Park Essentials

Park Fees and Permits

A fee of $35 per vehicle or $20 per person for pedestrians and cyclists is good for one week's access at both rims.

The $70 Grand Canyon Pass gives unlimited access to the park for 12 months. The annual America the Beautiful National Parks and Recreational Land Pass (888/275–8747 store.usgs.gov/pass, $80) provides unlimited access to all national parks and federal recreation areas for 12 months.

No permits are needed for day hikers, but backcountry permits (928/638–7875 www.nps.gov/grca, $10, plus $8 per person per night) are necessary for overnight hikers camping below the rim. Permits are limited, so make your reservation as far in advance as possible—they're taken by fax (928/638–2125), by mail (1824 S. Thompson St., Suite 201, Flagstaff, AZ 86001), or in person at the Backcountry Information centers (in the village on the South Rim and near the visitor center on the North Rim) up to four months prior to your arrival. A limited number of last-minute permits are available for Indian Garden, Bright Angel, and Cottonwood campgrounds each day. Camping on the North Rim and the South Rim is restricted to designated campgrounds (877/444–6777 www.recreation.gov).

Park Hours

The South Rim is open continuously every day of the year (weather permitting), while the North Rim is open mid-May through October. Because Arizona does not observe daylight saving time, the park is in the same time zone as California and Nevada from mid-March to early November, and in the Mountain time zone the rest of the year. Just to the east of the park, the Navajo Nation observes daylight saving time.

Cell Phone Reception

Cell phone coverage can be spotty at both the South Rim and North Rim—though Verizon customers report better reception at the South Rim. Don’t expect a strong signal anywhere in the park, but Grand Canyon Village is usually the best bet.