Image by C. Fallstead.
The Grand Canyon is a mile-deep gorge in northern Arizona carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. This guide outlines the differences between the South, North, and West Rims, explains the canyon’s geological history, and provides specific tips for choosing travel seasons and hiking trails.
The Grand Canyon in northern Arizona is one of the most visited natural landmarks in the world, attracting nearly five million visitors annually.
Spanning over 1.2 million acres on the Colorado Plateau, the park exposes nearly 40 layers of geological history dating back 1.8 billion years.
- Where is the Grand Canyon?
- How was the Grand Canyon formed?
- How deep and wide is the Grand Canyon?
- How old is the Grand Canyon?
- What are the best things to do at the Grand Canyon?
- When Is the Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon?
- Plan Your Visit to the Grand Canyon
- Visit the Grand Canyon
- Frequently Asked Questions
Located in northern Arizona, this vast UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts almost five million visitors each year for its breathtaking canyon walls, colorful rock layers, and unparalleled views.
This overview includes helpful information, including how the Grand Canyon was formed, some of the best things to do, and how to plan your visit.
This guide is supported by our readers. When you book a tour through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Where is the Grand Canyon?
The Grand Canyon lies in northern Arizona, about 75 miles north of Flagstaff and 215 miles from Phoenix. It’s part of Grand Canyon National Park, which spans more than 1.2 million acres on the Colorado Plateau.
Areas to Explore
This vast national park has much to explore, so we’ll help you narrow your focus.
- South Rim: This is the most popular and accessible part of the park. It is open year-round and offers many visitor services, including hotels.
- North Rim: The North Rim is 1,000 feet higher in elevation and is quieter than the more crowded South Rim.
- West Rim: Managed by the Hualapai Tribe, the West Rim is home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk and other tourist attractions.
Take a guided Grand Canyon Tour.
The South Rim has always been where most of the park’s visitors go. Visitation to the park initially surged in 1901 when the first train arrived and visitors today still arrive on the Grand Canyon Railway.
Fred Harvey began development of Grand Canyon Village about that time, beginning with the lavish El Tovar Hotel, and continued with many other popular destinations.
The West Rim’s Skywalk, helicopter rides, rafting trips, and more are all operated by the Hualapai Tribe.
If you’re planning a road trip from the Four Corners to the Grand Canyon or coming from Las Vegas, expect scenic drives through desert landscapes and red-rock vistas.
How was the Grand Canyon formed?
The Grand Canyon’s formation began around 5 to 6 million years ago, when the Colorado River started carving through layers of sedimentary rock that were deposited over 2 billion years.
The Grand Canyon is somewhat like a thick layer cake with a slice cut out, providing a view into geologic history, from the more recent Kaibab Formation at the top all the way down to the 2 billion year old Vishnu Group.
You can see the Grand Canyon’s rock layers in miniature in the Geologic Fireplace designed by Mary Colter in the South Rim’s Bright Angel Lodge.
Quick Facts
- The canyon exposes nearly 40 layers of geological history.
- Rock types include limestone, sandstone, and shale.
- Erosion from water, wind, and ice shaped the canyon’s massive depth and width.
The Grand Canyon is a visible timeline of Earth’s geological evolution, shaped by erosion, uplift, and time on the Colorado Plateau. If the geology of the Grand Canyon fascinates you, learn more about it on the National Park Service website.
How deep and wide is the Grand Canyon?
At its lowest point, the Grand Canyon drops 6,000 feet from the rim down to the Colorado River. The river flows at an average elevation of 2,200 feet above sea level, while the South Rim sits at 7,000 feet and the North Rim reaches nearly 8,000 feet.
The width of the canyon varies significantly across its length:
- Minimum Width: 600 feet, measured at Marble Canyon.
- Average Width: 10 miles.
- Maximum Width: 18 miles.
The width of the canyon is also grand: it averages 10 miles wide, with a maximum width of 18 miles. At Marble Canyon, however, the Grand Canyon is only 600 feet wide.
The extreme vertical relief, colorful canyon walls, and exposed rock strata create one of the most photographed geological formations on Earth.
How old is the Grand Canyon?
Geologists estimate that the Grand Canyon’s rock layers date back up to 1.8 billion years, though the canyon itself, the deep gorge carved by the Colorado River, is about 5 to 6 million years old.
Geological time is easy to see in the Grand Canyon’s rock layers. Fossils are embedded in the ancient landscape, including 1.2-billion-year-old stromatolites; trilobites, plants, marine invertebrates, and reptile tracks from the Paleozoic period; and megafauna, huge animals, from the Pleistocene period.
Scientists use radiometric dating and fossil evidence to trace the geological time scale, revealing a story of ancient seas, volcanic activity, and erosion that continues today.
What are the best things to do at the Grand Canyon?
Grand Canyon National Park has activities for every type of visitor, from those who arrive on the railroad to spend a day and enjoy dramatic views of the canyon to those more rugged individuals who hike (or ride a mule) down the Bright Angel Trail to the canyon floor, raft the Colorado River, or even those who attempt rim-to-rim hikes.
- Enjoy the view. The average visitor will spend a day at the park, enjoying the viewpoints with sweeping vistas and touring the historic buildings of Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim.
- See Mary Coleter’s Fred Harvey Co. Contribution. Fans of architect Mary Colter can explore the many buildings she designed for the Fred Harvey Company at the Grand Canyon.
- Camp. Those looking for a longer visit can take advantage of lodging in the park or campgrounds on the South Rim. There are both year-round and seasonal campgrounds on the South Rim, including those with full RV hookups. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- Relax. There are numerous lodging options within Grand Canyon National Park, including Phantom Ranch at the base of the canyon . . . for those hardy folks who hiked or rode to the bottom.
- Ranger-led Activities. Check the park’s online calendar for ranger-led activities and other special events. Every visitor can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet and fill it out to earn a badge.
- Hike. Grand Canyon trails offer hiking opportunities from casual to strenuous. The park service warns that more than 250 people require rescue each year in the park and urges visitors to choose activities that match their fitness level and preparation. Learn more about Grand Canyon hiking and safety.
From hiking trails to breathtaking viewpoints, there’s no shortage of ways to explore:
- Bright Angel Trail: A classic hike descending from the South Rim into the canyon.
- South Kaibab Trail: Offers panoramic views of the Colorado River and canyon walls.
- Desert View Drive: Scenic route with Lipan Point and Navajo Point overlooks.
- Grand Canyon Village: Main visitor hub with lodging, restaurants, and ranger programs.
- Rafting and camping: Experience the canyon from the Colorado River or stay overnight beneath the stars.
Grand Canyon National Park offers experiences for every traveler, from casual sightseers to seasoned adventurers.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon?
Generally, the best times to visit the Grand Canyon are spring (March – May) or fall (September – November), when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller. Most park services will still be open during these months, but be sure to check the website to be sure.
School vacation brings summer crowds to this exceptionally popular park, including visitors who are taking the time to enjoy the Grand Circle tour of national parks in the Four Corners area. If you plan to visit in summer, watch weather forecasts for high temperatures and monsoon rain possibilities.
Winter at Grand Canyon, for those who are prepared for ice and snow, provides a dramatically different view of this iconic park. Not all services or roads will be open, however.
- Park hours vary by rim and season; always check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
- Summer brings heat and peak visitation, especially at the South Rim. Make lodging reservations early.
- Winter offers snow-capped beauty and solitude, but may close North Rim roads.
Plan Your Visit to the Grand Canyon
Planning your visit to Grand Canyon National Park is half the fun. Will you drive to the park or take the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona? Make it a day trip or an overnight adventure?
Will you stay in luxury at El Tovar, or camp in your RV in one of the park’s campgrounds? Are you going to take a hike, or stroll along the rim and pop into the historic buildings?
Grand Canyon National Park offers a shuttle service on the South Rim. Some locations in the park are only accessible by bus. Take the time to review the South Rim parking and shuttle bus information before you arrive.
Take a guided Grand Canyon Tour.
Before your trip, also consider these key details:
- Entrance fee: $20–$35 per vehicle, valid for seven days. The entry fee includes the shuttle service inside the park. The park accepts digital payments only (no cash).
- Lodging: Book South Rim hotels, campgrounds, or nearby Tusayan well in advance.
- Transportation: Use the park shuttle system or drive between overlooks.
- Permits: Required for backcountry camping and rafting trips.
- Accessibility: Many viewpoints and visitor centers are wheelchair-accessible.
- Pets: If your pets are traveling with you, review where they’re allowed and information about the park’s kennels for cats and dogs. Pets are not allowed on the shuttles.
Visit the Grand Canyon
From its ancient rock layers to its sweeping viewpoints, the Grand Canyon is one of Earth’s most extraordinary landscapes. Whether you’re exploring the South Rim, hiking along Bright Angel Trail, or simply taking in a sunset at Mather Point, every visit offers a new perspective on this timeless natural wonder.
Start planning your Grand Canyon National Park adventure today — and see for yourself why this vast Arizona landmark continues to inspire awe across generations.
Take a guided Grand Canyon Tour.
See 10 National Parks, including the Grand Canyon and more, on a Grand Circle Road Trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entrance fee for Grand Canyon National Park?
The park entrance fee is $20–$35, valid for seven consecutive days and covers all passengers. This fee grants access to both the South and North Rims and includes unlimited use of the South Rim’s shuttle bus system. If you enter on foot or bicycle, the individual admission fee is $20 per person. Entry is $35 per private vehicle. Frequent park visitors can opt for the Grand Canyon Annual Pass for $70, or the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass for $80, which grants access to all federal recreation sites for a full year. Bring digital payment as the Grand Canyon National Park does not accept cash.
Can I bring my dog to the Grand Canyon?
Yes, you can bring pets to the Grand Canyon, but their access is restricted to protect both your animals and the local wildlife. Leashed pets are allowed on all paved paths above the rim, inside developed campgrounds, and throughout the residential areas of Grand Canyon Village. However, pets are strictly prohibited on all inner-canyon trails below the rim, on park shuttle buses, and inside any park buildings. If you plan to hike below the rim, the South Rim features a commercial kennel that offers day and overnight boarding services for dogs and cats.
How does the Grand Canyon South Rim shuttle system work?
The South Rim shuttle is a free bus system designed to reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact within the park. The buses operate on multiple color-coded routes that connect the main visitor centers, historic village lodges, campgrounds, and major canyon overlooks. You do not need a ticket or reservation to ride; you simply wait at any designated shuttle stop and board. During peak seasons, certain scenic areas, such as Hermit Road and Yaki Point, are completely closed to private vehicles, making the shuttle buses the only way to access those specific viewpoints.
How far in advance do I need to book lodging and camping?
You should book lodging and camping reservations up to six months in advance, as park accommodations routinely fill to capacity half a year ahead of time. In-park hotels managed by Xanterra, including the historic El Tovar, accept reservations 13 months out. If you want to camp below the rim or stay at Phantom Ranch on the canyon floor, you must participate in a specialized backcountry lottery system. This lottery opens on the first of the month, five months before your intended trip start date, and demand heavily outpaces available permits.
Which rim of the Grand Canyon is best to visit?
The South Rim is the best choice for first-time visitors because it is open year-round, provides the most iconic panoramic views, and features extensive amenities like hotels, restaurants, and the historic visitor village. It is highly accessible but experiences heavy crowds. The North Rim sits 1,000 feet higher, offering cooler temperatures, denser wildflower meadows, and a much quieter, less crowded experience. However, the North Rim operates on a strictly seasonal schedule, and winter weather completely closes its single access road, Highway 67, from late autumn until mid-spring.
