Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona
Climate, Geography, Map
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Grand Canyon National Park is located in north-central Arizona about 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff. It runs for 215 miles along both sides of the Colorado River between Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (much of which is in Utah) and Lake Mead National Recreation (much of which is in Nevada).
Grand Canyon National Park encompasses areas of the Kaibab Plateau (on the southern extreme of the Colorado Plateau) at elevations between 7,000 and 8,000 feet, and also the Colorado River gorge which runs through it at elevations as low as 2,000 feet
The Grand Canyon's South Rim has an elevation 7,000 feet above sea level. Such an elevation means snow in the winter and cool nights, even in summer. The Inner Canyon (below the rim) has a distinctly different climate, since at the bottom along the Coloardo River, elevation is almost a mile lower. Temperatures herealong the Colorado River at the canyon bottom can reach 120 degrees F.
The North Rim is 8,000 feet above sea level (1,000 feet higher than the South Rim) and can receive snow throughout most of the year. Weather is particularly unpredicatable in spring and fall so visitors should be prepared for a variety of climates. The North Rim is closed in winter.
Summer temperatures on the South Rim are relatively pleasant (50s-80s F; low teens to high 20s C) but inner canyon temperatures are extreme; daytime highs at the river (5000 feet below the rim) often exceed 100 F. North Rim summer temperatures are cooler than those on the South Rim because of its increased elevation.
Winter conditions at the South Rim can be extreme: expect snow, icy roads and trails, and possible road closures. Canyon views may be temporarily obscured during winter storms; in such cases entrance fees are not refundable. The North Rim is closed in winter.
Spring & Fall
Spring and fall on both rims and the Inner Gorge weather is quite unpredictable, so visitors be prepared for sudden changes in the weather and a variety of climates.
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Grand Canyon Village (South Rim) is located 60 miles north of Interstate 40 at Williams via highway 64, and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff via highway 180. Only ten miles from rim to rim as the crow flies, the North Rim is 215 miles (about 4 1/2 hours) from the South Rim by car. The North Rim is 44 miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ, via highway 67.
- Commercial air carriers serve Las Vegas, Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Grand Canyon Airport (in Tusayan, just south of the park).
- Bus service is available from Flagstaff and Williams via Nava-Hopi Bus Tours ((800) 892-8687).
- Historic steam train service is available from Williams (call 1(800) THE TRAIN).
- Free shuttle service is available throughout Grand Canyon Village, along the West Rim Drive, and out to the South Kaibab Trailhead during peak season only (generally Memorial Day to September). At that time of the year the West Rim Drive and Yaki Point are closed to private vehicles. Shuttle service is also available (for a fee) to Tusayan. Taxis are available (on call) from Grand Canyon National Park Lodges, call (928) 638-2631 ext. 6563
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