GRAND CANYON & Northern Arizona POCKET i BOOK
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/230316010022-10e9b1903b70878dd5a5ea33d1832322/v1/730744f6660a3b5d7cdd3fccc8da354f.jpeg)
Northern Arizona is full of GRAND PLACES and travelers tell us over and over that they wish they could have stayed longer. So plan ahead and use this guide will help you to decide what GRAND MEMORIES to make during your visit.
You will find this PocketiBook packed with important travel tips, top things to do, best hikes for all ages and abilities and hidden gems.
Don’t just stop and take a photo, explore and take some time to enjoy these incredible places.
PO Box 3007, 469 Hwy. 64
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
GrandCanyonCVB.org
Click on the below to take you to the page with more info on that area.
TO ALBUQUERQUE
LODGING IN TUSAYAN (1 mile south of Park Entrance)
• BEST WESTERN PREMIER GRAND CANYON SQUIRE INN
• GRAND CANYON PLAZA HOTEL
• THE GRAND HOTEL
• HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES
• RED FEATHER LODGE
• 7 MILE LODGE
RV PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS
• CAMPER VILLAGE RV PARK (full hookups)
• TEN-X CAMPGROUND
LODGING WITHIN THE NATIONAL PARK
• BRIGHT ANGEL LODGE & CABINS
• EL TOVAR
• KACHINA LODGE
• MASWIK LODGE
• PHANTOM RANCH
• THUNDERBIRD LODGE
• YAVAPAI LODGE
RV PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS
• DESERT VIEW CAMPGROUND
• MATHER CAMPGROUND
• TRAILER VILLAGE RV PARK (full hookups)
LODGING IN VALLE (22 miles south of Park Entrance)
• GRAND CANYON INN
GLAMPING, RV PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS
• RAPTOR RANCH RV PARK & CAMPGROUND (full hookups)
• CLEAR SKY RESORTS
• UNDER CANVAS
There is a wide variety of lodging options within a very short distance of Grand Canyon National Park and within the National Park. Hotels, Motels, RV Parks and Campgrounds for every budget, so take a day or two to enjoy a sunrise or sunset view of this natural wonder.
The summer months are the busiest so make sure to make reservations in advance. Enjoy lower rates and less crowds from Mid-September through Mid-May.
The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is open year round and the views are spectacular Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall!
The Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Entrance is open to vehicles year round. Plan a few days to enjoy the approximately 30 miles of rim views, historic and ancient landmarks, and geologic wonders at the Grand Canyon South Rim.
You can drive from South Rim Village to Desert View (approximately 22 miles, 35.4 km one way) and stop along the way at the various view points. Each view point has a different perspective of Grand Canyon which is 18 miles wide (the widest part of Grand Canyon) and 6,000 feet deep.
During the less busy winter months the Hermit Road, from Grand Canyon Village to Hermit’s Rest, is open to vehicles. This route is 7.4 miles, 11.9 km one way and also has various view points to stop at along the way. From March 1 through November 30th this can only be accessed by foot, bike or shuttle bus.
Click here for a pdf file of the Grand Canyon Pocket Map.
Click
Save time and avoid the longer lines at the Park Entrance during the busy summer months and park your vehicle in Tusayan and take the NPS Shuttle to the Visitor Center within the National Park. You must purchase a National Park Pass to ride the Free NPS Shuttles.
Bus Stops in Tusayan are located in front of the following businesses:
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center/IMAX Theater
• Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn
• Grand Hotel
• Big E Steakhouse & Saloon
Click here for Tusayan Area Map
the National Park
Don’t feel like driving? Park your vehicle at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center (at Mather Point) within the National Park and take the Free NPS Shuttle to the various view points.
There are three Shuttle Routes within the Park:
1) Village (Blue) Route - Open Year Round
2) Kaibab Rim (Orange) RouteOpen Year Round,
3) Hermit Road (Red) RouteOpen seasonally March 1 through November 30th by foot, bike or shuttle bus. This route is open to private vehicles only during the months of December, January and February (weather permitting).
Click here for map of color coded shuttle bus routes.
Arizona has the largest Ponderosa Pine Tree Forest in the Nation and part of it is right here in Tusayan, just one mile south of the Grand Canyon National Park Entrance. Bring your own UTV or rent one in Tusayan and enjoy the many public National Forest Service roads nearby.
BIKE TOURS & RENTALS (Tusayan, AZ)
• GRAND CANYON BIKES
BIKE TOURS & RENTALS (within G.C. National Park)
• BRIGHT ANGEL BICYCLES
For detailed map of bike routes within Grand Canyon National Park Click Here
Rent an Electric Bike or bring your own and enjoy the Greenway Trails surrounding Tusayan. You can also purchase a Park Pass at one of the local Tusayan businesses and ride a bike into the National Park. Tusayan and the Kaibab National Forest offer dirt trails for expert riders and paved trails for those who just want a leisurely ride.
You can travel the main paved roads in Tusayan and into the National Park in a UTV as long as your UTV is street legal. See the Arizona Game & Fish Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Guide for complete information. Click here for a Tusayan Ranger District Forest Service Road Map.
Ample parking for ATV trailers at various Tusayan locations. Stay on designated roads, ride safely and responsibly to help minimize the impacts of OHV use on wildlife and habitat.
REMEMBER: ENJOY, DON’T DESTROY.
There are many trail adventures to enjoy within minutes of Tusayan. Trails range from easy to difficult so plan ahead make sure you have plenty of water. Check in with a friend and tell them where you’re going and when you plan to be back.
There are beautiful views along the Greenway Trails near Tusayan or you can hike along the rim of the canyon. If you decide to hike down into the Canyon, remember going down is optional – coming up is not. You start at 7,000 feet and most of our trails drop to 4,400 feet. Cell phone and internet service is intermittent due to the remoteness of the area.
You MUST obtain a Back Country Permit for overnight camping within Grand Canyon National Park including camping below the rim. A backcountry permit is not required for day hikes. Click here for more information.
Park at the parking lot at the North End of Tusayan (at the roundabout).
EASY:
Tusayan to Mather Point (13.2 mi round trip, 21.2 km) 3 - 4 hours. Walk through the beautiful Ponderosa Pine Forest to the Rim of Grand Canyon. During the busy summer months, you can make this a one way 6.6 miles (10.6 km) hike and take the free shuttle bus back to Tusayan. Bikes and Horseback Riding are also allowed on this trail. 40 percent of the trail is paved while the other 60 percent is packed gravel.
Proceed into the National Park and take Desert View Drive to mile marker 253. Take the dirt road to the lookout tower where the trail starts. This trail features historic structures including the 80’ tower of Grandview Lookout and the historic cabins of the Hull Brothers sheep herding operation. It is also one section of the Arizona Trail System.
DIFFICULT:
(18 mi round trip, 29 km) 5 - 6 hrs.
Park at Mather Point and take the free shuttle bus to Hermits Rest.
EASY:
Hermits Rest to South Kaibab Trailhead (13 mi. one-way, 20.9 km). Walk along the beautiful rim for as long as your legs will carry you. Don’t forget your camera! Tired of walking and need a slight diversion from the trail, take the free shuttle bus back to where you started.
TUSAYAN, VALLE & GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK - Things To Do
HIKING cont.
BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL
Park near Bright Angel Lodge or park at the Visitor Center at Mather Point and take the free shuttle bus to Bright Angel Lodge.
Click Here for more information on trail difficulty and mileage.
SOUTH KAIBAB TRAIL
Park at Mather Point and take the free shuttle bus to Yaki Point.
Click Here for more information on trail difficulty and mileage.
GRANDVIEW TRAIL
Drive your own vehicle to Grandview Point within the National Park (approximately 17 miles from Tusayan)
Click Here for more information on trail difficulty and mileage.
Please help to preserve Arizona’s Natural Landscapes for future visitors by following these simple 7 principles:
1. PLAN AHEAD & PREPARE
2. STICK TO TRAILS
3. TRASH YOUR TRASH
4. LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND
5. BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE
6. RESPECT WILDLIFE
7. SHARE THE OUTDOORS
Click here to find out more.
The Arizona National Scenic Trail stretches 800 miles from the Mexico border to the Utah border. This non-motorized diverse trail links deserts, mountains, canyons, forests, history, communities and people. Tusayan is a Arizona Trail Gateway Community which is located less than 1/4 mile from the Trail. You can access the Trail in several locations: In Tusayan at the Tusayan Greenway Trailhead or within the National Park along the Coconino Rim Trail or the South Kaibab Trail.
For a PDF file of the trail map of section 37 (Tusayan/Grand Canyon South Rim) click here.
To find out more about this amazing trail system visit AzTrail.org.
GUIDED HIKING TOURS (based at Grand Canyon Village)*
• GRAND CANYON FIELD INSTITUTE
GUIDED VEHICLE TOURS (based in Tusayan, AZ)*
• BUCK WILD HUMMER TOURS
• GRAND CANYON JEEP TOURS & SAFARIS
• PINK JEEP TOURS
AIR TOURS (at Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, AZ)
• GRAND CANYON SCENIC AIRLINES
• MAVERICK HELICOPTERS
• PAPILLON GRAND CANYON HELICOPTERS
• PARAGON SKYDIVE
• WESTWIND AIR SERVICE
HORSEBACK RIDES ( based in Tusayan, AZ)
• APACHE STABLES
MULE TOURS (within Grand Canyon National Park)
• SOUTH RIM MULE RIDES
Guided tours are one of the best ways to experience Grand Canyon. Whether you choose a ground, air, horse or mule tour, all will provide a unique perspective of Tusayan and the Grand Canyon. Highly qualified guides share their knowledge about Grand Canyon, giving visitors a better understanding of the culture, history and geology of the area.
Enjoy day hikes or multi-day hikes with a experienced guide that can customize your tour to fit your needs. For more info click here
Ride in the comfort of a Jeep, Van or Hummer to some of the most amazing view points at Grand Canyon. The Sunsets and Sunrises are spectacular! For more info click here.
Additional guided hiking and vehicle tours of Grand Canyon available from other Arizona Grand Partners in nearby Cities. See Flagstaff, Page, Sedona and Williams listings.
TUSAYAN, VALLE & GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK - Things To Do
AIR TOURS
Get a birds eye view of Grand Canyon in a helicopter or airplane. For the more adventurous, skydiving is available. For more info click here
A horseback ride through the beautiful Kaibab National Forest makes for a memorable addition to your Grand Canyon experience. For more info click here
Inner Canyon MULE TOURS
Mule trips are available from the rim of Grand Canyon to the bottom near Phantom Ranch. For more info click here
Improve your photography skills no matter what level you are and capture the unique and beautiful areas of Grand Canyon. For more info click here
TUSAYAN, VALLE & GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK - Things To Do
TUSAYAN (1 mile south of Park Entrance)
• IMAX THEATER
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
• RANGER TOURS
• COLORADO RIVER RAFTING (see Page, AZ)
VALLE (22 miles south of Park Entrance)
• RAPTOR RANCH & BEDROCK PREHISTORIC PARK
IMAX THEATER
See Grand Canyon on a giant 6-story high screen. Descend into the depths of this geological wonder and discover a story 1.7 billion years still in the making.
GRAND CANYON EXPLORERS
Fun for kids of all ages. Scavenger hunts, exploration of points of interest and a fun educational experience.
For more info click here.
The Colorado River cuts through the bottom of the Grand Canyon and half day, full day or multi-day trips are one of the most popular ways to experience Grand Canyon. For more info click here
You must obtain a National Park Pass to enter into any National Park or National Monument in the United States. In Arizona alone there are 24 National Parks and Monuments to enjoy.
$80.00 ANNUAL NATIONAL PARK PASS (Best Value!)
$70.00 ANNUAL GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK PASS
Annual passes above are valid for up to one year from month of purchase.
$35.00 7 DAY VEHICLE PASS
(admits everyone traveling with you in your personal vehicle)
$30.00 7 DAY MOTORCYCLE PASS
(admits motorcyclist and up to one passenger)
$20.00 7 DAY INDIVIDUAL PASS
(for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians)
Purchase your National Park Pass on-line before you get to Grand Canyon by clicking HERE.
You can also purchase them in Tusayan or at the Entrances to Grand Canyon National Park.
TUSAYAN, VALLE & GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK - Shopping
TUSAYAN (1 mile south of Park Entrance)
• CANYON FLIGHT TRADING COMPANY
• EXPRESS MINI MART - TEXACO
• GENERAL STORE
• GRAND CANYON ADVENTURE STORE
• GRAND CANYON CHOCOLATE FACTORY
• GRAND CANYON TRADING POST
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
• CANYON VILLAGE MARKET
• DESERT VIEW WATCHTOWER GIFT SHOP
• GRAND CANYON CONSERVANCY BOOKS & MORE
• YAVAPAI LODGE GIFT STORE
VALLE (22 miles south of Park Entrance)
• RAPTOR RANCH MARKET
• VALLE TRAVEL STOP - CHEVRON
There is also a variety of gift shops located within many of the Hotels in the area.
There is a wide range of unique gifts and a large selection of native arts and crafts to be found at several locations. There are also general stores and markets in the area where you can find items such as food, produce, drinks, toiletries, and other basic supplies.
For more info click here.
Tusayan is the closest town to Grand Canyon National Park and is only ONE MILE from the South Rim Entrance
Tusayan-AZ.gov/explore
TUSAYAN ANNUAL EVENTS - Located one mile from the South Rim Entrance to the National Park
JULY 4th
TUSAYAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Celebrate Independence day in the Town of Tusayan, located one mile from the south entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. Festivities include a parade, live band, food and of course the evening light show.
GRAND CANYON TRAIL
HALF MARATHON
Run or walk a beautiful trail in the wilds of the Kaibab National Forest , just minutes from the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim. See elk, deer, javalina, wild horses and more in part of the largest Ponderosa Pine Forest in the world!
BIKE YOUR PARK DAY
Bring your bike, or rent one in Tusayan, and celebrate the outdoors by riding your bike from Tusayan to Grand Canyon National Park on the Greenway Trails. Fun for the entire family.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
The winter months at Grand Canyon are less busy but the views are just as spectacular. Each year the Town of Tusayan, which is located 1 mile from the South Rim entrance to Grand Canyon, puts on a holiday event that is sure to bring joy to all ages.
Raptor Ranch hosts several annual events that are great for all ages, including a 4th of July Celebration, Bedrock Caveman Challenge, Halloween and Christmas events. Check out the videos to the right for these events and click here for more information.
JUNE
GRAND CANYON STAR PARTY
Each year, for one week, the National Park Service invites amateur astronomers to set up their telescopes for the enjoyment of park visitors. The dark skies of Grand Canyon offer an amazing view of night sky objects.
GRAND CANYON CELEBRATION OF ART
Each year, the Grand Canyon Conservancy, invites artists to paint “en plein air” for one week at the South Rim of Grand Canyon. Artists are tasked with capturing the ever-changing colors and light as the sun moves across the canyon. The paintings are shared with the public during a four-month exhibition/sale at historic Kolb Studio and online.
GRAND CANYON MUSIC FESTIVAL
Explore this awe-inspiring world wonder and enjoy beautiful music played by some of the best artists from around the world.
DINING IN TUSAYAN (1 mile south of Park Entrance)
• BIG E STEAKHOUSE & SALOON
• CANYON ROOM & CORONADO ROOM
• CANYON STAR RESTAURANT
• EXPLORER’S CAFE with PIZZA HUT EXPRESS
• FOODIE CLUB
• GRAND CANYON CHOCOLATE FACTORY
• JJK’s RESTAURANT
• McDONALD’S
• PLAZA BONITA MEXICAN RESTAURANT
• STARBUCKS COFFEE
• WAGON WHEEL SALOON
• WE COOK PIZZA & PASTA
DINING WITHIN THE NATIONAL PARK
• CAFE AT MATHER POINT
• YAVAPAI LODGE RESTAURANT
From coffee shops to fine dining, we aspire to satisfy any appetite and budget. Get a meal to go and enjoy a picnic on the rim of the Canyon.
After a day of exploring, stop in to one of the local restaurants and saloons for a local beer and a savory appetizer.
Pet friendly patio dining is available at some of the restaurants.
For more info click here
TUSAYAN, VALLE & GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK - Hidden Gems
This 70 ft. tall stone tower, perched on the edge of the canyon rim near the East Rim Entrance, was designed by Mary Jane Colter in 1932 to resemble ancient Indian Ruins.
Originally constructed in 1914 as a rest stop for the short stage line that ran from the El Tovar Hotel to this location. Hermit’s Rest is located at the far west end of Hermit Road and is only accessible by shuttle bus from March 1 to November 30.
This historic building sits on the edge of the Canyon Rim near the Bright Angel Lodge. Emery Kolb, famous for his photography of Grand Canyon in 1919, operated his photography studio here.
Designed by Mary Jane Colter in 1914 as a location where visitors could photograph the Grand Canyon from its precipitous edge. Located on the edge of the canyon near Bright Angel Lodge.
Commemorates the 1869 exploration of the Colorado River by Major John Wesley Powell and his men. Located on Hermits Road at Powell Point.
This ancient ruin built in 1200 A.D. by native people is typical of many pueblo sites in the Grand Canyon region. The Town of Tusayan got it’s name from this ancient site. Located on Desert View Drive near Lipan Point.
This museum was originally constructed back in 1928 as the Yavapai Observation Station and is located on the rim of the Canyon at Yavapai Point. The Trail of Time is a geologic timeline located at Yavapai Point and is a 2.83 mile (4.56 km) paved walk from Yavapai Point to the El Tovar Hotel. Each meter walked on the timeline trail signifies one million years of Grand Canyon’s geologic history. Along the timeline trail are a series of rocks and exhibits.
We are committed to providing you with the best information for planning your next vacation to Grand Canyon National Park and Northern Arizona. We hope these videos will give you a glimpse into what you might see while you are here and keep you informed on what is happening locally.
Plan to stay a few days or weeks to explore all that Northern Arizona has to offer. We have some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the nation.
The videos on these pages will show you various viewpoints, trails and historical sites so that you can better plan your trip.
For other Travel News videos click here.
Northern Arizona has four beautiful seasons and road conditions can vary throughout the year. Snow in the winter or heavy monsoon rains in the summer can make travel difficult at times. Make sure to check the road conditions in Northern Arizona at az511.com.
Check out our ARTICLES OF INTEREST and learn more about the trails, people, wildlife and history of Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona.
Subscribe to our Travel News YouTube Channel and stay up to date on what is happening in our area.
WILLIAMS & HISTORIC ROUTE 66 - Lodging & Activities
ACTIVITIES / TOURS
• BEARIZONA WILDLIFE PARK
• CANYON DAVE TOURS
• GRAND CANYON CUSTOM TOURS
• GRAND CANYON UTV TOURS
VISITOR INFORMATION
• WILLIAMS VISITOR CENTER
• GRAND CANYON CHAMBER & VISITOR BUREAU
Whether you are traveling east on Interstate 40 from California or west from New Mexico, the Mother Road in Arizona is full great Historic Route 66 stops such as Williams. It also has beautiful forests and lakes nearby for fishing and kayaking.
Ride the Rails to the South Rim of Grand Canyon and be entertained by musicians and the antics of cowboy characters who bring the Old West back to life.
Visit a 160 acre wildlife park and view native wild animals such as Bears, Elk, Deer, Bison, Bighorn Sheep and more from the comfort of your vehicle.
ACTIVITIES / TOURS
• ALL-STAR GRAND CANYON TOURS
• FOUR SEASON GUIDES
VISITOR INFORMATION
• FLAGSTAFF VISITOR CENTER
• GRAND CANYON CHAMBER & VISITOR BUREAU
Flagstaff is located at the base of a 12,637 ft high mountain called the San Francisco Peaks. It’s know for it’s many breweries, world-famous observatory and snow skiing. It’s elevation of 6900 ft. makes it popular for high altitude sports training.
Just a short drive from Flagstaff are natural treasures such as Walnut Canyon National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and the best preserved meteorite impact site on earth.
ACTIVITIES / TOURS
• PINK JEEP TOURS
VISITOR INFORMATION
• SEDONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & TOURISM BUREAU
• GRAND CANYON CHAMBER & VISITOR BUREAU
Sedona is widely known for it’s intriguing natural red rock formations. It is also known as a spiritual wellness destination with several vortexes believed to emit energy.
Visit Red Rock State Park in beautiful Sedona Arizona on your next Northern Arizona vacation. Red Rock State Park is a 286 acre nature preserve and environmental education center with stunning scenery. Oak Creek meanders through the park, creating a diverse riparian habitat abounding with plants and wildlife.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross was designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. It is nestled into a red rock roost that provides breathtaking views of Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte and the eastern rim of Sedona.
A Red Rock Pass is required if you plan on parking, hiking or biking within Red Rock State Park.
For more information on the pass click here.
Sedona Arizona is a mountain bikers paradise and is perhaps one of the most thrilling bike trail spots for both amateur and professionals. There are multiple trails suitable for all riders of all ages. You will see some of the most incredible scenery in Northern Arizona along these bike trails.
ACTIVITIES / TOURS / COLORADO RIVER RAFTING
• ANTELOPE CANYON WITH RIVER RAFTING
• ARIZONA RIVER RUNNERS
• COLORADO RIVER & TRAIL EXPEDITIONS
• GRANDCANYON.com
VISITOR INFORMATION
• PAGE-LAKE POWELL CHAMBER & VISITOR CENTER
• GRAND CANYON CHAMBER & VISITOR BUREAU
Page is located in Northern Arizona near the Utah border. If you are traveling south from many Northern States, stop to view Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend on your way to Grand Canyon National Park. All very spectacular natural sights.
Antelope Canyon is located on the Navajo Nation and can only be accessed by making reservations with a local tour company.
A fee is required to park at the trailhead of Horseshoe Bend. It is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round-trip on a easy hiking path. No reservations are required.