Grand Canyon National Park P.O. Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 (801) 638-2401

Grand Canyon National Park is located Northwest Arizona 73 miles north of Flagstaff. The park is broken into what is known as the North Rim and the South Rim. There are two entrances to the South Rim via US 180 and SR 64. There is only one entrance to the North Rim via SR 67 through the town of Jacob Lake. The South Rim sees about 90% of the visitors to the Grand Canyon each year.

Though the rims are only 10 miles apart, by road more than 215 miles separate them (SR 64, US 89, & SR 67 ). The South Rim is open all year; the North Rim is usually open mid-May to mid-November, depending on the weather. The elevation on the South Rim averages 7000 feet. The elevation of the North Rim averages 8000 feet. North Rim temperatures are usually 10 degrees cooler than the South Rim. The inner canyon temperatures average 30 degrees warmer than the South Rim. The Colorado River traverses though the middle of the park and is about 5000 feet below than the South Rim. The highest point in the Grand Canyon is Pt. Imperial at 8803 feet.

Somehow "Grand" does not tell how truly incomprehensible this canyon is. The scene continually changes as light plays off the rocks and clouds, creating shadows and contrasts. The world seems larger here with sunrises, sunsets, and storms taking on an added dimension to match the landscape. The permutations are unceasing, and the moods are without end. This is a land to humble the soul.

Nature walks, hikes along the rim, talks about geology, the prehistoric peoples, campfire programs, and nature talks for children are just some of the programs available on both rims.

Lodging and camping are available on the South Rim at the Grand Canyon Village as well as lodging at the bottom of the canyon at Phantom Ranch. Lodging and camping are available near the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim.

There are mule trips from the South Rim but are booked up to a year in advance. It is often easier to get a mule trip from the North Rim on short notice. Check with the Grand Canyon Lodge or call (602) 638-2292.

One feels so small and insignificant when surrounded by the beauty and vastness of the Grand Canyon. It is something I think everyone should experience at least once in their life. We really enjoyed our trip to both Rims. We almost froze in out tent the one night we stayed on the North Rim in September, 1991.

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Last updated July 16, 2000