Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
South Rim
What to See and Do
At the South Rim there are two free shuttle bus routes. The Village shuttle bus route passes the Visitor Centre and the various hotels, lodges, shops and restaurants. If parking in the Village is difficult, as is often the case, then a good solution is to park at one of the lodges and use the Village shuttle bus from there. At the West Rim Interchange you can change buses from the Village route to the West Rim shuttle bus. On the West Rim there are much better views (for example, you can see the Colorado River from many of the overlooks) and there are far fewer crowds than in the Village area. Picture (30KB). You can get off both shuttle buses at any stop, have a wander round, perhaps walk to the next stop at the next overlook, and then pick up another bus - there'll be one along within a few minutes. Picture (32KB). We very highly recommend taking the West Rim shuttle bus, but do allow the best part of a day for this. One important word of warning: if you decide to walk between shuttle bus stops on the west rim, stay on the road rather than use the very dangerous unguarded trail near the edge, especially if you have children.
During the summer you can't drive along the West Rim, but you can drive along the East Rim all year round, where there are yet more places to stop and admire the views.
Winter Access
Some Ideas for Places to Stay
Accommodation within the park is relatively expensive and often fully booked months in advance.
Flagstaff From Flagstaff you could drive up to the Canyon on US180, explore the park, and then drive back to Flagstaff via the East Rim Drive, the small town of Cameron on Arizona 64 and finally US89 for an excellent day trip that combines the Grand Canyon, desert, an Indian Reservation and mountain scenery.
Plan to Ban Private Vehicles
The following news story appeared in the Daily Brief 26-Nov-97: "Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt announced plans yesterday to ban most automobile traffic from Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Zion national parks by 2000. The measure was reportedly prompted by the overcrowding and polluting of the parks."
This plan strikes us as being highly desirable.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Grand Canyon Railroad, Arizona
Places & useful connections
Before you set out
Confirm current access, opening arrangements, reservations and the suitability of your planned roads and walks. Photographs may show earlier conditions.