Size: 1.2 Million Acres

Year Established: 1919

Annual Visitors: 4.53 Million

Firearms Information in Grand Canyon National Park

People who are allowed to bear firearms in accordance with federal, state, and local law may do so at this park as of February 22, 2010.

Before visiting the park, guests are responsible for familiarizing themselves with and abiding by all relevant local, state, and federal firearms regulations. The best place to start is the Arizona state website, which may be accessed at http://www.azleg.gov/ArizonaRevisedStatutes.asp. Keep in mind that these laws are subject to change at any time.

Guns are prohibited in specific areas of the park per federal law, and signs have been posted at the entrances.

Hunting in Grand Canyon National Park

Hunting is prohibited in Grand Canyon National Park.

On September 1, 2017, the NPS issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) to reduce the number of bison on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. They wanted to reduce the number of bison ffrom around 600 bison to less than 200 bison. The plan is to use lethal removal with skilled volunteers and non-lethal capture and live removal.

The bison population is growing quickly and the herd is moving from using state and U.S. Forest Service lands to almost only living in Grand Canyon. Grazing and trampling have effects on water, plants, soils, and archaeological sites. 

In September 2021, Grand Canyon National Park implemented a pilot operation to remove bison by deadly means from the North Rim.

The federal, state, and local governments allowed this operation to take place becausehe practice of lethal removal is essentially distinct from hunting. Key differences include:

  • During lethal removal, animals are primarily killed for management goals, but during hunting, animals are killed for recreational purposes.
  • Lethal removal is conducted under the direction and supervision of the National Park Service under controlled conditions; hunting is conducted at the hunter’s discretion and with elements of “fair chase” present.
  • Lethal removal does not allow the individual who killed the animal to retain the entire animal, whereas hunting does.
  • Lethal removal serves a public function whereas hunting serves both public and private functions.

Additional Information About Grand Canyon National Park

Over millions of years, the Colorado River has carved a 277-mile-long, 6,000-foot-deep gorge through this region, creating a panorama described by Theodore Roosevelt as “a natural marvel that has no equivalent anyplace else in the world.”

“a natural wonder that has no equal anywhere else in the world.”

Theodore Roosevelt

The layers of white, cream, and brown sandstone, brownish shale, gray limestone, and pink granite in the 18-mile-wide canyon reveal 2 billion years of geological history. Formerly inhabiting native tribes left thousands of artwork and symbols on the cut rocks.

Recently, the Grand Canyon has become a location where courageous individuals can descend its ridges and raft its renowned whitewater rapids. The park’s nighttime darkness makes it easy to observe the stars.

Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park

The best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park is between the months of March to May and September to October.

Visitor Fees

$20.00 per person/cyclist for up to 7 days

$35.00 per vehicle for up to 7 days

$30.00 per motorcycle for up to 7 days

$70 per Grand Canyon National Park Annual Park Pass


Interesting in visiting multiple National Parks this year?

Consider the America The Beautiful Annual Park Pass.

This annual park pass to gets you and some friends into all U.S. National Parks for $80.
They also offer Senior, Military, and other discounts.


Visitor Centers

Grand Canyon Visitor Center

Address

S Entrance Rd,
Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

Phone Number

(928) 638-7888

Hours of Operation

Daily 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Be sure to check for seasonal closures.

North Rim Visitor Center Park Store

Address

AZ-67,
North Rim, AZ 86023

Hours of Operation

Daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Be sure to check for seasonal closures.

Verkamps Visitor Center (South Rim)
Address

100 S Entrance Rd,
Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

Hours of Operation

Daily 8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Be sure to check for seasonal closures.