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Driving
The Grand Canyon has three main visitor locations: The South Rim is the most popular and has the best views and the most tourist amenities. The North Rim is more isolated and wild, but is popular for wilderness campers and backpackers. The Grand Canyon West (West Rim) is slightly less spectacular but is nearest to Las Vegas.
Driving to the South Rim
The South Rim Visitor Center is easily reached from interstate route 40, the major east-west highway across northern Arizona. Simply take route 64 north from the little cattle town of Williams located 28 miles west of Flagstaff.
Traffic at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is very heavy most of the year. The best time to arrive is in the morning. To avoid sitting in the long entrance line, pay at one of two National Park Service “Pay Stations” that are located just before the park’s South entrance. The passes allow drivers to use the express lane. Parking can be very challenging. Unless you arrive early in the morning, expect to wait for a parking place.
Driving to the North Rim
The North Rim is more isolated and can be approached via route 89 and 67 near the Utah border. It is officially open from mid-May through mid-October, but as soon as the first heavy snow falls the road that leads to the North Rim (Highway 67) closes for the winter.
Shuttle Bus Fleet
©National Park Service
Driving from South Rim to North Rim
Only 15 miles (25 km) separate the North and South Rims "as the crow flies", but the driving distance between the two is 200 miles (320 km), and requires approximately 5 to 5 ˝ hours to drive.
Driving to the Grand Canyon West
The West Rim is located about three hours from Las Vegas, Nevada and three and a half hours from Phoenix, Arizona. The highlight of the Grand Canyon West is the new Glass Walkway owned and operated by the Hualapai Indian Tribe. 14 miles of the road are still unpaved, but a park and ride option is now available for a few dollars at the Grand Canyon West Welcome center. Reservations are required (tel. 702-260-6506).
Shuttle Buses
At the South Rim Visitor’s Center in Grand in Canyon National Park, shuttle buses offer complimentary service to scenic vistas along the rim. They offer three routes: Hermits Rest Route, Village Route, and Kaibab Trail Route.
Trans-Canyon Shuttle carries passengers between the North and South Rims once a day going both directions. The drive is about 4 ˝ hours each way. (The fare is $65 one-way and $110 round-trip)
Written by: Mike Leco
Top Photo: Tour Plane at the Grand Canyon Airport © USATourist.com
