Choose when you want to visit. The South Rim is open year round and most amenities and attractions are also open daily. The North Rim closes in November and reopens in late May. South Rim temperatures range from 40° in January to 84° in July. The North Rim is consistently cooler with daytime temperatures ranging from 37° in January to 77° in July. Evenings cool down about 30° on both rims of the canyon. Fall is the best time to enjoy the park without huge crowds, followed by spring, but you may run into cold and snowy conditions even in late spring. Ranger-led walks and programs are offered year round. Visit Yavapai Observation Station for great canyon views and to learn about the canyon through interpretive exhibits. Use your cell phone to access two- minute ranger mini-talks as you tour the park.
Determine which campground best suits your needs. Mather Campground and Trailer Village are both open year round although the dump station is closed during the winter months. If you plan to visit Mather Campground, make a reservation through the National Park Recreation Reservation System by telephone, 928-638-7851, or online up to six months in advance. From mid-November through February, Mather operates only on a first-come, first-served basis. Mather is designed for tent campers and small RVs but offers no electrical or water hook-ups. Mather's terrain is rocky and uneven; plan to level your camper, or provide sleeping mats for sleeping bags used in tents.
If you want to camp at Trailer Village, make a reservation online or by telephone, 888-297-2757. Trailer Village accepts advance or same-day reservations. They can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 50 feet long. Hook-ups include cable TV, 30- and 50-amp electrical service, water and sewage.
Pack for your trip. Remember to bring some cool-weather clothes no matter what time of year you will be visiting as the evening temperatures tend to cool off. Bring food for camp meals because there are few stores in or near the park. Park trails traverse rugged terrain; bring hiking boots and water bottles if you plan to hike. Sunscreen is a year-round must.
You can select from several types of park entrance plans. You may pay a one-time fee for your vehicle which allows you to be in the park for up to seven days. If you plan to visit other national parks within the year, consider America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass. For one fee, you can enter several parks and save on individual entrance fees. Purchase this pass at a park by phoning 888-275-8747 or visiting http://store.usgs.gov/pass. If you are 62 or older, you qualify for the Golden Age Passport, which has no expiration date. Disabled persons can get a similar pass. Both are economically priced and offer discounts on camping fees. Purchase either of these passes in person only at a national park facility. You can learn more about them at http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm.
Proceed to the campground to check in and set up your campsite. Use the self-pay machine at Mather during the winter season.
Park restrooms feature running water and toilets. For bathing, use the concessionaire pay showers located near the campgrounds. Laundry facilities are also available. Each campsite has a picnic table and grill. Water taps are located throughout the campgrounds. Pets on leash are allowed in the park but cannot be left unattended.
