Why Visit Grand Canyon Village, Arizona?
Grand Canyon Village is located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, in Grand Canyon National Park, 180 miles north of Phoenix, AZ. The full purpose of this village has been built to accommodate tourists visiting the canyon. Many structures in use today date back to 1901, when the village was just growing around the Santa Fe Railroad. President Theodore Roosevelt’s insistence on conserving the Grand Canyon is how this national monument is listed as one of the Wonders of the World, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fun Fact: The most dangerous wildlife in the park is the rock squirrel because of the number of visitors they’ve bitten. Don’t feed them, it’s “nut” worth it!
The Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most temperate months to visit Grand Canyon Village. Temperatures average at around 63°F in the daytime, and around 32°F at nighttime. Expect peak tourism over school term breaks.
Getting to/Around Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) serves Grand Canyon Village. Located approx. 236.3 miles away, it would take you just under 4 hours to get to Grand Canyon Village by car.
If you’re driving into Grand Canyon Village via the Grand Canyon National Park, a vehicle permit, that costs US$35, is required to enter the park, and is valid for 7 days. Avoid congestion and be guaranteed a parking space by arriving before 9am.
Shuttle bus routes serve the South Rim from various pick-up points. Route quantity and frequency depend on tourist season.
Things to Do in Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Explore the South Rim Grand Canyon Park. Hiking trails of different distances and levels of ease are aplenty and widespread. If you’re not a fan of hiking, hop on the Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour and get taken around the different South Rim vantage points. The Cave of the Domes on Horseshoe Mesa is one of an estimated 1000 caves tucked within the Grand Canyon, and the only cave open to the public. Another way to explore the scenic route is to splurge a little, and take a helicopter tour.
Take a walking tour around Grand Canyon Village and visit the Buckey O’Neill Cabin, built in the 1890s, the longest continually standing structure on the South Rim. Not too far away is Hopi House, opened since 1905, that was built as a market for Native American crafts. Hopi House and the nearby Lookout Studio were both designed by architect, Mary Colter, and are both contributing structures in the Grand Canyon Village National Historic Landmark District.
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