Operating Hours
South Rim is open year-round. North Rim is closed late Oct. to mid-May.

Visitation
Highest April through October and on winter holiday weekends.

Permits
Obtain overnight backcountry permits in person or by written request. Phone reservations are NOT accepted. Print a request form online at www.thecanyon.com/nps/. FAX: (520)638-2125. Make requests on the first of the month, 4 months prior to the proposed start date. Fees: $20 plus $4/person Nightly Impact Fee (NIF); or $50 for an annual permit, plus the $4/person NIF.

Visitors Center and Programs
Visitor Center: The main park visitor center (South Rim) is located just east of Grand Canyon Village, about 6 miles north of the south entrance station. The North Rim Visitor Center is open during the summer season only. Interpretive centers are also located at Yavapai Observation Station, Tusayan Museum, Desert View, and the North Rim.

Programs: The park offers free ranger-led programs throughout the year, including a wide variety of walks, talks, and a nightly evening program (outdoors in summer, indoors during cooler weather).

Food Supplies and Concessions
Food/Supplies: Groceries and supplies are available on the South Rim at Babbitt's General Store (both in Grand Canyon Village and at Desert View). There is a small camper store on the North Rim, adjacent to the North Rim Campground.

Concessions: Concessions include mule trips, bus tours, and a wide variety of eating establishments.

Visitor Impact
Extreme temperatures can be life-threatening during the summer months. When canyon temperatures are extremely high, access to inner canyon trails may be restricted to cooler early morning and evening hours. Trails may be icy in winter; instep crampons are sometimes useful. Don't hike alone. Know where you're headed and take a map.

Pets are allowed in the park but must be restrained on a leash at all times. Leashed pets are allowed on rim trails throughout the developed areas in the park, but are not allowed below the rim, in park lodging, or on park buses.

Additional Information
Grand Canyon is heavily visited throughout much of the year. It is imperative to plan ahead for lodging, backcountry permits, or mule trips. Persons planning day trips should arrive early in the day, as parking is limited.