General Information

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General Information

The Park

The south rim is open all year. The north rim roads are closed after the first major snow of the season which normally occurs around mid-October. The road does not typically reopen until some time in early to mid-May depending on snowfall. The north rim is, however, open even when the roads are closed. Cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing are popular winter activities on the north rim. The park is closed to snow mobiles. For current weather info and road conditions call 928-638-7888 (or find the appropriate web page).

The park offers a wide variety of visitor programs and activities, some of these being ranger talks, and ranger led hikes, campfire programs and special programs for children. Anyone planning to camp below the rim must first obtain a Backcountry Permit from the Backcountry Office. If you intend on doing any hiking in the Canyon you should not do this without first consulting a ranger at either the Main Visitor Center or the Backcountry Office.

Backcountry permits are not required for camping on the rim. You must, however, camp in designated campsites only. The number of sites is limited and they fill up quickly during the prime tourist season (June through August). Some of the campgrounds require reservations in advance and others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.