Perhaps no landscape on Earth is as surprising to the observer as the vast yet intricate face of the Grand Canyon. Over several million years the Colorado River has carved an immense chasm through this arid land. The layers of rock exposed in the canyon walls record much of the geologic history of North America.

It is the visual impact of the landscape that impresses most people. The world seems larger here, with sunrises, sunsets, and storms taking on an added dimension to match the landscape. It is a land to humble the soul.

More than 100 years ago people began to realize that the canyon needed protection, if future visitors were to experience the natural wonder of this landscape. Although it was not without controversy, the U.S. Congress, expressing the will of the people, set aside Grand Canyon National Park in 1919. Sixty years later the canyon was declared a World Heritage Site to be preserved and protected, with the assent and support of the entire community of nations, for future generations as one of the greatest treasures of humankind.

The park has great camping on both the south and north rims, and a variety of trails into, across, and along its length. And, of course, it has one of the world's most spectacular views.

Tuweep/Toroweap

The view from Toroweap Overlook, 3,000 vertical feet above the Colorado River, is breathtaking; the sheer drop is dramatic. Equally impressive are the volcanic features, cinder cones and lava flows, which make this viewpoint unique. While offering one of the most frequently published views of the canyon, this remote and isolated section of the park is seldom visited.

• South Rim: 6,930 feet
• North Rim: 8,216 feet
• Tuweep/Toroweap: 4,540 feet.

• South Rim: Never closes.
• North Rim: Open 24 hours a day, from mid-May to late-October; closed in Winter.

• Canyon View Information Plaza
• Desert View
• North Rim
• Tusayan Museum
• Yavapai Observation Station

Picnic areas, campgrounds, hiking trails, bus, shuttle, taxi, guided hikes, river float trips, religious services, post office, bank, equipment rentals, food and lodging facilities, gift shops, book stores, laundries, showers, air tours, overlooks, and visitor centers.

There are five eating establishments in the Village on the South Rim:

• Bright Angel Restaurant (breakfast, Lunch, and dinner, with a bar)
• Canyon Cafe at Yavapai Lodge (cafeteria style, breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• El Tovar Dining Room (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Maswik Cafeteria (open all day, with a sports bar)
• The Arizona Room at the Bright Angel Lodge (dinner only)

• South Rim: The South Rim Visitor Center is 5 miles north of the South Entrance Station, 60 miles north of Williams and 57 miles west of Cameron, both on Arizona 64. Map Coordinates (NAD83): 36 03.244N; 112 07.496W.
• North Rim: The North Rim Visitor Center is on State Highway 67, 45 miles south of Jacob Lake, at its intersection with Highway 89. Map Coordinates (NAD83): 36 11.848N; 112 03.176W.
• Tuweep/Toroweap: Tuweep/Toroweap can be reached from Arizona Highway 389 near Fredonia or Colorado City, Arizona, or from St. George, Utah.
• Get directions from MapQuest.
• NPS Directions.

• See National Park Service Restrictions and Regulations.
• See American Antiquities Act of 1906.
• See Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979.
• Archaeological Resources Protection Act Hotline: 800-227-7286.
• See Pets in the Parks and Backcountry.
• See Encountering Wild Animals.

• Plan ahead for lodging, backcountry permits, mule trips, and camping.
• Be prepared for a variety of climates.
• Expect crowds during Winter holiday weekends and all Summer.
• Do not climb in the canyon; most of the rock is too crumbly for safety.
• Avoid overexertion. The South Rim averages 7,000 feet in elevation and the North Rim over 8,000 feet in elevation. Cardiac and respiratory patients should take care.
• Temperatures within the Inner Canyon can reach extremes. Take enough water and food, dress for the weather, and know your own physical limitations.
• If you are hiking, carry plenty of water.
• Be careful near the canyon rim.
• See Backcountry Considerations.
• See Backcountry Emergencies.
• NPS News Updates.