the casual Canyon Cafeteria to the historic El Tovar Dining Room (fine dining) – plus snack bars at Hermits Rest and Desert View.
There’s also a general store at Market Plaza for groceries and supplies , an ice cream parlor, coffee shop, and even a post office and bank. The North Rim’s dining is centered on the Grand Canyon Lodge’s restaurant (with glorious canyon views) and a deli/coffee shop; there’s a small general store near the campground as well. Because of the North Rim’s remote nature, options are fewer – some visitors bring a cooler with food or stop at Jacob Lake’s diner on the way.
Water: Drinking water is available at visitor centers, lodges, and trailheads on both rims – carry a refillable water bottle and top it up, as the air is dry and at high elevation you dehydrate quickly. It’s recommended to carry water with you whenever walking along the rim or especially if you dip down any trail.
Fuel: There are no gas stations right at South Rim Village (the closest gas is in Tusayan, or east at Desert View), so fill up before entering the park. On the North Rim, there is a gas pump (pay at the pump) near the entrance to the campground and one outside the park at Jacob Lake.
Medical: The South Rim has a small clinic for urgent care, and both rims have park rangers trained in first aid for emergencies. For anything major, the nearest full hospital is in Flagstaff.
Getting Around Inside the Park
On the South Rim, take advantage of the free shuttle buses operated by the National Park Service.
These shuttles run on four main routes: the Village (Blue) Route loops around lodges, campgrounds, and the visitor center; the Kaibab/Rim (Orange) Route connects the visitor center to viewpoints eastward (e.g. Yavapai Point, Pipe Creek Vista) and the South Kaibab Trailhead; the Hermit Road (Red) Route travels west from the Village to Hermits Rest with stops at all the great overlooks; and in peak season a Tusayan (Purple) Route runs from the town of Tusayan into the park to help reduce car traffic.
These shuttles are extremely handy – they’re frequent, and you can hop on and off at any stop. Using the shuttle means you don’t have to worry about parking at crowded viewpoints, and it’s eco-friendly. If you do drive your own vehicle in the park, you can do so along Desert View Drive and to trailhead parking lots, etc., but anticipate difficulty finding parking during busy midday hours.
On the North Rim, there is no shuttle system; you will drive to viewpoints yourself. The roads are few (one main scenic drive) and parking isn’t usually an issue except at the lodge area during peak midday.
At Grand Canyon West, as mentioned, a mandatory shuttle will take you from the visitor center to Eagle Point, Guano Point, and other stops – simply follow the schedule and queue up when ready to move on. Within the West Rim area, everything is relatively close together compared to the national park.
Seasonal Considerations
Weather and crowds vary greatly by season. Summer (June–Aug) is peak tourism season – expect large crowds at South Rim overlooks, full parking lots by mid-morning, and afternoon temperatures that can exceed 85°F (30°C) on the rim (and much hotter in the inner canyon).
In these months, start your day early to beat crowds and heat, and use the shuttles. Spring and fall are ideal times for a first visit: cooler temperatures, slightly fewer visitors than summer, and generally clear weather (though spring can be windy and fall nights cold).
Winter brings snow and icy conditions to the rims (especially North Rim, which is closed in winter), but the South Rim remains open year-round. If visiting in winter, be prepared for occasional road closures or detours, and enjoy the quieter trails and the sight of snow frosting the canyon.
Whenever you go, dress in layers – temperatures can swing from cold mornings to hot afternoons, and sudden thunderstorms (especially July–Aug monsoon season) or winds can roll in. Check the park’s official weather and road conditions page or call ahead if you’re unsure, especially in shoulder seasons.
Additional Tips
Stay safe by keeping to trail paths and not venturing out onto unsecured ledges – the Grand Canyon’s cliffs are high and unforgiving. Always supervise children closely at viewpoints.
Wildlife such as elk, deer, or California condors might make an appearance; enjoy them from a distance (do not feed wildlife).
Photography: Sunrise and sunset provide the best lighting for photos, but midday views are still incredible – you may just have more contrast and haze. If you want a stamp in your national parks passport or a souvenir, visitor centers and park gift shops have a variety of memorabilia.
Finally, be open to just sitting and soaking in the view. The Grand Canyon can be a humbling, almost spiritual sight – take the time to simply watch the shifting light and shadow play across its vast expanse.
Your first visit will surely be unforgettable, and many visitors find themselves planning a return before they’ve even left the park grounds!