🇺🇸 United States
Grand Canyon travel guide
The Grand Canyon is one of Earth's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, this 277-mile long chasm reveals nearly 2 billion years of geological history in its layered red rock walls, plunging over a mile deep.
Language
English
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Timezone
MST (UTC-7, no daylight saving in Arizona)
Best time
March to May, September to November
Budget/day
$50-150/day
When to visit
Jan
-7°C - 4°C (South Rim)
Feb
-5°C - 7°C
Mar
-2°C - 12°C
Apr
2°C - 17°C
May
6°C - 23°C
Jun
11°C - 29°C
Jul
15°C - 30°C
Aug
14°C - 28°C
Sep
10°C - 25°C
Oct
4°C - 19°C
Nov
-1°C - 11°C
Dec
-6°C - 5°C
Safety
safeGrand Canyon is very safe but the environment is the danger. Heat stroke kills more Grand Canyon visitors than any other cause — do not hike below the rim between 10am and 4pm in summer. Carry at least 4 litres of water per person for any rim-to-river hike. Lightning storms develop rapidly July–September — descend from rim immediately at first thunder. The rim drop (1,500m vertical) has no guardrails in many sections — stay behind barriers and do not attempt to take selfies near the edge.
Women travellers
Very safe. Well-patrolled by rangers. Standard wilderness precautions.
Culture & etiquette
- + Stay on designated trails and viewpoints
- + Pack out all trash
- + Respect Native American cultural sites
- + Let uphill hikers have right of way
- - Don't throw anything into the canyon
- - Don't feed wildlife (squirrels bite!)
- - Don't attempt inner canyon hikes without preparation
- - Don't hike in extreme heat midday
Food to try
Fred Harvey Company cuisine
Historic El Tovar Dining Room, established 1905
Navajo Tacos
Fry bread with toppings at Cameron Trading Post
Arizona BBQ
Southwest-style barbecue in Flagstaff
Prickly Pear treats
Cactus fruit candies and drinks
Hidden gems
Details are indicative and may change. Verify visa, safety, and entry requirements before travel.