Grand Canyon National Park Map and Entrances Explained
Grand Canyon National Park Map
Click the image below to view map of Grand Canyon National Park in full size.
Where Is Grand Canyon National Park Located?
Grand Canyon National Park is located in northern Arizona, USA, approximately 80 miles (129 km) northwest of Flagstaff and 230 miles (370 km) north of Phoenix.
The park protects a 277-mile (446-km) section of the Grand Canyon carved by the Colorado River and spans parts of Coconino and Mohave Counties in Arizona.
Geographic Coordinates
- Latitude: 36.1069° N
- Longitude: 112.1129° W
Nearby Cities
| City | Distance to South Rim |
|---|---|
| Tusayan, AZ | 7 miles (11 km) |
| Williams, AZ | 60 miles (97 km) |
| Flagstaff, AZ | 80 miles (129 km) |
| Phoenix, AZ | 230 miles (370 km) |
| Las Vegas, NV | 280 miles (450 km) |
Main Areas of the Park
- South Rim – The most visited section, open year-round.
- North Rim – Higher elevation, less crowded, typically open from mid-May through mid-October.
- Inner Canyon – Accessible via hiking trails, mule trips, or rafting on the Colorado River.
Getting There
The South Rim is the easiest area to visit:
- From Phoenix: about 3.5–4 hours by car.
- From Flagstaff: about 1.5 hours by car.
- From Las Vegas: about 4.5 hours by car.
The North Rim is reached via Arizona Highway 67 from Jacob Lake and is roughly a 4-hour drive from the South Rim despite being only about 10 miles away across the canyon.
Grand Canyon National Park Entrances
1. South Entrance (South Rim Entrance Station)
- Location: Near the town of Tusayan, Arizona
- Access: Arizona State Route 64
- Best for: Most visitors coming from Phoenix, Flagstaff, Las Vegas, and Williams
- Open: Year-round
- Nearest attractions: Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Mather Point, Grand Canyon Village, Bright Angel Trail
This is the park’s busiest entrance and the primary gateway to the South Rim. During peak seasons, wait times at the entrance station can be significant.
2. East Entrance (Desert View Entrance Station)
- Location: Desert View, Arizona
- Access: Arizona State Route 64 from Cameron, Arizona
- Best for: Travelers arriving from Page, Monument Valley, New Mexico, or eastern Arizona
- Open: Year-round, 24 hours a day (weather permitting)
- Nearest attractions: Desert View Watchtower, Desert View Point, Lipan Point, Navajo Point
The Desert View Entrance serves as the eastern gateway to the South Rim and is often less crowded than the South Entrance. Many visitors prefer entering through Desert View because it offers spectacular canyon viewpoints along the scenic drive toward Grand Canyon Village.
3. North Rim Entrance Station
- Location: North Rim, Arizona
- Access: Highway 67
- Best for: Visitors seeking fewer crowds and a more remote experience
- Open: Seasonally (typically mid-May through mid-October)
- Nearest attractions: Bright Angel Point, Point Imperial, Cape Royal
The North Rim receives only about 10% of the park’s visitors. It sits at a higher elevation than the South Rim and offers a quieter, forested environment with cooler summer temperatures. The drive between the South Rim and North Rim is approximately 220 miles (354 km).
Grand Canyon Entrances Map Overview
| Entrance | Rim | Open Year-Round? | Closest Town |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Entrance | South Rim | Yes | Tusayan, AZ |
| East Entrance (Desert View) | South Rim | Yes | Cameron, AZ |
| North Rim Entrance | North Rim | No (seasonal) | Jacob Lake, AZ |
Which Entrance Should You Use?
- Coming from Phoenix or Flagstaff: Use the South Entrance.
- Coming from Page, Monument Valley, or New Mexico: Use the East Entrance (Desert View).
- Visiting during summer and want fewer crowds: Consider the North Rim Entrance when open.
- Want the most scenic first view of the canyon: Enter through Desert View East Entrance and drive west along Desert View Drive.
For most first-time visitors, the South Entrance and East Entrance (Desert View) are the two most practical options because both provide access to the South Rim’s famous viewpoints and visitor services.
