Why Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is an expansive natural reserve in northwestern Arizona, encompassing over 1.2 million acres across Coconino and Mohave counties. Managed within the National Park Service's Lower Colorado Basin region, the park centers on the Grand Canyon, a massive gorge carved through the uplifted Colorado Plateau by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Famous for its immense depth and exposed Precambrian rock strata, the canyon was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Public interest in the canyon grew rapidly during the 1880s due to the expansion of rail transport and early tourist infrastructure. Conservation efforts progressively protected the landscape, starting with a forest reserve designation in 1893 and national monument status in 1908. On February 26, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson signed the legislation officially creating the national park. The park was later enlarged in 1975 by combining adjacent monuments along the river corridor, including Marble Canyon.
Visitor activity is focused on two primary geographical sectors: the South Rim and the North Rim. The South Rim accounts for about 90 percent of all park visitation and is anchored by Grand Canyon Village, which contains the park headquarters, full visitor services, and historic accommodations. Key architectural sites include the 1905 El Tovar Hotel, the 1935 Bright Angel Lodge, and the 1890s Buckey O'Neill Cabin, the oldest standing structure on the South Rim. Prominent designs by architect Mary Colter—such as Hopi House, Lookout Studio, Hermit's Rest, and the 70-foot Desert View Watchtower—are also situated along this side.
Situated at an elevation exceeding 8,000 feet on the Kaibab and Walhalla Plateaus, the North Rim offers a more remote experience centered around Bright Angel Point. Notable vehicular viewpoints include Point Imperial, Roosevelt Point, and Cape Royal, while unpaved roads provide access to the distant Toroweap Overlook. Hiking routes like the North Kaibab Trail descend down to the Colorado River, where they link with trails continuing to the South Rim. Mule rides and backcountry hiking are also widely pursued throughout the North Rim.
Due to significant winter snow at high altitudes, visitor services and roads on the North Rim close from December 1 through May 15. The South Rim remains accessible throughout the year via Arizona State Route 64, which connects to major interstate and federal highways. The driving route between the South and North Rims covers approximately 220 miles and requires around four and a half hours.
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