What are the different areas of Grand Canyon?

North Rim

The North Rim has lodging, restaurants and shops that are open May 15 through October 15 each year. A worthwhile trip for those who enjoy the road less traveled, the North Rim, or "other side" of the Grand Canyon is visited by only 10% of all Grand Canyon visitors. The North Rim is over 8000 feet/2438 m. in elevation. There is one lodge, the Grand Canyon Lodge and one campground operated by the NPS.

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 five-hour drive of 220 miles (354 km).

South Rim

Most people visit Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim. The South Rim is located 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona (via route 64 from Interstate 40) and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff (via route 180). The South Rim of Grand Canyon averages 7000 feet/2134 m above sea level.

This area includes Grand Canyon Village with a campground, an RV park with full hook-ups, several lodges, restaurants, a grocery store, visitor centers, museums, gift shops, backcountry information center, and shuttle system. Tusayan, the gateway community to the south entrance also has many services, including lodging, food and more.

The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All visitor services (camping, lodging, and food) are available year round. The least crowded time is November through February. However, winter weather is a major consideration when planning a trip during these months.

Desert View

Desert View is a small settlement on the South Rim located 25 miles/ 41 km east of Grand Canyon Village, and near the eastern edge of Grand Canyon. Arizona Highway 64, also known as Desert View Drive, is a scenic road that connects Desert view with Grand Canyon Village. For visitors coming into the park via the East Entrance, a stop at Desert View provides the first views of Grand Canyon.

Attractions include views of the Colorado River and canyon geology, the historic Watchtower designed by Mary Colter, the nearby Tusayan Museum highlighting the story of American Indians of the region. Facilities include visitor contact station and bookstore in the watchtower, restrooms, seasonal campground (mid-April through mid-October), service station, gift shops, and general store. Lodging is not available at Desert View.



Remote Tuweep

A remote and primitive area, known as Tuweep, is located on the northwest rim of Grand Canyon on the Arizona Strip. A visit to this area can be challenging, but rewarding. Since the National Park Service manages the area for its primitive values, services are non-existent: there is no water, gas, food, lodging, or phone service at Tuweep.



Havasupai Indian Reservation

Spectacular waterfalls and an isolated community within the Havasupai Indian Reservation attract thousands of visitors each year. The area is not accessible by road. The Havasupai Tribe administers the land, which lies outside the boundary and jurisdiction of Grand Canyon National Park.



Grand Canyon West and Skywalk

Grand Canyon West is run by the Hualapai Tribe and is at the far western end of Grand Canyon - about 250 miles (400 km) by road, a five hour drive, from the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. A variety of visitor services are offered, including the Skywalk. Food service is limited, usually as part of a package tour. (top of page)