Grand Canyon National Park

Discover the Grand Canyon

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

The Grand Canyon achieved National Park status in 1919, although having 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! 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 based on each person’s interest. Visitors can travel to the many viewpoints via shuttle bus or commercial buses. There are also information centers, museums and interpretive ranger programs where you may learn more about the canyon and its history. If you are feeling adventurous, take a day hike above the rim, or plan for a camping trip down into the canyon. One of the more famous ways to experience the Grand Canyon and Colorado River is a rafting trip. These trips are offered for varying lengths from many different river running companies.

FAQs

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 with them.

What COVID-19 precautions is Grand Canyon National Park taking?

GCNP is following guidance from the White House, the CDC, and state and local public health authorities. The park is open, but masks are recommended to be worn inside all public buildings and when within 6 feet of other visitors. Guests will not be permitted to enter if they are sick or if they have come into contact with someone who has tested positive during the last 14 days. For more information, visit the NPS Public Health page.

Are there wildfires at the Grand Canyon?

Grand Canyon National Park began Stage 2 fire restrictions for the South Rim on May 25th, 2020. This will be effective until further notice. Due to heightened fire danger, all fires, including campfires, warming fires, and charcoal barbecues will be prohibited on the South Rim of the park. This includes all campgrounds and residential areas. Outdoor smoking is also prohibited on the grounds. For more information, click here.

How old is the Grand Canyon?

No one really knows how old it is. Many scientists believe that the Colorado River began carving what we now know as the Grand Canyon, but there have been other respected studies that show the formation started much earlier than this with multiple canyons coming together.

No dinosaur bones have ever been found in the Grand Canyon. It’s true. Although 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.

What is the 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 on the canyon is Point Imperial on the North Rim at 8,803 feet.

Do astronauts train at the Grand Canyon?

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