Location Information Operating Hours News Programs/Activities Reservations Visitation Trails/Roads Food/Concessions Accessibility Other Attractions Additional Info. Lodging Info. Local Weather

Programs

The park offers free ranger-led programs throughout the year, including a wide variety of walks, talks, and a nightly evening program (outdoors in summer, indoors during cooler weather).

Special Events

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.

Recommended Activities

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 concessionaire offers a variety of activities (mule trips, bus tours, etc.) throughout the year.