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GRAND CANYON INFO

LEARN BEFORE YOU GO – ESSENTIAL CANYON KNOWLEDGE

When people are planning to visit “The Grand Canyon”, it can sometimes be confusing for those who have either not visited before, or not done some research about The Grand Canyon.

There are 3 main ‘areas’ of The Grand Canyon, and it’s important to know before you head off on your journey which area you want to visit, because getting from one ‘area’ to another entails hundreds of miles of driving.

The 3 Main areas are: South Rim, the North Rim, and the West Rim. The South Rim and the North Rim are both part of Grand Canyon National Park. The West Rim is owned and operated by the Hualapai Nation.

Google Map

Google Map

Grand Canyon National Park-South Rim

The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park with the Colorado River in view

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is part of Grand Canyon National Park.

Many people consider the South Rim to be the “real” Grand Canyon, and more people visit the South Rim than any other location. It has almost 2 dozen different ‘viewpoints’, many of which include views of the Colorado River.

The South Rim Viewpoints are the most recognized and publicized of any locations, featured in movies, TV Shows, and prominently on Social Media.

Grand Canyon South Rim Highlights:


Grand Canyon National Park-North Rim

The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park with a hiker sitting and enjoying the view

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is part of Grand Canyon National Park.

The differences between the South Rim and the North Rim are vast: The North Rim receives 1/10th of the visitors that the South Rim receives, it is 1,000 higher in altitude, and it is only open seasonally, generally Mid May through Mid October.

The North Rim is known for less crowded conditions, plants and animals not supported on the drier South Rim, and a more ‘laid back, less commercialized’ Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon North Rim Highlights:

  • Located approximately 6 hours from Las Vegas, 8 hours from Phoenix,  4 1/2 hours from South Rim, 6 1/2 hours from North Rim.
  • View Driving Distance Chart
  • Commuter Flights available into St. George, UT and Page, AZ, both approximately a 3 hour drive from the North Rim.
  • Less crowded than South or West Rim.
  • One Lodge and one campground.
  • During Winter Months, the North Rim closes because of snow.
  • The North Rim is open seasonally, generally Mid May through Mid October


Grand Canyon West Rim-Hualapai Nation

The Hualapai Skywalk in the West Rim of the Grand Canyon

The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park, but it IS still “The Grand Canyon”.

The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is part of the Hualapai Nation and offers great viewpoints and visitor services. The Skywalk is located at Grand Canyon West, and has become the main attraction at Grand Canyon West Rim.

It is the closest area from Las Vegas, and offers Helicopter and Airplane Tours, as well as Ground Tours and Whitewater Rafting.

Grand Canyon West Rim Highlights:

  • Located approximately 2 1/2 hours from Las Vegas, 3 1/2 hours from Flagstaff, 4 hours from the South Rim, and 6 1/2 hours from the North Rim.
  • View Driving Distance Chart
  • Commuter Flights available into Las Vegas
  • Home to the World Famous Skywalk, the Glass Bridge that extends 70′ out from the rim at Eagle point, providing views 4,000′ below to the bottom of the canyon.
  • Access to all viewpoints and activities is via the Hop On/Hop Off Shuttle (included in entrance fee), vehicles can’t drive to the viewpoints.
  • The West Rim is open Year Round


GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM INFO

NORTH RIM: OFF THE BEATEN PATH – EXPLORE THE REMOTE NORTH RIM

The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park with a hiker sitting and enjoying the view

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is part of Grand Canyon National Park. The differences between the South Rim and the North Rim are vast: The North Rim receives 10% of the visitors that the South Rim receives, it is 1,000 higher in altitude, sitting at over 8,000′ and it is only open seasonally, generally Mid May through Mid October.

The North Rim is known for less crowded conditions, there is only one lodge and one campground, and a has a more ‘laid back, less commercialized’ Grand Canyon

View Area Map

View of the Colorado River in the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Getting to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Fly

View from the top of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

From April 1-November 18, fly to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas as part of the North Rim Air/Ground Tour. During the flight, enjoy views of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and the Colorado River.

After landing at Bar 10 Ranch, ride in a Polaris Ranger to North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Upgrades available including an ATV Tour.

The closest Airport to the North Rim is in Kanab, UT, approximately 2 hours from the North Rim.

Grand Canyon North Rim Bar 10 Tour

Drive

The hike across the canyon from South Rim to North Rim is 21 miles (34 km).

However, driving from the South Rim to the North Rim by automobile requires a 4.5 hour drive of 220 miles (354 km).

The North Rim Visitor Center, located adjacent to the parking lot for Grand Canyon Lodge and Bright Angel Point, provides park and regional information, maps, brochures, exhibits, and a bookstore. During the season, the Visitor Center is open May 15 through October 15 from 8 am to 6 pm daily.

Visit the Grand Canyon National Park Website for driving directions and road conditions.

Location Miles Kilometers
South Rim 212 341
West Rim 393 632
Flagstaff, AZ 207 333
Phoenix, AZ 351 565
Sedona, AZ 236 380
Williams,AZ 242 389
Las Vegas, NV 275 443
Los Angeles, CA 500 805
Salt Lake City, UT 392 631
Denver, CO 690 1110
Albuquerque, NM 467 751

Shuttle

Grand Canyon North Rim

Between May 15-October 16, there is a Trans Canyon Shuttle that operates between the South and North Rims of the Grand Cayon. It is approximately 4 1/2 hours ONE Way.

Check in point at the North Rim is in front of the North Rim Grand Canyon Lodge/North Rim Campground Store.

Reservations should be made 48 hours prior to desired trip time, but last minute reservations are available.

Bicycles may be transported for an additional fee.

grand-canyon-tours

North Rim Lodging

Kaibab Lodge
Grand Canyon Hwy, Fredonia, AZ 86022
(928) 638-2389

Jacob Lake Inn
AZ-67 & Highway 89A, Fredonia, AZ 86022
(928) 643-7232

Cliff Dwellers Lodge
Mile Post 547 N, US-89A, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036
(928) 355-2261

Lee’s Ferry Lodge
N, US-89A, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036
(928) 355-2231

Grand Canyon North Rim Restaurants-Groceries

Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room
AZ-67, North Rim, AZ 86052
(877) 386-4383

Rough Rider Saloon
AZ-67, North Rim, AZ 86052
(877) 386-4383

Deli in the Pines
AZ-67, North Rim, AZ 86052
(877) 386-4383

North Rim General Store
Adjacent to Campground
(877) 386-4383

GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM INFO

SOUTH RIM: GRAND CANYON’S CROWN JEWEL – DISCOVER THE SOUTH RIM

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim view point

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is part of Grand Canyon National Park.

Many people consider the South Rim to be the “real” Grand Canyon, and more people visit the South Rim than any other location.

The South Rim South Entrance Station is easily accessible year round from points south using State Route 64 through Tusayan.

The South Rim East Entrance Station is also accessible from points north using State Route 64 from Cameron, but please be sure to check road conditions in the winter as this East Entrance is sometimes closed due to snow/ice.

Grand Canyon South Rim in the snow with fog

Getting to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

See below for different ways to travel to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Many tours are available at the South Rim that will allow you to experience the canyon along with a professional guide who will share their knowledge and history of the canyon. Choose from Air Tours that provide a bird’s eye view of the Grand Canyon, and Hummer Tours that get you up close and personal at 3-4 scenic overlooks.

Fly

Fly to Grand Canyon National Park from Las Vegas, NV and enjoy the best of both worlds: A flight to the Grand Canyon that includes pickup from Las Vegas hotels, aerial views of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and the Mojave Desert; and a ground tour inside Grand Canyon National Park with stops at Bright Angel Lodge and Mather Point.

Add even more value to this flight with Optional Upgrades including Helicopter Tours , and Buck Wild Hummer Tours

Drive

Below are approximate distances from many cities in the US Southwest to the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim.

Always check Grand Canyon Road Conditions before embarking on your journey. Visit the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Website for complete driving directions, road conditions, emergency alerts, and more.

Visit Arizona Traveler Information Website for complete road conditions for Arizona Roads.

Approximate Driving Distances to South Rim
Location Miles Kilometers
North Rim 212 341
West Rim 244 392
Flagstaff, AZ 81 130
Phoenix, AZ 231 372
Sedona, AZ 119 192
Williams,AZ 63 101
Las Vegas, NV 278 447
Los Angeles, CA 494 195
Salt Lake City, UT 510 821
Denver, CO 859 1382
Albuquerque, NM 412 663

Bus

Ride in a luxury motorcoach from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim. Enjoy a narrated ride as you drive through the stunning Southwestern Desert.  You will enjoy a light lunch at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center in Tusayan before you head into the Grand Canyon National Park for amazing views.

Upgrade your bus tour with a Helicopter Flight or a Buck Wild Hummer Tour to add even more excitement to this amazing day.

Grand Canyon South Rim Lodging

Bright Angel Lodge
9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(928) 638-2631

Thunderbird Lodge
10 Albright Ave, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(888) 297-2757

El Tovar Hotel
9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(928) 638-2631

Trailer Village RV Park
100 Trailer Village Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(928) 638-1006

Kachina Lodge
5 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(888) 297-2757

Yavapai Lodge
11 Yavapai Lodge Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(877) 404-4611

Maswik Lodge
202 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(928) 638-2631

Arizona Room-Bright Angel Lodge
9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(928) 638-2631

Bright Angel Restaurant
9 N, Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(928) 638-2631

Delicatessen at the Marketplace
1 Market Plaza Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
 (928) 638-2262 ext. 27

Maswik Food Court & Pizza
202 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(928) 638-2631

Bright Angel Bar
Rim Trail, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(928) 638-2526

Camper Services Grab & Go
Entrance to Mather Campground, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

Desert View Market & Deli
AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(928) 638-2393

Yavapai Lodge Coffee &  Ice Cream
11 Yavapai Lodge Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(928) 638-4001

Bright Angel Bike Rental & Cafe
10 S Entrance Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(928) 638-3055

Canyon Coffee House
9 N, Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(928) 638-2631

El Tovar Dining Room & Lounge
1 El Tovar Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(928) 638-2631

Yavapai Lodge Restaurant
11 Yavapai Lodge Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(928) 638-4001 ext. 7509

Bright Angel Fountain & Ice Cream
9 N, Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
 (928) 638-2631

Canyon Village Market General Store
1 Market Plaza Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(928) 638-2262 ext. 27

Hermit’s Rest Snack Bar
Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
928-638-2631 href=”tel:19286382631″>928-638-2631

Yavapai Lodge Tavern
11 Yavapai Lodge Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
(928) 638-4001 ext. 7509

For Lodging, Restaurant and Shopping Options close to Grand Canyon South Rim but OUTSIDE the National Park, visit these pages: Tusayan, AZ (2 miles), Valle, AZ, (30 miles), Williams, AZ (62 miles ), Flagstaff, AZ (82 miles)

GRAND CANYON WEST RIM INFO

WEST RIM: THRILLS AND VIEWS – WELCOME TO THE WEST RIM

The Skywalk at the West Rim of the Grand Canyon

The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park, but it IS still “The Grand Canyon”.

The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is part of the Hualapai Nation and offers great viewpoints and visitor services.

The Skywalk is located at Grand Canyon West, and has become the main attraction at Grand Canyon West Rim.

The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is the closest area from Las Vegas, and offers Helicopter and Airplane Tours, as well as Ground Tours and Whitewater Rafting.

Hualapai hut in the West Rim of the Grand Canyon

Getting to Grand Canyon West

Fly

Grand Canyon helicopter tour of the West Rim (opens in new window)

Flights to Grand Canyon West are available from Las Vegas by Helicopter and Airplane, and options available include Air Only Tours, Landings at Grand Canyon West with optional Ground Tours, Skywalk Experience, and Rafting Tours on the Colorado River.

Flying to Grand Canyon West Rim from Las Vegas provides amazing aerial views of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Colorado River, and the West Rim of the Grand Canyon

All Air Tours with Landings at Grand Canyon West Rim include admission fee to Grand Canyon West.

View Grand Canyon West Rim Tours

Airplane tour of the West Rim of the Grand Canyon leaving from Las Vegas (opens in new window)

Drive

Below are approximate distances from many cities in the US Southwest to the Grand Canyon West Rim Hualapai Nation.

Grand Canyon West activities and attractions are divided between two areas: the West Rim and Peach Springs.

The West Rim is where you’ll find the Skywalk, zipline, helicopter tours, pontoon boats, scenic viewpoints, and the Hualapai Ranch. It’s only a two hour drive from Las Vegas.

Peach Springs is located along an unspoiled stretch of historic Route 66. It’s about two hours north of Phoenix, and is the launch point for Hualapai River Runners’ river rafting trips. It’s also the home of the Hualapai Lodge, and is a great jumping off point for hiking, off-roading, fishing, hunting, and more.

It takes less than two hours to drive from the West Rim to Peach Springs.

 

Location Miles Kilometers
North Rim 390 627
Flagstaff, AZ 213 342
Phoenix, AZ 260 418
Sedona, AZ 239 384
Williams,AZ 180 289
Las Vegas, NV 126 202
Los Angeles, CA 384 617
Salt Lake City, UT 547 880
Denver, CO 875 1408
Albuquerque, NM 536 862

Bus

Board a luxury motorcoach, with pickup from your Las Vegas Hotel, sit back and relax as you start your journey to Grand Canyon West Hualapai Nation.

Stop for a visit at the O’Callaghan-Tillman bypass bridge overlooking the famous Hoover Dam, and travel through ancient Joshua Tree Forests on your way to Grand Canyon West.

Inside Grand Canyon West, you will visit Eagle Point and Guano Point, both of which provide amazing views of the Grand Canyon below.

View Grand Canyon West Rim Tours

Grand Canyon West Rim Lodging

Grand Canyon West offers overnight accommodations at the Hualapai Ranch in one of our western-style cabins facing the Canyon. A Hualapai Legacy ticket is required for each person to stay on property and must be purchased in addition to regular room rates.

There are RV parks and motels located in Dolan Springs on Pearce Ferry Road and in Meadview located just off of Pearce Ferry Road about 10 miles past Diamond Bar Road (the turn to go to Grand Canyon West).

If you are coming from I-40 you can find a variety of accommodations, including RV parks, in Kingman, AZ which is about 1.5 hours from Grand Canyon West.

If you are Traveling Route 66 coming from the Flagstaff area you can find accommodations in Seligman (appr. 3 hours from Grand Canyon West) or Peach Springs (appr. 2 hours from Grand Canyon West).

Grand Canyon West Rim Restaurants

Guano Point Cafe
Located at Guano Point
View Menu

 

Sky View Restaurant
Located at Eagle Point
View Menu

Book Buck Wild Grand Canyon Hummer Tours

Buck Wild Grand Canyon Hummer Tours operates on the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park, our office is located in the town of Tusayan, less than 2 miles from the Entrance Station for Grand Canyon National Park South Rim.

 

Buck Wild Hummer Tours

469 AZ-64 Suite A,

Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

Call Us

(928) 362-5940

Hours

Monday-Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM