Activities Overview
At any time of year, whether you come for a day or the week, you'll find more than enough to fill your hours. Below are just a few suggestions to include on your itinerary while visiting Grand Canyon National Park.
Bicycling
If you plan to bring a bicycle, be aware that in Arizona bicycles are subject to the same traffic rules as automobiles. A new bicycling / walking path, the Greenway, connects the historic district with Canyon View Information Center, going right past Yavapai Lodge.
Camping & Backpacking
Please note that we are not a reservation resource for camping in the park. To reserve a campsite, please call 800.365.CAMP or make a campsite reservation online at the Grand Canyon National Park Web site.
Permits are required for all overnight backcountry hiking. This also applies for camping anywhere in the park other than in developed campgrounds on the rims. You can obtain a permit from the park's Backcountry Information Center up to four months in advance. Keep in mind that permits are limited.
Fishing
The best time of year to fish is in the fall and winter. Arizona state fishing licenses are required for any fishing in the park. Licenses may be obtained at Canyon Village Marketplace.
Nature, Interpretive and Educational Programs
National Park Service rangers offer a wide variety of interpretive programs throughout the year on the South Rim and seasonally on the North Rim. Programs include ranger talks, Junior Ranger programs and the new visitor center at Canyon View Information Plaza. All ranger programs are free and open to the public. Currently available programs are outlined in the park newspaper, The Guide. You will receive a copy of The Guide when you enter the park.
Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult on all programs. Also, all outdoor programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or when lightning danger is present.
Train Rides on the Grand Canyon Railway
Long before there were Grand Canyon helicopter, air, and white water rafting tours or even Grand Canyon mule tours, there was the Grand Canyon Railway.
Before paved roads, hotels and restaurants, and even before the Grand Canyon was made a national park or Arizona made a state, let alone the "Grand Canyon state," the Grand Canyon Railway brought interested travelers from all over the world to stand on the rim, gaze upon the canyon and ponder the feeling that touches all of humanity in a similar manner.
Grand Canyon Railway was the lifeline to Grand Canyon National Park in the early 20th century. It was the railroad and the Fred Harvey Company that commissioned and built most of the historic structures that still exist at the Grand Canyon.
The historic train almost faded into history itself when passenger service to Grand Canyon National Park stopped in 1968 as train travel gave way to the popularity of automobile travel, but like any legend, it refused to die. As fate would have it, Grand Canyon Railway was reborn in 1989 when entrepreneurs brought the Grand Canyon's train back to life.
Today, Grand Canyon Railway is owned and operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts, and carries more than 230,000 people by rail to Grand Canyon National Park each year.
Plan a complete Grand Canyon vacation by beginning your trip with an historic train ride from Williams, Arizona to the Grand Canyon. Ask about the overnight package staying at the Maswik Lodge. For more information contact any lodge transportation desk within the park or the Grand Canyon Railway at 1-800-THE-TRAIN or visit the Grand Canyon Railway Web site.
Special Events
There are also occasional special events such as the Grand Canyon Music Festival and revolving exhibits, lectures at the Kolb Studio and Tusayan Museum. For more information visit our Sights to See page on this Web site.
Keep in mind that the Grand Canyon is heavily visited for most of the year (averaging over 4 million visitors a year) and it is imperative to plan ahead for lodging, camping, backcountry permits, or mule trips.
The park is busiest during spring, summer, and fall months. To avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is November - February. Learn more about our seasonal weather.
We are pleased to offer Special Promotions throughout the year. Check our current Special Promotions & Packages and join our e-mail list to continue to stay informed.
