Visiting Grand Canyon National Park
Vast desert landscapes
Established in 1919, the sprawling Grand Canyon National Park spans 500,000 hectares. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its famous rugged, arid landscapes draw 6 million visitors every year. You will notice the striking erosion of its brightly colored rock formations and diverse flora. As a symbol of the American frontier and the backdrop for numerous classic western films, the park holds plenty of memorable sights.
A canyon of monumental proportions
Measuring 446 km long and up to 1,800 metres deep, Grand Canyon National Park is carved by the powerful Colorado River, which maintains an average flow rate of around 650 cubic metres per second. While Spanish conquistadors encountered it in the 16th century, American explorers only began taking serious notice of the area in the mid-19th century. The geological origins of the canyon are complex, as river erosion combined with other natural forces to shape this unique landscape over millions of years. Roughly 40 rock layers, including sandstone, limestone, and schist dating back 1.8 billion years, have earned it the nickname of a geological time machine.
The two rims of Grand Canyon National Park: South Rim and North Rim
You can explore the two main plateaus, situated about 350 km apart from one another: the South Rim, which sees the highest visitor numbers, and the North Rim, which remains wilder and less accessible. Upon arrival, pick up a free map at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Hikers can also grab a trail guide detailing the main routes.
At the South Rim, four free shuttle bus routes make getting around straightforward. Among them, the blue Village Route connects the main lodging options and the visitor center, while the purple Tusayan Route operates during the summer months and links the park to the Grand Canyon National Park airport.
Opening hours
The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. The North Rim is open from mid-May through mid-October.
*Information subject to change
I was breathless when I discovered the immensity of the Grand Canyon. The terrain, the layers of rock, and the colors ranging from beige to clay are magnificent. I hiked for a short day along the side of the canyon to discover the different viewpoints.
It is beautiful, but not the best park for hiking because everything is paved. I would have liked to go down to the bottom of the canyon, but unfortunately, you need to count on at least two days for that route. Shuttles also allow you to get around the canyon. This lets you see more distant perspectives without walking too much if you have little time.
From Tusayan, I finished my day with a helicopter flight (Papillon). Expect to pay about 250 dollars for 30 minutes of flight, but the experience is really worth the price!