Effective December 6, the South Rim will enter Stage 4 Water Restrictions. Overnight guest lodging, including Trailer Village, is closed; Camper Services at Mather Campground is closed; water spigots at Mather Campground are turned off; restrooms at Mather Campground remain open; Park concessioners, partners, visitors, and residents are asked to continue water-reduction protocols.

Stage 4 Water Use Restrictions Begin December 6, 2025

Effective immediately: Due to recent water restrictions which severely limit wildland and structural firefighting capabilities in-park, all fires, including campfires, warming fires, and charcoal barbecues, are prohibited. Outdoor smoking is prohibited except in an enclosed vehicle or building. Fireworks are prohibited year-round. These restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect as of October 31, 2025

Visit the link for the inner canyon weather forecast, current closures, today's heat risk, and drinking water availability.

Critical Backcountry Updates/Closures

Visit this link for a list of the available visitor services in Grand Canyon Village and at Desert View.

What's Closed and What's Open on South Rim

This email is checked frequently, and individual questions or concerns are directed to park management, or to the employee who is best able to reply.

Entirely within the state of Arizona, the park encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homelands of 11 present day Tribal Communities, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—a mile deep canyon unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors from both north and south rims.

Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers, up to a 15 person passenger van. Organized non-commercial groups over 16 passengers require different charges. Commercial groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit.

Entrance - Private Vehicle

Admits one single, private, non-commercial motorcycle and its passenger(s).

Entrance - Motorcycle

Individual ($20 valid for 7 days): for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians.

Entrance - Per Person

Available to the general public for purchase for unlimited visits to Grand Canyon National Park only. This is an annual pass, valid one year from month of purchase; it is non-transferable.

It admits the pass holder and any accompanying persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the pass holder and accompanying immediate family (spouse, children, parents) when entry is by other means (train, shuttle, bicycle, or foot).

Annual Entrance - Park

The canyon glows orange as people visit Mather Point, a rock outcropping that juts into Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Mather Point Sunset on the South Rim

The Desert View Watchtower looms 70 feet into the air over a vast and dramatic view of the canyon.

Grand Canyon National Park: Desert View Watchtower (South Rim)

Tall canyon walls frame the wide Colorado river weaving back and forth.

Looking down the Colorado River from Nankoweap at river mile 53

Grand Canyon

Both Desert View (East Entrance) and South Entrance are Open 24 hours/day and 7 Days/week. Credit cards, and America the Beautiful passes are accepted for entry. Cash is not accepted at this time. The South Entrance Station, near Tusayan, Arizona, receives the most traffic, an experiences long lines and up to 2 hour wait times between 9:30 am and 4 pm. The East Entrance at Desert View - 32 miles east of the village (accessed via US 89 to Cameron, AZ, then west on SR 64, usually has shorter wait times.

South Rim - South Entrance

The East Entrance to the park at Desert View is open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Visitors traveling through the Navajo Nation on US 89, turn west at Cameron, Arizona onto State Route 64, then drive 25 miles (40 km) to the park's East Entrance. A stop at Desert View provides spectacular first views of Grand Canyon and Colorado River. Most Desert View services are open for visitors. Desert View Campground will be open for the 2025 season between April 12 and October 12. 2025. Reservations are required.

South Rim - Desert View (East Entrance)

Park Film

Viewing films in a theater on a large screen with surround sound. ►"We Are Grand Canyon" is a heartfelt film, welcoming visitors to Grand Canyon National Park from those who have called it home since time immemorial – Grand Canyon's 11 tribal communities. A project several years in the making, "We Are Grand Canyon" is a joint creation by the Intertribal Working Group, Grand Canyon National Park, and Grand Canyon Conservancy, and was filmed and edited by Ryan Christensen of Bristlecone Media. ► "Our goal with the film was to take people on a journey into the Grand Canyon… to not just watch the film, but experience it," stated Producer/Director Josh Colover. He added, "We worked very hard to put the camera in places that capture one-of-a-kind images – especially in places most visitors would not venture." Grand Canyon: a Journey of Wonder is a film that was produced by the National Park Service and Aperture Films, Ltd., to introduce park visitors to the natural and human history of Grand Canyon National Park.

All ages, but minors must be with an adult parent or guardian.

When the Visitor Center is open, the programs last around 23 minutes each and showing start on the hour, and the half-hour, with short intermissions in between showings for audiences to enter and exit the theater.

Admission is free and performances are open to the public.

People are almost filling the seats in a darkened theater. Screen reads: Movie begins in 2 minutes.

Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater

Four large parking lots surround a several hundred-square foot (approximately 200 m square) concrete Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza. The visitor center itself sits on the north side of the plaza.  Inside the long, glass-faced building are displays about the canyon, trip planning tools, and a park ranger-staffed information desk. At the east end, you can enter a theater, which shows the accessible park films, 'We Are Grand Canyon' and “Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder.” In addition, a large 3-D relief map with videos features a variety of canyon locations and experiences.  Adjacent to the visitor center building, to the west, are restrooms and a water filling station. Additional restrooms and a second water filling station are located to the east a short distance along the path toward the landmark Tribal Medallion and Mather Point Overlook, where most South Rim Visitors get their first view of Grand Canyon.

<h4>Park Films Are Shown Daily in the Visitor Center Theater</h4> <h3>We Are Grand Canyon</h3> <h4>Shows on the hour</h4> "We Are Grand Canyon" is a 24 minute, heartfelt film, welcoming visitors to Grand Canyon National Park from those who have called it home since time immemorial – Grand Canyon's 11 tribal communities. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=99ADF75A-282B-4210-A2FD-3040EDFA7E1B">View the film online</a> A project several years in the making, "We Are Grand Canyon" is a joint creation of the Intertribal Working Group, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon Conservancy, and Bristlecone Media.   <h3>Grand Canyon - a Journey of Wonder</h3> <h4>Shows on the half-hour</h4> The park's 24 minute orientation film, takes viewers on a rim to river and dawn to dusk journey through the park, and introduces the natural and human history of this special place —along with efforts to preserve and protect Grand Canyon as a sanctuary for plants, animals, and humans. The film includes stunning aerial views, maps and graphics and unique on-location footage from within the canyon. It touches on the canyon's geology, hiking, river running, water, and Grand Canyon as a place of inspiration. The film is narrated by actor Peter Coyote and has an original score composed by Hillary Thomas.

The films are shown throughout the year - whenever the theater is open. 

Park Films Are Shown Daily in the Visitor Center Theater. ►At the top of the hour, the 24-minute film, ‘We Are Grand Canyon’, welcomes visitors by sharing the heritage and viewpoints of the 11 tribal communities connected to the canyon. ►On the half hour, 'Grand Canyon - a Journey of Wonder', introduces the natural and human history of this special place —along with efforts to preserve and protect Grand Canyon as a sanctuary for plants, animals, and humans.

When the Visitor Center is open, the films are shown on the hour, and —on the half-hour, on the large screen in the theater.

Park Films in the South Rim Visitor Center Theater

Archeology

Painting

Canyons and Canyonlands

Geology

Arts and Culture

In a free 30 minute presentation, a park ranger will discus how Grand Canyon formed, along with some of the science behind the scenery.

All ages are welcome, but minors must be with an adult parent or guardian. 

The Geology Talk program is presented Daily at 1:30 pm - during winter 2025/2026.

The program is free and open to the public

At a scenic overlook with railings, a park ranger is presenting a talk to a group of visitors.

Geology Talk - Grand Canyon Village

Yavapai Point is located on Village Loop Road, in between Market Plaza and the Grand Caynon Visitor Center. From the far end of the Yavapai Point parking lot, by the shuttle bus stop, walk the paved path up the hill on your left to the stone musuem building, perched on the edge of the canyon rim. Meet the ranger at 1:30 pm, just outside of the building.

Enhance your afternoon with quick insights into the geologic story of Grand Canyon at our "Geology Talk" ranger program - presented daily at 1:30 pm (during winter 2025/2026). Meet in front of Yavapai Geology Museum. Learn how this immense canyon formed and the science behind the landscape. The program is 30 minutes long and is accessible.  Grand Canyon is one-mile deep, up to 18 miles wide, 277 river miles long, and displays more than 20 layers of rock The layers tell stories of oceans, deserts, mountains, and swamps that were once here, brought into existence, then swept away over the vast expanse of time.  Grand Canyon is a geologically young landscape being sculpted from very old rocks. Knowing some of the stories encoded in the rock layers enriches your understanding of our planet and enhances your experience at Grand Canyon. The program is free of charge. Children must be accompanied by an adult.  The Geology Talk is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or when lightning danger is present.

Pets are allowed, however they must be on a leash.

Geology Talk Ranger Program - 1:30 pm daily (during winter 2025/2026). Gain insight into Grand Canyon’s unique geologic story. Meet in front of Yavapai Geology Museum. Program duration: 30 minutes. Learn how this immense canyon formed and the science behind the landscape. Knowing some of the stories encoded in the rock layers will enrich your understanding and enhance your experience at Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon Geology Talk is presented daily at 1:30 pm.

Geology Talk (30 minutes) South Rim Village: 1:30 pm

Fossils and Paleontology

Rock Landscapes and Features

Museum Exhibits

Walking and viewing a variety of Grand Canyon Paintings in an art gallery within an historic building. 

Minors must be with an adult parent or guardian

Colorful Grand Canyon paintings of different sizes hanging on walls in an art gallery.

Celebration of Art Exhibition

Kolb Studio is located on the canyon rim, on the west end of the Village Historic District, and between the Bright Angel Lodge cabins and Bright Angel Trailhead. The Village (Blue) Route shuttle stops at the bottom of the hill at Hermit Road Interchange. 

The 2025 Grand Canyon Celebration of Art Exhibition is taking place this month at historic Kolb Studio on the South Rim. The show runs through April 26, 2026, <a href="https://www.grandcanyon.org/protect-grand-canyon/experiences-and-events/celebration-of-art">or you may visit online ></a> Celebration of Art (CoA) is a wonderful tradition at Grand Canyon National Park, providing a vibrant experience for visitors, a venue for artists inspired by the canyon, and a successful fundraiser to benefit a dedicated art venue at the park.  Since 2009, CoA has invited participating artists to paint “en plein air” (outside on location) for a week at the canyon. The works produced from this year's event are available for view and purchase online and at historic Kolb Studio. <ul> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/000/kolb-studio.htm">Kolb Studio Hours of Operation ></a></li> </ul>   <ul> <li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/historyculture/kolbconflict.htm">The History of Kolb Studio ></a> </li> </ul>

The 2025 Grand Canyon Celebration of Art Exhibition is taking place this month at historic Kolb Studio in the South Rim Village Historic District. The show runs through April 26, 2026 —Or you may visit online.

Kolb Studio is open from 8 am to 6 pm daily during the winter months.

Grand Canyon Celebration of Art Exhibition 2025

Arts

Scenic Driving

During December, January and February, private vehicles (under 22 feet total length) may tour scenic Hermit Road. Parking is limited along Hermit Road, especially during Christmas and New Year's weeks.The best time to tour is in the morning, before 10:30 am. Paring is not available for RVs over 22 feet in lengh.    <ul> <li>The <a href="https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/RimTrail.pdf">Canyon Rim Trail</a> follows the rim of the canyon for 7.8 miles (12.6 km) alongside Hermit Road. Hermit Road is also accessed throughout the year by hikers, runners and bicyclists.</li> </ul>   <ul> <li>During winter months, motorists must be on the lookout for bicyclists, especially when the road is icy. </li> </ul>

All ages are welcome, however, minors must be with an adult parent or guardian at scenic overlooks, or when walking along the Canyon Rim Trail..

Allow 90 minutes for a round-trip drive out to Hermits Rest and back (14 miles - 22.5 km).  One can easily spend 3-4 hours, depending how many stops you make along the road to get out to stretch, experience the scenic views, and to walk portions of the Canyon Rim Trail between the scenic overlooks

There is no fee or toll required to tour scenic Hermit Road.

A paved scenic road in a forested area on the edge of a mile deep canyon filled with colorful peaks

Aerial View of Hermit Road

Scenic Hermit Road begins at the interchange, on the west side of the Village Historic District, near Bright Angel Lodge. During winter months, the gate arms will be open when Hermit Road is open. If you find the gate arms closed, that means that the road and overlooks are being cleared of ice and snow by work crews. From the interchange, the road climbs a steep hill, then follows the canyon rim for 7 miles (11 km) out to Hermits Rest, and the Hermit Trailhead.

Hermit Road is a scenic route along the west end of Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim which follows the rim for 7 miles (11 km) out to Hermits Rest. This extremely popular road is accessed by free park shuttle bus, foot, bicycle, or commercial bus tour most of the year. Hermit Road is only open to private vehicles during the winter months of December, January and February. There is no shuttle bus service during these months. Parking is limited along Hermit Road, especially during Christmas and New Year's weeks Because of the narrow roadways, vehicle length is limited to less than 22 feet (total length). The Canyon Rim Trail also follows the rim of the canyon for 7.8 miles (12.6 km) alongside Hermit Road and offers the opportunity for short or long walks between viewpoints on both paved and dirt trails. <ul> <li>Hermit Road provides some of the best Grand Canyon views that you can see anywhere. Once you get out to Hopi Point, the Colorado River comes into view, and on a quiet day at Pima Point, you can hear the roar of the Colorado River as it crashes through Granite Rapid.  </li> </ul>   <ul> <li>Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles between March 1 and November 30. During this 9 month period, most visitors access the road via the free <a href="https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hermit-red-route.htm">Hermits Rest (Red) Route Shuttle ></a>  </li> </ul>   <ul> <li><a href="https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/plan/interpretive-bus-tours/">Commercial Bus Tours</a> are available throughout the year.</li> </ul>

Leashed pets are allowed at the scenic overlooks and along the trail. Pets are not allowed on Hermit Trail, or on any other trails the descend into the depths of Grand Canyon. (With the exception of service dogs (as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act)

No reservations are required to tour Hermit Road, however during the Christmas and New Year's holiday weeks. the road often becomes congested after 12 noon, and through sunset. The best time to tour Hermit Road is from sunrise until 10:30 am.

Hermit Road is only open to private vehicles during the three winter months of December, January and February, when there is no shuttle service.  The Hermits Rest (Red) Route shuttle is in operation between March 1, and November 30. During those nine months, Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles.

Scenic Hermit Road begins on the west side of Grand Canyon Village. The road is open to private vehicles during Dec, Jan. and Feb. It follows the canyon rim for 7 miles (11 km) out to Hermits Rest, and the Hermit Trailhead. Along the canyon rim are 9 designated viewpoints. The Canyon Rim Trail also follows the rim of the canyon for 7.8 miles (12.6 km) alongside Hermit road and offers opportunities for short or long walks between viewpoints — on both paved and dirt trails.

During winter months, snow storms can close Hermit Road for days at a time. it is best to plan on touring the road during the day, when there is greater visibility and warmer temperatures.

Alert: Stage 4 Water Use Restrictions Begin December 6, 2025

Grand Canyon

Overview

Hours

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Things To Do

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Park Films in the South Rim Visitor Center Theater

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Geology Talk (30 minutes) South Rim Village: 1:30 pm

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Grand Canyon Celebration of Art Exhibition 2025

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Tour Scenic Hermit Road in Your Vehicle (Under 22 feet)

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