The South Rim is open all year. A train from Williams and free park shuttles cover the main viewpoints without a car.
April, May, September and October are the best months, with South Rim average highs of 61 to 76 F. December to February has the fewest visitors, but expect snow. In 2026 the North Rim is open for day use only, with no lodging. Its road closes to all vehicles from 1 December to 14 May. Phantom Ranch and the river bridges closed on 29 August 2026 after flash flooding, and the lower South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails closed on 3 September. The Park Service gives no reopening date.
The Grand Canyon Railway leaves Williams at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 5:45 p.m. In November and December it leaves at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 4:45 p.m. The ride takes about 2.25 hours. Amtrak's Southwest Chief stops at Flagstaff, not Williams. Groome shuttles run from Flagstaff to the canyon, from $49 for an adult. Park entry is $20 a person on foot or $35 a vehicle, valid for 7 days. Non-US residents aged 16 and over pay an extra $100 each.
From Las Vegas, the Park Service gives 278 miles to the South Rim and 275 miles to the North Rim. Grand Canyon West is 122 miles away. The Hualapai Tribe runs it, and it is outside the national park. Its All-Access Pass is $99 and includes the Skywalk.
Getting AroundGrand Canyon National Park
No, you do not need a car at the Grand Canyon South Rim. Take the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams or a Groome shuttle from Flagstaff, then free shuttles.
Getting AroundGrand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon West is the closest rim to Las Vegas, 122 miles and about 2 hours 15 minutes away by NPS figures. The South Rim is 278 miles, the North Rim 275.
