Grand Canyon National Park

Discover the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park truly is Flagstaff’s backyard. Only 80 miles of scenic road between destinations, you can wake up to breakfast in Flagstaff, have lunch at the South Rim, and be back to take the brewery trail that evening.

The Grand Canyon achieved National Park status in 1919, although it had been afforded Federal protection since 1893, first as a forest reserve, then later as a National Monument. Only 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon sees close to five million visitors each year, with the most visited area of the park being Grand Canyon Village on the south rim. This area is listed as a National Historic Landmark District and consists of 257 structures.

There are a variety of ways to experience the Grand Canyon, depending on a person’s interests

• Visitors can travel to the many viewpoints via shuttle bus or commercial bus. 
• There are also information centers, interpretive ranger programs, and tours where you may learn more about the canyon and its history. 
• If you're feeling adventurous, take a day hike above the rim or plan a camping trip down into the canyon. 
• One of the more famous ways to experience the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River is a rafting trip. These trips are offered for varying lengths from many different river running companies.

FAQs about the Grand Canyon

Is the Grand Canyon open? 

Yes. However, due to excessive heat in the area, rangers at Grand Canyon National Park are urging visitors who plan to hike to take extra precautions and hike smart. Hikers should be out only before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. They should also rest in the shade whenever possible and always carry cool water.

Grand Canyon National Park is currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. 

Stage 1 Restrictions dictate that:

• A campfire must always be in a designated fire ring within a maintained campground. 
• Inner canyon users can use gas cook stoves, but campfires and other open fires are never allowed below the rim. 
• River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permit regarding fires along the Colorado River.
• Visitors should remain fire aware and exercise extra care when visiting public lands.

View Current Fire Information

How old is the Grand Canyon?

No one knows how old it is. Many scientists believe that the Colorado River began carving what is now known as the Grand Canyon. However, other respected studies show that the formation started much earlier, with multiple canyons merging.

No dinosaur bones have ever been found in the Grand Canyon. It’s true. However, it seems like the perfect setting for paleontologists to discover their next big find. The Canyon walls are much older than the dinosaurs, and the canyon formed after their existence.

To learn more about the fascinating natural history of the Colorado Plateau, from prehistoric times to early human habitation and the present, be sure to visit the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff. It's a fun, educational, family-friendly museum.

What is the total land area of the Grand Canyon?

The park, established in 1919, has a land area encompassing 1,217,403 acres.

What is the highest point of elevation?

The highest point of elevation in the canyon is Point Imperial on the North Rim at 8,803 feet.

Do astronauts train at the Grand Canyon?

Every United States astronaut who has set foot on the moon trained in Flagstaff and at the Grand Canyon. Astronauts have had a keen interest in geology and the landscape of the Colorado Plateau.

View more information on other amazing national parks and monuments in Northern Arizona.