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NATIONAL PARK TRIP PLANNER

Travel RoutesNo matter which road you take to the Grand Canyon, we have the perfect plan for what to see and do along the way.

Trip LogisticsLearn all about Grand Canyon National Park, including the park’s three sides, shuttles and our favorite things to do.

Park MapGet oriented with this park overview and guide to towns clos-est to the North Rim, South Rim and Grand Canyon Skywalk.

Perfect DayOnly have 24 hours? Make the most of your time with this itinerary that includes sunrise spots and cultural attractions.

Weather & ViewsLearn what tempera-tures and conditions to expect any time of year, plus discover the best activities and hikes in the park.

The Experts in National Park

Travel

PROOF 2

GRAND CANYON KOA JOURNEYBasecamp

➤ Closest KOA Campground to the Canyon.➤ Start and end your day at our fireside gourmet coffee bar & gi�shop.

FLAGSTAFF KOA HOLIDAYStay & Play

➤ Relax in the ponderosa pines at the base of Mt. Elden and still have quick access to great restaurants and attractions of Flagstaff.

➤ Easy access to Sedona, Meteor Crater, the Painted Desert and more.➤ Just have 1 night? Stop in on your way to explore Northern Arizona.

WILLIAMS / CIRCLE PINES KOA HOLIDAYFamily Adventure Destination

➤ Definitely plan to stay an extra day or two to relax at this adventure destination!

➤ Indoor Swimming Pool, Bear Trax GoKarts, Mini-Golf, Onsite Cafe and more.➤ Just an hour-drive to the entrance of Grand Canyon National Park.

Ask about our concierge service to plan tours of the area. — Pet-friendly —

GRAND CANYON KOA5333 State Highway 64

Williams, AZ 86046800-562-5771

GrandCanyonKOA.com

FLAGSTAFF KOA5803 North US Hwy 89

Flagsta�, AZ 86004800-562-3524

Flagsta�KOA.com

WILLIAMS / CIRCLE PINES KOA

1000 Circle Pines RoadWilliams, AZ 86046

800-562-9379WilliamsKOA.com

PICK YOUR PERFECT

Campsite OR HOTEL-STYLE

CABIN

MAP ILLUSTRATION BY PETER SUCHESKI

UTAH PARKS EXTRAVAGANZAMiles 1,302Southern Utah o�ers some of the �nest desert scenery in the world—and this loop hits all of the highlights, includ-ing all �ve of Utah’s national parks. Start in Salt Lake City be-fore cruising south to Moab to tour Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Next stop: the expansive views and fantastic hiking trails of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. From

there, swing back to Utah to explore Zion, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks before ending in Salt Lake City.

SOUTHWEST HOT SPOTSMiles 1,870You’ll see more than the Grand Canyon in this best of Arizona tour. Begin in San Diego, and head east to Yuma and Tucson where you can visit Saguaro National Park. Consider a side trip to the wild West towns of Tombstone,

Tubac and Bisbee. Then head north to the Phoenix area to get your city �x before leaving for Sedona, a hub for arts, hiking and mystical attractions. Continue north to Williams and board the Grand Canyon Railway to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.

Head southwest through the Verde Valley’s wine region and the quaint towns of Jerome and Prescott en route to San Diego.

LAND OF ENCHANTMENTMiles 1,739Incredible art, scenery and culture

combine to make this New Mexico route a must-do. Begin in Las Cruces before heading to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park and White Sands National Monument. From there, head north to Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos. Hop on 40 west, stopping at Acoma Pueblo built 1,000 years ago. Then cruise into Arizona and drive to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Take a di�erent return route through Silver City, N.M., and Gila Cli� Dwellings National Monument.

VIVA LAS VEGASMiles 746Vegas, baby! Kick o� this tour of water recreation hotspots and unique canyon attractions in Las Vegas before heading to Lake Mead Recreation Area and the Valley of Fire State Park. Next, head east to Grand Canyon West, the Hualapai tribe’s tourism center, to venture out on the glass-bottom Skywalk. Afterwards, drive to Kingman for a taste of Route 66 lore before pressing on to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

HISTORIC ROUTE 66 Miles 2,155Explore the Americana that made Route 66 so legendary on this road trip of a lifetime. Start in Chicago and head west, stopping to see such wonders as the world’s largest concentration of totem poles, a hotel composed of wigwams and the world’s largest themed mural. Take a sidetrip in Arizona to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim before continuing to the end point: the pier in Santa Monica, Calif.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN MAGIC Miles 1,831Combine alpine scenery, high-altitude hot springs and red-rock desert on this loop. Start in Denver to sample the Mile High City’s thriving food and art scene. Then cruise to Glenwood Springs and soak in the hot pools there before hitting Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Mesa Verde national parks. Visit Grand Canyon’s North Rim and/or South Rim. Head back to Denver via Durango, Colo., and take its famous train to Silverton and back. Then visit Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

VACATION ITINERARIESReady for the ultimate Southwest road trip? These six routes will treat you to the best views, wildlife-watching, family adventures and geologic wonders in the Grand Canyon region. For details on all six, visit mygrandcanyonpark.com.

TOP 6 ROAD TRIPS

Southwest Hot Spots

Viva Las Vegas

Historic Route 66

Land of Enchantment

Utah Parks Extravaganza

Rocky Mountain Magic

INSIDER TIPSGo to mygrandcanyonpark.com for details on where to go and what to see in the park.

GRAND CANYON KOA JOURNEYBasecamp

➤ Closest KOA Campground to the Canyon.➤ Start and end your day at our fireside gourmet coffee bar & gi�shop.

FLAGSTAFF KOA HOLIDAYStay & Play

➤ Relax in the ponderosa pines at the base of Mt. Elden and still have quick access to great restaurants and attractions of Flagstaff.

➤ Easy access to Sedona, Meteor Crater, the Painted Desert and more.➤ Just have 1 night? Stop in on your way to explore Northern Arizona.

WILLIAMS / CIRCLE PINES KOA HOLIDAYFamily Adventure Destination

➤ Definitely plan to stay an extra day or two to relax at this adventure destination!

➤ Indoor Swimming Pool, Bear Trax GoKarts, Mini-Golf, Onsite Cafe and more.➤ Just an hour-drive to the entrance of Grand Canyon National Park.

Ask about our concierge service to plan tours of the area. — Pet-friendly —

GRAND CANYON KOA5333 State Highway 64

Williams, AZ 86046800-562-5771

GrandCanyonKOA.com

FLAGSTAFF KOA5803 North US Hwy 89

Flagsta�, AZ 86004800-562-3524

Flagsta�KOA.com

WILLIAMS / CIRCLE PINES KOA

1000 Circle Pines RoadWilliams, AZ 86046

800-562-9379WilliamsKOA.com

PICK YOUR PERFECT

Campsite OR HOTEL-STYLE

CABIN

PHOTO BY WHIT RICHARDSON

TRAVEL LOGISTICSGrand Canyon National Park has three distincts areas you can visit. Learn more about them.

GETTING THEREGrand Canyon National Park encompasses 1.2 million acres and is located entirely in northwestern Arizona. You can view it from the South Rim, North Rim or Grand Canyon West.

South RimOpen year round, the South Rim is the most popular area of the Grand Canyon National Park. It can be reached from the south via I-40, taking the Williams exit and driving 60 miles north on AZ 64 or, alternately, via I-17 to Flag-sta� and then driving northwest for 85 miles on US 180/AZ 64 to the park’s South Entrance. The closest town to the South Entrance is Tusayan. For visitors driving to the South Rim from points north, take US 89 to AZ 64 at Cam-

eron and proceed west 30 miles to the Desert View Entrance. Cameron is the closest town to this entrance.

The South Entrance and Desert View Entrance are open 24 hours a day, but station booths are not sta�ed at night.

North RimPerched between 8,000 and 9,000 feet,

the Grand Canyon’s North Rim is located in northern Arizona 45 miles south of Jacob Lake via AZ 67. It’s composed of a mixed conifer for-est and stands of aspens. Because it sits about 1,500 feet higher than the South Rim, it gets blanketed by snow and closes for the winter. Park facilities are open only from mid-May to mid-October. Driving distance between the

North Rim and South Rim is 212 miles.

Grand Canyon WestGrand Canyon West is located 250 miles

west of the South Rim area on the Hualapai Reservation and is home to the glass-bottom Skywalk viewpoint and Hualapai exhibits. The attraction can be reached via US 93 north of Kingman or via a helicopter tour out of Las Vegas or via helicopter from a Colorado River rafting outing with the Hualapai River Runners. Those rafting often stay in Peach Springs the night before their adventure as it is where raf-ters will board buses to get to the river-rafting launch spot.

Havasu Falls and other iconic waterfalls are on the Havasupai Reservation west of Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim.

TRANSPORTATIONAirThe closest hubs are Phoenix Sky Harbor (3.5-4 hours to the South Rim) and Las Vegas McCar-ran International (4-5 hours to the South Rim, depending on your route). Flagsta� Pulliam Airport (1.5-2 hours to South Rim) o�ers com-muter ¨ights to and from Phoenix via American Airlines. Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Tusayan mainly serves commercial helicopter and �xed wing aircraft tour operators.

Train Grand Canyon Railway provides daily ser-vice between Williams, Ariz., and the South Rim. The scenic trip across the high desert is 2 hours, 15 minutes each way; round-trip Pullman class fare is $65 adults, $27 children (staged Wild West train robbery is free), plus tax and a $15 park entrance fee per person. Groups of 2-9 people pay a ¨at rate of $30 for entire group. Get reservations and info at thetrain.com and (800) 843-8724.

Amtrak rail service stops in Flagsta� and Williams via the Chicago to Los Angeles Southwest Chief route. Contact: amtrak.com; (800) 872-7245.

Park Shu�le RoutesThe South Rim’s bus service is free and frequent. Each bus is equipped with a 2- or 3-bike-capaci-ty rack. Hours change seasonally, so go to www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/shuttle-buses to get up-to-date schedules and routes.

DESERT VIEW TOWER INTERIOR ON THE

GRAND CANYON’S SOUTH RIM

DISCOVER MORE!Get a packing list, safety tips and details about the park and the attractions along the way at mygrandcanyonpark.com.

MAP OF THE PARKVisit mygrandcanyonpark.com for more details on the top South Rim a�ractions.

MAP BY NPS.GOV

CAMERON, 32 MILES

DESERT VIEW ENTRANCE STATION

SOUTH RIM ENTRANCE STATION

NORTH RIM ENTRANCE STATION

WILLIAMS, 60 MILES

GRAND CANYON WEST ENTRANCE

STATION

FLAGSTAFFLocated at the northern terminus of I-17, 85 miles from Grand Canyon National Park’s South Entrance, Flagsta�, Ariz., is a historic university town with a lively restaurant and microbrewery scene. It’s near Wupatki and Walnut Canyon national monuments. For more information about lodging, dining and entertainment, visit ¨agsta�arizona.org; (888) 300-1244.

WILLIAMSLocated on I-40, 60 miles from Grand Canyon National Park’s South Entrance, historic Wil-liams is the hub for the Grand Canyon Railway, Route 66 fans and tourists interested in small-town Americana. For information about lodging, dining and entertainment, visit experi-encewilliams.com.

TUSAYANLocated on US 64, 7 miles from Grand Canyon National Park’s South Entrance, Tusayan is home to the National Geographic Visitor Center

where the Grand Canyon IMAX theater is. For information about lodging, dining and entertain-ment, visit grandcanyoncvb.org.

CAMERONLocated on the edge of the Navajo Nation at the junction of US 89 and AZ 64 (the Grand Can-yon park turn-o�), Cameron is 54 miles north of Flagsta� and 32 miles from the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim East Entrance. This is a one-stop town with the large Cameron Trading Post and Motel but worth an hour visit or over-night stay to experience Native American cul-ture and escape the summer crowds in Grand Canyon Village. There also is a gas station here.RV camping with full hookups is available. For more information: camerontradingpost.com; (800) 338-7385.

JACOB LAKELocated 44 miles north of the park’s North Rim, this village is the retail hub for visitors spending the night in the high meadows outside the park.›› Jacob Lake Inn Small guest cabins, a restau-

rant and gift shop. Sitting at the counter and enjoying a milkshake and fresh-baked cookie is a ritual for many Grand Canyon hikers. For more information: jacoblake.com; (928) 643-7232›› Kaibab Lodge Eighteen miles from the North Rim, these cabins and restaurant are open mid-May to mid-October. For more information: kaibablodge.com; (928) 638-2389›› North Rim Country Store Across from Kaibab Lodge, this store and gas station sells staples, camping supplies and beer. It’s open every day 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. mid-May through late October. For more information: northrimcountrystore.com; (928) 638-2383

PEACH SPRINGSThis small town located along Historic Route 66 is home to the Hualapai tribe. In town guests can stay at the Hualapai Lodge, which also is the meeting point for those rafting on the Colorado River with the Hualapai River Runners. River-rafting packages can include a helicop-ter ¨ight from the river to the Grand Canyon Skywalk on the rim. From Peach Springs, it’s 2.5 hours to the Grand Canyon West Skywalk and 2.75 hours to Las Vegas. The drive to the Skywalk from Las Vegas takes 2 hours. For information about lodging, dining and enter-tainment, visit grandcanyonwest.com; (888) 868-WEST.

Gateway TownsPlaces where you can fuel up, go shopping, see a Western show or just chill out from the desert heat

PHOTOS BY GRANT ORDELHEIDE

VISITOR CENTERSThere are three visitor centers at Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim and one at the North Rim. You can �nd speci�c information about their hours of operation and location in the map and newsletter you receive upon entering the park. Park rangers in each visitor center can answer any questions you may have.

ENTRANCE FEESAdmission to Grand Canyon National Park is $30 per private vehicle ($25 per motorcycle and $15 for entering on foot, bike, or park shuttle) and is valid for seven days at the South Rim and North Rim. Annual passes range in prices (see below).

Entrance permits can be purchased in advance at the following locations: Flagsta� Visitor Center (1 East Route 66, Flagsta�, Ariz.), Williams Visitor Center (200 West Railroad Ave., Williams, Ariz.), Chevron Travel Stop (Valle, Ariz.), National Geographic Visitor Center (Tu-sayan, Ariz.) and Tusayan hotels (including Red Feather Lodge and Canyon Plaza Resorts).

›› Annual Grand Canyon Park Pass: The $60 pass is valid for 12 months from date of pur-chase. ›› Annual Pass: The $80 Annual Pass provides access to most federal recreation sites across the country; valid for 12 months from date of purchase. ›› Senior Pass: The $10 Senior Pass (62 and older) is a lifetime pass. It’s available in person at entrances or visitor centers, online and mail.›› Military Pass and Access Pass: This free lifetime pass is available to those in active duty and to the blind or permanently disabled. Pass is available only in person at entrances and visitor centers.›› Fourth-Grader Pass: Fourth graders and their families receive a complimentary annual pass if they go to everykidinapark.gov, print out a paper voucher and present it at a national park

entrance station.

SOUTH RIM LODGING With the notable exception of Phantom Ranch, all lodging on the South Rim is located on or near the canyon rim. Reserve South Rim rooms through the concessionarie Xanterra (grandcan-yonlodges.com), with the exception of Yavapai Lodge, which you must reserve through DNC Parks & Resorts at visitgrandcanyon.com.

Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins: This popular historic lodge features 37 rooms, 50 cabins, a restaurant, history room and gift shop. $81-$447

El Tovar Hotel: Built in 1905, this upscale lodge o�ers �ne dining and accomodations. $207-$513

Kachina Lodge: Built in the 1960s, it sits right on the canyon rim. $215-$232

Maswik Lodge: These motel-style rooms and cabins are nestled in the forest. The lodge also has a café and gift shop. $107-$205

Phantom Ranch: This one-of-a-kind historic lodge is next to the Colorado River at the can-yon’s bottom. It’s only accessible by foot, mule or raft. It o�ers dorms, cabins and a canteen dining area. $49-$142

Thunderbird Lodge: Built in the late 1960s, it sits on the canyon rim. $215-$232

Yavapai Lodge: The park’s largest hotel, the Yavapai has a restaurant, tavern and co�ee shop. It also o�ers dog-friendly rooms. $148-$184

NORTH RIM LODGING At the North Rim, there is only one lodge. Reserve the Grand Canyon Lodge through Forever Resorts (grandcanyonlodgenorth.com).

Reservations open a year in advance. Book as far in advance as possible. The lodge features hotel rooms, cabins and restaurants on the North Rim. $130-$221

CAMPINGMather CampgroundLocated in Grand Canyon Village, Mather has 327 tent and RV sites (RVs up to 30 feet; no hookups). Showers, laundry and a store selling �rewood are at campground entrance. Open all year. Reservations are recommended March through November. Sites are �rst-come, �rst-served Dec. 1 to March 1. Make reservations at recreation.gov or 877-444-6777. $18/night

Trailer Village RV ParkIn Grand Canyon Village, this area accommo-dates RVs up to 50 feet long with full water, sewer, electrical and cable TV hookups. No tent camping allowed. Open year-round; visitgrand-canyon.com. $44/night

Desert View CampgroundNear the Desert View Entrance (East Entrance), you’ll �nd solitude at this 50-site, no-RV-hookup spot located near Desert View Point. There are restrooms but no showers. It’s open late April to mid-October �rst-come, �rst-served. No reservations accepted. Usually full by early afternoon in summer. $12/night

BICYCLESBikes are permitted on all roads in Grand Canyon National Park open to motorized tra°c and also on multiuse sections of the Green-way Trails. Bicycles are prohibited on all trails below the rim. Hermit Road is a great place to ride bicycles since the only motorized vehicles allowed on it are shuttles and park vehicles. For bicycle rental and tour information, contact Bright Angel Bicycles (bikegrandcanyon.com; 928-814-8704).

LODGING, FEES & CAMPINGHere’s need-to-know information on entrance fees, lodging and camping in the Grand Canyon.

ARIZONA1. Saguaro National ParkLocated just outside Tucson, Saguaro is split into two districts. In the west, hike to stands of the country’s largest cacti and see hundreds of

ancient petroglyphs. In the east, hike into the Rincon Mountains and visit pioneer sites.

2. Petri�ed Forest National ParkThis northeastern Arizona site protects an enor-mous deposit of petri�ed wood from fossilized ancient trees. What once was wood is now glitter-ing quartz. You also can visit the Puerco Pueblo archeological site and hike backcountry trails.

3. Vermilion Cli�s National MonumentSee the swirling sandstone canyons of the Coyote Buttes area, go backpacking in Paria Canyon and scan the skies for endangered California condors in this desert park.

NEW MEXICO1. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Walk, squeeze and crawl your way through these underground chambers on a self-guided or ranger-led tour. Trips range from kid-friendly to downright claustrophobic.

2. White Sands National MonumentEnjoy 275 square miles of rolling, white gypsum sand dunes by hiking, camping or sand-sled-ding on them in southern New Mexico.

NEVADA1. Great Basin National ParkTake a tour of Lehman Caves, touch 5,000-year-old trees (bristlecone pines, one of the longest-lived organisms on the planet), stargaze and climb a 10,000-foot mountain (Wheeler Peak) in this remote park in eastern Nevada.

More Southwest ParksExtend your trip with a stop at another all-star park in the area.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon, at about 7,000

feet elevation, is generally pleasant in the summer,

with the average high temperature 84°F and the

average low 50°F in July, the warmest month. Be

prepared for afternoon thunderstorms July through

mid-September with frequent lightning hazards

at rim overlooks. The bottom of the canyon, at an

elevation of 2,500 feet, is prohibitively hot in sum-

mer. The average high in August at Phantom Ranch

is 106°F, and the average low is 76°F.

Spring months, April and May, are typically

windy with gusts frequently reaching up to 40 mph.

Winter and spring months experience snow,

sometimes as early as October and as late as May.

Grand Canyon trails in winter and early spring are

often packed with snow and ice; instep traction de-

vices are advised. The average high on the South

Rim in January (the coldest month) is 44°F and the

average low 17°F.

January

FebruaryMarch

April MayJune

JulyAugust

September

October

November

December

9080

60

5040

3020

100

70

South Rim Heat IndexMild days and cool nights reign at 7,000 feet in the high desert, but below-the-rim summer highs can soar into triple digits.

AverageHigh (°F)

AverageLow (°F)

POINT IMPERIAL AT THE NORTH RIM OF

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

PHOTO BY GRANT ORDELHEIDE

North Rim ViewsOur top �ve destinations for adventurous park visitors

Weather: What to ExpectPrepare for extremes. There’s ice and snow in winter and blazing temps in summer.

Bright Angel PointEasily reached via a half-mile paved walkway, Bright Angel Point has side paths where visitors can enjoy sweep-ing views of Bright Angel Canyon below and canyon buttes and temples. The South Rim is 11 miles on the other side of the canyon. Far in the distance to the south are the San Francisco Peaks. The path to the Bright Angel begins at the Visitor Center parking area.

Point SublimeGetting to this remote Grand Canyon vantage point requires a 4WD vehicle or strong legs and a mountain bike. It is 17 miles (one-way) to Point Sublime on a bumpy dirt road that is often washed out in places. Or, for a shorter trip, drive 4 miles, park your vehicle and ride your bike another 4.5 miles to Tiyo Point. Overnight camping with a permit is allowed at the points. Access road to Point Sublime is o� AZ 67, 2.7 miles north of Grand Canyon Lodge.

Point ImperialThis 11-mile (one-way) drive from the visitor center leads to Point Imperial, the highest rim overlook in the park at an elevation of 8,803 feet. From here the canyon view encompasses Mt. Hayden, Vermilion Cli�s and Marble Canyon as well as an area of the park

that was burned by the 2000 Outlet wild�re. Picnic tables are located at the point, and an interpretive sign describes geologic formations.

Walhalla PlateauAlong the road to Cape Royal, stop at Walhalla Overlook and take in the view of ancient Puebloan ruins located below along the Unkar Delta. The site was occupied from about 850 to 1200 AD and home to native people who farmed in the Colorado River basin. Across the road from the parking area is Walhalla Glades, the ancestral Puebloan people’s summer home. Inquire at the North Rim Visitor Center about summer ranger talks devoted to Walhalla ruins and what has been learned from a recent archaeological excavation along the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.

Cape RoyalVisitors who go the extra distance to reach this scenic point will be rewarded with views and solitude. Drive 23 miles (one-way) on the main park road from the visitor center to road’s end at the Cape Royal parking lot. Park and follow the paved path for half a mile to Angels Window, a natural arch, and then to Cape Royal Point. From this rocky out-crop you can see the Colorado River.

PHOTO BY ISTOCK

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24 HOURS IN THE SOUTH RIM

Get ready for adventure. Here are some of our favorite things to do while at the South Rim from biking in solitude to exploring some of the rim’s most historic treasures.

6 A.M. Take a shuttle and watch the sunrise from Hopi Point, which extends farther out than any other point.

8 A.M. Head to El Tovar Ho-tel, built in 1905, to eat an incred-ible breakfast in a rustic but elegant setting. Breakfast is served from 6:30-10:45 a.m. No reservations are necessary.

11:15 A.M. Head to the

Yavapai Geol-ogy Museum, a

small building with large win-

dows facing the North Rim. This gem presents a fascinating geo-

logical history of the canyon.

9 A.M. Hike down Bright Angel Trail before it gets hot. This incredible trail stretches 9.9 miles down the canyon, eventually reaching Phantom Ranch and the Colorado River. For a three-mile roundtrip hike, walk down to 1.5-Mile Resthouse and then retrace your steps.

PHOTO BY WHIT RICHARDSON

12:30 P.M. Rent a bike at Bright Angel Bicycles and ride Hermit Road, which is closed to all tra�c, except shuttles and o�cial park vehicles.

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7 P.M. Watch the Grand Canyon change colors as the sun begins to set.

3:30 P.M. Take the shuttle

east and climb Desert View

Watchtower. As you climb four �ights of stairs

to the top of the 70-foot tower, check out the

Hopi murals decorating the

walls.

6 P.M. Take a self-guided architectural tour of the South Rim's incredible his-toric buildings. Start with Kolb Studio and end at the Hopi House.

7:30 P.M. Enjoy dinner at Arizona Room in the Bright Angel Lodge.

GRAND CANYON FIELD GUIDELearn more about ecosystems, flora and fauna you’ll see on your trip.

PHOTOS BY WHIT RICHARDSON

ANIMALSCalifornia condors These enormous birds—they have a 9- to-10-foot wingspan—were nearly driven to extinction at the end of the 20th century. Thanks to a successful breeding and reintroduction program, condors are making a comeback at the Grand Canyon and other desert habitats. Look for the red-headed, black-and-white scavengers riding the thermals above the South Rim’s overlooks. Bighorn sheep Desert bighorn sheep are perfectly at home on the Grand Canyon’s steep cli�s, thanks to extra-grippy hooves that let them climb precipitous slopes with ease. Rams, recognizable by their large, curving horns, can

weigh up to 200 pounds (their horns alone can weigh 30 pounds!). Count yourself lucky if you see a bighorn. Kaibab squirrel These striking squirrels — easy to identify by their black bodies, pointy ears and bushy silver tails — live only in the ponderosa forests of the North Rim. Kaibab squirrels were once the same species as the Abert’s squirrels found on the South Rim, but they diverged into di�erent species as the canyon formed a geo-graphic barrier between them.

PLANTSUtah agave Look for this spiky succulent along the inner canyon trails. Agave can reach 3 feet in

height, and it shoots up a 10-foot-tall ¨owering stalk. It takes an agave 20 to 40 years to bloom, which explains its nickname — century plant. Juniper This tree, common on the South Rim, has shaggy bark and dusty blue berries. Its extensive root system helps the juniper survive harsh can-yon conditions, such as drought, high winds and intense sunlight. Elk browse on both the berries and branches. Prickly pear This classic-looking cactus grows in the hot inner canyon. Its wide, ¨at pads are cov-ered with a waxy coating that protects itself from the desert sun. Look for its yellow, pink or purple blooms in late spring.

Park ZonesThe Grand Canyon’s ecosystems change dramatically from river to rim.

RIPARIAN

SEE IT Along the Colorado River and tributary creeksIn these lush areas, willow, mesquite, acacia and the exotic tamarisk thrive. Orchids and ¨owering redbuds may grow in waterfall-fed hanging gardens. Look for bats, ringtails, coyotes and hundreds of bird species.

PINYON PINE/JUNIPER

SEE IT South RimIn the upper canyon and along the rim, �nd Mormon tea, snakeweed and yucca near this zone’s namesake pine and juniper trees. This is the eco-system to see elk, California condors, mule deer and gray fox.

DESERT SCRUB

SEE IT Inner canyon trails, such as Bright Angel and South KaibabThe dry zone between river and rim supports plant life like creosote, brittle brush, ocotillo, agave and sagebrush. Woodrats and bats are com-mon; lucky visitors may see rattlesnakes, tarantulas or a desert tortoise.

EVERGREEN

SEE IT North RimIn the North Rim’s higher elevations, ponderosa pines, Engelmann spruce, mountain ash, aspen and Douglas �r dominate. Kaibab squirrels, mountain lions, black bears and northern goshawks inhabit the forest.

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The Experts in National Park

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BEST OF THE BEACHFROM WINE TRAILS TO WHALES, DISCOVER 32 HIDDEN GEMS ALONG CALIFORNIA’S COAST.

NATIONAL PARK JOURNALNATIONAL PARK JOURNAL

Yosemi e 8 Gorgeous GetawaysSTAY ON A FARM | HIKE TO A WATERFALL PHOTOGRAPH HALF DOME | BIKE THROUGH WINE COUNTRY | SKI IN YOSEMITE

8

REGIONAL TRIP PLANNERWHERE TO STAY, EAT AND EXPLORE IN WYOMING, IDAHO, UTAH, COLORADO, MONTANA AND SOUTH DAKOTA.

6 EPIC ROAD TRIPS

DAILY ITINERARIES

AND MAPS INCLUDED!

GRAND TETON

NATIONAL PARK

SEE WILDLIFE, GET WET AND

ESCAPE THE CROWDS

The Experts in National Park

Travel

YEARS OF NATIONAL PARKS!

CENTENNIAL EDITION

100

NATIONAL PARK JOURNAL

Plan Your Dream GetawayGetaway

SIGHTSEEING SECRETS TO WILDLIFE, GEYSERS,

HIKES AND FAMILY FUN67

Yellows one

Go Below the Rim

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