Freebies at the Grand Canyon

While you're here, be sure to take advantage of the many complimentary services offered.

• The most useful is the system of free shuttle buses at the South Rim; it caters to the road-weary, with four routes winding through or just outside the park—Hermits Rest Route, Village Route, Kaibab Rim Route, and Tusayan Route. Of the bus routes, the Hermits Rest Route runs only March through November and the Tusayan Route only in summer; the other two run year-round, and the Kaibab Rim Route provides the only access to Yaki Point. Hikers coming or going from the South Kaibab Trailhead can catch the Hikers Express, which departs three times each morning from the Bright Angel Lodge, makes a quick stop at the Backcountry Information Center, and then heads out to the South Kaibab Trailhead.
• Ranger-led programs are always free and offered year-round, though more are scheduled during the busy spring and summer seasons. These programs might include activities such as stargazing and topics such as geology and the cultural history of prehistoric peoples. Some of the more in-depth programs may include a fossil walk or a condor talk. Check with the visitor center for seasonal programs including wildflower walks and fire ecology.
• Kids ages four and older can get involved with the park's Junior Ranger program, with ever-changing activities including hikes and hands-on experiments.
• Despite all of these options, rangers will tell you that the best free activity in the canyon is watching the magnificent splashes of color on the canyon walls during sunrise and sunset.